Thomas Dobson

[josef11]

Forgot to say also that my grandfather is in an unmarked grave and his wife, my grandmother Ellen.
The family of the second marriage however, all have large headstones.

[suikerspin]

Hello,
I sent a message this morning but I am not sure whether it was sent correctly?  To be sure I am now sending this message. 
I would like to start by saying that Thomas Dobson born in 1829, Westoe was my great-great grandfather.  I know he was married twice and I am part of the second family.  My great-grandfather was called William Wheatley Dobson born in 1877 and his son (my grandfather) was also William Wheatley Dobson born in 1899.  My father was born in 1932 Michael Peter Dobson.
I have been researching the family tree for quite a while and have built up an extensive amount of information. 
I know that Ann Cook is also buried in an unmarked grave in Gateshead-East I have the exact co-ordinate of where that grave can be located.
My mother passed away last December and whilst we were waiting outside the church (St. Joseph's, Gateshead High Street) someone approched my brother with the question whether we were related to the "Joseph Dobson" side of the family.  My brothers are not aware of the names and historical times of the Dobson family so my brother said he did not know?  Was this someone from your side of the family? 
My grandmother died a few years ago at the age of 93 she was married to William Dobson born in 1899.  Amongst my grandmother's possession were two portrait pictures of Thomas Dobson and Catherine Wheatley Dobson. 

[josef11]

Hello,
         Thomas was of course married to Ann Cook who was my great grandmother, and they had quite a few children, one being my grandfather Joseph Francis Dobson.
He went to St Cuthbert Grammar school, and for all his education, he ended up as a labourer, and at nineteen years old the census of 1891 shows that he was in one of those institution poorhouses.
I wish I knew who was to blame for that situation.
I believe he was good enough to do Michael,s accounts for him, but got very little help for it.
But of course they were step brothers.

[josef11]

It would be nice if I could have seen a copy of Thomas and Catherine,s photo.
Michael, my great great great grandfather who was a native of Kirkwhelpington and Capheaton is buried together with his son John and Margaret in St Mary,s churchyard Heworth, and I Know that Jane, Michael,s wife died in 1844 at Westoe South Shields, and probably buried there.

[suikerspin]

Hello again,

Of course it is possible to send you a copy of the portraits of Thomas and Catherine.  I also looked up information on Joseph in 1891 and I found him at the Royal Infirmary, St Nicolaas, Newcastle. I believe that Joseph was ill and in hospital at this time and was not in a poor house as you believe?  I also found the rest of the family in 1891.  Thomas Dobson Sr age 62 and his wife Catherine, age 49 were  the publicans of the Fox, Lamb Public House situated at 3, 5 and 7 Chandelss Street.  They had two servants but no family staying with them???
This I found was a strange situation due to the fact that their youngest child George age 6 years old in 1891. 
I found the family living at 6 Burdon street which was round the corner from Chandless Street.  Living there was Thomas Dobson age 21, William age 14, Michael age 12, Edward age 11, James age 8 and George age 6.   I believe Joseph also lived with them as he was aged 19 at this time but when the census was taken he was at the Royal Infirmary.  (When the census were taken this was done on a specific date and listed household members present in the houses on those days so anyone temporary absent would not be listed).  Thomas Dobson Jr was also a half-brother to the other brothers and he was living with them?  I detect from your messages that maybe you feel their was a rift in the family and that the Wheatley side benefited more than the children born to Ann Cook this according to the information I have is not true.  For example Michael Dobson was living in Ellison Street with his brothers and he also had an Ellen Caden staying with him with her children.  Ellen was actually his half sister Ellen Dobson.  I have detailed information of Ellen's life which is quite interesting.  I also have information on Joseph's sister's margaret and Elizabeth.
You mention that the Wheatley's have nice graves well that is all down to Michael Dobson he paid for all the headstones and they were erected after the people died and the names on the graves do not correspond with the people buried there. 
Can I ask you if you were the person that was outside St. Joseph's church for during my mother's funeral?  Otherwise this is someone else looking for the Dobson family.
If you would like further information reply again,.

[josef11]

Hi,
     yes I was the person or relative outside the Church of St Joseph,s because I attend the church regularly, most of the info you have supplied I am very grateful for, and You have just helped me as to where the Fox and Lamb was.
I also knew about Ellen Caden, I remember a cousin Edith a spinster on the Caden,s side also.
Thanks again for all your help.

[josef11]

Hi,
    forgot to mention that I am Joseph George Dobson, son of Joseph Dobson son of grandfather Joseph, and grandmother Ethel.
I may have called her Ellen previously, but its definately Ethel.

[suikerspin]

Hello again,

Thank you for your answer about being outside the church.  It is interesting to learn that you attend St. Joseph's because my father and his sister were regulars.  My grandmother also attended St. Joseph's.  I went to St. Joseph's school and was baptised there and did my communion etc,  The priest that did the mass for my father and mother was my father's godson (Father David Smith).  My father was an altar boy at St.Joseph's and I believe there is a family chalice that my grandmother paid for.  My grandmother was Mrs Evelyn Ross (she married twice and was Evelyn Dobson). 
I have a lot of information that if you wish I will share with you as I believe that this is something that should be given to future generations.  Just for the record I do not live in the United Kingdom I live in The Netherlands.  I have also contact with a relative of ours in New Zealand which originates from James Dobson (Joseph's half-brother).

[josef11]

I would love to have anything you have to give regarding the family, because as you suggest for the future generations to take in and digest.