Daniel Pickens Diary
Vol. I
Diary of Daniel Pickens
VOL. I
March 26th 1852 – March 25th 1859
Preface
Daniel M. Pickens, was born in Buffalo, Erie co. N. Y., 8 Sept. 1826. His father was William Howland Pickens., His mother was said to have been Mary Jane Smith, however, his obituary gives the name of Flora. Daniel’s mother died when he was young, his father may then have married a second time, accounting for the name of Mary Jane Smith. Further research should help to solve these difficulties.
He married Lucy (Janett) Jeanette Eddy, daughter of Ezekiel Eddy and Mary Fisk, of Vermont. They were married 7 Feb. 1849, in Buffalo, Erie Co., N. Y. by Josiah Smith, Esquire.
Mary Jane, their first child, was born in N. Y. presumably Buffalo, Erie Co. The diary of Daniel then explains some of the movements which brought their families to the budding west.
Mary Pickens, of Ill. Wrote in pages, titled DOZENS of COUSINS, Descendants of Thomas Pickens and Margaret Steele
“According to tradition, and I quote from al letter written by John Pickens to his son John Pickens in Boston: Of the father’s side, my grandfather, Thomas Pickens – the s was added in the United States, with his wife, maiden name Margaret Steele or Steel and their children, wiz, Jane and twins Andres and James about two years old, immigrated to America 1717, a year more or less and landed at Boston from a rough and tedious journey of 11 weeks. They lived in the little town of Milton, then to Freeton, soon after settled in the southwest part of Middleboro on land which their children will inherit” end of quote, This letter was copied from a day book almost 100 years old and is owned by Mildred Westgate of Middleboro, a descendant. She loaned it to me and is copied in full in notes and comments of this book.
He came from a town called Bally-Cully in Coleraine in the north of Ireland. A scrap of paper imprinted Brocton was given to George A. Kingland reads “John Pickens and Margaret Style (?) came from Scotland, went to Ireland married in Dublin and came to America, had four sons, John, James, Andrew and Thomas; two girls, Margaret and Grizzelda. We make no comment on these differences.”
Other records including his own signature carry out the proof that his name was Thomas and her name was Steele. The list of children leaves out Jane who the eldest and Martha, Thomas’s twin: also Grizzelda was not listed in the letter of John above. We have the church records of the baptism of the twins Martha and Thomas; June 4 11, 1721. Also land records and church records available state he was one of twelve men to establish a church in 1723 in Middleboro. Middleboro History page 460.
Summer Hinds says “I would not be surprised if the family burial plot was on the John Pickens farm where Zattu and Zacheus were buried. Maybe also Margaret Steele and one or more daughters. We visited this cemetery in 1964.
Thomas Pickens bought land of Barnabas Eaton Dec 26, 1732 and on this deed we have the actual signature. The date of Thomas’s death is generally given about May 5, 1739. This is nearly correct as it was told he was annoyed by a question of a deed he had purchased or was about to purchase and that he walked from Middleboro to Boston. There he became ill and died. The cemetery still stands but written records are not available that far back. At one time May Nelson showed a news item, and he adds, written by someone who knew Thomas well, to Sumner Hinds and he quoted it from memory for Louise Pickens Tanner.
Andrew Pickens was administrator of the estate March 28, 1740. It is said the dispute arose over a gift of land to James on May 5, 1739 as it is signed by Thomas and then cosigned by two witnesses “Thomas now being deceased.” A later quite claim deed dated Jan. 4, 1747 says the heirs of Thomas Pickens late of Freetown namely Andrew Pickens, James Pickens, John and Jane McCully, and James and Martha Nichols of Newport and Margaret Pickens, quit claim to John Pickens and Thomas Pickens Jr. lands on which our two brothers now dwell. This seems to state that these two brothers perhaps lived with their mother until her death thought to be 1747 and then other heirs signed this deed as they had already received their portion.
A bible once owned by Thomas Pickens was among the possessions of August Canedy says Lucy King. She adds perhaps she is dead now, 1963. It was purchased in London 1719.
Thomas built the house in which his son James lived and with a few additions it housed the Pickens family for several generations. Counting sons, grandsons and son-in-laws, Thomas had 27 descendants in the Revolutionary War. Descendants faned out to Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.
Honorary mention of those who collected these records include George A King of Taunton, his daughter Lucy, Sumner Hinds of Providence, Rhode Island. May Nelson now deceased lent to Louise Pickens Tanner her records. Much material was found in Morrison, Strobridge and Morrison genealogy. Robert Randall Family and a recent publication of the Hathways of America. Each clue led us to a further research until it was thought to preserve these records in book form.
Contributors now living are Louise Pickens Tanner of Florida, Loren Pickens, Deitrich, Ill, Danna Pickens Wilton, Maine. Sadie Pickens of South Carolina. Others have added data here and there but the wealth of material is preserved by Louise Tanner.
In her search for Pickens History she was given many old news items, wedding, death and birth notices and even news descriptions of some of the old dwellings. She listed every source of her material including the dates when she visited cemeteries and libraries and has been a great help in affirming data questioned elsewhere.”
