johnbibby42 on Family Tree Circles

I am researching the family of the famous statistician Karl Pearson. His mother, Fanny Smith, came from Hull.

It is said that her father was Thomas Smith (1782-1863) who "After sinking his father's ship he left Hull and came to London as a Thames pilot." (UCL archives)

I believe that Fanny was from Sculcoates and may have married William Pearson there c. 1855.

Clearly Smith is not the easiest name to trace - can anyone advise please how best to trace details of Thomas Smith and his family?

Thanks

JOHN BIBBY (York)