The Stead family of Ampleforth

John Richardson = Margaret Stead

     |         other children

Isaac Richardson = Deborah Sutton

      |         other children

Edward Richardson = Jane Wigham

      |         other children

Elizabeth Richardson = Robert Spence Watson

      |         other children

Mary Spence Watson = Francis Edward Pollard

O17. MARGARET RICHARDSON born STEAD

Margaret Stead was born on the 10th July 1739.1

It appears that, a night or two prior to John Richardson's arrival in Newcastle, she had a remarkable dream, in which there was shown to her, as she believed, the Friend to whom eventually she would be united in marriage. On John Richardson's approaching the house, she saw at once (though he was an entire stranger) that he was the man whose likeness she had seen in her dream; so that, when he accosted her, she felt some embarrassment. The acquaintance, thus commenced, being further cultivated, led to her marriage to [O4] John Richardson, on the 24th January 1760, in Newcastle. At that date she was living in Kenton, in Northumberland. Their children were: [O3] Isaac (1761–1810), Margaret (1763–1829), John (1765–1842), Isabel (1768–1774), William (1771–1842), George (1773–1862), Elizabeth (1777–1820), and Henry (1778–1834). The first three were born at Seghill East new house, and the rest at Low Lights; all births were registered by Newcastle Monthly Meeting.2

She was of a grave, serious, circumspect demeanour, guiding her children and her domestic affairs with much discretion. She and John were remarkably harmonious, being well suited to each other, and there was never an angry word between them.3

At the beginning of August 1780 she was taken unwell. She went about the house three or four days, and then was obliged to go to bed. She complained of pain in her head, stomach, and back, and had part fever. She grew weaker and weaker, and, a day or two before she died, she had almost quite lost her hearing. She was mostly sensible, but talked very little. On Friday the 7th September 1781 she died, at about one o'clock in the morning, at Lowlights. She was buried in the Friends' burial ground at North Shields on the Sunday. Many friends and neighbours attended the funeral. Though so young when she died, yet she was of a good natural capacity, and of a very even temper. Her husband and the elder children (of whom seven were then living) felt her loss deeply. She was remembered as one of the best of wives, as well of the best of mothers.4

Margaret Stead was the eldest child of [O18] John and [O24] Margaret Stead.5

 

1 George Richardson (1850) The Annals of the Cleveland Richardsons. Newcastle

2 TNA: RG 6/626, /1245; Richardson (1850); Dictionary of Quaker Biography (Friends' House Library, typescript)

3 Richardson (1850):48

4 RG 6/1245; Richardson (1850)

5 Richardson (1850)




O18. JOHN STEAD

John Stead was born on the 27th September or October 1710, at Ampleforth, Yorkshire. He appears to have had a birthright in the Society of Friends, of which he was afterwards a conscientious member.1

He married [O25] Margaret Raper on the 10th July 1738, at Stockton, where he settled, a civil engineer. Their children were: [O17] Margaret (1739–1781), Sarah (1741–1811), John (1743–1799), Jane (1745 – ?), and William (1747–1810); the first two were born at Stockton, the rest at Washington Mill.2

Though possessed of very little school learning, he became a clever and ingenious man. In 1742–3 he lived at Washington Mill, Durham, where he invented the barley mill, for taking the skin off barley to prepare it for the pot. He was still living "nigh Washington" in 1748. In 1759 he was in Gateshead, where he invented a steam-powered timber-cutter; he affirmed to the petition for letters patent before W.G., a Master in Chancery of Newcastle, on the 7th February 1767.3

At some point he lived at Elswick, near Newcastle. By 1763 he was living at Kenton, Northumberland—near Newcastle—where in that year he was described as a yeoman. While at Kenton he was often professionally employed about collieries.4

He spent considerable portions of his later life in Scotland. By 1777 he was living at or near Kelso.5

