Hi Lee,
So far my search for the "Close" family has led to the Counties of Down and Antrim in Northern Ireland. James Watson Close b. 13Aug1844, my grt grt grandfather, was the son of John Close, labourer. (figure he would be born 1800-1820???) This information was gleaned from the marriage certificate of Susannah Hedley and James.
I was thinking that the "Watson" name may have been James's Mother's maiden name but cannot confirm it as of yet. Have not found out the Mother's name, but....it appears my family followed the traditional naming patterns, as such, think the Mother may have been "Elizabeth"

? but who knows. Some of the surnames that seem to intertwine with the Close's in the 1800's include, Moffatt, Hedley, Carr, Smyth, Lennox, Lawlor and it appears that a tradition of attaching the Mother's maiden name as a middle name is quite prevailant.
There is no doubt, that there will be an English connection at some point, I just have not found it yet. First given names seem to carry from generation to generation. Males being, James Watson, Robert Henry, John, William...females Susanna, Mary, Magaret (Maggie), Elizabeth, Annie....If you do think there is a connection, I would be willing to share what info I have...look forward to hearing from you again.
All the Best
Wendy