I believe J. D. is James David, the son of George W. Townsend and Lucretia Bond. James David married a Howard, which is probably where Howard got his name. I can't remember his wife's given name. I'll see if I can find it tomorrow. J. D.'s sister also married into the Howard family. George W. was born in NC. Lucretia was born in MS. J.D. Is the brother of my great grandfather. George W. was the son of Alexander Townsend and Sarah Rhodes Smith. Alexander was the son of William Townsend and Sarah Thompson. William was the son of Thomas Townsend and Letitia McConkey.

I'll give you more info when I've had a chance to look up some dates.