Mary Jane Bickett




Solomon Foust was born about 1817 in Pennsylvania, and died June 17, 1868, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, at about age 51.

Rachel B. Stewart was born about 1820 in Pennsylvania, and died about 1867 in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, at about age 46. She is the daughter of Unknown.

Solomon Foust and Rachel B. Stewart were married Unknown.

Solomon Foust and (Unknown) Foust had several children:

  1. Elizabeth S. "Lizzie" Foust:  Born about 1843 in Ohio; Died Unknown. Married February 13, 1868, in Xenia, Greene Co., OH, to Newton Alfred Andrew: Born November 1841 in Ohio; Died September 25, 1915, in Sugarcreek Twp., Montgomery Co., OH (age 73).
  2. Harriett B. "Hattie" Foust: Born about 1847 in Ohio; Died 1904 in Unknown. Married August 5, 1868, in Greene Co., OH, to George T. Graham: Born Unknown; Unknown.
  3. May Foust: Born about 1867 in Greene Co., OH; Died Unknown.

Solomon Foust then married Mary Jane Bickett.

Mary Jane Bickett was born January 1833 in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, and died October 20, 1904, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, at age 71. Buried in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. She is the daughter of William Reed Bickett of Coaquilla Valley, Huntington Co., PA, and Isabella Alexander of Wheeling, WV.

Solomon Foust (about age 51) and Mary Jane Bickett (age 35) were married March 5, 1868, in Greene Co., OH.

Solomon Foust and Mary Jane (Bickett) Foust had one child:

  1. Edwin Solomon "Ed" Foust: Born January 7, 1869, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH; Died 1948 in Greene Co., OH (about age 79). Married December 28, 1905, in Greene Co., OH, to Aletha Maria Ray: Born February 17, 1872, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH; Died January 23, 1963 in Greene Memorial Hospital, Xenia, Greene Co., OH (age 90). Daughter of Joseph Ray of Cleator, County Cumberland, England, and Emily Jane Whiteman of Greene Co., OH.



TIMELINE

Solomon Foust was born about 1817 in Pennsylvania.

Rachel B. Unknown was born about 1820 in Pennsylvania.

Mary Jane Bickett was born January, 1833, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on July 24, 1850, shows William Bickett (age 52) born in Pennsylvania with real estate valued at $2,550 is a Farmer living in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. Living with him is Isabella Bickett (age 48) born in Virginia. Also living in the household are: Adam Bichett (age 21) born on Ohio, a Farmer; Matthew A. Bickett (age 19) born in Ohio, a Farmer; Mary J. Bickett (age 16) born in Ohio; M. H. Bickett (age 13) a male born in Ohio; Isabela Bickett (age 11) born in Ohio; Lydia Bickett (age 6) born in Ohio; and Jane Bickett (age 60) born in Ireland. Leigh Larson note: Jane Bickett is Adam Bickett's unmarried sister.

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on July 16, 1850, shows Solomon Faust (age 30) born in Pennsylvania with real estate of $1,600 is a Cabinet Maker and is living in the City of Xenia, Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. Living with him are: Rachel B. Faust (age 30) born in Pennsylvania; Elizabeth Faust (age 7) born in Ohio; Harriet Faust (age 33) born in Ohio; and John Anderson (age 23) born in Ireland, a Laborer.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 24, 1860 shows William R. Bicket (age 63) born in Pennsylvania with real estate worth $22,360 and personal estate worth $1,900 is a Farmer living in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. Living with him is Isabella Bicket (age 60) born in Virginia. Also living in the household are: Rannels Bicket (age 30) born on Ohio with personal estate worth $360, a Farmer; Mathew A. Bickett (age 28) born in Ohio, a Farmer; Mary J. Bicket (age 24) born in Ohio; Harvey Bickett (age 22) born in Ohio; Elizabeth Bicket (age 20) born in Ohio; Lydia Ann Bicket (age 16) born in Ohio; and Jennie Bicket (age 70) born in Ireland. Leigh Larson note: Jennie Bicket is Adam Bicket's unmarried sister.

The 1860 U. S. Census taken on June 28, 1860, shows Solomon Foust (age 43) born in Pennsylvania with real estate of $8,000 and personal estate of $300 is living in the 2nd Ward, City of Xenia, Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. Living with him are: Rachel B. Foust (age 41) born in Pennsylvania; Elizabeth S. Foust (age 16) born in Ohio; and Harriet B. Foust (age 13) born in Ohio.

