Benjamin Alfred Dobson facts for kids
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Sir Benjamin Alfred Dobson (1847–1898) was an important English businessman and inventor. He made machines for textile factories, especially for spinning cotton. He was also the mayor of Bolton, a town in England.
Benjamin Dobson led a company called Dobson & Barlow. This company was started way back in 1790 by his great-great-uncle, Isaac Dobson.
Early Life and Family
Benjamin Dobson was born on October 27, 1847, in Douglas, Isle of Man. He went to school at Carlisle Grammar School and the Collegiate Institute, Belfast.
His first job was with a railway company. But in 1869, he moved to England to join his family's business, Dobson & Barlow.
Benjamin married Coralie Palin (1852–1904). In 1895, Coralie made history! She became the very first woman to wear the official chain and badge as the Mayoress of Bolton.
They built a big house called "Doffcockers" in Bolton. When Benjamin was made a knight in 1897, he threw a huge party there for 1,000 guests. The house even had a fun model railway in its large gardens!
Benjamin Dobson's Career
Benjamin Dobson became a partner at Dobson & Barlow in 1871. He traveled all over the world for his business. He visited places like Europe, Egypt, India, Japan, Canada, and the United States. In 1890, he even went to Turkey to see his company's machines working in a cotton factory.
Benjamin was also an inventor! He created 22 different patents for new ideas and machines. He wrote books about the textile industry too, like Humidity in Cotton Spinning and Some difficulties in cotton spinning. He also wrote about Electric Welding and On the artificial lighting of workshops.
He was a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers from 1871 until he passed away.
Benjamin Dobson was chosen to be the Mayor of Bolton for four years, from 1894 to 1898. He was still the mayor when he died. He also served in the military, in a group called the Bolton Rifles. He became a Lieutenant colonel and received an award for his 20 years of service.
Benjamin Dobson passed away on March 4, 1898, at the age of 50. He is buried at St Peter's Church, Bolton.
Honours and Legacy
Benjamin Dobson received a special award from France in 1878. It was called the Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur. He got this award for helping French industries.
He was made a knight on August 9, 1897. This is why he is known as Sir Benjamin Alfred Dobson.
Today, you can find a statue of Sir Benjamin Dobson next to Bolton Town Hall. It was made by an artist named John Cassidy.
