William Speed was the third child of Jacob Speed & Mary Shaw christened March 18th, 1753 at Chester-le-Street, Co Durham.
William married Jane Heaviside after banns on October 25th, 1783 at Chester-le-Street. Both were of the parish.
It is known from the christening records of their children that William & Jane lived at Fatfield, Co Durham & William was a pitman.
William died in 1790 at Fatfield & was buried on November 23rd at St Mary & St Cuthbert, Chester-le-Street.
The children of William Speed & Jane Heaviside were:
sp.1.6.3.1 Ann Speed born at Fatfield, & christened July 22nd 1784 at Chester-le-Street; buried Jan 3rd 1785 at Chester-le-Street
sp.1.6.3.2 Mary Speed born at Fatfield & christened June 18th, 1786 at Chester-le-Street; died Oct-December 1856 at Sherburn Hospital, Durham
sp.1.6.3.3 Robert Speed born at Fatfield, & christened February 2nd, 1789 at Chester-le-Street; buried Oct 11th, 1849 at Chester-le-Street
sp.1.6.3.4 William Speed christened June 12th, 1791 at Washington, Co Durham; buried December 23rd, 1792 at St Mary & St Cuthbert, Chester-le-Street (entry states father deceased)
It is thought that Jane married again in 1793. Her second husband was Joseph Johnson, a miner, and they married on November 9th at Chester-le-Street.
Jane & Joseph had a son Stephen who was born December 26th, 1798 & christened February 24th, 1799 at Chester-le-Street. They were living at Chartershaugh, Co Durham at this time.