John Speed was the first child of Jacob Speed & Margaret Gills born March 3rd 1809 & christened August 6th, 1809 at Chester-le-Street.
John married Jane Simpson on October 12th, 1833 at Chester-le-Street. Jane was christened November 27th, 1814 at Tanfield, the daughter of Mary Simpson.
Sadly John died just 3 years later at Easington Lane & was buried on January 28th, 1836 at St Nicholas, Hetton-le-Hole.
The children of John Speed & Jane Simpson were:
sp.1.6.1.5.1.1 Mary Jane Speed christened June 3rd, 1835 at Hetton-le-Hole; died July 28th, 1895 at 8 Havelock Terrace, Gateshead
In 1841 Jane & daughter Mary Jane were living with Mary Simpson in 1841 at Kip Hill, Chester-le-Street. Mary Simpson was aged 67 & described as a pauper – this could be Jane’s mother. Another 2 year old little girl was with them – Margaret Wright.
Jane married Joseph Hepplewhite on March 1st, 1846 at Whickham.
Joseph & Jane were living at Pilot Houses, Dawdon, Seaham, Co Durham in 1851 & Joseph was an engine man.
By 1861 Jane & Joseph, an engineer, had moved to 1 Cotfield Terr, Gateshead, Co Durham. With them was Jane’s daughter Mary Jane, listed as Mary J Hepplewhite.
Joseph had become a provision dealer by 1871 & he & Jane were living at 46 High West St, Gateshead. Daughter Mary J was still living with them & described as a servant.
Jane & Joseph were living on their own in 1881 at 1 Alfred St, Gateshead (their home & a shop) & Joseph was still a provision dealer.
Joseph died on October 28th, 1883 at 7 Affleck St, Gateshead. His will was proved by widow Jane & Mary Jane Speed Hepplewhite, spinster, both of 7 Affleck St. His personal estate was £409.10s.
There is a death for Jane Hepplewhite in Oct-December 1890 registered at Gateshead.
The 1891 census shows daughter Mary Jane living at 7 Affleck St & described as living on her own means. With her was a visitor, Esther I Wright (53), & a boarder, Charlotte Nugent (60), a tailoress.