thomas dorkin york union workhouse.

[maggie b]

The 1871 English census shows Thomas Dorkin born 1863 was a pauper resident at the York Union Workhouse. I have been unable to find any documentation for my Great Grandfather Thomas H Dawkin(s) prior to the 1881 census which shows him living with and apprenticed to Joseph Beck of Sutton on The Forest a master tailor; could Thomas Dorkin & Thomas Dawkin be the same person? The 1881 census shows Thomas Dawkin (s) was born in Keighley but there is no record of this. Does anyone local have access to York apprentice indentures and register of apprentices which might provide more information and help in any identification? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Milliepede]

Have you got the marriage certificate for your Thomas - does he name a father? 

Dorkin and Dawkin(s) are very similar names especially when spoken. 

Is there a birth registration for the Thomas in the workhouse?

[Milliepede]

If he married Betty Webster in 1887 his father is down as Thomas Henry Dawkin deceased.

[BumbleB]

Apologies for this, but just to confuse matters    There is another Thomas Dorkin shown in the 1871 census entry for the York Union Workhouse.  This one is born 1862, so shown as aged 9 with the same amount or lack of further information AND he appears on the page prior to the 1863 Thomas Dorkin.

[Milliepede]

Yes I saw there were two with different ages but wondered if it was the same boy put down twice 

Your Thomas is younger on the census records he appears on. 

[BumbleB]

I also had that thought and did try one of the other names to see if that, too, had been duplicated - but NO.  However, I did only try one 

[maggie b]

Thank you all for your contributions. I hadn't realised there are 2 thomas Dorkin listed at the York Union Workhouse in the 1871 census. I can confirm my great Grandfather Thomas Henry Dawkin was married to Betty Webster in 1887 at Sutton on The Forest and the marriage certificate shows Thomas Henry Dawkin dec'd as his father.
I have been trying to trace both father and son for over 6 years without success. I was wondering if the Dorkin boy was apprenticed to the tailor in Sutton on The Forest, the indentures might provide info about parent's name & residence and reason for him being taken into the workhouse.

[amondg]

The York Herald dated February 5, 1887

Marriages
On the 1st instant by the Rev. H M Saunders, Thomas Henry Dawkin to Betty fifth daughter of Anthony Webster, Farmer Sutton on Forrest.

[amondg]

Long shot
Jane Ellen Shepperd is a witness to his marriage 1887.

John Beck Tailor who he was apprenticed to married an Annie Shepherd.

I realise it's a common name but it's a bit of a coincidence.