MARY WILSON, Greenhouse, Huddersfd.               90     16  1mo.  1838

Widow of Thomas Wilson, whom she survived nearly twenty one years, and eldest daughter of Robert Walker of Gildersome, for an account of whom see "Piety Promoted." She was an example of industry, and encouraged it in others; often reviving the apostles advice: "Be diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." From extreme bodily debility she was prevented attending meetings for several years; yet she had many precious favoured seasons, and much enjoyed reading Friends' journals, or having them read to her; and more particularly so the holy scriptures. She often expressed that she had found the promise sure, "that the righteous would not be forsaken, nor their seed begging bread." She suffered greatly for about six months previous to her close; but through all she evinced much patient resignation; often expressing a belief that when a change came, it would be a happy change for her; she retained her recollection to the end, and her last words were:—"Peace,—peace,—peace."

started housekeeping with a tea chest as a table

also leased from his brother-in-law a parcel of land situated on Darley Carr, containing 3 acres, 2 roods and 11 perches. Sometime later Robert purchased all of this land and its buildings. Thus Robert left his family home at Gildersome in 1779 and took over the linen weaving business that his wife's brother had inherited from Joseph Spence, their father.

DARLEY, March 9th, 1779.

ROBERT and JOHN SPENCE,

Sons and sole Executors of the Will of the late JOSEPH SPENCE, of Darley in the parish of Hampsthwaite, and County of York, Mercer, Grocer, Linen-Draper, and Haberdasher, deceased, Return their sincere Thanks to all their late Father's Friends the the Publick, for all past Favors; and desire to acquaint them, That ROBERT WALKER hath taken the Shops, and contracted for the Stock in Trade of the said Joseph Spence, and purposes carrying on the said Business in all its Branches, and will use his best Endeavours to serve all Persons that please to favour him with their Custom, in the best and most reasonable Manner that he possibly can.

*** And all Persons to whom the said Joseph Spence, was indebted at his Decease, in any Nature or Kind whatsoever, are requested to send an Account of their respective Demands, to the said Robert Spence of Hartwith, and John Spence of Birstwith, and said Parish of Hampsthwaite: And all Persons who stood indebted to the said Joseph Spence, at the Time of his Decease, are required to pay their respective Debts to the said Robert and John Spence, or they will be proceeded against, for the Recovery of the same, as the Law directs.

N.B. All Favours from the Public, will be gratefully acknowledged by their Friend, &c.

ROBERT WALKER.

WALKER ROBERT, Darley in Yorkshire.        65       2 11mo. 1820

His appearances in the ministry were not large nor frequent, but they were lively and acceptable. His services were pretty much confined to his own Particular and Monthly Meetings; and the exercises of his mind in a diligent attendance of these, were truly helpful to his friends. He was a minister about twenty-five years.

My Uncle Jos^h. Walker of Leeds had been placed with Jervis Storey of Leeds to learn the trade of Tobacconist, & after the expiration of his apprenticeship he commenced the business on his own acc^t. in a cellar & from an uncommon number of favourable circumstances taking place soon after that time & his plodding, industrious activity and perseverance he accumulated property fast, and was married to Sarah the daughter of John Armistead of Leeds by whom at different periods he also obtained considerable additions to his encreasing wealth, & the American War (so fraught with unnatural crimes for it seemed like unto the father lifting the sword against the Son & the son against the Father), occurring about this period, brought a great influx of property into the hands of many individuals, holders of Tobacco etc etc.

A certificate addressed to Friends in New York in North America on behalf of Thomas Walker, his wife and child has been produced. But as some doubts have arisen respecting his conduct relating to some continual engagement respecting his farm, Thomas Hopkins, Wm. Bilton and Joseph Firth are appointed to join Friends before nominated in order to make further enquiry into that matter and produce another, or make a report at our next.