1871 Census - 9 Church Street, Barrowford, 11 YO, born Gargrave, Yorkshire. Household of William Pickles (61), head, Farmer of 14 acres of land, born Barrowford, Yorkshire; and Mary Pickles (56), housewife, born Trawden, Lancashire.

One-and-a-half in 1861 Census, Lock House, Gargrave.

William left Gargrave for Barrowford. He was 12 years old. This was to live with an uncle. About 1888, William started farming at Causeway Farm, Barrowford. He was the fourth William Pickles to farm there. Ellen did not want to move but her husband had a desire to farm. William was a man of medium height. He was broad-shouldered, strong and handsome, with a fresh complexion which he passed on to both his sons. He was to work Causeway Farm for some years as a manager. Then, because he was thrifty and successful, he purchased Trough Laithe Farm on Wheatley Lane Road, Barrowford. William was to become a well-known farmer. He was a breeder and exhibitor of prize cattle and a principal judge at cattle shows throughout the north of England.

Trough Laithe was a mixed farm, with dairying, sheep rearing and grain growing. Wealthier neighbours would often ask William to go to market to buy on their behalf.