He died on the 12th January 1779, at the house of John Johnstone, Esq., in Alloa, near Stirling. None of his family were present at his death, or at his funeral, which took place on the 15th at Alloa, in the simple Scots fashion, without any ceremony at the grave-side in Alloa churchyard. Yet the English engineer did not go unhonoured, for Mr Johnstone, by whom John Stead was then employed, and in whose house he died, acted as the chief mourner, and lowered the stranger's head into the grave, thus performing the duty of the nearest relative. As Mr Johnstone rose from his solemn task, he said with emphasis, "Here lies an honest man," and added in a softer tone, "and I fully believe he was something more than that,"—doubtless referring to John Stead's Christian character.6

John Stead was the son of [O19] John and [O24] Sarah Stead.7

 

1 George Richardson (1850) The Annals of the Cleveland Richardsons. Newcastle—gives different dates on different pages

2 Richardson (1850)

3 Richardson (1850); Newcastle Courant, 1748-03-19

4 Richardson (1850); TNA: RG 6/1011

5 Richardson (1850); digest of Durham Quaker marriages: index

6 RG 6/1245; Richardson (1850); Anne Ogden Boyce (1889) Records of a Quaker Family: The Richardsons of Cleveland. London: Samuel Harris : 68; 'Stead.ged' GEDCOM file from Humphrey Stead

7 Richardson (1850)




O19. JOHN STEAD

John Stead was born on the 27th June 1682 in Craike, Yorkshire.1

On the 2nd February 1710/11, a wheelwright of Ampleford, Yorkshire, he took Anth. Emyrson as an apprentice. About 1715 he moved back to Craike, where he lived for 25 years. He married [O24] Sarah ____. Their only known child was [O18] John Stead. By a certificate, long preserved in the family, it appears that in 1740 he removed to Whitby. The certificate was signed by the principal townsmen of Craike, as was a common practice at that period. It expressed that he had lived there a considerable time, and behaved himself honestly amongst his neighbours, and was always very much respected. One of those who signed it was [O26] George Raper.2

John Stead was a carpenter and wheelwright. He died before 1775.3

John Stead was the eldest known child of [O20] John and [O23] Elizabeth Stead.4

 

1 TNA: RG 6/1286, /1287; George Richardson (1850) The Annals of the Cleveland Richardsons. Newcastle; 'Stead.ged' GEDCOM file from Humphrey Stead

2 TNA: IR 1/41, Register of duties paid for apprentices; Richardson (1850); Anne Ogden Boyce (1889) Records of a Quaker Family: The Richardsons of Cleveland. London: Samuel Harris

3 Richardson (1850); 'Stead.ged' GEDCOM file

4 RG 6/1287; 'Stead.ged' GEDCOM file




O20. JOHN STEAD

John Stead of Ampleforth, Yorkshire, married [O23] Elizabeth Sumerson on the 6th August 1678, at Ampleforth. Their children were: Thomas (c. 1679/80–1763), Mary (c. 1680/1 – after 1720/1), [O19] John (1682 – before 1775), Sarah (c. 1683/4 – 1746), Rachel (c. 1684/5 – after 1726/7), Elizabeth (1686/7–1762), and Jane (after 1686 – after 1726/7).1

In 1690 corn to the value of 10s. was confiscated from him, presumably for failure to pay tithes.2

On the 3rd February 1722/3—a shoemaker of Ampleforth—he made his will. He left his cottage house, croft or garth orchard & garden and outhouses in Ampleforth, as well as Carr Close arable meadow or pasture, to his son Thomas; £20 to his daughter Rachel Stead; £10 each to his daughters Sarah Stead and Rachel Mason; and to his daughter Jane Stead the cottage house or tenement purchased by him of Samuel Smith of York, with the garth or garden & orchard in Ampleforth; all household goods from both houses were to be divided equally between Sarah, Jane and Rachel. He died on the 12th November 1725, and was buried at Ampleforth on the 14th. His will was proved on the 14th January 1726/7.3

John Stead was the son of [O21] William and [O22] Mary Stead.4

 

1 TNA: RG 6/1299; 'Stead.ged' GEDCOM file from Humphrey Stead; information from Humphrey Stead, citing Yorkshire QM marriages, LDS film 0,441,403, item 1

