The morning call., 1892-12-29

OF Pickering, Fitch and Simontop, so con-
tDuing until the death of Mr.. Simonton
in 1882 Although ali his life Democrat.
at the breaking out Of the war Mr.. Picker
Ing believed that TO save the Union the
Democracy must be abandoned. To the
cause of the Union. therefore, he devoted
! his best abilities and all the patriotic earn
estness that might have been inherited
| from his revolutionary ancestors. There
was no more devoted Unicn man than Mr..
PlckeriDg throughout the war, aud when
the conflict ended his feelings left him a
staneh Republican. with which party be
has since acted
About 1867 the deceased began acquiring
his present interest in The MORNING CALL.
That journal was started by an association
Oh printers, who subsequently retired one
oy one, and on the retirement of Mr.. Foster
in 1869 the firm Of Pickering. Fitch &
SimCDton secured complete ownership and
assumed the management. Each member
OF this firm owned third of the two pa
pers, the Bulletin and 1HE CALL. but in
the conduct of the partnership the almost
exclusive direction and control of THE
CALL fell to Mr.. Pickering He has, there
fore, except during short periods. when
business or recreation called him away,
personally attended to the policy and man
agement of the paper.
Although distinctly separate in business
and management. the Bulletin and CALL.
owing to the confidential relations of the
proprietors, have always been identical in
policy on one point. This was the interest
they have taken in the public welfare.
Perhaps no arrangement could have been
devised out Of which the public could have
received more substantial benefit than
the partnership arrangements OF these
Journals. They have been absolutely
above the petty prejudices of politics, and
no combination of public or private plum
der has ever been powerful enough to
reach them. No crisis ever has arisen in
this city or State where both papers have
not been found working assiduously for the
general welfare. The proudest monument
that can be erected to the memory OF the
deceased journalist is that which he has
erected for himself in the columns of THE
MORNING CALL. They show that his voice
was never raised except for the public good
and that his courage and patience were in-
exhausiible. During twenty-three years he
has watched and waited with untiring dill
gence, until his influence was one Of The
powerful factors In The government of the
city and State. Being incorruptible, and
having clear ideas of the correct thing in
life and morals, his judgment and motives
were respected and carried with them great
weight
Mr.. Pickering was married three times.
His first wife. Caroline Esther daughter of
Origen Doolittle, a descendant of one OF the
oldest New England families, died nearly
twelve years ago. His second wife, Miss NJ.
/. Crothers, died few years after her mar
riage, while she and Mr. Pickering were
abroad. BY his third wife, her sister, he
leaves a son, now a little over four years
old. The family life OF Mr.. Pickering was
in keeping with his inherent nobility OF
character. All three of his conjugal part
ners fairly worshiped him, and to each he
was most loving and devoted husband.
The deceased was a member of the So
ciety OF California Pioneers, a member of
the Masonic fraternity. and Past Grand in
the Odd Fellows. He was also a leading
member Of the Sons of the Revolution.
having served as president Of the local
branch during 1855. Among all who knew
him well he was highly esteemed and ven-
Grated. To his employees lie was most kind
and considerate and his acts OF kindness TO
those who have been disabled or who have
grown old in his service are prOverbial.
Wnen young man he presented hand
some figure. He was nearly six feet tall,
and carried himself with military erect
ness. In later years, when age had bowed
him, he was still a fne-looking man. His
four score years OF useful existence. work
ing actively TO the very last. betoken that
temperate. well-spent life has ended as such
lives usually end-peaceably and with
crOwniDC houOrs.