1312. Notes and Origins Pickens or PICKEN
This is a working/research database and may contain errors. Pleaseevaluate the information and sources carefully as much of it issecondary. You will want to consider it a starting point, and confirm thedata with additional resesarch. Corrections/additions are welcome and areearnestly solicited. 'Abt' dates and 'in/of' places are best-guessestimates for reference purposes. This information is a joint effort, andthe information contained herein is the property of those who havecontributed it. This data is to be used for private research only.
Copyright restrictions may apply.
Terry (Pickens) McLean
email: calgrups@netscape.netNOTE: "FILE: Enc #___" refers to personal record system of Terry McLean.
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SOME NOTES ON THE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF THE PICKENS FAMILY:
======================================================================It appears that the PICKEN/PICKENS in America all come from Ireland andScotland. Early immigrants settled on the eastern shore, and manymigrated south. These seem to have come from the Ulster region ofIreland, but their origins are almost certainly in Scotland. These arethe lines that Rev. Sharp researched and published in his works.
In later years, we find some PICKEN families who came directly fromScotland and settled in the midwestern states of Illinois. I belive wewill find they
originate from the same families in Scotland as the southern lines.Family names, as well as the names of families they emigrated with andintermarried with, seem to be similar in most cases.
There is a very prolific line of PICKENS who lived in the area ofVirginia that ultimately became West Virginia. We also find many of theirline in Ohio in early years. These early families also share names andfamily affiliation that are familiar to the Southern descendants.Coincidence? Probably not - but the link is yet to be found. No doubtthey are descendants or relatives of the groups that came early intoPennsylvania, and migrated into Virginia in the early to mid 1700s.
Then there is the Iowa branch, the early New York, and theMassachusetts lines.
Where did these all come from? What is their connection with each other?Questions yet to be answered.
Correspondence I have had with PICKEN researchers and family members inIreland and Scotland indicate the PICKEN name is not among the mostcommon. Furthermore, they seem to have their origins in the Ayrshireregion in Scotland, which is consistent with the 'tradition' that theSouthern PICKENS families have held for a long time.
Hopefully before too many more years have passed, we will find thelinks to Ireland, and from there, into Scotland, and put all our familypuzzle pieces together.
Back in the Americas, in later years we find more families whoseconnections are lost to us. Many of the Indian and African American linesare yet to be linked to their progenitors. We are making some progress,but there is still much to be done. The continuing work of so many, whogenerously share and help each other, has helped to fill in many gaps.Some of it is documented as new civil and family records becomeavailable. Some is 'gut feeling' and we are working on trying to turnthose feelings into fact. Some is speculation, and we are trying to sortout and identify those connections as just that - speculation. But wefeel it is necessary to include them, in the hopes somewhere there itwill be the scrap that a researcher needs to make sense of a foundrecord, and ultimately can confirm or disprove a connection. Every littlescrap is collected and submitted, and we hope it will aid us ineventually putting more of the puzzle pieces together. We all know it isan unending process.
In the meantime, the search continues. Thanks to all who are so willingto help.
Terry McLean
for THE PICKENS GENEALOGY INFORMATION GROUP======================================================================
THE FRENCH TRADITION
Rev. Eron M. Sharp, in PICKENS FAMILIES OF THE SOUTH (author, Memphis TN,1963), wrote in his introductory remarks the following about the 'FrenchTradition'.
"General Andrew PICKENS inhis letter to General LEE in 1811 *** madethe following statement: "My father and mother came from Ireland. Myfather's progenitors emigrated from France after the revocation of theEdict of Nantes."
There seems to be some support for the claim that one Robert PICON, ascotchman or Briton at the court of France was a Protestant who fledfromScotland in 1661 to avoide persecution of Charles II. He may havegone to France in the days when there was a close alliance betweenScotland and France. In France he is said to have married Madam JeanBONNEAU, also a Protestant. They fled France after the revocation of theEdict of Nantes by Louis XIV in 1685....Tradition continues that theywent to Scotland, later to North Ireland. There they ...found bloodkinsmen of the PICKEN family..."
"...Miss Eliza PICKENS, great granddaughter of General Andrew PICKENSin a paper prepared for the D.A.R. said: '...the PICKENS were FrenchHuguenots and left France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes byLouis XIV in 1685. General PICKENS' great-grandfather, Robert PICKENSheld a good position in France and with every inducement to remain. Herefused to live under Roman Catholic rule. He married an accomplishedyoung widow, Madam BONNEAU.' "*** Sharp, PICKENS FAMILIES OF THE SOUTH, p. 135. Appendix I. Excerptfrom letter of General Andrew PICKENS to General Henry Lee, [written]Pendleton District SC 28th August 1811.
