Esther was born on 24 June 1769, probably in East Witton in Wensleydale in North Yorkshire, England. It lies just south of Leyburn. She married William Shillito on 23 May 1793 at East Witton. They started their married life living on Kirkgate in Leeds and they had the following children:
- William (1795-1795)
- Margaret Ryder (1796-1860)
- Christopher Ryder (1798-1862)
- Hannah (1799-1871)
- William (1801- )
- Esther (1803-1874)
- Eleanor (1806- )
- Sarah (1807-1887)
Esther died on 23 June 1809 and was buried in the churchyard of St Matthews the next day.
SACRED
to the MEMORY of ESTHER the
Wife of William SHILLITO Grazier
in this town who Died June the
23rd 1809 aged 40 Years
Also WILLIAM SHILLITO late
of this Town, and Husband of
the above ESTHER SHILLITO
who departed this Life Dec 7th
1829 Aged 62 Years