King Street Tobacconist Thomas Dixon, Died from Cancer of the Face, and His Wife Kate Dixon

Monument to Thomas and Kate Dixon, All Saints Churchyard, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"In ever loving memory of Thomas the dearly beloved and devoted husband of Kate Dixon who entered into rest January 25th 1913 aged 47 years - his end was peace - May he be numbered with thy saints in glory everlasting -

Also

Kate Dixon who fell asleep February 7th 1955 aged 92 years."

Thomas Dixon was born in Dartford Kent in 1866 to Thomas Dixon, a foreman in a tanning works, and his wife Louisa Wren.

In 1871 Thomas aged 6 is living with his parents and grandmother Elizabeth Dixon in Dartford Kent.  By 1881 Thomas, now a carman apprentice, is living with his family at No 1 Tanyard Cottages in Dartford Kent. In 1890 Thomas married Kate Richards in Keynsham Gloucester.

Kate Dixon was born Kate Richards on 27th February 1862 in Clifton, Gloucester, to James Richards, an innkeeper, and his wife Elizabeth Stinchcombe. Kate first appears on the 1871 Census living with her father James, who is listed as a widow, however Elizabeth is alive and well living with another man as his wife, and two of her elder siblings at The Ship Inn, 18 Wade Street, Bristol, Gloucester.

The Ship Inn, 18 Wade Street, Bristol,
Gloucester

In 1881 Kate is now living in Soundwell, Bristol, Gloucester, with both her parents as Elizabeth appears to have returned to the family home. Kate's occupation at the time is listed as a dressmaker.

The 1891 Census finds the newly wed Thomas and Kate living at 35 Spring Vale in Dartford.  Thomas's occupation is listed as a currier.  A currier is a specialist in the leather processing industry. After the tanning process, the currier applies techniques of dressing, finishing and colouring to the tanned hide to make it strong, flexible and waterproof.  The 7th July 1894 sees the birth of their only surviving child, a son, Horace.

Sometime before 1901 Thomas, Kate and Horace move to 72 King Street, Maidenhead Berkshire where Thomas is now a tobacconist and sub-postmaster.  1911, two years before Thomas's death, he is now a retired tobacconist living with his wife Kate and 16-year-old son Horace at 24 St Mark's Road, Maidenhead.  Horace is now a clerk for a local brewery.

Sadly, Thomas was to pass away on 25th January 1913 at the age of 47 from cancer. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on 29th January 1913:

"DEATH OF MR. THOS. DIXON. Many of our readers will bear with regret of the death of Mr. Thomas Dixon, of 21, Clare. road, Maidenhead, formerly sub-postmaster at the King-street post-office, where he also carried on the business of a tobacconist and newsagent for about sixteen years. He disposed of his business some three years ago. Mr. Dixon came to Maidenhead from Dartford, purchasing the King-street business from Mr. William Smith, a member of an old Maidenhead family, now a tradesman at Richmond. Mr. Dixon had been ill for about twelve months, suffering from cancer in the face. Operations at King Edward VII. Hospital, Windsor, were successful only in prolonging life. He was an in-patient for two months. and everything that surgical and medical skill could suggest was resorted to; the disease, however, was malignant, and it was soon too apparent that recovery was hopeless. Mr. Dixon passed away on Saturday last at the early ago of 47 years. Much sympathy is felt with Mrs. Dixon and her son, who have sustained an irreparable loss. The funeral will take place to-day (Wednesday), at 2.15, at All Saints', Boyne Hill."

Kate continued to live at 21 Clare Road and can be found there on the 1939 England and Wales Register. Kate was to pass away on 7th February 1955 in Maidenhead Berkshire.