2 information from Humphrey Stead

3 RG 6/1299; information from Humphrey Stead, citing will and Yorkshire QM burials, LDS film 1,482,492, items 1-3

4 information from Humphrey Stead


O21. WILLIAM STEAD

William Stead married [O22] Mary Agar on the 26th June 1636, at Ampleforth. Their children were: William (? – 1699) and [O20] John (? – 1725).1

 

1 Stead Family of Carlisle, citing Ampleforth Bishop's Transcripts


O22. MARY STEAD, born AGAR

Mary Agar married [O21] William Stead on the 26th June 1636, at Ampleforth. Their children were: William (? – 1699) and [O20] John (? – 1725).1

 

1 Stead Family of Carlisle, citing Ampleforth Bishop's Transcripts


O23. ELIZABETH STEAD, born SUMERSON

Elizabeth Sumerson of Ampleforth, Yorkshire, married [O20] John Stead on the 6th August 1678, at Ampleforth.1

Their children were: Thomas (c. 1679/80–1763), Mary (c. 1680/1 – after 1720/1), [O19] John (1682 – before 1775), Sarah (c. 1683/4 – 1746), Rachel (c. 1684/5 – after 1726/7), Elizabeth (1686/7–1762), and Jane (after 1686 – after 1726/7).2

She died in January 1710, and was buried at Ampleforth on the 27th.3

 

1 TNA: RG 6/1299; 'Stead.ged' GEDCOM file from Humphrey Stead; information from Humphrey Stead, citing Yorkshire QM marriages, LDS film 0,441,403, item 1;

2 'Stead.ged' GEDCOM file from Humphrey Stead

3 information from Humphrey Stead, citing John Stead's will, Thirsk mm records LDS film 1,419,549, and Yorkshire QM burials LDS film 0,441,404


O24. SARAH STEAD born ____

Sarah ____ was born around 1685.1

She married [O19] John Stead. Their only known child was [O18] John Stead.2

She died on the 10th February 1775, at Stockton, and was buried at Norton on the 13th.3

 

1–2 George Richardson (1850) The Annals of the Cleveland Richardsons. Newcastle

3    TNA: RG 6/997, /1013


O25. MARGARET STEAD born RAPER

Margaret Raper was born on the 8th December 1705, at Stockton-on-Tees.1

She married [O16] John Stead on the 10th July 1738, at Stockton. Their children were: [O17] Margaret (1739–1781), Sarah (1741–1811), John (1743–1799), Jane (1745 – ?), and William (1747–1810); the first two were born at Stockton, the rest at Washington Mill.2

She died on the 8th November 1766, at Gateshead, and was buried in Newcastle Friends' burying-ground on the 9th.3

Margaret Raper was the only known daughter of [O26] George and [O38] Elizabeth Raper.4


1 TNA: RG 6/1362, /1474; George Richardson (1850) The Annals of the Cleveland Richardsons. Newcastle

2 Richardson (1850)

3 RG 6/1011

4 Richardson (1850)


O26. GEORGE RAPER

George Raper was baptised on the 14th January 1665/6, at Billingham, Durham.1

Of Wolverston, Durham, he married [O38] Elizabeth Thompson on the 25th January 1701/2, at Stockton. Their children were William (1703–1704) and [O25] Margaret (1705/6–1766).2

He was employed at Elswick by Ann Hodgson as engineer at the Elswick Colliery.3

His grandson George Richardson had, but lost, a brass watch seal, given him by his father, which had the letters G R coarsely cut upon it, of George Raper's own doing; he was named after him.4

His granddaughter [O15] Margaret Richardson believed he was an honest, worthy man; he had a great regard for her.5

He died at Elswick.6

George Raper was the son of [O27] William and [O35] Margaret Raper.7


1 TNA: RG 6/1362; entry in digests of Society of Friends; information from Humphrey Stead, citing Billingham pr LDS film 0,091,086; "England, Northumberland, Parish Registers, 1538–1950", database with images, FamilySearch: 22 April 2021, George Raper, gives the date as 14 Nov 1665.