Solomon Foust (about age 51) and Mary Jane Bickett (age 35) were married March 5, 1868, in Greene Co., OH.

Solomon Foust died June 17, 1868, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, at about age 52.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 14, 1870 shows Matthew Bicket (age 39) born in Ohio with real estate worth $4,000 and personal estate worth $1,800 is a Farmer living in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. Living with him is Caroline Bicket (age 31) born in Ohio, who is Keeping House. Also living in the household, all born in Ohio, are: Clark Bicket (age 4); Charles Bicket (age 2); and William Bicket (age 5/12). Leigh Larson note: Matthew's mother, Isabel Bicket (age 68), his widowed sister, Mary Foust, and also his brother, Adam Bickett, live nearby.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 14, 1870 shows Isabel Bicket (age 68) born in Virginia with real estate worth $4,800 and personal estate worth $500 is Keeping House in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. Living with her is Lizzie Bicket (age 26) born in Ohio. Matthew Bicket (age 39) and family lives nearby, and Mary Foust lives next door.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 14, 1870 shows Mary Foust (age 35) born in Ohio is Keeping House and is living in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. Living with her are: Edwin Foust (age 1) born in Ohio; May Foust (age 2) born in Ohio; Jane Foust (age 89) born in Virginia, Lives with Son; William Foust (age 32) born in Ohio with real estate of $2,500 and personal estate of $800, a Farmer; Maggie Foust (age 22) born in Ohio, who is Keeping House; James Foust (age 17) born in Ohio, a Farm Laborer; and Jane Sampson (age 75) born in Pennsylvania, who Lives with Daughter.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 30, 1880 shows Mathew A. Bicket (age 49) born in Ohio to Pennsylvania and Virginia-born parents is a Farmer living in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. Living with him is his wife, Caroline E. Bicket (age 41) born in Ohio, who is Keeping House. Also living in the household are his unmarried children, all born in Ohio to Ohio-born parents: Clark K. Bicket (age 14); Charles A. Bicket (age 12); William A. Bicket (age 10); Anna M. Bicket (age 8); John W. Bicket (age 6); and Elenor I. Bicket (age 3). Leigh Larson note: Matthew's brother, Adam Reynolds Bicket (age 50) lives on the next farm.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 30, 1880 shows Isabelle Bicket (age 79) born in Virginia to Pennsylvania-born parents is At Home in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. Living with her is her unmarried daughter Elizabeth B. Bicket (age 42) born in Ohio to Pennsylvania and Virginia-born parents, who is At Home. Also living there: widowed daughter, Mary J. Foust (age 47) born in Ohio to Pennsylvania and Virginia-born parents, who is Keeping House; and grandson, Edwin S. Foust (age 11) born in Ohio to Pennsylvania and Ohio-born parents.

Isabella (Alexander) Bickett died April 4, 1883, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, at about age 81.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 5, 1900 shows Mary J. Foust (age 67) born January 1833 in Ohio to Pennsylvania and Virginia-born parents is a widow owning her own farm in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, with the only child born to her still alive. Living with her is her unmarried son, Edwin S. Foust (age 32) born January 1868 in Ohio to Pennsylvania and Ohio-born parents, who is  a Farmer owning his own farm. Also living there is Mary's unmarried sister, Elizabeth I. Bickett (age 61) born February 1839 in Ohio to Pennsylvania and Virginia-born parents.

Mary Jane (Bickett) Foust died October 20, 1904, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, at age 71.


The Xenia Daily Gazette, Xenia, Greene Co., OH, Friday, October 21, 1904

MRS. MARY J. FOUST DIED SUDDENLY.

Was Ill But a Short Time With Neuralgia of the Heart When End Came.

