Richard Atherton (bef. 1737 - bef. 1804)

Born before 9 Sep 1737 in Preston, Lancashire, England

Ancestors

Descendants

Died before 2 Sep 1804 at about age 66 in Preston, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom

Biography

Richard Atherton was christened on 9 Sep 1737 at St John's Church in Preston, Lancashire. He was the son of William Atherton and Lucy (Lonsdale) Atherton.

Richard married Mary Griffiths on 3 May 1764 at St Thomas' Church in Liverpool, Lancashire, by licence. Richard was a mercer of the parish of Preston, Mary was of the local parish. Both were aged 21 or more. The witnesses were Prisc. Gradwell and Elizabeth Nightingale. William Hill Esquire of Ormskirk co-signed the marriage bond.

Their son William was born on 4 Mar 1765, and christened on 5 Mar 1765 at St John's Church in Preston, Lancashire.

Their daughter Lucy was born on 2 May 1766, and christened on 2 May 1766 at St John's Church in Preston, Lancashire.

Their daughter Mary was born on 11 Apr 1767, and christened on 11 Apr 1767 at St John's Church in Preston, Lancashire.

Their son Edward was born on 21 Aug 1768, and christened on 23 Sep 1768 at St John's Church in Preston, Lancashire.

Their daughter Elizabeth was born on 20 Sep 1769, and christened on 23 Sep 1769 at St John's Church in Preston, Lancashire.

Their daughter Catherine was born on 16 Feb 1771, and christened on 19 Feb 1771 at St John's Church in Preston, Lancashire.

Richard wrote his last will and testament on 23 Jul 1803.

Richard died in 1804, aged 66; he was buried on 2 Sep 1804 at St John's Church in Preston, Lancashire.

Richard's will was proved on 4 Mar 1822.

Research Notes

Richard and his children are mentioned in the will of Elizabeth Atherton of Prescot

Will (summary)

RICHARD ATHERTON ESQ OF GREEN BANK PRESTON

He left to his wife Mary the income of all his estates including the mortgage on Mr Heath's estate called Spring Mount in Jamaica for her natural life subject to the payment of £24 annually to Miss Gwynn of Prescot for her life, which was also to be paid to Miss Gwynn by his son William Atherton after Mary's death.

He also left to his wife Mary all the household furniture, plate, books, linen, to be used by her in their house at Green Bank for her natural lifetime.

After Mary's death, all the real estate was to go to his son William Atherton and also the household furniture, plate, books & linen - but subject to the payment of £3000 each to his five younger children: Lucy the wife of James Allan Park Esqr of London (in trust for herself & her children), Mary, Edward, Elizabeth & Catherine Atherton.

The property left him by his brother William Atherton after the death of his brother John Atherton of Prescot consisting of Green Park Estate & others in Jamaica worth £50000 and various mortgages, bonds and money in the funds were bequeathed to his son William Atherton - but liable to the payment of £8000 apiece to the five younger children.

His wife Mary Atherton and his brother John Atherton, Thomas Greaves?, Mr Aspden & the Revd. R. Harris were appointed executors & executrix.

He bequeathed to his old servant Richd Sutton £10 a year for life, and to his wife Ann Sutton for her life if she outlived her husband.

He gave his executors 5 guineas each for a ring if they wanted one.

The £30 charity set up by his grandfather for the poor of Preston was to continue being paid from his real estate, the interest being £1 10s per annum; his wife and son were to continue paying this after his death and to continue adding the names of the poor people assisted to a book kept for that purpose and handed down in the family.

The will was dated 23 Jul 1803, and proved on 4 Mar 1822.

Sources

• Baptism: listed on Lancashire Online Parish Clerk

• Marriage: listed on Lancashire Online Parish Clerk

• Marriage bond: "England, Cheshire, Marriage Bonds and Allegations, 1606-1900," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F18Z-5LK : 7 December 2017), Richard Atherton, 30 Apr 1764; citing , , Cheshire Record Office, Chester; FHL microfilm . Image link https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-62WS-KSN?i=87&cc=1410775

• Children's baptisms: listed on Lancashire Online Parish Clerk

• Burial: listed on Lancashire Online Parish Clerk

• Probate: National Archives - Reference: PROB 11/1654/174
  Description: Will of Richard Atherton of Preston, Lancashire.
  Date: 4 March 1822.
  Accessed on https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D147023