Many thanks for your reply to my message, I have been very lucky to find willing helpers!
I am reading through your research and will quote as I go through.
1. Mary born 1853 is our Mary, daughter of Margaret Pearson. We are now assuming that this Mary is the only child Margaret had, there are no more on any of the census', however in a letter from her father to sister Sarah, he mentions Margaret and the little ones in 1874 - assume he is talking about someone else.
2. The 3 other couples registered at Askham - are they related to John Pearson do you think? There seem to be hundreds of Pearsons! I think the Uncle Richard referred to later is his brother, both born Great Strickland Westmorland?
3. 1901 Reference to Robert Lacklison - he is not a child of John and Mary Lacklison is he? There have been a couple of mentions of Robert, and going to Canada and joining the Canadian Army. Robinson was possibly called Bob, and we have a photo of him, have found his death in England, so presume he stayed in England, but visited Australia at some stage. I cant tie Robert into this family - any clues?
4. Who is John I. Lacklison - 1901 census 21 years old
5. Yes, our John Pearson died 1876, wife Mary died before him, January 1875, both at Askham
6. 1891 census James Pearson is only son of John and Mary to remain in England. 4 children correct. His son James emigrated to America, the other 3 stayed in England. I would love to know when Mary E. died. Her father James died in 1919, and she was very sick around this time.
I think we have Barbara sorted out, married William Taylor 1870, had illegitimate daughter Sarah 5 years earlier, who married a Mounsey (same name as Thomas was with in 1851)
I have found where Thomas Pearson married in England in 1955 to Alice Barrow, before they emigrated. Had a daughter Mary born 1857. Also a son John, and I cant find him anywhere there, or here. Born by 1861.
Looking at shipping and we have worked out Sarah and William 1864 on the Tudor, Jane on the Hydrabad 1869, Robert and Richard with a number of Pearsons, including an Alice and infant Mary in 1860, and 2 Johns - Sov of the Seas. Wondering if one is son John, and one brother John, with incorrect ages, or is it brothers John and Thomas, incorrectly named, and ages. Alice's age is a few years out, not unusual? A Mathew is listed in 1857 and Thomas 1858 and 1859 I think it was. Did Thomas come out and then send for his wife and child (children) or was it him on the boat, Sovereign of the Seas 1860?
All brothers with exception of Thomas either married in Australia or didnt marry at all. Death certificates for the Pearson brothers indicate they emigrated between 1858 and 1860.
Many thanks again for your help