(End of Mary Pickens Writing)
There is also a great deal of information available on the Eddy families of America in a book of the Eddy’s written about the turn of the century. It picks up from Ezekiel Eddy and traces the family to a William Eddy, who was the Vicar of the Church of England. Many of the records are still existing which he wrote around. 1500.
Daniel and Lucy (Janett) Jeanette Eddy had four children, Mary Jane Pickens born 1 Jan 1851 in N. Y., William Ambrose Pickens born 12 Mar 1854, probably in Washington Co. Iowa. Ida Ann Pickens born 17 Nov 1857 in Brighton, Washington Co. Iowa and Wheeler Bernard Pickens, born 16 July 1861 in Brighton, Washington Co. Iowa.
Because of his wounds he was in the military hospital for 18 months *1.
One story told our side of the family is that Janett thought Daniel dead so remarried, when Daniel came home he found that she was married and with child.
She married, a “Lon” Streeter, who was suppose to have been a local minister. Daniel remarried Mary Jane
______
1)
See military pention and discharge letters. Hiatt Beedle. She was the daughter of John Hiatt Jr. and had married Abram Beedle.
Mary Jane and Abram had 4 children. A popular story which Ida Ann use to tell is that when they went to a little school that there were only two families, these children often teased each other but one day they all went to school and caused such a commotion and would not be quieted. When the teacher inquired as to the disturbances the children enthusiastically replied that their ma and pa had married and now they were all brothers and sisters.
Another story, and with current information revealed, more correct, was told me by Charlott Pickens of Arkansas. A granddaughter of William Ambrose Pickens.
According to her story, Daniel left his business in the hand of his partner, that partner ran up several bills and sold all he could before running off with the money. This left the family desolate and the money that Daniel was able to send back was not enough to help meet the expenses of his 4 children and wife.
A local minister and friend tried to assist, but as time went along, became over-involved and resulted in an affair between him and Janett. She was probably expecting by the time Daniel got home.
Mary Jane, being about 15 went with her mother to Minn. (Janett) *2 Jeanette, as she was known, had a brother in Minn. And apparently went to be near him, as I imagine there was somewhat of an awkward situation at home.
Israel Fisk Eddy married Delia Pickens, Daniels sister as his second wife. His first wife was Eliza Jane Fara. Delia was a nurse and cared for Israel’s wife as until she died.
Jeanette and Lon
______
2)
Daniel writes her name as Janett, elsewhere we see it as Jeanette. Streeter had two children, Laura “Helen?” *3 born 8 June 1865 in La Sauer, Minn. And Stephen Eddie Streeter, born 8 Mar 1870. (Lara) Laura is mentioned in a well of Alvin S. Eddy in 1911 as being in St. Louis Mo. And “Eddy” is in Omaha, Ne.) Jeanette Eddy Streeter is said to have died 1 Aug 1896, in Chatugua Co., N. Y. “Eddy” had was never married. Helen married 9 Dec 1916 to Gordon Ritche. *4
______
3)
See the probate records of Avin S. Eddy.
4)
According to notes in the possession of Charles Hoolbrook oflos Angeles, Ca. The notes belonged to Ida Ann Pickens and were signed Sis Ruby. Probably Reuby Eddy, sister to Janett Eddy.
5)
See obituaries of Charles and Jeanette. 19 Jan 1870. Etta M. *6 was born in 1875 in Sidney, Ia.
Jeannie and Charles apparently were taken with the measles, as reported in an obituary and after a long illness Jeannie died, 2 May 1888. Her brother grieved sorely for his most loved sister and fell to bad health due to grief 17 Aug 1889. *7 According to the obituary and a letter from a cousin, Mary Alice who tried to encourage him, they both were loved and dear to all who knew them. Etta married William McMullen 4 Mar 1894, we know nothing more of this family.
Daniel Pickens was active in many affairs of the area and quite loved and trusted. He was the trustee of the will of John Hiatt Jr., father of Mary Jane
______
6)
See marriage notice of Mary to McMullen.
7)
See letter of Mary Alice Pickens, dau of Orange S. Pickens)
Hiatt Pickens in 1887, Sidney, Ia.
Daniel Pickens diaries allow us a personal reflection of the mind and spirit of our grandfather and his love of life and those whom he met along the way. We can imagine the message that he would give us as his grandchildren if we were to have a chance to meet him today.
It is difficult enough to imagine those turbulent times, to have sacrificed so much, to have hoped and loved, and to have such a tragic separation. It was never apparent what he actually thought, no one is left, and Daniel did not write more that we know of. Yet we have never heard of a contrary word or tradition from these families. They must still have maintained some contact, however, as Daniels sister and Jeanette’s brother, Israel visited Daniel in 1875 on their way to Oregon. *8
______
8)
We have an idea though that the children perhaps through sharing and research we, as the family of Daniel, can trace more history and information.
Perhaps we could find more of the families and share with them, as perhaps they could share stories that they have heard.
If anyone knows of any pictures we would ask that we be allowed to make copies and share with the rest of the families.