"...I was born in Pennsylvania...My father removed with his family whenI was very young to Virginia....
My father and mother came from Ireland. My father's progenitorsemigrated from France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes...."As we can see from the above, the General's statement remarks on his'progenitors' and does not really give details. Perhaps there is in printsomewhere more detail to support the comments made by hisgreat-granddaughter regarding the movements and marriage of RobertPICKENS. However, I have yet to see any more documentation on any of thePICKENS origins than what is stated herein.
The General outlines in more detail the movements of his parents andfamily after leaving Pennsylvania. But not the life before, nor thegrandparents. If anyone has more source records/documentation on theearly generations to share, it would be most welcome by all PICKENSdescendants and researchers.
Terry McLean
for THE PICKENS GENEALOGY INFORMATION GROUP======================================================================
MISCELLANEY
======================================================================From Terry McLean, 1995:
AN UNKNOWN ARTICLE from an unknown publication has been in mypossession for many years. Dated Weaverville NC, it appears to have beena local newspaper account of a large PICKENS family reunion of the area.It offers some tantalizing comments: [FILE: Enc #156 - this is aphotocopy of a handwritten transcript - tmc]
"Weaverville, NC, Aug 4, 1955. A Professor of genetics today traced thePICKENS Family History back to its beginnings in Ayreshire, Scotlandthrough 15 generations. The geneticist, Dr. Andrew L. PICKENS of QueensCollege, Charlotte, addressed 200 fellow members of his family and theirguests at 48th annual PICKENS Family reunion at Frank PICKENS home here.
Dr. PICKENS has been to England and to Scotland and examined courtrecords there to find the first Andrew PICKENS, then spelled 'PICON'. Hetraced the accomplished of the family under King Henry IV of France andthen the migration of three brothers to the U.S. and the part they playedin the Revolutionary War. Later he showed how members of the clan wereallied on either side in the War Between the States, mentioning severalplaces in the south where a PICKENS had been in action. Mrs. AsburyBARNETT, State President of the United Daughters of the Confederacy spokeon days in her girlhood in Alabam when the government [sic] of the Statewas a PICKENS. Miss PICKENS recognized Troy PICKENS of California as theone who traveled the greatest distance to attend the reunion."
To JOYCE REAGAN from Peggy MITCHELL, 08/07/[96?]
"...Do you know anything about the MATTHISONEs? William Pickensmarried I. Matthisone (b. 10/27/1626 Edinburgh Parrish, Edinburgh,Midlothian, Scotland. Her parents were supposed to be David Matthisoneand Marian Andersone. Marian's mother was supposed to be Isobel ?. Thanks- Peggy in MississippiNOTE: has anyone else heard of the above connection? Do we have anyadditional information? - tmc.
From PICKENS GenForum:
ORIGIN OF THE PICKENS NAME (www.genforum.com/pickens/)
.............................
Posted by Charles PICKENS on July 19, 1998 at 00:09:01:
In Reply to: Pickens posted by V. Neuhaus, GA on July 01, 1998 at21:38:51:
"There are several theories concerning the origin of the name PICKENS.The family has been traced as far as the late 1500's with Robert Picon inScotland.
However some theorize the family was originally from France, inparticular, the area of the Pyrenes mountains, bordering Spain. TheEnglish PICKENS believe we came from France, while many of the old Scotclan think the family came from Spain. Dr. A. L. PICKENS suggests thatthe name sounds Spanish with many possible meanings, all relating back tosomething sharp or pointed. Perhaps our ancestors were peak dwellers andwere referred to as a "picon". Perhaps we have ties back to both Franceand Spain, with ancestors on both sides of the border.
...............................In Reply to: Re: origin of Pickens name - is it Scotch?
posted by Clark Pickens on August 24, 1998
The name PICKENS is believed by some authorities to have been a variantof the ancient Saxon name of Piggin or Piggins which was probably derivedfrom a nickname for Richard. Other authorities claim that it had itsorigin in the word "Piccen" in the Lowland Scotch dialect, and was firstused as a name in the ninth century. The word Piccen they claim, seems tohave implied making sharp; to sharpen; as a lance or spear or otherpointed instrument. The name is found in ancient British records in thevarious forms of Piggin, Piggins, Pickings,Picking, Piggyn, Piggyns,Pickyng, Pycings, Pickyn, Pickin, Pickins, Picken and PICKENS. Familiesof this name were to be found in various parts of Scotland and in theEnglish counties of Norfolk, London, Northumberland, Worcester andLincoln, and were for the most part of the landed gentry and yeomanry ofGreat Britain. The most "common" origin for the PICKENS name is said tohave come from France.
