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Living at Crackpot Hall near Keld when he married Agnes Coates in 1777. His sons Joseph and John were born at Hartlakes, a farm on the banks of the Swale, and their subsequent children were born at Dyke Heads near Gunnerside. Like many of the inhabitants of Swaledale, William was both a farmer and a lead miner.
His will of 1802 names his surviving children and his wife Nanny ( Agnes). The eldest son Joseph had already received his full portion - probably when he had married the previous year. Daughters Margaret and Isabella were to receive ú25 each and the remainder was to go to his wife in trust for sons William and Jarvis.

The youngest sons George and James, when they reached a proper age, were to be apprentices in whatever trade his wife thought best.

In the early 1800s life in Swaledale had become difficult. The lead mines were either worked out or unsafe and there was a succession of poor harvests. In 1818 there was famine and so inhabitants started moving elsewhere. Many emigrated to America and many went to work in the coalmines and cotton mills of east Lancashire. Brothers William, Jarvis and James with their mother Agnes moved to the White House, Crosby Garrett, Westmorland in 1819 where they became tenant farmers. They introduced a different breed of sheep to the area and started better farming methods.
The family was ardent Methodist and started having services at the farmhouse and so the White House became known as Chapel House farm. It was not until 1880 that a Methodist Chapel was built in Crosby Garrett.

04 June 1803
Summary of Will of William CLOSE, Yeoman, of Shoregill, Gunnerside, parish of Grinton.
Dated 10 Sep 1802 and Granted 4 Jun 1803. Effects under ú300
Witnesses: Jonathan DAYKIN and William COATES
Executors: Wife Nanny (Agnes), sons William & Jarvis
To daughters Margaret & Isabella ú25 each plus ú5 on death or remarriage of wife Nanny.
Residue, Goods & Chattels consisting of money, horses, cows, heifers, calves, sheep and furniture to beloved wife Nanny for life in trust for sons William & Jarvis. Son Joseph already received his full portion. The two younger sons, George & James, to be apprentices in whatever wife thinks best. Wife to see that these two younger sons have proper wearing apparel.