PICKARD, Henry - 1890 Bio (1853-1944)

PICKARD, BELL, GREEN, JONES, BRAY, GROVES, GATLIN, CLARRIDGE, BROWN

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/21/2007 at 20:14:09

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 204-206

Henry PICKARD, one of the prominent young farmers and representative citizens of Jefferson County, was born and reared in Penn Township, where he yet makes his home. His fine farm comprising one hundred and forty acres of arable land is situated on section 9, and has all the improvements and accessories of a nineteenth century home. We have no record of the origin of the family, but his paternal grandparents, Henry and Eleanor PICKARD, were natives of North Carolina, in which State their marriage was celebrated. They became residents of Iowa in 1844, locating in Lee County where their last days were spent.

William PICKARD, their son, and father of our subject, was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., in 1817, and was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads in that day, his educational advantages being limited to a few terms attendance at the district school of the neighborhood during the winter season. With the desire to make for himself a home and gain for himself a comfortable competence, he came to Iowa in 1839 and made a location on section 2, Penn Township, Jefferson County, which continued to be his home until his life on earth was ended. His cash capital on his arrival consisted of the munificent sum of $3 and his possessions were a light wagon and team, but indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and, as the result of unceasing activity, industry, economy and good management, he acquired a handsome property and became one of the substantial citizens of the community. He was widely and favorably known and any good work or enterprise was sure of his sanction and support. On the 1st of June, 1842, he wedded Mary J. BELL, who was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, February 3, 1818, and is the daughter of Alexander and Rebecca BELL, who removed with their family to Iowa in 1839. For some years they were residents of Penn Township, but were living in Grundy County, Mo., at the time of their deaths. Mr. BELL served under Jackson during the War of 1812. He was a farmer by occupation and was a member of the Society of Friends.

The PICKARD family were also belivers in the doctrines of that society and the marriage of the parents of our subject was performed in the Friends' Church in accordance with their rites. Shortly after their wedding was celebrated they returned to Indiana, but after eighteen months again came to Iowa and, purchasing land, began life in earlest in this then far Western Territory. The death of Mr. PICKARD occurred on the 16th of September, 1886, caused by being thrown from a horse. However, he lived to see his children all married and settled around him in comfortable homes. His wife, who is a most estimable lady, still survives him and is living with her son Henry. Like her husband, she had been a life-long member of the Friends Society. He was one of the most active workers in that church; served as Trustee for a quarter of a century and did everything in his power toward the advancement of its interests. The cause of education also found in him a friend and he was one of the founders of the Pleasant Plain Academy, of which he served as director for many years. He also filled a number of township offices, but never sought political preferment as he always found his time was well taken up with his business and church work. He first cast his ballot with the Whig party, then became a Freesoiler and, on the organization of the Republican party, joined its ranks. He was a successful business man and one of the most highly respected citizens of Jefferson County. Like her husband, Mrs. PICKARD has lived a truly consistent Christian life and made for herself many warm friends. The family of this worthy couple numbers the following children: Eleanor, wife of I. J. GREEN, of Freeport, Ohio; Rebecca, wife of Eli JONES, of Pleasant Plain; Ruth, wife of Sanford BRAY, of Blackhawk Township; Alexander married Miss F. R. GROVES, and is engaged in farming in Penn Township; Henry, whose name heads this sketch, is the next younger; Martha is the wife of William JONES; Aaron wedded Sina E. GATLIN, and is a farmer of Penn Township; James B., who married Ada May CLARRIDGE, lives on the old homestead.

In recording the sketch of Henry PICKARD, we present to our readers the life of a citizen of Penn Township whom many feel a deep interest in, for he was reared in their midst and his friends in the community are many. He was born on the PICKARD homestead, August 1, 1853, and the days of his boyhood and youth were spent in assisting his father in the labors of the farm and acquiring his education, which he obtained in the public schools and the Pleasant Plain Academy. On the 20th of December, 1877, he left the parental roof and was united in marriage with Miss Hattie E. BROWN, a native of Jefferson County. His father then gave him a farm and he settled down near the old home, beginning life in earnest. In 1844 he purchased his present home, where he has engaged in cultivating one hundred and forty acres of rich land and in feeding stock. He owns a fine imported Norman horse, and for the care of his stock has erected good barns and outbuildings. His home is a pleasant residence surrounded by noble shade trees and it has been blessed by two bright boys -- Hugh, born October 19, 1879; and Leonard W., born July 28, 1888.

Since casting his first Presidential vote for Gen. Grant, Mr. PICKARD has never swerved in his allegiance to the Republican party, but feels an active interest in its success and lends his support and influence for its advancement. He is always a member of the county conventions, has also been a candidate to the State Republican conventions and was twice in the judicial conventions. He held the office of Township Trustee for six consecutive years, at the end of which time he refused a renomination. His efficiency and ability are clearly indicated by his long service. Socially, he is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Pleasant Plain and his wife holds membership in the Presbyterian Church of that village. Those who know these worthy young people hold them in the highest esteem and their lives have been such as to merit the sincere regard of the community.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.