Margaret Patterson was the daughter of Edward Patterson (1789-1873) a Fisherman, and his wife Margaret (1792- 1883).
Edward was born at Newton-by-the-Sea in Northumberland, and baptised at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Embleton, on 17th September 1789. His parents were William and Mary Patterson. Newton is located on the coast between Embleton and Seahouses.
The 1841 census shows the Patterson family living at Windmill Steads, Beadnell, Northumberland. Margaret was 13 years old and had two elder brothers, George and John, a younger brother James, and a younger sister Mary.
Margaret married John Besford (1826-1914) on 12th November 1850. They lived at Cowpen Colliery and lost many children in their infancy.
Edward and his wife Margaret were shown living at Windmill Steads, Beadnell, on every census from 1841 to 1871 inclusive.
Edward died in 1873, and his wife Margaret ten years later in 1883.
