Ion, J

Joseph Stephenson Ion was born in Hull around 1829. In the 1861 census he was living in Sculcoates and married to his wife Mary. His occupation is listed as a musician. In 1862 he was advertising himself as a cab proprietor and was operating at least one omnibus, which had been involved in a fatal accident at Welton. By 1867 Joseph was advertising himself as a bus proprieter at Hessle road, hiring hearse and coaches. In 1878 he was adevrtising himself as an undertaker and carriage proprietor.

Joseph Ion had at least one omnibus service, from the pier to Newland which competed with George Branton for customers on George Branton's pier to Stepney run where the two routes ran together - two drivers were accused on racing each other in 1873. Joseph Ion's operation was probably smaller than George Branton's as he reported in February 1881 that George Branton's operation had been purchased by the Hull Omnibus and Carriage Company where as he had ceased operation.

No indication has been found that Joseph Ion had a significant carriage building business. He is listed in the 1881 census as a retired coach proprietor. Joseph died in 1888, shortly after his wife Mary.

Ion J.
File:ION.001.jpg
	Source	(Smith)
	Filename	ION.001
	Value	0
	Add Desc.	J. ION CARRIAGE BUILDER
	Size (mm)	27 x 20
	Manufacture	Brass
	Notes	Example in Hull Museums