The house first appears in the Rate Books in 1869 as a four roomed brick house and lists William Walker as owner. The Argus tells us that 'On the 23rd inst. (May 1872), at Morpeth Villa, Agnes Street, Jolimont, Mrs. William F. Walker [had] a son.' William Walker and his family lived in the house until 1875, but he remained owner until 1886.