According to tradition, Robert {Andrew?} PICKENS was living in Francewhen the Edict of Nantes was revoked in 1685 and fled to Scotland and onto Ireland where the PICKENS family immagrated to the United States.----------------
From BBC - History:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/bytime/ni/emigration.shtml
NORTHERN IRELAND TIMELINE:
Emigration 1718-
----------------------------------Posted on PICKENS GenForum by Wm. M. Davis on August 19, 1998(www.genforum.com/pickens/
In Reply to: Pickens database
posted by Terry Pickens McLean on March 07, 1998:
"I have a 1932 [genealogy] written by a Robert Lemuel DAVIS that has anserious relationship with the PICKENS in migrating to US. "Beginning with(1) Robert DAVIS b. 1680: m. Anna PICKENS in Tyrone Co. Ireland. ThePICKENS were Huguenots from Normandy France to Holland and from therethrough England to Ireland was the way by which thousands of thoseHugeunots fled during the 16th & 17th centuries while the religiouspersecutions were going on in France.
They came from (Drumquin) in Tyrone Co. Ireland. The DAVIS & PICKENS cameto America in 1736 landing at Paxton near Phila. Pa. Remained there till1741.
The 4 families, Robert DAVIS, Robert PICKENS, John and Andrew PICKENS;all removed to the Waxhaw section in the Carolinas."From Lynn Ramsuar, April 1994 [FILE: Enc #P-107]
A document outlining PICKENS early descent [original source unknown tome - tmc]
Robert PICON - born c 1560 in France, died Scotland
Andrew PICON - born c. 1600 in Scotland, died Scotland
Robert PICON/PICKEN - born c 1640 in Scotland, married c 1665 inFrance to Jean BONNEAU, died c. 1700 in Ireland.
[the next generation gives information about a William PICKENS, buthas been highlighted and is not legible on the photocopy]
[outlining history of Pickens in PA the sources goes on to name]
William PICKENS, son of Robert and Jean (Bonneau) PICKENS, born c1670 in La Rochelle? France, married c 1692 in Ireland to
Margaret PIKE, died c 1730 in Montgomery or Lancaster Co, PA
Issue:
I. [has been highlighted, making the copy illegible]
II. Margaret PICKENS, b c 1695 in Ireland, married? Robert RAMSEY (notproven) or
III. Robert Pike PICKENS, b c 1697 in Ireland, married Miriam DAVIS,died 1793 in Abbeville Co SC.
Issue: Robert md Dorcas HALLUM; Eleanor md John PRATER; Jane mdJohn NORWOOD; Andrew md Margaret GILLESPIE; Anne md John SIMMONS; Johndied Adams County MS; David died Pontotoc County MS; Samuel.
IV. Andrew PICKENS born c 1699 in Ireland, married c 1725 to Nancy AnnDAVIS died 1756 in Lancaster Co., SC (Inventory recorded Brunswick CoVA?)
Issue: Andrew Jr., b Sep 19, 1739 in Bucks County PA - marriedMarch 19 1765 to Rebecca CALHOUN - died Aug 11, 1817 in Pendleton CountySC; Joseph, md Eleanor PICKENS, his cousin; John, md Mary CALDWELL;Katherine md 1747 in VA to William DAVIS; Jane, md Robert MILLER;William.
V. Lucy PICKENS, b. c 1704 in Ireland, married 1) September 2, 1722 inMontgomery Co PA to Matthew GILLESPIE; 2) c 1730 to John KERR died RowanCo NC?
Issue: of mg (1) to Matthew GILLESPIE:
A. Matthew GILLESPIE, Jr., born c 1726 in PA, married 1) Anna_____ in Augusta Co, VA; 2) Frances PATTERSON in Abbeville Co, SC, died1793 in Abbeville Co, SC
B. Margaret GILLESPIE, born c 1728 in PA
of mg (2) to John KERR
C. William KERR born c 1732 in PA
D. Barbara KERR born c 1734 in PA
E. Lucy KERR born c 1736 in PA
F. Martha KERR born c 1738 in PA
G. Isabel KERR baptised Oct 19, 1740 in Augusta Co, VA
H. Elizabeth KERR baptised Feb 6, 1743 in Augusta Co, VA
I. Letitia KERR baptised Sep 22, 1745 in Augusta Co, VA
J. Margaret KERR baptised Aug 2, 1747 in August Co, VA
K. Mary KERR baptised Feb 27, 1749 in August Co, VA
VI. William PICKENS, Jr., born c 1705 in Ireland, married 1) c 1735 toElizabeth KERR?; 2) to Ann OLIVER, widow of Samuel SCOTT, died 1783 inMontgomery Co, VA
Issue:
of mg (1) to Elizabeth ?KERR: Thomas born c 1736 married Sarah _____;Margaret born c 1739 married James BASKIN.
of mg (2) to Ann OLIVER: Benjamin; John married Letitia HANNAH.
