The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1903-04-22


dramatic story Of the life Of Douschka
Pickcns at his tongues end. This
visiting Texan was former Brigadicr
General George L. Afford, Confcdcr-
ate soldier, Indian fighter, legislator
and capitalist.
There is, perhaps, no person living
who knows so we'll the story of the
life Of the daughter Of South Carroll
mas war governor: for General Afford
was himself once sweetheart and
schoolmate of the mother of Douschka
Pickens.
During all the years of her life this
"Child of South Carolina was not
once lost sight Of by the stern Texan,
who wrote verses to her, ohampioned
her wit and her beauty at banquet
and in legislative hall, and now ac-
credits him.elS her historian by right.
To writer for the Sunday Inter
Ocean General Afford last week told
the story Of how the child, Douschka
Pickens, fred the first shot Of the
Civil War, but no less interesting is
his recital Of the story Of the gran
deur surrounding her christening, of
her part in one Of the saddest and
most tragic marriages of war times,
and of her bravery as leader of the
uotorious KuLlux Klap
From the time Of her birth, in the
palace Of the Romanoffs, until her
death and burial beneath the great
rs Of Edge6eld, s. c., Dousohka
Pickens had a marvellous career
amid the glamour and glitter Of Euro
pean courts, in the war-strioken cities
Of the Palmetto State, and amid the
bleak and devastated estates that
had been sccHrged by contending ar
mics.
Born in the imperial palace Of the
Russian cSar, ohristened by an en-
press, made the idol of hundred di-
plomats, this child later touched the
fuse to the artillery that doomed for
four years throughout Dixie. And
when war was ever and the armies
were disbandod she became one Of the
leaders who toiled to solve the peri
lous problems Of the post-bellum
days.
To tell the story of the life Of
Dousonka Pidkens it is necessary to
go back to Naoogdoches, Texas, that
wonderful Southern town that sent
out into the world so many people Of
anch varied interests and abilities.
Within calling distance in Nacog-
doches there lived years before the
war, an interesting company of young
people. Tom Oohiltree, the red
headed raoonteur and bon vivant,
sauntered through the streets. Ade-
laide MoCord, who became known
throughout the world as Adah Isaacs
Menken, the Mazeppa, began her
conquests there. 1t was the home of
General Sam Houston, the greatest OF
ell great Texans. There lived in the
town, too, Lucy Holcomb, the most
beautiful woman in the State.
~ Hero begins the story told by Gen
V..,l Afford. It is best told in his
own words. It was with great reluc-
tance that he recited that part Of the
story which deals with his own name,
and has not heretofore been made
known.
y 81 was one of the Argonauts that
vas entioed by dreams Of fortune to
the gold fields OF California" he said.
"When I left Texas went with the
purpose Of enriching myself and then
returning to wed Lucy Holcomb, the
belle Of Texas. / remained in Cali
fornia for some time; went thence to
Panama, and from there down the
western coast of South America. I
knew I was expected home, but tho
fever Of adventure led me on, and I
delayed my return for some months.
"1n the meantime Lucy Holcomb
had became the belle Of the South.
She infatuated all who beheld her.
Once when she was visiting the fami-
ly Of the famous governor, John A.
'Quitman, at the Mississippi capital
sheuaptivated the entire State legis-
'letare, and when she departed for
New Orleans the general assembly
adjourned and went with her. After
ward she was married to the brilliant
Colonel Frank Pickens Of South Caro-
lima.
':From the time left for California
7 saw her no more as Lucy Holcomb.
when I returned she was Mrs. Pick
ems, and it was not long before 1, TOO,
married. I first met her again at
President BucLarans inaugural,