William Speed was the sixth child of Robert Speed & Susanna Pattison born at Chartershaugh & christened July 24th, 1825 at Chester-le-Street;
In 1841 William was living with his parents, 2 brothers & 3 sisters at Lamesley, Co Durham where his father was a collier.
William was living in Birtley, Co Durham in 1851 & working as a coal miner. Living with him was his sister Susannah who was described as house keeper.
In 1861 William was living with his sister Mary Ann & her husband Mark Leathard & their family at South Pelaw Colliery, Pelton, Co Durham. William was working as an engineman.
William, a colliery engineman, continued to live with his sister Mary after the tragic death of her husband in 1868 at Pelaw Colliery. William was working with Mark Leathard & was the brakesman who had charge of the boiler which exploded causing the death of Mary’s husband. William escaped with minor bruises & shock.
In 1871 William & Mary & 4 of her children were listed at South Pelaw Cottages.
William & Mary were still living in Pelaw in 1881 & William continued to work at the colliery.
William died at Perkinsville, Co Durham & was buried August 1st, 1888 at St Mary & St Cuthbert, Chester-le-Street.