Dobson Monument, Ellerburn

[Ceci]

There is a monument in the churchyard of St Hilda's Church, Ellerburn, North Yorkshire in memory 3 generations of the DOBSON family.

William (1744-1807) and Jane (1753-1797)
William (1801-1887) and Hannah (1803-1867)
Robert (1776-1825) and Elizabeth (1771-1841)

The inscription states that it was erected to the memory 'by the will of their son Samuel in 1879'
(i.e. son of Robert & Elizabeth)

The story that has passed down my family is that a member of the family went to the USA to make his fortune and later returned to the place of his birth to pay tribute to the family. I have not been able to find a death or Will for Samuel around 1879, so am inclined to believe 'his will' refers to his wish while he was still living rather than to his last will and testament.

Does anyone know about the history of this monument or what happened to Samuel Dobson? I believe he was baptised in Ellerburn 21 Feb 1808.

Ceci

[Ticker]

Hi Ceci

Sorry we haven't been able to help you so far on this one. 

Have you made any progress,  or do you have any further details that could help someone to find what you are looking for?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes 

Ticker

[Ceci]

No further progress on this one. I just wondered if anyone had any local knowledge.

Ceci

[reeve99]

Hi

I'm also researching this family as am descended from William Dobson b 1744 in Ellerburn via his daughter Betty.  Found the monument by chance when touring the locality for family history research.  It is certainly a huge monument and Samuel must have been a very wealthy person to be able to afford this.  I had come to the same conclusion that he must have emigrated but have come to a dead end after that.  Perhaps we could work together on this.  Another distant relative and I are trying the same thing.  How are you connected to the family

Anna

[Ceci]

Hi Anna,

How very exciting! William Dobson c. 1744 was my 5x Great Gandfather. I am descended from his son Robert. I would love to work with you on this. I will send you a personal message with some more information.

Bset regards,
Ceci

[reeve99]

That'll be Robert who married Elizabeth Steel.  Myself and a colleague are fascinated by Samuel though.  We must crack this mystery!

Anna

[Ceci]

Hi,
I have just sent you a Personal message. Samuel was the son of Robert & Elizabeth as you will have gathered from the monumental inscription. I do not know much about him, but have some possible finds on passenger lists to the USA which we could discuss and see if they lead anywhere.

Regards,
Ceci

[dobo]

Hi, yet more relations I never knew I had! I too am related to those named on the Dobson obelisk in St Hilda's church yard.
Has anyone had any luck tracing Samuel and the source of his cash?

[gazania]

Hi,

Could the church records (other than the parish register) show details of the erection of the monument?  Regards, Gazania

(PS My family has a connection with Ellerburn but not with the Dobsons)