Hi Ticker, I too am descended from Richard Hook and Esther Pickering, a ggg granddaughter. Richard was the son of Matthew Hook and Mary Higgins, nee Taylor, who were married on 6 October 1779 in Westbury-on Severn. Matthew was buried on Feb 8, 1809 in Tibberton, aged 60. He was a yeoman farmer. I have yet to find his baptism, in abour 1749. His brother was Richard Hook of Lydney, who married Hannah Wade 31 March 1778 in Lydney. He died in 1820. Richard Hook, who married Esther Pickering, was baptised March 27 1781 in Tibberton and Married Esther on June 29 1806. Their children were Edwin, who died as infant in 1807, Richard, b. 1808 who died in America, Charles, born 1809, Ann, born 1811, who married William Huxley, Mary, born 1813, who married Mr. Workman, James, bapt. 28 Aug 1814 and Matthew, born 22 Oct 1815 in Westbury-on Severn, my 2-gt grandfather. I've got more info. on Esther etc. if you want it.
Kay Williams