Margaret Saunders

Awarded the compensation for two claims in British Guiana, including the enslaved people on Walton Hall, as administratrix of her husband John Saunders, the mortgagee (who died in 1832). Walton Hall was owned by their son-in-law Benjamin Kingston (q.v.).

1. The will of Margaret Saunders late of Byams in the parish of Eling Southampton was proved 02/02/1860 by her son Andrew Saunders of Downes, effects under £600. Benjamin Kingston (q.v.), the owner of Walton Hall, had married Alicia, the daughter of J. Saunders (and Margaret Saunders) of Downes House.

T71/887 British Guiana claim nos. 2160 and 2426 (Walton (?) Hall). Margaret Saunders is identified in the first as the widow of John Saunders and in the second as administratrix of John Saunders the mortgagee, dated 07/03/1820. £20,680 of mortgage and £14,769 4s 5d on account current to 30 April.

1. National Probate Calendar 1860.

The John Saunders and John Saunders junior who were both signatories of call to a Planters & Merchants etc. meeting for preservation of West India colonies in April 1832 appear to have been different people to Margaret Saunders' family. The partnership between John Saunders and John Saunders junior, of Narrow Street Limehouse as hoop-benders was dissolved 23/04/1830, with John Saunders junior, continuing. The will of John Saunders hoop-bender and merchant of Wanstead Essex proved 04/06/1841 does not fit with Margaret Saunders as administratix c. 1835. In 1851 John Saunders aged 52 cooper and stockholder born Ratcliffe was living at Wanstead. Times 05/04/1832 p. 1; London Gazette, Issue 18688, 08/06/1830, p. 1142; PROB 11/1947.