Thomas Dobson

[jakezed]

Does anyone have any information about my great grandfather Thomas Dobson or his sons Michael or James.  Thomas was born in Westoe, South Shields circa 1829 but despite there being several 'Thomas Dobsons' I cannot find him on the 1841 census so cannot identify his mother or siblings.  I have a marriage certificate for his first marriage to Ann Cook when he was living at Rabbit Banks, Gateshead.  His father is named John with profession given as 'Agent'.
I have been able to trace Thomas from the 1851 census through to the 1891 census and I know he died in 1899.  He owned a horse slaughtering business in Walker Terrace and it seems he was also an innkeeper. 

Thomas's horse slaughtering business was taken over by his sons Michael (born c1878)and James (born 1882) from his second marriage to Catherine Wheatley.  James was my grandfather and I have sketchy information about him but despite a great deal of searching I cannot discover what happened to Michael who was a favourite uncle of my father.

[peter brownlee]

In the 1841 census for Low Felling, Heworth, Co Durham, wrongly indexed as Dabson, is John Dobson 34 labourer at Iron works, wife Mary 36 son Thomas 12 and daughter Mary 10
In 1851 he is at the Ship Inn, Heworth.
Could this be your man?
Peter

[jakezed]

Thank you.  That appears to have solved that frustrating little mystery.  I am interested that he is at the Ship Inn in 1851.  The record I found showed him living at Felling (occupation - Engineman) with his wife Ann and child, Jane.  There is no street address on the census image I saw.  However, the link to the Ship Inn is appropriate as in the 1891 census his daughter Ellen is recorded as a barmaid at the Ship Inn, working for her aunt - Mary Hogarth.  So that would tie in with the name of Thomas's sibling you have provided from the 1841 census.
Thanks again

[peter brownlee]

Sorry I didn't make it clear. It was the father John Dobson who was at the inn. As you say Thomas the son was married by that time and living with his wife and child elsewhere in Low Felling.
Peter

[jakezed]

Peter
Since your last note about John Dobson being at the Ship Inn in the 1851 census I've been trying to locate him (and wife, Mary) myself - without success. 
However, I can find John there in the 1861 census with a different wife (Margaret).  Can you help?

[peter brownlee]

Dreadfully sorry! My notes seem to have fallen into confusion.
The 1851 census has at Felling Shore, Heworth Chapelry, John Dobson 44 foreman at Felling Soda Works born Westoe Co Durham with his wife Margaret 46 born Sunderland. a daughter Mary 19 employed as a teacher born Westoe, his father Michael 79 not employed, born Capheaton Northumberland, and a servant girl Mary Owens.
The name is indexed as Johson.
Hope this does clear it up! Peter

[peter brownlee]

Did you find Michael Dobson baptised 1771 at Capheaton Roman Catholic chapel, father Joseph?
Peter

[suikerspin]

Hello, I was very interested to read your search for Michael Dobson the son of Thomas Dobson.  Thomas Dobson was my great-great grandfather and my great grandfather was William Dobson his brother.  My grandfather was also called William and his son (my father) was called Michael.  I can tell you what happend to Michael Dobson the son of Thomas.  I have been researching the family history and have a lot of facts and interesting information.

[josef11]

Hi, just to let you know that Thomas Dobson was my great grandfather and my grandfather Joseph Dobson was his son to Ann Cook.
Nearly all the family have headstones in Gateshead East Cemetery, all except my great grandmother Ann, who for some reason is buried unmarked.