Museum the New Llano Colony



Mary D. "Mother" Pickett

Birth: She was born around 1851 in Missouria [sic].  

Family Information: Her husband, John H. Pickett, had been a veteran of the Civil War; he had survived the war and been mustered out in February 1865, but she was listed as his widow in 1890.

Mother of George Pickett.

Grandmother of Gordon Pickett.

She was also survived by three other sons -- Charles, James and William who lived in Idaho. Two others had preceded her in death.

Description: Mrs. Pickett was always a favorite in the colony and was exceedingly well liked. She had an encouraging and happy word for everyone and was seldom seen without a warm smile of friendship and welcome.  

Pre-Colony History: In 1900 she was listed as a widow, living in Nebraska with her son, Charles.

In 1922 she and her grandson, Gordon, arrived in the colony to make their home. She had been one of the old California colonists.

Home in Colony: In 1930 she was listed as a boarder in the Emmaly Swenson home. In July 1930 she was living next door to the Ridgeway family and visited them often. Mr. Ridgeway and his wife felt honored at the privilege of "sitting and listening to her talk." They felt that she'd done a wonderful life work in teaching her son, George, to stand up and work for the new system that would help the poor and give them plenty.

Also at times she had lived with her son George, but the last three years of her life were spent in an apartment of her own in the colony which was made very comfortable by the constant presence of attendants and friends, especially her dear friend, Mrs. Turner, who was with her day and night.  

Job in Colony: In 1930 she was listed as retired on the US Census.  

Other Info:  

Post-Colony History:  

Death: She died at the age of 84 on January 27, 1935 at New Llano, Louisiana. At her death, she was surrounded by Mrs. George T. Pickett; her constant friend, nurse and companion Mrs. Turner; a number of other friends; and Dr. Talbot of Leesville. Her son George was away in Gila, New Mexico at the time.

Her funeral was held in the grove near her former home on Monday, June 28th at 3:30. Professor Brown gave a touching talk and two musical numbers were sung, the first a solo by Doc Williams, "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep," a favorite of Mrs. Pickett. The old hymn, "Lead Kindly Light" was then sung by a volunteer choir. At the graveside the choir sang "Now the Day is Over."  

Sources: 1890 Veterans Schedules; Nebraska Marriage Records: George T. Pickett; Washington Marriage Records: George T. Pickett; US Census: 1900, 1930; "Llano Colonist": September 16, 1922, July 26, 1930, February 9, 1935; Louisiana Statewide Death Index  

 


Clipping from the "Llano Colonist" dated February 9, 1935.

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