Story
Robert Hicks was born in Aberford in 1856, and was the first son of John Hicks (1827-1915) and Maria Taylor (1834-1912), who had married in Leeds on 4th November 1855. The family initially lived in Brierlands, Garforth, and then moved to Stourton. Around 1880, Robert moved to York working as a Fireman, and whilst there he lodged with his uncle James Hicks, who was working with confectionary. In 1881, Robert married Ann Cook (1863-1951), who was from Bilbrough, York, and they had 3 children in York, before moving to 29 Mayflower Street, Rothwell around 1888, where he worked as an Engineman on steam canal boats, likely transporting coal from the Rothwell Collieries in which his father and brothers were working. Around 1893, Robert Hicks started working as a coal miner at Peckfield Colliery, after moving to 47 Crescent, whilst his younger brother George Hicks and his family moved to 39 Crescent.
On Wednesday 29th April 1896, Robert had been on night duty, and had left the pit at 6:20am, and reported that everything was alright in the pit at the time he left. With his brother George injured in the explosion, Robert was quickly back at the pit, volunteering for the rescue parties. He stated to a journalist that he had no idea of such a terrible thing occurring. George Hicks was amongst the first group of miners to be taken up in the lift, as his burns were severe. Robert was able to pour oil onto his brother’s face to help with the burns.
George recovered sufficiently to eventually resume work as the village postman, but was unable to ever resuming mining. Robert continued to live at 47 Crescent, and had 17 children with his wife, Ann. His eldest son Tom Hick (1884-1950) married Pauline Westerman (1890-1972), who was the daughter of Robert Westerman, who died in the disaster.
Robert passed away in 1926, and is buried in Micklefield with his wife Ann.
30th April 1896. The Peckfield Colliery Disaster at Micklefield 