| ↳ other children
| ↳ other children
| ↳ other children
Robert Spence Watson = Elizabeth Richardson
| ↳ other children
Mary Spence Watson = Francis Edward Pollard
Esther Watson was born at Ryding in Allendale on the 16th January 1786.1
Described as of Riding, near Allendale Town, she married [M4] Joshua Watson on the 27th August 1806, at Allendale. They had three children: [M3] Joseph (1807–1874), William Wigham (1809–1847), and Joshua (1811–1888), all being born in St John's parish, Newcastle.2
She was one of two Newcastle women representatives appointed to attend Women's Monthly Meeting in October 1806, November 1808 (with Deborah Richardson), January 1809, November 1809 (with Deborah Richardson), February and October 1810, January 1811 (with Deborah Richardson), January 1812, January, September, and October 1813, and January and February 1814. On the 30th January 1828 she was appointed an overseer by Newcastle Monthly Meeting. She was present at Monthly Meeting in February 1835, and in February 1836 signed the Monthly Meeting testimony to Thomas Richardson.3
In 1836, described as of Bensham, she witnessed the birth of her grandson William Joshua Watson. In March 1837 and February 1838 she attended Monthly Meeting at Sunderland. In November 1839 she was one of five signatories to a letter re the reinstatement of Hannah Richardson, and in December 1840 she signed the Monthly Meeting testimony to Margaret Bragg.4
In 1841 she lived at Bensham with her family, a female servant, and a cheesemonger apprentice. In May that year she inherited a quarter of her father's lands and estates. She was appointed a representative of Newcastle Preparative Meeting to Monthly Meeting in Sunderland in July 1843. She represented Newcastle at Monthly Meeting of Ministers and Elders in September and December 1845, and in March, June and December 1846. In June 1847 she was one of six who visited Mary Chambers in connection with her application for membership. In January 1848 she signed the Monthly Meeting testimony to Rachel Wigham.5
In 1851 the census recorded her living at Bensham Grove, Gateshead, with her son, her daughter-in-law and grandson, and a house servant. In 1855 she contributed 5/- to the Highland Destitution Fund.6
watson.jpg)
In April 1858 she was the tenant of 22 Cumberland Row, her tenancy to last at least until November 1860; her landlord was Phillip Holmes Staunton, the rent from November 1858 being £28 p.a. The 1861 census recorded her as a house proprietor, living at 22 Cumberland Row, St John, Westgate, Newcastle, with her son, her daughter-in-law and grandson, and a house servant.7
An Elder of her meeting, she was described by her grandson
Robert Spence Watson as "a gentle, loving woman, of a quiet and retiring disposition, but calm and wise in counsel, much beloved by all who knew her, and she exercised a powerful restraining influence upon her somewhat impetuous and impulsive husband."8
She died on Sunday the 8th June 1862, at 22 Cumberland Row, Westgate, Newcastle, after several months of senile gangrene of foot—a long and painful illness, which she bore with great patience and resignation. She was buried on the 12th at Westgate Hill cemetery; the funeral was attended by a large circle of relatives and friends, by whom she was much beloved; a very solemn meeting was held.9
Esther Watson was the second child and second daughter of [M10] Joseph and [M17] Rachel Watson.10
1 TNA: RG 6/304, TNA: HO 107/2492 f140 p58 and RG 9/3812 f19 p35 [Allendale]
2 RG 6/355, /628; Newcastle Courant, 1806-08-30, issue 6777; minutes of Newcastle Monthly Meeting, Tyne & Wear Archives Service MF 167
3 Minutes of Newcastle Preparative Meeting (Women's) 1761–1815, TWAS MF 194; minutes of Newcastle Women's Monthly Meeting 1803–814, TWAS MF 182; minutes of Newcastle Monthly Meeting, TWAS MF 169
4 RG 6/1149; minutes of Newcastle Preparative Meeting (Women's) 1834–1878, TWAS MF 194; minutes of Newcastle Monthly Meeting, TWAS MF 169
5 HO 107/296/9 f34 p15; minutes of Newcastle Preparative Meeting (Women's) 1834–1878, TWAS MF 194; minutes of Newcastle Monthly Meeting of Ministers & Elders, TWAS MF 180; minutes of Newcastle Monthly Meeting, TWAS MF 169; Durham Probate Records, DPRI/1/1841/W8
6 HO 107/2492 f140 p58; The Friend
7 documents donated to Tyne & Wear Archives Service 2005; RG 9/3812 f19 p35
8 RSW, in John William Steel: A Historical Sketch of the Society of Friends 'in Scorn called Quakers' in Newcastle & Gateshead 1653–1898. London & Newcastle, Headley Bros. 1899: 68; 1863 Annual Monitor
