He was born before William and Mary were married and then took the Close surname later. It looks as though he was the illegitimate son of William, but this may not be the case.
 
 
 
 
 
 
1871 Born at Westhoughton, Lancashire

It looks as though he is the illegitimate son of William and Mary. He was born before they married in 1873 and took the Close surname later.

1891 Census Living with parents and family at Atherton, Lancashire. Coal Miner.
  Not sure what happened to him after that.