The Pickett Family History

Edward Pickett, aged about 84 years, died at his residence in New Hope on Friday last. Mr. Pickett was a very old resident of the above place and at one time carried on the business of boat building. He was interred at Mount Hope Cemetery, Lambertville on Tuesday of this week.

      The below estate settlement for Edward Pickett (1) was found in the Spruance Library in Doylestown, Pa. by me on February 20, 1996. There are other papers their that I reviewed, however this one document proves to be the most valuable. The reason that the proceedings were done in the "Orphan’s Court" was due to Edward not having a written and signed will. The second document on page A-4 is a settlement of all the siblings of Joseph Pickett (8) for his share of the estate. Surprisingly John (7) and his descendants were not included in any of the estate. Possibly he, John (7), was a successful "store keeper" and didn’t want to bid on anything. The executor of the estate was Edward’s (1) son Jacob (6).

In the Orphan’s Court of Bucks County.

To the Honorable Harmon Yerkes, Judge of said Court:

      I, Jacob Pickett (6), Executor of the estate of Edward Pickett (1) deceased, respectfully report: That in pursuance of the annexed order of said Court and in the terms therein prescribed, and often did public notice according to law, I did, on the 16th day of December A.D. 1890, on the premises, expose the lands and premises in said order mentioned and described, to sale by public order or outcry, and sold the same as follows:

No. 1. The Homestead lot, fronting on Main Street, to Clarrisa H. Pickett (wife of Jacob (6) ) , for the price or sum of $1.00.

No. 2. A double house and lot fronting on Main Street, and joining No. 1 to Elizabeth D. Stout (2), for the price or sum of $1.00.

No. 3. A house and lot, fronting on the west side of New Street, opposite the boat yard to Sarah Buchanan (5) for the price or sum of $1.00.

No. 4. All that certain lot, known as the Grave Yard Hollow lot, by the canal, to Jacob Pickett (6) for the price or sum of one dollar. $1.00.

No. 5. The Boat Yard Lot, comprising what were at one time three separate adjoining lots, to Jordan W. Samsel for the price or sum of $810.00.

No. 6. The north half of the double house fronting on River Street, formerly part of the Homestead lot, to Louisa Pickett (12) for the price or sum of $1.00.

No. 7. The south half of the double house fronting on River Street, originally a part of the Homestead tract aforesaid, to Mary Ann Dobbins (4) for the price or sum of $1.00.

No. 8. All that certain lot, fronting on River Street and extending to the Delaware River, fronting on River Street South of No. 7. to Harrison Pickett (11) for the price or sum of $1.00.

      They being respectfully the highest and best bidders, and these the highest prices bidden for the same, which sales so made, I pray may be confirmed by the Court.

(signed) Jacob Pickett

Executor of Edward Pickett

      For and in consideration of the sum of One Dollar to each of us in hand paid by Joseph Pickett the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge, we do assign transfer and set to the said Joseph Pickett all our right title and interest in the Estate fo our Father Edward Pickett, deceased, and request the Auditors to distribute to him any balance that may be left after payment of all debts. Witness our hands and Seals December, A.D. 1891.

Witness Present

Walter H. Terry - Jacob Pickett (seal)

J. F. ??? - Elizabeth D. Stout (seal)

Jos. D. Holcombe - Isabella P. Kitchin (seal)

Lida Pickett - John Pickett (seal)

X - Samuel Buchanan - X - Sarah Buchanan (seal)
(his mark) - (her mark)

Alice Pickett - William Pickett (seal)

Maggie ??? - Mary Ann Dobbins (seal)