Shields Daily Gazette
6 June 1894
DEATH OF MR W JACKSON
The news of the death of Mr William Jackson, the well known proprietor, will be learned with widespread regret and surprise. His demise occurred this morning at his residence at Harrogate, after an illness of only a few days duration. At first his illness caused no serious apprehension among his friends, but a speedy development of ominous symptoms ensued, and among his most intimate friends his death was not an altogether unlooked- for event at the time it came. There was probably no more familiar or prominent figure in 'the trade' on Tyneside and Wearside than the deceased. He was a native of Rochester and worked in his early days in the fields. About fourteen years age he started in the public line in this neighbourhood, his first employment being a manager for Mr Peter Wright. Subsequently he became mine host for Scarborough Castle, West Holborn, South Shields, where he was eminently successful. He afterwards became the owner of important licensed property in Sunderland which town he always made his headquarters in his after business transactions. Being of an enterprising disposition he gradually added to his wealth and proprietorship, and became eventually one of the principal owners of licensed houses in the North. Among the local properties he acquired are the Criterion restaurant, the Grapes, the Chichester, the Highlander, and seven or eight additional houses. He was also owner of large and valuable premises in Newcastle, North Shields &c. He became well known and respected wherever he went, and had hosts of warm personal friends. He was 55 years old.