9 death certificate; DQB; Gateshead Observer 1862-06-14; death/burial digest; The Friend 1862-07-01 p. 184
10 DQB
Joseph Watson was born at Allendale, Northumberland, on the 21st December 1753.1
In 1776, described as of Riding, he was appointed one of five trustees for the meeting house and graveyard at Winnowshill meeting, Northumberland.2
He married [M17] Rachel Wigham on the 3rd July 1782, at Conwood, at which date he lived at the Riding, near Allendale, Northumberland. Their children, all born in Northumberland (all but Hannah definitely born at Ryding, Allendale), were: Hannah (1784–1803), [M9] Esther (1786–1862), William (1788–1856), Rachel (1790–1850), and Joseph (1792–1822). Described as a carpenter of Riding, in 1803 he witnessed the marriage of Robert Hudspeth and Sarah Wigham, at Allendale. The Riding was also his recorded residence from 1806 to 1812.3
White's 1827 Directory lists a Joseph Watson, farmer, of Warburton Place, Gateshead; there was still a Joseph Watson in Warburton Place in 1837. This may have been him, but in 1832 he is still described as of Allendale. He made his will on the 16th August 1838:
In the Name of God Amen
I Joseph Watson of the Riding in the Parish of Allendale in the County of Northumberland yeoman Do make Publish pronounce and declare this to be my last Will and testament in manner and form following that is to say, First I order and direct all my just Debts and funeral Expences to be paid and discharged by my Executors hereafter named from and out of my Estates as soon as conveniently may be after my decease And I leave and bequeath unto my dearly beloved Daughter Rachael Pattinson, all my Household furniture of every description with Beds Bedsteads Hangings and every other thing or article that is in my house for her own use and benefit absolutely And I also leave and Bequeath unto my son William Watson my Daughter Esther Watson Wife of Joshua Watson my Daughter Rachael Pattinson and my Grand daughter Ann Watson only Daughter of my late son Joseph deceased all my Houses and Lands that I am Possessed of in this Word [sic] to be Divided equally amongst them share and share alike
And I also appoint my son William Watson and my Son in Law
Joshua Watson sole Executors of this my last Will and testament, And I do hereby
utterly disalow revoke and disanul all and every other former Will or Wills by
me in any ways before named, Willed, or bequeathed ratifying and confirming this
and no other to be my last Will and testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal this 16th day of August 1838
[witnesses: John Nevin, Jos. Roddam, John Smith]
A yeoman, late of Holly Hill in the Chapelry of Heworth, Durham, he died of old age on the 15th July 1840, at Holly Hill. His will was proved in the Consistory Court of Durham on the 18th May 1841, his goods, chattels and credits being affirmed as worth under £100 (£4,410 at 2005 values).4
Joseph Watson was the youngest child of [M11] Joseph and [M12] Esther Watson.5
1 TNA: RG 6/1155, /1271
2 www.gravetext.co.uk/Quaker_Burials/Quaker_Burials_at_Winnows_Hill.pdf#search=%22%22joseph%20watson%22%20newcastle%22 [accessed 2006-09-24]
3 RG 6/188, /334, /355, /1155
4 White's History, Directory & Gazetteer of Durham and Northumberland; Newcastle Courant, 1837-07-07; Durham Probate Records, DPRI/1/1841/W8; death certificate; 1834 Annual Monitor (entry for granddaughter Rachel Watson); Newcastle Journal, 1840-07-18
5 DQB
Joseph Watson was born at Huntwell, Allendale, on the 28th September 1720.1
In 1730 he was left £12 in the will of his grandfather Robert Rutter.2
He married [M12] Esther Moor on the 14th September 1745, at Alston. Until at least 1753 they lived at Huntwell, where Joseph was a shopkeeper. They had three children: Joshua (1746–1805), Jacob (1748/9 – after 1786), and [M10] Joseph (1753–1840).3
In 1748 he inherited £40 under the terms of his father-in-law's will.4
By 1782 he lived at the Ryding, Allendale, Northumberland; in this year he witnessed his son's marriage, at Conwood.5
He made his will on the 4th August 17916:
Watson. I Joseph Watson Senior of Riding in the parish of Allendale and
County of Northumberland being in a good state of health and of a sound and well
disposed mind and memory praised be the Lord for the same do make publish
and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in manner following, that is
