Dobson, Edward

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Dobson, Edward

Portrait of Edward Dobson, auctioneer, by John Sowden, 9 Dec 1889.

Note in Sowden's notebook:

Edward Dobson JP
Mr Dobson was born in Leeds in the year 1845, when his father Mr Joseph Ed Dobson, carried on business as an auctioneer and valuer. In 1857 his father brought his family and business to Bradford. Mr Dobson was educated at [?] Academy, Castleford. He left school when he was about 14 years of age. At the outset he worked for the Low Moor Iron Co. and also at Bowling Iron Co. The life did not appeal to him and he turned his attention to the leather trade, being employed by a Mr. Sleo [?] on Chapel Lane, where he learnt the business and worked as a journeyman. In 1863 he joined his father in the auctioneering and valuing business. When his father died in 1868, Mr Dobson continued to extend his business and afterwards took his son into partnership. In 1885 Mr Dobson was appointed Sheriff Officer. For 22 years Mr Dobson annual sworn as a special constable of Bradford and for most of that time was captain of the volunteer police force. As a Conservative he represented the Exchange Ward in the City of Bradford, [?]1893 and 1898 was raised to be Aldermans bench. He was Elected a member of the Bradford Board of Guardians in 1899 and was made chairman shortly afterwards. Mr Dobson for nearly twenty years took the Nutter Orphanage boys to Morecambe for a days’ outing. The hospitality was extended to to [sic] inmates of The Orphan Girls’ Home. He was a Justice of the Peace and was the President of the Incorporated Institute of Auctioneers in 1908 – 9. He was a churchman, brought up in the Sunday school of the Bradford Parish Church. In the sporting world he was well-known through his love of coursing and was the president of the Yorkshire Coursing Club. In his younger days he was a lightweight boxer national repute and one day lightweight championship at the Olympic Festival at Liverpool in 1864. He married in 1863 at the age of 18, Emily the only daughter of Mr John Baxter and had one son and one daughter. He died in 1912.

Creator

John Sowden

Image filename

sowden-58