Norman Charles Cookson, of Cookson and Co
1842 Born on Benbecula son of William and Jane Ann Cookson[1]
1871 Lead manufacturer, living in Byker, with his brother George Cookson [2]
1887 "NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership which has for some time past been carried on by us the undersigned, William Isaac Cookson, John Cookson, Norman Charles Cookson, and George John Cookson, under the style or firm of Cookson and Co., at Bankchambers, Sandhill, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Howdon Smelting Works, Howdon-on-Tyne, Willington Quay Antimony and Venetian Red Works, Willington Quay-on-Tyne and Hay Hole Lead Works, Northumberland Dock-on-Tyne, as Lead Merchants, Lead Smelters, and Lead Manufacturers, Antimony Refiners, and Venetian Red Makers, was this day dissolved, by mutual consent, so far as regards the said John Cookson only; the said businesses being in future carried on by the said William Isaac Cookson, Norman Charles Cookson, and George John Cookson as heretofore, under the said style or firm of Cookson and Co."[3]
Charles Parsons formed a small company (presumably the Marine Steam Turbine Co in 1894) to investigate the application of the turbine to the propulsion of vessels; it consisted of Lord Rosse (Sir Charles' brother), Gerald Stoney, Mr. J. B. Simpson, Mr. Christopher Leyland, Mr. Norman Cookson, Mr. Campbell Swinton and others.[4]
1901 Lead manufacturer and coal owner living in Wylam, with Phoebe Cookson 47, Harold Cookson 24, Lead manufacturer, Clive Cookson 21, Lead manufacturer, and Kenneth Cookson 19, student[5]
1909 Lead manufacturer of Newcastle and Wylam. Death of Norman Cookson, head of Cookson and Co, who had succeeded his father in that position; had displayed a scientific approach to his business; had been responsible for the development of processes for refining lead and antimony, and for extracting silver and gold from lead[6].
1909 Died. Probate to Bryan Cookson and Harold Cookson, esquires, Clive Cookson, and Kenneth Cookson, lead manufacturers[7]
1909 Obituary [8]
NORMAN CHARLES COOKSON, a Vice-President of the Institute of Metals, died at his residence, Oakwood, Wylam, Northumberland, on May 15, 1909.
Born in 1841, he was the eldest son of the late Mr. William Isaac Cookson, of Worksop Manor, Nottinghamshire. Mr. Cookson received his school education at Harrow. Throughout his career he showed a keen interest in scientific matters.
He was head of the firm of Cookson & Co., lead and antimony smelters, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and was closely connected with coal and lead milling interests in the North of England and elsewhere. In addition, he was interested in silver mines in South America, and was connected with the development of many of the processes employed in the refining of lead and antimony and the extraction of silver and gold.
In commercial life he was most energetic and capable ; his knowledge of science was varied and extensive; his practical interest in and care for the workmen in his employ resulted in many provisions for their protection and old age. His principal recreation was orchid-growing, and his house at Wylam was well known to orchid-growers in all parts of the country.
He joined the Institute of Metals on its foundation in 1908, was chosen a member of the first Council, and elected a Vice-President in January 1909. His interest in the movement which led to the formation of the Institute was unflagging, and his death involves a great loss.