to say, I give and devise unto my eldest Son Joshua Watson and to his Heirs or
Assigns for ever All my Copyhold Messuages Houses and Lands called Huntwell
and Huntwell High House with all and singular the Appurtenances thereto belonging
Nevertheless I make the same chargeable with and lyable to the Annuity of Six pounds
seven shilings and sixpence unto my Sister in Law Dorathy Coates of Smelthouse
at two equal half yearly payments (viz). on the first day of May and on the twelf day
of November during her natural life. Also I give and devise unto my said son Joshua
Watson and to his Heirs or Assigns for ever All my Estate called or known by the
name of Midlehope Together with all and singular the appurtenances thereto belonging
Provided nevertheless he pay or cause to be paid all such Sums or legacys as are
hereafter named (Viz). Unto my Son Jacob Watson the Yearly Sum of Twenty pounds
at two equal half yearly payments (Viz). May day and Martinmas during his life,
And at the decease of my said Son Jacob Watson I do hereby order my aforesaid
Son Joshua Watson to pay unto my Grand daughter Elizabeth Watson Daughter
of my s’d Son Jacob Watson the Sum of Two hundred pounds of she be then living
I also order and dyrect my said Son Joshua Watson to pay or cause to be paid
out of the two aforesaid Estates (Viz). Huntwell and Midlehope All such Sums of
Money as I shall be owing either upon Security or otherwise as I shall be owing at
my decease, except such Sums as I shall hereafter order and dyrect to be paid out
of my Estate in Alendale Town and out of my personal Estate, I allso give and
devise unto my Son Joseph Watson all my Estate called the Riding and Low
Thornalees provided he pay or cause to be paid out of the same unto my Sister
Dorathy Coates aforesaid the Sum of Six pound seven shilling and sixpence Yearly
and every Year during her natural life at half Yearly payments (Viz). at May day
and Martinmas Which said Annuity was left her by her late Husband Joshua
Moor deceased, I also give and devise unto my aforesaid Son Joseph Watson All
my Estate in Alendale Town known by the name of Talens or Talentires House
Together with a small close or field behind the same and all the appurtenances
thereto belonging All which premises are now in the occupation of Joseph
Spark as Tenant thereof. Provided nevertheless he pay or cause to be paid out
of the same as also out of my personal Estate the Sum of Two hundreth pounds
the same being a part of the money which I shall be owing at my decease. I also
order and dyrect my said Son Joseph Watson to pay out of my aforesaid Estates
unto my aforesaid Grand daughter Elizabeth Watson the Sum of Twenty pounds
the same to be paid one year after my decease, I give unto my aforesaid son
Joshua Watson the Malting house and all the Conveniences belonging unto the
same with the only passage or Way into the same being on the South east side
thereof the same being during ^the Term of^ his natural life or so long as he shall continue
in the business of maker of malt and at his decease or discontinuing in that
Business I give the same unto my aforenamed Son Joseph Watson and to his
Heirs or Assigns for ever, Lastly I appoint my said Son Joseph Watson sole
Executor of this my Will desiring him to pay all my funeral Expences And
I do hereby revoke all wills by me heretofore made In Witness whereof I have
set my hand and Seal this 4t. day of August 1791— N.B. I give unto my aforesaid
Son Joshua Watson one half of Household Goods & Furniture which is in the
House I now dwell in — Joseph Watson ⃝ — Signed Sealed published and
declared by the said Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the
presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each
other have subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto — John Walton — Jonathan
Shield — Joseph Spark. — past Seal May 1794. —
He died at home at the Riding on the 14th April 1794, and was buried at Wooley burnfoot on the 16th. His will was proved in the Prerogative Court of York on the 1st May 1794, by his son Joseph.7
Joseph Watson was the thirteenth child and fifth son of [L4] Joshua and [L10] Ann Watson.7
1 TNA: RG 6/312; RG /1271
2 Robert Rutter's will, transcript by John Wintrip
3 RG 6/1271 [of Huntwell 1748]; Corder (1914); Ms Pedigree in Watson box, Society of Genealogists' library document collection
4 Durham Original Wills DPRI/1/1748/M12
5 RG 6/355
6 will
7 will; RG 6/312; A History of Northumberland, vol. 4 (1893), citing Raine, Test. Ebor.
