John Willatt (1768-1772). His ancestors date back a long way in local records. Thomas Willatt was the son and heir of Thomas Willatt, the elder, who came from Fenny Stratford, co. Bucks, and settled in Manchester about 1556, and was living there in 1561. Thomas Willatt, the younger, married Ellen, fifth and youngest daughter of Sir Edmund Trafford, of Trafford (vol. i., 190 n). He was borough reeve in 1562-3, and afferator and juror in 1569 (p. 127- 8). John Willatt was born in 1731, and married Sarah Benson, April 25th, 1754, who was of his age.
 
An entry in the Constable's Accounts runs: Octbr. 17th, 1770: To Postage of 62 Hue and Cry warrants paid Mr. Willatt, £1, 17. 2.
 
He had a family of nine children, of which he lost two in 1763, and two in 1772. His tombstone in St. Ann's Church reads :

Here was interred
John Willatt, late Post Master of the Town,
Who departed this life July 24, 1772, aged 41 years.

"On Friday last died Mr. John Willatt, Postmaster in this town, second to none in this part of the Kingdom in the knowledge of his profession ; he discharged it with a diligence and impartiality which rendered him beloved and respected by all ; benevolent and sociable in his disposition, he was esteemed by those who knew him, as a sincere friend and an honest man, and as a kind husband and a tender parent, his death is much lamented by a wife and four children."
"The public were much concerned, and general sympathy was extended to his afflicted widow. Prompt steps were taken to secure to her the succession of the office."
 

Und der "Mercury" vom 4.August 1778 schreibt:

"The Mercury" vom 28. Juli 1772 berichtet zu seinem Tod wie folgt: