John Besford (1826-1914) and Margaret Patterson (1827-1914) were married at All Saints’ Church, Newcastle upon Tyne, on 12th November 1850.

They had the following children:

William Besford, born 28th November 1851 at Cowpen, Blyth, Northumberland. Died on 28th December 1879 aged 28 years.

Robert Besford, born 14th November 1856 at Cowpen Mill, Blyth, Northumberland. Died on 5th December 1856 aged 22 days.

Edward Besford, born 30th December 1857 at Crofton Mills, Cowpen, Blyth, Northumberland. Died on 31st December 1857 aged 1 day.

John Besford, born 19th September 1859 at Cowpen Lane, Blyth, Northumberland. Died on 4th October 1859 aged 16 days.

James Besford, born 21st August 1860 at Cowpen Lane, Blyth, Northumberland. Died on 23rd August 1860 aged 3 days.

David Besford, born 11th September 1863 at Cowpen Colliery, Blyth, Northumberland. Died on 2nd June 1954 aged 90 years.

Margaret Besford, born 21st May 1866 at Cowpen Colliery, Blyth, Northumberland.

John Besford, born 31st May 1868 at Cowpen Colliery, Blyth, Northumberland. Died on 25th July 1869 aged 1 year.