Joseph 'Pilot' Jackson of Goole, Yorkshire

Goole history >Goole's people>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.