Thomson, Benjamin Black

Private Benjamin Black Thomson

was born in Fort Meade, Polk, Florida, USA on 27th August 1891 (Ancestry family tree) to Isabela Lyle Thomson.

In 1901, Benjamin (10) is living with his mother and 2 siblings; Catherine Olive (9) and Hugh Lyle (4) and a servant, Jane Wray are also present in the property. His grandfather, John Oliver Horner, his uncle, John Lyle Horner and an aunt, Lizzie Alexandra Horner are also present. J O Horner is the Head of Family.

Benjamin would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1908. His grandfather, J O Horner, Merchant of Main Street, Limavady signed the Bankers Guarantee. Benjamin is recorded as working in Ballymena branch.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Ballymena branch

In 1911 he is boarding with the McKeown family in house 18, Scotch Street, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone. The property is described on the census as a 'private dwelling, Temperance Hotel'. It has 3 other boarders and 4 servants also in residence. Benjamin's occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk.  

Benjamin's mother and brother, Hugh Lyle Thomson (14) are living in house 5, Salisbury Terrace, Portrush, Co. Antrim.

On 4th September 1914 Benjamin volunteered and enlisted into the (North Belfast) Royal Irish Rifles with Service Number 13733 or 3733. There is no further evidence of his army career.

Army Attestation Form - signed 4th September 1914

Ancestry records a Benjamin B Thomson sailing on the 'Orontes' from London to Australia on 3th June 1915. His occupation is recorded as a Clerk.

A 1917 Electoral Roll is held on Ancestry for Swan, Katanning, Australia recording Benjamin Black Thomson, National Bank with his wife, Edith Maud Thomson (nee King). 

Benjamin's mother, Isabela Thomson, aged 52, died at Portrush on 23rd June 1921.

There is no available evidence of Benjamin returning to Northern Ireland although a Benjamin Black Thomson died on 28th January 1959 and is buried in Ballywillan Cemetery, Portrush.