Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1884-10-02
Wearied by continuous public career Of

Wearied by a continuous public career of
almost thirty years in field and forum in the
services of his country, he determined to re-
tire to his beloved home at Tomasse, where
in peace and simplicity he enjoyed the fruits
of his own and his compatriots, labors, until
his death, which occurred on the 1lth of
October, 1917, at the age of seventy-siX.
How inexpressibly sweet to him must have
been this tranquil, unruffled life, after hay
ing given his blood and best years to attain
it? Few events Of Importance occurred to
him during the period Of his retirement.
His beautiful home was visited by many
distinguished persons and relatives, who
had learned to admire and appreciate the
sterling old patriot and these visits were a
source of great pleasure to him. He had
hosts of friends. He enjoyed the perfect
confidence of Gen. Washington, who, dur
ing his administration of the Presidency,
consulted General Pickens on a policy for
cvilizing the Indians. lie also wished to
give Pickens command of brigade troops
under Wayne against the northern Indians,
but he would not accept. When the second
conflict broke out with England, in 1872, he
viewed the various events with deep inter-
est and concern. His fellow citizens again
called him to serve them in the legislature,
which call he thought he could not rightful-
ly refuse. He Was urged to accept the posi-
ton of Governor of his State, but he de-
clined, saying that the work should be done
by younger hands and heads than his.
Gen. Pickens' personal appearance mark
ed him as a man of more than common
parts. He was slightly above ordinary
stature, robust, active, wiry and powerful,
and possessed frame and constitution cap
able of enduring unlimited hardships. His
was a homely face, but it always wore
kindly expression. The undaunted bravery
of the man was reflected by his bright,
stamp of intelligence and true courage.
One of the most prominent traits of his
character was modesty. He might have
reached much higher round on the ladder
of fame had he not held such strong aver
sion to 0self-advancement. Nevertheless, he
was successively promoted from major to
brigadier general, and at the close of the
war was appointed major general of the
South Carolina militia. Moderation, good
sense and sound judgment marked all his
actions in life. In battle, the commands OF
his superior officers were executed with a
prOmptness, punctuality and spirit that Of
ten gave his actions the tinge of great brill
fancy. He was temperate in habits, and al
ways enjoyed perfect health. His bodily
strength and mental vigor he retained in
perfection to the day Of his death. He was
a member of the Presbyterian church, be-
ing from youth a believer in Christian relig'
ion. He was regarded as an active, lntelll-
gent and useful member of society. The
name of Pickens will be immortal in Amer
lean history. After him small county in
Northern Georgia was named, and by other
local associations will his memory be kept
green in the hearts of succeeding genera
tions in the State of his adopted home
Should old Bucks quite forget so exemplary
son