William (aka Edward) Dawson, Allestree, Derby

[mick lowry]

I am looking for info on William Dawson born abt 1809 in Allestree, Derby but
in the 1851 census is listed as a wheelwright foreman in Birmingham married to
Elizabeth Coxon who was also born in Allestree about 1820. By then they had 4 children. They married in Birmingham 1841.
I assume to be a wheelwright he would have had to have done an apprenticeship, round about 1825-30 probably in Allestree. From the Pigots
commercial directory for Allestree there is a listing for Thomas Woolley as Wheelwright, Allestree so i wonder if this is where he might have done his apprenticeship. Is there any way of finding out.
He may have been the illegitimate son of Dorothy Dawson, she had a William baptised 26 June 1808, Allestree, St. Edmund.
Any info would be gratefully appreciated, especially why he moved to Birmingham. Also any info on the Coxon family.

[Jan1954]

Hello Mick,

You may find this TNA research guide of interest - especially section 3.

[mick lowry]

Thanks Jan, i'll certainly have a look at that.