William Pallister was the third child of Thomas Pallister & Christiana Stabler born at Hetton-le-Hole & christened August 25th, 1833, at St Nicholas, Durham City, Co Durham. At the time of his christening the family were living at Claypath, Durham.
William & his parents were living at Rushyford, Windlestone in 1841 along with 1 older brother, 2 younger brothers & a sister. Charles’s father was an itinerant blacksmith & as evidenced by the birthplace of the children.
William was still living at home in 1851, now in the village of Woodham, Co Durham. He was working as a blacksmith like his father.
William married Margaret Fo(r)ster in July-September 1858 at Gatshead. Margaret was born in Crossgate, Durham & christened June 27th, 1830 at St Margaret’s, Durham the daughter of Margaret & William Foster, a blacksmith.
In 1861 William & Margaret were living with her widowed father William Foster, a blacksmith, at Crossgate, Durham. William was still working as a blacksmith.
William & Margaret were living on their own at 26 Crossgate, Durham in 1871 & William continued to be a blacksmith. He succeeded to Margaret’s father’s business which he carried on until his death.
They were still at the same address in 1881 & 1891 & William was now described as a blacksmith & horse shoer. William & Margaret appear to have had no children.
William died on January 19th, 1894 at Crossgate, Durham & was buried in St Margaret’s Churchyard. Probate was granted to his widow Margaret & his effects were £228.14s.2d.
An article in the Northern Echo of January 20th 1894 stated that William was much respected as on old tradesman of the city who had carried on his business as blacksmith for a number of years in Crossgate. Some time ago he had suffered from an attack of influenza from which he recovered but sadly after a relapse he died. He was an ardent Liberal & offered valuable service to the local party. William was an office-bearer in the Star of the North Lodge of Oddfellows & was extremely interested in horticulture, being one of the promoters of St Margaret’s Parish Vegetable Society & a church warden of the parish. (Durham County Advertiser, January 26th, 1894)
Margaret of 9 Western Hill, Durham died in November 29th, 1897 & was buried with William in St Margaret’s Churchyard. Probate was granted to Thomas Laidler, cashier, & James Turnbull, coal traveller, & her effects were £520.6s.