SEE APPENDIX
(BELOW)
OBITUARY OF DANIEL
PICKENS
*9
Died – At the home of his son in Sidney, Iowa, January 30, 1897; Daniel Pickens aged 70 years 3 months and 22 days. Mr. Pickens was born in Chautauqua Co,
______
Of the first marriage never fully accepted their second family. I have never herd anyone speak of any of them.
9)
Sidney Argus or Tabor Beacon obituary, Fremont Co. Iowa. New York, September 8, 1826. He was the son of William H. and Flora Pickens. His mother died while he was a small boy. He grew to manhood in his native county and in 1849 was married to Jeannette Eddy. To this marriage there were four children born, two boys and two girls. In 1854 he settled in Washington county, Iowa, whither he was soon followed by his father and other members of the family. In 1862, Mr. Pickens enlisted in Co., E, 30 Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was an excellent soldier a brave and loyal man. He took part in the siege of Vicksburg and manfully bore his share of the hardships that memorable event. He was also at the battle of Lookout Mountain. He took part in 30 general engagements during his short service. He was wounded at Ringgold, Georgia, the bone being shot away below the knee in the left leg, and after he had fallen he was shot through, the other leg near the knee. He lay upon the field of battle from 9 o’clock in the morning until 3 o’clock in the afternoon. His wounds compelled him to remain in the hospital for eighteen months before he could be discharged.
Mr. Pickens was married second time in 1866 to Mrs. Beedle. To this union there were born three children on of whom is living, Mrs. Wm. McMullen. Mr. Pickens came to Fremont County in 1866, where he resided to the time of his death. He was a quiet, unassuming, hard working man, a man who was true to his friends and loyal to his country, a man who was universally respected by those who hew him best. All can unite in saying a good citizen and neighbor has gone from us.
______
Following information obtained by Ruby Hiatt Anderson, 11-21-1958, from the General Services Administration, National Archives and Records Service, Washington D. C.
SC 39397
WAR DEPARTMENT
Adjutant General’s
Office
Washington, Apr 7, 1887
Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of
Pensions
#39397
#61355
Ex 4-28-87
Daniel Pickens, a Private of Company “E”, 30 Regiment Iowa Inf, Volunteers, was enrolled on the 9 day of Aug, 1862, at Brighton for 3 years and is reported: on muster in roll dated Sept 23, 1862. present, Muster roll from date of muster in to October 31/62, absent sick in Hospt at St. Louis since Nov. 25/62, same to Aril 30/63.
May and June 1863, present. Same to Oct, 31/63. Nov and December 1863, absent, wounded in action at Taylors Ridge Ga. Nov, 27, 1863. (Co. was in action there and then.) Jan’y and Feb 1864 absent wounded since Nov. 27, 1863. now at Nashville Tenn. Same to April 30, 1864. absent sick at Brighton Iowa. Same to August 31, 1864. Sept and Oct. 1864, absent sick at Keokuk Iowa. Certificate of disability shows him discharged at Hospital – Keokuk Iowa December 12, 1864.
The records of this office furnish no additional evidence of disability.
STATE OF IOWA
County of Jefferson: v
On this 9” day of February A.D. One thousand eight hundred and sixty five, personally appeared before me County Judge within and for said County and State, Daniel Pickens aged thirty nine years, a resident of Brighton, Keokuk County, in the state of Iowa, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Daniel Pickens who enlisted in the service of the united states at Brighton, Keokuk County, Iowa. On the 9th day of August in the year 1862 as a Private in company “E” commanded by Joseph Smith a captain, in the 30th regiment of Iowa Volunteers Infantry in the war of 1861. and was honorably discharged on the 12th day of December, in the year 1964.
Thus while in the service aforesaid and in the line of his duty, he received the following wound; that he received a gunshot wound through his left leg. About four inches below the knee fracturing the bone, whilst engaged in battle at Ringold Georgia on the 27th day of November 1863. That since his discharge he has resided at Brighton Jefferson County, Iowa, and has been unable to engage in any occupation, but has been totally disabled and can do nothing towards earning a living, And D. P. Stubbs of Fairfield Iowa is hereby constituted and appointed my true and lawful attorney to pursecute this claim and to receive the certificate claimed.
My Post office address is Brighton, Keokuk County Iowa.
Signed Daniel Pickens
Also personally appeared William T. Burgess, and John A. Spielman residents of Fairfield Jefferson County Iowa.
Persons whom I certify are respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Daniel Pickens, sign his name to the foregoing declaration; And they further swear that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with him that he is the identical person he presents himself to be, and they further swear –
(If there is more it is missing)
ARMY OF THE UNITED
STATES
CERTIFICATE
OF DISABILITY FOR DISCHARGE.
Daniel Pickens Private of Captain Joseph Smith Company “E” of the Thirtieth Regiment of the United States Iowa Inft. was enlisted by w. T. Burges of the Regiment of ______at Brighton Iowa on the Ninth day of August 1862, to serve Three years; he was born in Chautaugue in the State of New York is Thirty six years of age, Five feet eight ½ inches high, Dark complexion, Hazel eyes, Dark hair and by occupation when enlisted a Sawyer. During the last two months, said soldier has been unfit for duty ___ days. _____