John George Robson

Son of Robert Robson and Mary Holder Oxx. He was my great great grandfather.

John George was born 2nd March 1843 in Middlesex, York.

During his life he worked as a roll turner in the steel works (1881 census) and he married Martha Isabell Lyall.

Together, they had seven children, Isabell (1865 in Middlesbro) , Robert William (1867 in Middlesbro), Adam Lyall (1870 in Darlington, Durham), Margaret Elizabeth (1873 in Darlington), Mary Elizabeth (1876 in Darlington), Matthew Jackson (1878 in Middlesbro) and John George (1884 in Workington).

Their daughter Margaret died aged 5, on 31st December 1878 in Darlington.

John George lived in in Middlesbro, Darlington and Workington in his early life. In 1881 the census showed him as working as a Roll Turner in Steel Works. He is known to have worked at Rise Car Rolling Mills in the steel industry as he was presented with a clock upon leaving on 26th February 1876 (Rise Car being a suburb in Darlington).

The Rolling Mills were involved in the production of puddled iron, the re-rolling of steel bars and the manufacture of special sections. Along with other firms in town, it made Darlington important enough to attract foreign visitors. The Chinese Imperial commissioners visited in April 1906

By 1901, he had moved to Wales. The 1901 census shows him living with daughter Mary J, wife (Martha J) and a servant Maud Lloyd. Interestingly, sons Robert and Matthew are living at Culla House, Pembrey, Llanelly, East Carmarthen as boarders in a house owned by LLoyd. Probably not related, but I wondered if this was any relation to the servant.

John George died 19th April 1923 in Port Talbot and was buried at the Chapel of Ease.