Earsdon

Thomas Besford worked as a coal miner throughout his life. He was left with four young children when his wife died of smallpox.

Ann Besford was working as a servant at Earsdon West Forest Farm north of Morpeth by the time she was 16 years old. She had six sons, five of whom survived to adulthood.

Mary Besford was born on the farm where her parents were living and working. She worked on the farm, and later as a dressmaker.

William Besford worked as a coal miner until he retired, and was later recorded at age 77 to be working as a grocer in the 1891 census.