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Thomas Forster 1729-1804 was the second son of Robert Forster, a Catholic Farmer of Upper Eshells Farm, Hexhamshire by his second wife Elizabeth Winter, married 1726, a descendent of the Winter Family of Hexhamshire. Robert died 1736 was around 60 years of age when Thomas was born. His Will was Proved at York. The children of this second marriage were:
i) Robert 1727-1792 occupation Blacksmith, of Corbridge, married Sarah Forster 1726-1809
ii) THOMAS 1729-1804 occupation Farmer, of Watch Currock Farm Hexham, married Ann Bell 1740-1813
iii) Joseph 1734-1815 occupation Farmer, of Yarridge Farm, Hexham, married 1763 Elizabeth Thompson.
iv) William born 1735 occupation Farmer, married 1767 Frances Shaftoe.
Robert Forster died 1736 was originally married to Margaret Baxter died 1725, they had the following known children:
i) John 1705-1749 occupation Farmer, inherited Upper Eshells Farm upon his father’s death in 1736, married Sarah Thompson
ii) Mary, married 1743 George Carr
iii) Margaret
iv) Jane born 1717 married 1752 William Taylor
v) Frances 1719-1722
vi) Dorothy 1722-1793 married John Simmons occupation Farmer of Kentstone Farm, Kyloe
Robert Forster died 1736, inherited Upper Eshells Farm from his own father, Robert Forster who died in 1685. His Will was Proved at York. Robert was married to Jane died 1722, who later re-married to Thomas Lawes. Robert & Jane had the following known children:
i) ROBERT died 1736 married i) Margaret Baxter ii) Elizabeth Winter
ii) Mark
iii) Matthew died 1713 occupation Farmer, of Threepwood Farm, Warden
iv) Jane married George Carr
v) Ann died 1732 married William Simpson
Forster is a widespread Northumberland surname, as we go further back it becomes harder and harder to confidently identify each individual, there are many theories regarding this family but little proof other than what we do have.
Patrick, thank you so much for taking the time to share all this information you have put together over the years, I really appreciate it, especially as they are direct ancestors. I had already found and read the first document you mentioned, after reading the other thread yesterday, so I had got a basic tree from that, but great to have all this detail. I will also seek out the other document.
Regarding Anthony Bell, was he baptised 1738 Hexham, and married Mary Elizabeth Bell on 13 May 1766 in Hexham? I believe they then had a son, William Bell in 1767 who then in turn had a son Robert Bell (keeping the family name..)?
I will now try to seek some photos of the various farms. Did you manage to see a copy of Ann Forster nee Bells will which was held at York?
Kind regards
Christian
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