VII. John PICKENS, born c 1710 in Ireland, married c 1738 to Eleanor_____, died Lancaster Co, SC
Issue:
A. John PICKENS, Jr., born c 1739 in Lancaster Co, PA, marriedSarah SWEARINGEN, died 1796 in Anderson County SC
B. Elizabeth PICKENS baptised Mar 29, 1741 iln Augusta Co, VAC. William PICKENS, baptised May 30, 1742 in Augusta Co., VA
D. Israel PICKENS baptised Oct 7, 1744 in Augusta Co, VA
E. Eleanor PICKENS, baptised Dec 1746 in Augusta Co, VA, married c1760 in Mecklenburg Co, NC to Joseph PICKENS, her cousin.
F. Robert PICKENS, baptised May 16, 1749 in Augusta Co, VA
G. Andrew PICKENS born 1753 in Augusta Co, VA, died 1844 in FayetteCounty, TN
H. William Gabriel PICKENS, born Oct 18, 1760 in Camden DistrictSC, married Rebecca CALDWELL, died after 1833 in Livingston Co, KY.
VIII. Gabriel PICKENS, born c 1715 in Ireland, married c 1742 toZerubiah SMITH died 1777 in Abbeville Co, SC.
Issue: Margaret baptised Aug 13, 1746 in Augusta Co VA; William,baptised Apr 27, 1749 in Augusta Co VA; Jonathan, born c 1750 in AugustaCo, VA; Abraham PICKENS born c 1755 in Augusta Co VA'
[Next two lines were highlighted on the original, making the photocoyillegible - but obviously is a reference to Israel PICKENS - see Israel'snotes] "...joining the Dutch Reformed church at Bensalem, Bucks County PAin 1722. He seems to have been married twice although this has not beenproven. If so, he probably married first around 1725 in Bucks County. Hemarried secondly about 1740 to Martha, whose maiden name is unknown (somesay DAVIS). Israel PICKENS moved to Orange County VA with his brothersand sisters and lived near Staunton, VA before 1740. He moved about 1743to Brunswick County, VA on Cub Creek where he died and was buried at CubCreek Presbyterian Church in 1749. This area would become Charlotte Co,VA in 1764. The inventory of his estate was submitted by Martha PICKENSwith no date. From this we have:
... Israel PICKENS... born c 1693 in Limerick or Antrim County Ireland,married 1) c 1725 to ______; 2) c 1740 to Martha ______, died 1749 inBrunswick Co., VA.
Issue: William (presumed by first wife)...no issue.
Issue by Martha ______: Margaret; Samuel; [is highlighted illegible];Hannah."
Letter dated 19 Feb from E. M. Sharp to W. S. O'Neal [FILE: Enc #P-181]
[photocopy sent to Terry McLean by Jean Danielson, 1 Dec 1994 - includedfor possible historical background information only - tmc.]
"...Somerset Co.MD [is on] the little peninsula of the Eastern Shorethat extends down into VA which is across the bay from the mainland. Thehistory of this area show it was settled by a lot of Scotch-Irish quiteearly and came about as follows:
Soon after Jamestown was founded and the Established Church was thelegal one, some Puritans from Massachusetts came and settled in VA. Theygot rather cold treatment and so crossed the bay and lodged on theEastern Shore and many Scotch-Irish settled there in the years following.When the lands at the "head of the bay" in MD was opened for settlementaround 1700 (Cecil Co. MD) [several families] on the Eastern Shore ofVA., & MD migrated north and settled there.
This tract of land, a huge one, was called New Munster, and it was ablock of territory including NE MD & SE PA., including Chester Co. Later[many of the families] that you can find on the Eastern Shore, who wentto Cecil Co., MD turned south to Mecklenberg Co., NC.
When you are familiar with the patterns and trails of migration inthose years, it becomes quite easy to understand how people of apparentlywidely separated areas followed each other.
[Those born in Ireland, may have had] kin folks already in America onthe Eastern Shore, and as we know from the PICKENS and other families,they kept migrating for generations, each generation sending oversuccessive waves of cousins...."Gedcom p1_022003. Copyright Terry McLean. All rights reserved worldwide. This file may have errors.
Rootsweb World Connect Gedcom from Terry (Pickens) McLean, updated 20 Feb 2003
Name of database:Pickens1 database.
Address of database: http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=p1base
email: calgrups@netscape.net
This information is a joint effort, and the information contained herein is the property of those who have contributed it.
This data is to be used for private research only. Copyright restrictions may apply.
This is a working/research database and may contain errors. Please evaluate information and sources carefully. Corrections/additions are welcome.