2 RG 6/1362; information from Humphrey Stead, citing Durham QM marriage digest; digest of Durham Quaker marriages: index

3–6 George Richardson (1850) The Annals of the Cleveland Richardsons. Newcastle. Elswick is now part of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

7 entry in digests of Society of Friends


O27. WILLIAM RAPER

William Raper was baptised on the 30th January 1627/8, at Billingham, Durham.1

Of Wolverston, Durham, he married [O35] Margaret Anderson on the 4th May 1663, at Redmarshall, Durham. Their only known child was [O26] George (1665/6 – ?). He lived in Woolington, Durham, in 1665.2

William Raper was the only known child of [O28] James and [O32] Allison Raper.3


1 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Billingham pr LDS film 0,091,086; "England Births and Christenings, 1538–1975", database, FamilySearch: 20 March 2020, William Raper, 1628.

2 entry in digests of Society of Friends; information from Humphrey Stead, citing Redmarshall pr LDS 1,894,158 and Billingham pr LDS film 0,091,086

3 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Billingham pr LDS film 0,091,086.


O28. JAMES RAPER

James Raper was baptised on the 7th May 1589, at Norton, Durham.1

He married [O32] Allison Chilton on the 7th November 1624, at Billingham. Their only known child was [O27] William (1627/8 – after 1665).2

In 1663 he was said to be of Wolverston.3

James Raper was the only known child of [O29] Robert and [O30] Janet Raper.4


1 information from Humphrey Stead; "England Births and Christenings, 1538–1975", database, FamilySearch: 18 September 2020, Jacobus Raper, 1589

2 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Billingham pr LDS film 0,091,086; "England Marriages, 1538–1973", database, FamilySearch: 12 March 2020, James Raper, 1624

3 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Redmarshall pr LDS film 1,894,158

4 information from Humphrey Stead


O29. ROBERT RAPER

Robert Raper married [O31] Janeta Tayler on the 7th February 1585/6, at Norton, Durham. Their only known child was [O28] James (1589 – ?).1

He was the only known child of [O30] William Raper.2

 

 

1 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Norton pr LDS film 0,091,104; "England Marriages, 1538–1973", database, FamilySearch: 13 March 2020, Robertus Raper, 1585

2 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Norton pr LDS film 0,091,104


O30. WILLIAM RAPER

William Raper had one known child: [O29] Robert.1

 

 

1 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Norton pr LDS film 0,091,104


O31. JANETA RAPER born TAYLER

Janeta Tayler married [O29] Robert Raper on the 7th February 1585/6, at Norton, Durham.1

Their only known child was [O28] James (1589–?).2

 

 

1 "England Marriages, 1538–1973", database, FamilySearch: 13 March 2020, Robertus Raper, 1585

2 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Norton pr LDS film 0,091,104


O32. ALLISON RAPER born CHILTON

Allison Chilton was baptised on the 13th October 1598, at Billingham, Durham.1

She married [O28] James Raper on the 7th November 1624, at Billingham.2

Their only known child was [O27] William (1627/8 – after 1665).3

Allison Chilton was the only known child of [O33] Marmaduck and [O34] Alleson Chilton.4

 

 

1 "England Births and Christenings, 1538–1975," database, FamilySearch, citing index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, FHL microfilm 91,086

2 "England Marriages, 1538–1973," database, FamilySearch: 10 February 2018, James Raper and Allison Chilton, 07 Nov 1624, citing Billingham, Durham, reference, index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, FHL microfilm 91,086

3–4 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Billingham pr LDS film 0,091,086


O33. MARMADUCK CHILTON

Marmaduck Chilton married [O34] Alleson Stockall on the 28th October 1593, at Billingham, Durham.1

Their only known children were [O32] Allison (1598 – after 1624) and William (1601 – after 1620, bapt. Billingham).2

 

 

1 "England Marriages, 1538–1973," database, FamilySearch: 10 February 2018, Marmaduck Clifton and Alleson Stockall, 28 Oct 1593, citing Billingham, Durham, reference index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, FHL microfilm 91,086

2 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Billingham pr LDS film 0,091,086; "England Births and Christenings, 1538–1975", database, FamilySearch: 20 March 2020, Marmaduke Chilton in entry for William Chilton, 1601; "England Marriages, 1538–1973", database, FamilySearch: 12 March 2020, Willm. Chilton, 1620


