Thomas Collinson



Thomas Collinson, the son of James Collinson, was born at Yealand Conyers, Lancashire [12th March 1811].

He was an early member of the local Collinson family.

He was a Quaker.

He was apprenticed as a tea dealer at Satterthwaite's of Lancaster.

He moved to Halifax [18??].

He took over the business of John Harrison – tea and hop merchant, grocer – in Corn Market, Halifax. Harrison also sold bottled beer and porter. Soon after acquiring the business, Collinson – a Quaker – stopped selling beer and porter.

In 1835, he established T. Collinson & Sons Limited, tea blenders and coffee roasters.

In May 1835, he opened the Golden Canister Tea Warehouse at Corn Market, Halifax. He sold

black and green teas, coffees, refined sugars, spices and hops

He retired from business in 1876 after 41 years and retired in favour of his sons Joseph and Edward.

He was for many years a teacher in the Friends Adult School.

The business was still at 4 Corn Market [1886].

He was an Alderman for South Ward [1861, 1866, 1871].

He married Mary Simpson? [1817-1879] from Crosthwaite, Westmorland, sister of Joseph Simpson.

Children:

  1. Mary Hannah [b 1837] who was a pupil at District Friends  School, Ackworth [1851] & married Milner Leicester
  2. Agnes [1839-1860]
  3. Thomas
  4. Joseph
  5. James Alfred [b 1847] who was a pupil at District  Friends School, Ackworth [1861]
  6. Edward
  7. John William
  8. Annie [b 1854]
  9. Ellen [b 1856]
  10. George

In 1841, Thomas was living with Joshua Smithson [aged 23] (tea dealer) at Fountain Street, Halifax.

The family lived at

Living with them [in 1851] was brother-in-law, William Simpson [aged 22] (tailor & draper).

Living with them [in 1861] were nephew William Collinson [aged 23] (cotton spinner).

He died 17th February 1887.

Thomas was buried at the Quaker Burial Ground, Halifax



© Malcolm Bull 2022
Revised 17:48 / 5th May 2022 / 5122

Page Ref: X585

search tips advanced search
site search by freefind