Having just learned that this gentleman is a relative, I have been looking online for information about him, and this is what I think I know so far.
He was born in Scotland around 1823, and by 1841 his parents, James Black and Jane (I think her maiden name was Landalls or similar), both aged 45, were living at Barnes, Westoe with ten children including William, aged 18. by 1851 Jane had died and James, aged 64, was in Barnes House, Westoe, with William, aged 28, and two of his siblings. In 1861 and 1871 James was in West Boldon House, Boldon, with one or two of his children, and I think he could be the 81-year-old James Black who died in South Shields in 1879.
I have yet to find William in 1861, 1881 or 1891, but in 1871 he was in Hedworth, unmarried, with a housekeeper and housemaid, and in 1901 he was at 5 Loraine Place, Jesmond, with a housekeeper (the same woman who had been his housemaid in 1871!) and a housemaid.
William is described first as a clerk, then agent chemical manufactory, and latterly ironfounder. I hoped to find an obituary for him, and for his father, but there doesn't seem to be anything in the 19th century newspaper collection.
Can anyone suggest any other places where I might find information about this family?
Edit: Have now found him in 1861, 1881 and 1891. In 1881 he was the employer of 1215 men and 262 boys, and a JP. In 1891 he was a magistrate and engineer.