Joseph 'Pilot' Jackson of Goole, Yorkshire
Goole History > Goole People & Families> Joseph Jackson ('Pilot' Jackson)
From the Goole Times, Friday, 19th April 1901:
DEATH OF GOOLE PILOT
Mr J. Jackson, a well known Goole pilot, died on Sunday at the residence of his son, Mr J. Jackson, Marshfield Road. Deceased, who was 73 years of age, was a native of Goole, had been connected with shipping all his life, and was one of the best known figures in the town and port, and indeed upon the river.
He commenced his sea-going life as cabin boy on the brig, afterwards
schooner, Barnsley, in November 1840. After that he was
apprenticed, serving his time in Mr Fletcher's wheat trade from
London to Goole, in which thirteen vessels were engaged. On the
completion of his indentures he served two years as seaman, and
four years as mate, on various sailing ships. Then for twenty-four
years he sailed as master out of the Ouse port, after which he
was for seventeen years a Humber and Ouse branch pilot.
The old pilot's earliest memories of the port go back to the year
when he joined the Barnsley. The boat used to lay in
the Dutch River, with her stern made fast to the old wooden bridge,
her head being fastened by means of her anchor. She used to take
in part of her cargo there from the lighters that came from Sheffield,
and then go into Willow Tree Roads, opposite Bennett's Jetty,
to finish loading.
Goole at that time was populated by comparatively few inhabitants,
all living in the old portion of the town. He remembered the houses
from the Lowther Hotel, along East Parade, North Street, and Aire
Street, being built, while Boothferry Road consisted of the three
houses that stand back near the Market Hall. At this date there
was very little dock accommodation. The old pilot could of course
remember the Germany Dock (Ouse Dock) being built.
From 1846 to 1847, and later, the condition of the river was bad.
It was no uncommon occurrence for vessels drawing 11 ft. 6 in.
to be "neaped" at Goole for three or four days, while
on some occasions vessels were delayed for five days through bad
tides and fog.
Mr Jackson leaves eleven children to mourn his loss.
N.B. He was buried in Hook Road Cemetery, Goole, with his
wife Martha who predeceased him.