O34. ALLESON CHILTON born STOCKALL

Alleson Stockall married [O33] Marmaduck Chilton on the 28th October 1593.1

Their only known children were [O32] Allison (1598 – after 1624) and William (1601 – ?, bapt. Billingham).2

 

 

1 "England Marriages, 1538–1973," database, FamilySearch: 10 February 2018, Marmaduck Clifton and Alleson Stockall, 28 Oct 1593, citing Billingham, Durham, reference index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, FHL microfilm 91,086

2 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Billingham pr LDS film 0,091,086; "England Births and Christenings, 1538–1975", database, FamilySearch: 20 March 2020, Marmaduke Chilton in entry for William Chilton, 1601


O35. MARGARET RAPER born ANDERSON

Margaret Anderson was baptised on the 10th August 1636, at Redmarshall, Durham.1

She married [O27] William Raper on the 4th May 1663, at Redmarshall. She lived in Woolington, Durham, in 1665.2

Their only known child was [O26] George (1665/6 – ?).3

Margaret Anderson was the only known child of [O36] Ralph and [O37] Elizabeth Anderson.4

 

 

1 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Redmarshall pr LDS film 1,894,158; "England Births and Christenings, 1538–1975", database, FamilySearch: 19 September 2020, Margaret Anderson, 1636

2 entry in digests of Society of Friends; information from Humphrey Stead, citing Redmarshall pr LDS film 1,894,158; Redmarshall marriages

3 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Billingham pr LDS film 0,091,086

4 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Redmarshall pr LDS film 1,894,158


O36. RALPH ANDERSON

Ralph Anderson married [O37] Elizabeth Collin on the 18th October 1629, at Redmarshall, Durham. Their only known child was [O35] Margaret (1636 – ?).1

In 1641 "Rafe Andersone" took the Protestation Oath at Redmarshall.2

 

 

1 Northumberland and Durham marriages

2 Protestation Return


O37. ELIZABETH ANDERSON born COLLIN

Elizabeth Collin married [O36] Ralph Anderson on the 18th October 1629, at Redmarshall, Durham.1

Their only known child was [O35] Margaret (1636 – ?).2

 

 

1 Northumberland and Durham marriages

2 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Redmarshall pr LDS film 1,894,158


O38. ELIZABETH RAPER born THOMPSON

Elizabeth Thompson was born on the 14th December 1671, at Busby, Yorkshire.1

Of Busby, she married [O26] George Raper on the 25th February 1701/2, at Stockton.2

Their children were William (1703–1704) and [O25] Margaret (1705/6–1766).3

She died on the 14th April 1713, the death being registered by both Stockton and Darlington monthly meetings.4

Elizabeth Thompson was the elder known child of [O39] Robert and [O40] Elizabeth Thompson.5

 

 

1 TNA: RG 6/1092

2 digest of Durham Quaker marriages: index

3 information from Humphrey Stead

4 RG 6/1362, /1474

5 RG 6/1092


O39. ROBERT THOMPSON

Robert Thompson married [O40] Elizabeth ____. Their known children were [O38] Elizabeth (1671–1713) and William (1676 – ?).1

 

 

1 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Yorkshire QM birth digest


O40. ELIZABETH THOMPSON born ____

Elizabeth ____ married [O39] Robert Thompson.1

Their known children were [O38] Elizabeth (1671–1713) and William (1676 – ?).2

 

 

1–2 information from Humphrey Stead, citing Yorkshire QM birth digest


Suggestions for further research

This page is over-reliant on material from Humphrey Stead. Although Humphrey has researched the Stead family most industriously, his data really need to be checked and primary sources identified where possible.

The Raper line needs further work: the death/burial details of [O26] George, [O27] William, and [O28] James Raper; the birth/marriage/parentage and death/burial of [O29] Robert Raper; and all vital details of [O30] William Raper.


 


This page was last revised on 2023-11-11.

 

© 2021–2023 Benjamin S. Beck