The Hurstville area was granted to Captain John Townson and his brother Robert Townson in 1808; http://www.kogarah.nsw.gov.au/resources/documents/Locality18.pdf Captain Townson was granted 1950 acres which was on the land now occupied by the suburb of Hurstville and parts of Bexley, while Robert was granted the land which is now occupied by Penshurst, Mortdale, and parts of Peakhurst.