8
A
History of Northumberland, vol. 4 (1893)
Esther Moor was born at Allendale, Northumberland, on the 21st February 1718/9.1
She married [M11] Joseph Watson on the 14th November 1745, at Alston. They lived at Huntwell until at least 1753, and had three children: Joshua (1746–1805), Jacob (1748/9 – after 1786), and [M10] Joseph (1753–1840).2
Under the will of her brother Joshua, in 1762, she was to be, jointly with her sister Margaret, the beneficiary of their brother Joshua's land and houses at Lowfairhill, after the death of his wife, as well as of those at or adjoining Wellgill.3
She died at home at the Riding, on the 15th June 1789, and was buried at the Meeting House on the 17th.4
Esther Moor was the fifth child and second daughter of [M13] Jacob and [M16] Deborah Moor.5
1 TNA: RG 6/312, /1271
2 RG 6/1271; Corder (1914)
3 Diocese of Durham, original wills
4 RG 6/312; A History of Northumberland, vol. 4 (1893)
5 RG 6/1271
Jacob Moore was born in August 1667, at Wellgill, Cumberland.1
He married [M16] Deborah ____, and lived at Wellgill in Aldstonemoor until his death. Their children were: John (1696/7 – ?), Isaack (1698/9 – ?), Joshua (1701–1762), Margaret (1703/4 – after 1732), Deborah (1705–1706), and [M12] Esther (1718/9–1789).2
He made his will on the 16th August 17483:
I Jacob More of Wellgill in the pariash of aldston and County of Cumberland being under afliction of body yet in perfect mind and Memery Do hereby make and ordain my will and Testament in the Settling of & Desposing of my temporal Goods in Manner & forme following viz.
1st I give and bequeath unto Joseph Walton of Nenthead the Some of forty pounds to be paid by my Executor, heare after menchened with the Space of twelve months after my Decese or in Case the Said Joseph Walton Should die before the above menchend time to be payd to his heirs Executors administrators or assignes
also I give and bequeath unto Joseph Watson of huntwell in the parish of Allandle and the County of Northumberland the Some of forty pounds to be payd by my Executor heere-after menchened within the Space of twelve months after my Decese or in Case the Said Joseph Watson Should die before ye above Menchend time to be payd to his heirs Executors Administrators or assignes
Also I give and bequeath unto Aron Walton of Grasefield
the Some of forty five pounds to be
paid by my Executer here after Menchened within the Space of twelve months after
my Decese or in Case the Said Aron Walton Should die before the above mentioned
time to be paid to his hers Executors Administratours or asignes
Lastly all the risedue viz houses Lands good & Chattels I give and bequeath unto my Sone Joshua Moore whome I apointe my Sole Executer of this my Laste Will and tistament revoking all othirs I Declair this to be my Laste Will and Testament. Witeness my hand and Seal this 16 Day of august in the year 1748

[Witnesses: Geo: Lancaster, Joseph Lee, Thos Brown]
Of Wellgill, he died on the 18th August 1748, and his body was buried at Aldstone Friends' graveyard on the 21st.4
His will was proved at Durham on the 30th September 1748 by Joshua Moore and Thomas Brown.5
Jacob Moore was the seventh child and fourth son of [M14] John and [M15] Margaret Moore.5
1 TNA: RG 6/1271
2 RG 6/1271; Durham Original Wills DPRI/1/1748/M12; Diocese of Durham, original wills
3 Durham Original Wills DPRI/1/1748/M12
4 RG 6/1271
5 Durham Original Wills DPRI/1/1748/M12
6 RG 6/1271
John Moore married [M15] Margaret ____. Their children were: Hannah (? – after 1695), Margaret (1651–1697), Wm (1653–1681/2), Ann (1656 – ?), Joseph (1659/60 – ?), Isaack (1661–1673), (R)achell (1664 – ?), [M13] Jacob (1667 – ?), Deborah (1670–1672), and Rebecca (1673/4–1737). All whose birth details are known were born at their home at Wellgill. He lived at Wellgill, Cumberland, from 1651 until his death.1
He made his will on 5 July 1694:
In the name of God amen July the fifth Day Anno Dom~ni 1694 I John Moor of Wellgill in ye p~ish of Aldstone and County of Cumberland yeoman, being sick and weak of Body but of a sounde and p~fect Remembrance praised be God for ye same and calling to minde ye uncertaine estate of this transatory Life here on earth, and being desireous to Settle things in order I doe make and declare this my last Will and testatment, Revocking all other Wills, in manner and form following first I commit my soul into ye handes of Almighty God my maker hopeing to Receive free p~dn & Remission of all my Sinnes and transgressions by ye previous Death and meritorious sufferings of Christ Jesus my Redeemer and my Body to ye Earth from whence it was taken, to be Buried att ye discretion of my Executor herein hereafter named and as for those externall