My Genealogy Hound

ERI FRANKLIN PICKETT, a prosperous farmer and dairyman of the town of Scott, was born March 30, 1834. He is a son of Eri and Polly (Cottrell) Pickett, and a grandson of Benjamin Pickett.

Benjamin Pickett was born in Litchfield, Conn. He made farming his life-long occupation. In 1803, he came to Cortland County and located in the town of Homer, being one of its earliest pioneer settlers. He bought a tract of 150 acres of timber land of the Government; he cleared a place upon which he built a log hut and then returned to his native state for his family. Upon coming back to his new home, he was accompanied by his wife, Hannah, and four children. He cleared up his farm and became a successful farmer. He was the father of six children, one of whom was Eri, the father of our subject.

Eri Pickett was a native of Litchfield, Conn., and was born in 1801. He came to Homer with his father, but later moved to Scott, where he purchased the farm upon which his son, Eri Franklin, now lives. He followed farming all his life, and also conducted a dairy. In regard to his politics, he was originally an old line Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican party, became one of the latter’s stanch supporters. Religiously, he was an earnest member of the Congregational Church. He chose, as his companion in life, Polly Cottrell, and their union was blessed by the birth of seven children, namely: Jane, deceased; Electa, deceased; Nancy, who makes her home in the town of Scott; Eri Franklin, our subject; Mary, who became the wife of Mr. Crosby of Scott; Avery, a resident of Cortland and Frances, deceased. At the age of seventy-six years, Mr. Pickett’s useful life came to an end.

Eri Franklin Pickett was born and reared on his father’s farm in the town of Scott. He chose farming as his occupation, and has been decidedly successful. He now owns property, consisting of 240 acres of good farm land. He also engages in dairying and has a herd of choice cows, about forty head in all. Being ambitious and energetic, he was not satisfied until he had one of the best farms in the town; he has improved both land and buildings, and carries on farming and dairying by improved methods. Everything about the place has an air of prosperity, and indicates successful management.

Mr. Pickett was united in marriage with Elvira J. Branch, a daughter of Datus and Janette Branch of Summer Hill, Cayuga County. Their union was blessed by the birth of a son, Wallace, who lives with them and follows farming as an occupation. Mr. Pickett is a Republican, and takes a deep interest in politics, having held several town offices. In religious belief, he is a member of the M. E. Church of Scott.