Joseph was born 27 January 1853 of Joseph Lowes and Thomasin Elliott Thompson, at Monkwearmouth Shore. He was educated at the Gainford School. He left school in 1868 to start his apprenticeship in the Thompson yard. Upon his father's retirement in 1875, operation of the firm was turned over to Robert, Joseph Lowes, and Charles Elliot. Joseph married Mary Ann Dickinson in 1878 at Sunderland. Around 1890, the firm, in conjunction with Mr. John Dickinson of the Palmers Hill Engine Works, obtained the Monk Street Engine Works, and converted it into a brass and

metal foundry. In 1891, Mr. James Marr was the General Manager of the firm, while the works in the yard were entrusted to Mr. Peter Phorson Jr., works manager. In 1893 Joseph Lowes retired from daily participation in the firms management due to failing health. He donated £500 which allowed the old Dundas Street Chapel and School to be converted into a Men's Institute, and was honored by having the front part of the building (the Chapel) named the Thompson Memorial Hall. He died before the conversion was completed. This building later became the Monkwearmouth Methodist Church, which operated until 1980. Joseph Lowes died 28 November 1903, at age 50.

Summary of the Will of Mary Ann Thompson of Westholm Hall, Winston on Tees, County Durham 1854 - 1937       Dated 11 May 1936 (Mary Ann left £10,458 10s 9d)   Trustee and Executrix: Daughter, Nora Curtis   Daughter: Nora Curtis All real and personal property whatsoever.   Each female servant £5 per year of service with maximum of £100.   Each male servant £10 per year of service with maximum of £100.

	IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOHN DICKINSON THOMPSON ONLY CHILD OF JOSEPH & MARY A. THOMPSON BORN 19TH NOV. 1882 DIED 16TH SEP. 1887 ALSO MARY, BELOVED DAUGHTER BORN 26TH JUNE 1889 DIED 6TH JULY 1892 ALSO THE ABOVE JOSEPH L. THOMPSON BORN 27TH JAN. 1853 DIED 28TH NOV. 1903 ALSO THE ABOVE MARY ANN THOMPSON BORN 15TH MAY 1854 DIED 7TH JULY 1937
Monkwearmouth MERE KNOLLS CEMETERY PHOTOS BY T.G. WHITE