Blessings of temporall goods which God in his mercy hath sent me I give and bequeth them in manner and form following first I give and bequeth unto my Wife Margaret ye one halfe of my Messuage or Tenement scituate and being att Wellgill for and soe long as it shall please almighty God to ensue with Life naturally my said Wife Margaret and my Will is yt she have ye half wch I doe here appointe her and men~con it as followeth, viz one p~cell of Meadow grounde called ye Stralleys one p~cell of pasture ground lieing up ye syde near Wellgill, together with one moeyty or halfe of ye Broade field and also one halfe of ye pasture called ye intacks together with ye Slater house with all Roomes Chamers and Byars contained under ye said Roofe also I will yt my said wife have fower of my best milch kine of her own choseing from, all ye Rest of my kine wch I have about my house also twenty two sheep and my Will is further yt my said Wife have all my household stuff of what kinde soe ever whether pewther Brasse Bedclothing or of what kinde or nature soe ever they be to be whole ly att her disposeing also I give unto my Wife one paseing Black Mare Item I give unto my daughter Rebecka ye sum~e forty poundes to be paid her att the feast of pentecost com~only called whitsuntide which shall and will be in Anno Dom~ni 1695 Item I give unto my Daughter Hannah ye sum~e of Fowerty pounds to be paid her att ye feast of pentecost in Anno Dom~ni 1695 Item I give unto my sone William Highington ye sum~e of Ten poundes Item I give unto my Sone John Hightingon ye sum~e Ten poundes. Item I give unto my sone John Harrison ye sum~e of Ten poundes.
And my Will is yt these Respective sum~es of Money be each of them paid to ye Respective p~sons to whome they are soe given att ye expira~on of one whole year and six months next ensueing after my decease Item I give unto Sarah Harrison ye sume of Two poundes to be paid her att ye feast of pentecost in Anno Dom~ni 1695 Item I give unto my son Jacob Moore all my Whole Mes~uge or Tenement scituate lieing and being att Wellgill aforesaid to enter upon ye one halfe of ye said Tenement (as it is already parted to answering ye halfe which I have set and appointed for my Wife, att my decease and upon ye other halfe att ye Death of Margaret my Wife, and soe to have it to him and his heirs for and dureing ye Remainder of ye thousand yearss lease yt is yet to come and unexpired, and my Will is yt if it please God yt my Sone Jacob Moore Die without heirs Male or female lawfully Begotten yt then my Messuage and Tenement goe equally and dividually among ye daughters and also I give unto my said sone Jacob Moore all ye Rest of my Goods as well Reall as personall moveable or unmoveable and also all Bills or Bondes or other Writeings wch did appertaine or belong unto me of what kinde soe ever they be and I doe make him the full whole and absolute executor of this my last Will and Testament and my Will is yt he pay all my Debts and legacies and funeral expences In Wittnesse whereof I have here unto put to my hand and seale the day and year above written Annoque Domi~ni 1694

[Witnesses: Matthew Bateson, John Bell, John Walton]
A yeoman of Wellgill, he died on the 9th July 1694, his body being buried at Wellgill.3
1 TNA: RG 6/1271; Durham Original Wills DPRI/1/1694/M12
2 Durham Original Wills DPRI/1/1694/M12
3 RG 6/1271
Margaret ____ married [M14] John Moore. Their children were: Their children were: Hannah (? – after 1695), Margaret (1651–1697), Wm (1653–1681/2), Ann (1656 – ?), Joseph (1659/60 – ?), Isaack (1661–1673), (R)achell (1664 – ?), [M13] Jacob (1667 – ?), Deborah (1670–1672), and Rebecca (1673/4–1737). All whose birth details are known were born at their home at Welgill.1
1 TNA: RG 6/1271; Durham Original Wills DPRI/1/1694/M12
Deborah ____ married [M13] Jacob Moor. Their children were: John (1696/7 – ?), Isaack (1698/9 – ?), Joshua (1701–1762), Margaret (1703/4 – after 1732), Deborah (1705–1706), and [M12] Esther (1718/9–1789). She lived at Wellgill in Aldstonemoor throughout this period. She died on the 25th August 1734, and was buried at Alston on the 27th.1
1 TNA: RG 6/1271
The references to Percy Corder's biography of Robert Spence Watson, in the entries for [M11] and [M12], need to be replaced by references to Vol. 4 of the 1893 History of Northumberland, from which they were derived, together with the addition of any further information from that source.
Progress with the Moore line will first require locating the birth/baptism/parentage and marriage details for [M14] John Moore.
Watson (2a) page | Family history home page | Website home page
This page was last revised on 2026-04-13.
© 2000–2026 Benjamin S. Beck