It might be best to start with Thomas b.1876 and gradually work backwards to find all the census information
I take it you have Thomas & Sarah's marriage certificate giving their ages and fathers' names and occupations? But no census information, is that right?
Their marriage was as you said in 1899 Middlesbrough
James M. Stubbs was born in Stockton district 1901 so I'm assuming this was the family in 1901:
1901 RG13/4589 fol.133 p.22
25 Palmerston St, Thornaby, Stockton
Thomas Stubbs head m 22 General Labourer Durham Gateshead
Sarah " wife m 19 Yorks Middlesbrough
William " son 2 " "
So Thomas was born Gateshead, have found him there with parents in 1881, Catherine born Scotland but Abraham born Wednesbury Staffordshire!
1881 RG11/5038 fol.10 p.14
12 Park Street, Gateshead, Durham
STUBBS
Abraham head m 38 Iron Worker Staffs Wednesbury
Catherine wife m 34 Scotland
Edward son 10 Scholar Lancs Manchester
Elizabeth dau 7 " Durham Gateshead
Thomas son 5 " " "
Richard " 3 " "
1871 RG10/3001 fol.73 p.20
87 Leabrook Road, Tipton, Wednesbury, Staffs
in household of John Hartley & family
Abraham Stubbs lodger mar 27 Puddler Tipton Staffordshire
Catherine " wife of lodger mar 25 Scotland Glasgow
have to go now but will be back later with earlier census - they are in Scotland then
Barbara