Richard Pickard Tree

Richard Pickard can be traced via census records from his birth in 1834 to his death at age 80 in 1914. In 1841 (aged 7) he was living in Bellasize, Newland, near Howden with his parents and sisters Sarah, Ann and Ellen. His elder sister Mary was then working nearby as an agricultural labourer aged 14. In 1851, aged 17, he was working as a farm labourer in the township of Belby to the east of Howden. Also working there was William Fowler (aged 27) who would marry Richard's sister Elizabeth in 1852.

Above: 1851 Census record showing Richard Pickard & William Fowler working at the farm of John Walker in Belby.

Richard married Sarah Ann Hunt in Seaton Ross on 16th April 1856, where it would appear he briefly resided as his eldest daughter Sarah Elizabeth was born there in the same year. His first Son Thomas George was born in Eastrington, where Richard and his Wife are recorded in the 1861 census. Richard's Father George is also living close by with his Wife Elizabeth and youngest daughter Rebecca (born 1848). Richard and his wife Sarah Ann had three sons before her death in 1867 - Thomas and William (both born in Eastrington) and the curiously named Jewitt. Richard clearly moved again before the death of his first wife as Son Jewitt was born in Goole in 1865. The 1871 census records Richard with a new wife Elizabeth and 9-week old son Henry. Richard is now employed as Lock Keeper and living at Lock Houses. The Goole Docks records there were only 3 locks in existence in 1871 so we can assume Richard was in charge of one of these. A fourth lock (Victoria lock) was opened in 1888 to cope with larger vessels entering the port.

Richard Pickard is still living at Lock Houses on 3rd April 1881 with two further children, Charles and Hannah, but has now progressed to the position of Boat Inspector. Ten years later, aged 57, Richard has moved to High Lock House and is now employed as 'Inspector of Pass Ports (boats)' [literal transcription from the census]. Son Henry Pickard is employed as a Clerk but still living at home in 1891. Richard's youngest daughter Annie Marie is now also shown on the census and continued to reside with her parents until at least 1901 when she appeared as a dressmaker living at home. The census of 31st March 1901 (the latest available) shows Richard Pickard is still working at Goole Docks at the aged of 67, where he is now a 'Boat Inspector'.

Richard's death at age 80 was registered in Goole in the 3rd quarter of 1914.