Born and Bred

William's Story

William was probably born in 1817, though I have no proof of this. However I do have a record of him being baptised on the 25th of May 1817 at Airmyn (East Yorkshire), possibly at St. David's church. His parents were George Dobson and Alice Fox.

The following is an extract from "A Goodly Heritage" by Trevor Dobson:

The founder of the pioneer Dobson family William, was the son of Mr & Mrs George Dobson (1787 - 1860). He was born at the ancestral home "Pollington Hall", Pollington, Yorkshire in 1818. Their first child Henry was born at Snaith in Yorkshire on 4/7/1841. (Based on records from the estate and census it appears that George's family were workers on the estate).

With their first born the young couple sailed from England aboard the "Elizabeth and Jane" on the 9/2/1842 for a new life in Van Dieman's Land. The Family first settled at Caveside then in the 1860's they moved to Glenore where they engaged in farming. Raising cattle was their main interest, especially the Devon breed, although other breeds were also kept on the farm.

Return of Immigrants per Ship "Elizabeth and Jane" records that it arrived from London in Launceston on 9 February 1843. The date of application for Bounty was 20 February 1843 and the applicant was A. Y. Reed of Launceston. William is listed as a Clap Farm Sev aged 25, his bounty was 20 pounds. Ann was 24 and her bounty was 20 pounds. Henry was 1 ½ and he did not get a bounty.

Following his death on the 24th of February 1885, the Launceston Examininer ran the following article on the 4th of March:

Another old-colonist Mr William Dobson, of Glenore, passed away from us on Tuesday morning, February 24, under unusually distressing circumstances. Mr Dobson rose as usual at five o'clock and performed his customary duties until breakfast time, when he said he felt a little unwell, and after giving instructions for the daily labour, laid down as he thought for a short rest. Mrs Dobson was present, and his faithful old dog, finding his master out, pressed forward and licked his hand. Mr Dobson said, "Poor old Sandy will always find me out if you let him" he then moved himself a little, gasped audibly, once or twice, and expired without a struggle. His devoted wife was overwhelmed with grief and doubt. Could this really be death? The speedy arrival of the doctor extinguished all hope. He had gone without a struggle to find a home for which he had always hoped to be prepared. A favorite saying of his was "The path of duty is the path of safety" and the humble manner in which he strove to do as he preached endearing him to all classes of the community. For over 25 years he had been a class leader and local preacher for the Wesleyan body. His earnest preaching, combined with a meek and unaffected manner made his presence in different pulpits of a large circuit gladly anticipated. Very rarely did the inclemency of the weather and a long journey prevent him from doing his duty. The Sunday previous to his death he preached at Whitemore Chapel, his text being , "Prepare to meet thy God". The most universal sympathy is felt for the widow and family, the later consisting of six sons and two daughters, all grown up. Mr Dobson had been 42 years in the colony and was 67 years of age. He was buried at Hagley on Friday last by the Rev Cox of Westbury. The funeral was largely attended.

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