#10604, Horace Spurling DAWSON

Horace's parents were John Dawson (who inherited Stratton Hall from his father Joseph), born 8th December 1811 and died 1887 both in Suffolk, and Jane Spurling of Starston born 1820 and died 1865, both in Suffolk. They had married in Hoxne in 1843 and had 12 children.

John's younger brother William was a Miller in Levington and William's son Alfred (who had a daughter - Freda Florence - was the founder of Alfred Dawson & Co (Rushmere). This company were road engineers and ploughmen having altogether 37 traction engines and rollers. Two ploughing engines were sold to A H Cobbold of Claydon in the 1900s and two more in 1931. One of Horace's sisters was married to Ernest Leslie Ransome of the famous Suffolk engineering family.

Of passing interest, the Trust has a passbook issued by Bacon, Cobbold, Tollemache & Coy. to Mrs Amelia Jessie Spurling with entries dated 1894 - 1896. Tucked within is a visiting card bearing the name of Mr J H F Spurling. Entries in the pass book show frequent payments of around £5 in cash to JHFS.

Horace is buried with his wife in the Dawson family grave in a corner of Bucklesham Church.

Probate was proved 10/2/1928 in Ipswich.  The beneficiaries were Noel John Dawson, Architect; Eustace Mason, Merchant and John Harold Dawson, Farmer.