Dorothy was a born Dorothy Scift. The surname is most unusual and only two families were found living in North Devon during the period under consideration. The surname has a number of different spellings including Sciff, Sciffe, Skiffe, Skiph and Skift. It would appear as though Dorothy was born on 20 March 1658 at Barnstaple Devon. Dorothy's father was named Cornelous Skiffe. Dorothy married John Rickard on 2 July 1691 at Barnstaple in Devon.
Following their marriage it would appear as though they moved back to St. Columb Minor where they proceeded to have eight children:
1. Margery, christened Friday 23 October 1693 St Columb Minor Cornwall
2. John, christened Thursday 24 February 1695 St Columb Minor Cornwall
3. Grace christened Thursday 2 April 1699 St Columb Minor Cornwall
4. Richard, christened Friday 22 December 1702 St Columb Minor Cornwall
5. Richard, christened around 1703 St. Columb Minor Cornwall
6. William christened Wednesday 2 January 1704 St Columb Minor, Cornwall
7. Dorothy christened Friday 10 September 1706 St Columb Minor Cornwall
8. Thomas christened Friday 11 February 1707 St Columb Minor Cornwall
9. Dorathy christened Friday 3 April 1711 St Columb Minor Cornwall
Dorothy's religion was Church of England and her occupation was home duties. In some records "Dorothy" is also spelt "Dorethy", "Dorathy" or "Dorathay". Dorothy was buried on 28 March 1739 at St. Columb Minor Cornwall England. A search of the cemetery in June 2007 failed to identify physical evidence (gravestone) of her last resting place.
Yet to be confirmed are the details of Dorothy's brothers and sisters. At this stage the following appear to be her siblings: Dorothy born 16 April 1654 Barnstaple Devon, England; Cornelious born 1 April 1656 Barnstaple Devon, England; and Josua born 16 November 1660.
