Thomas Pallister was the fourth child Thomas Pallister & Sarah Dodds born c1824 at Windlestone, Co Durham.
In 1841 Thomas was still living at home with his parents at Windlestone, Co Durham where his father was a gamekeeper. John was working as a joiner’s apprentice.
Thomas’ family had moved to Middridge, Shildon, Co Durham by 1851 & Thomas was still living at home & working as a shoemaker journeyman. Living with the family at that time was William Hodgson (22), also a journeyman shoemaker.
Thomas married Margaret Hodgson on May 23rd, 1858 at Shildon. Margaret was born c1822, in West Thickley, Shildon, the daughter of Ralph Hodgson.
In 1861 Thomas & Margaret were living at Middridge next door to the cordwainer’s shop & Thomas was described as a publican & boot & shoe maker.
They were still living in Middridge in 1871 & Thomas was now a master shoemaker employing one man. Living with them was Margaret’s widowed mother, Mary Hodgson, who was widowed & described as formerly farmer’s wife. Also lodging with them was James Ridley, a shoemaker born in Windlestone.
Thomas & Margaret appear to have had no children & the 1881 census shows them still in Middridge & Thomas was still a shoemaker. With them was a 20 year old niece, Hannah Hodgson & a 10 year old niece, Mary Allison. James Ridley was still lodging with Thomas.
Margaraet & Thomas were living at 40 Middridge Village in 1891 & Thomas had the same trade. Niece Mary Allison was still living with them as was James Ridley & there was also a 4 year old grandson, Ralph H Allison.
Margaret died aged 78 in Jan-March 1900, her death being registered in Darlington, Co Durham & was buried on February 15th, 1900 in Shildon.
By 1901 widowed Thomas had moved to Heighington, near Darlington, & was living on his own & still working as a boot & shoe maker with his own account at the age of 76.
Thomas died in April-June 1903 aged 80, his death being registered in Darlington.