RobertTHUBRON

Based on Robert’s successive professions, it would seem that the Thubron family was rather financially wealthy and enjoyed a certain social status, the family having several permanent servants at home. Robert Thubron was clearly a figure within his community. His professional career demonstrated both his skills, his pugnacity and his ambition. Although he started his career as a Railway Clerk, he was quickly promoted to Dock Manager, then Superintendent of Tyne Docks. His authority and legitimacy extended far beyond his Superintendent position, with Robert also representing Jarrow Ward on the South Shield Town Council and the Port Sanitary Authority. At the same time, Robert acquired a solid professional reputation at the national level, his book "Dock and Port charges of the United Kingdom" being recognized as one of the reference works of the time. In 1881 Robert made a courageous and somewhat daring decision I should say. He resigned from his position as Superintendent and his various mandates to create his own business as Timber Merchant and as Chief Partner in a creosoting firm at Dunston. He also owned the Menus R. Thubron and Co. firm, based at The Sides, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Robert was born early 1830 in Sheraton, Durham and was baptized on March 15th at Monk-Hesleton, Durham. He married Mary Adelaide Smith around 1855. The couple had 10 children in 17 years, Ernest being the third one. In 1861, the family lived in Montwearmouth, Durham with ine servant at home. Ten years later, in 1871, they lived at the Hawthorns, in Boldon, Durham with one governess and one servant. In 1881, they moved to Farm House, East Boldon, Durham, sill with two servants at their service. Robert died on April 19th, 1884 at the White House, Sheraton, Durham. His probate dated August 9th, 1884 mentions the amount of his personal effects (£5,277) and the following “The will of Robert Thubron, formerly of Queen’s square in the city and county of Newcastle Upon Tyne, but late of White House Sheraton near the Castle Eden in the County of Durham, Timer Merchant who died 19 April 1884 at White House was proven by Mary Adelaide Thubron widow the relict and Herbert Brown Thubron Agent the Son both of White House and William Anderson Bell the executors”.