Mrs. Mary J. Foust, a most excellent christian woman, died at six o'clock on Thursday evening at her home between the Jamestown and New Jasper pikes about two and a half miles from Xenia. Her death was a sudden one. She had been as well as usual up to a few days ago. On Thursday morning about four o'clock she awakened the family by complaining of a severe pain about her heart. Within a few moments she became unconscious and lingered in that condition until the end came on Thursday evening. Death is pronounced to have been due to neuralgia of the heart. Mrs. Foust before marriage was Miss Mary J. Bickett. She was born January, 1833, and had been a life-long resident of this locality. Her husband was Solomon Foust, who died a great many years ago. There is but one surviving son, Mr. Edwin Foust, who made his home with his mother and looked after her comfort. Her sister, Miss Elizabeth Bickett, also lived with her. There are three surviving brothers: A. R. Bickett, M. A. Bickett and W. H. Bickett, all of the same neighborhood. The deceased was a member of the Second U. P. church. Funeral Saturday at 1:30 p. m, standard time.


The 1910 U. S. Census taken on May 12, 1910 shows Edward S. Foust (age 43) born in Ohio to Pennsylvania and Ohio-born parents is a General Farm Farmer owning his farm free of a mortgage and is living in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. Living with him are: his childless wife of four years, Aletha M. Foust (age 30) born in Ohio to English and Ohio-born parents; his unmarried aunt, Elizabeth E. Bickett (age 66) born in Ohio to Pennsylvania and Kentucky-born parents; and David Webster (age 17) born in Ohio to Ohio-born parents, an unmarried Hired Man.


ED. S. FOUST.

Ed S. Foust, proprietor of "Miami Valley Farms" in Xenia township, this county, is the breeder and owner of "Orion Cherry King, Jr.," 58113, which at the National Swine Show at Omaha in October, 1916, was crowned the world's champion Duroc boar and which is still conceded to be the greatest Duroc living. Long previous to that date, at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis in 1904, Mr. Foust's Duroc boar, "Tip-Top Notcher," had also been proclaimed the grand champion and at the Panama-Pacific Exposition at San Francisco in 1915 his "Tax-Payer XIII" also had carried off grand-championship honors, while at state fairs throughout the country Mr. Foust has for years been one of the leading exhibitors and winners of first prizes and championships, his "Miami Valley" herd of Duroc Jersey swine thus having for years been famous throughout the country. As a breeder of pure-bred Cheviot sheep Mr. Foust also has gained a wide reputation, not only in this country, but in Canada, South America and Europe and the shipments of stock animals from "Miami Valley Farms" form a no inconsiderable portion of the annual shipments out of Xenia. Mr. Foust also has given considerable attention to the raising of pure-bred Barred Plymouth Rock chickens, in which latter department of the activities of "Miami Valley Farms" he has been ably assisted by his wife, who is an ardent poultry fancier.

It was in 1890 that Mr. Foust began systematically the breeding of Duroc Jerseys, starting his now famous herd with three pigs he had bought in Illinois, and he was the first farmer. in Greene county to introduce this strain of swine here. He found conditions particularly favorable to the development of the enterprise and it was not long before his Durocs began to attract general attention hereabout. As his herd increased and as the demand for his products grew he gradually extended his operations, giving particular attention to the breeding of stock animals, until he came to be one of the most successful swine breeders in the country. In 1902 he formed a partnership with R. C. Watt and the business was carried on under the firm name of Watt & Foust from that time until the fall of 1915, when the partnership was dissolved and since that time Mr. Foust has been carrying on his operations alone. Though he carries on a general farming business at "Miami Valley Farms," the old William Bickett homestead, where he has lived all his life, he makes his, chief business the breeding of fine swine. His world's champion Duroc boar, "Orion Cherry King, Jr.," carries a weight of one .thousand and thirty pounds. Mr. Foust has at "Miami Valley Farms" a fine supply of water and the convenient waterworks system he has created there is operated through a series of more than three thousand feet of pipes. In 1903 Mr. Foust erected a modern eleven-room house on his place.

Ed. S. Foust was born on the farm on which he is now living, and where he has lived all his life, January 7, 1868, son of Solomon and Mary Jane (Bickett) Foust, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in this county, she also having been born on the place where her son now lives and known as "Miami Valley Farms." Solomon Foust had come to Greene county from Pennsylvania in the days of his young manhood and became a farmer and stockman, making his home in Xenia. He was twice married and by his first wife, who was a Stewart, was the father of one child, Harriet, who married George Graham and died in 1904, leaving two children, George and Reese. Following the death of his first wife, Solomon Foust married Mary Jane Bickett, daughter of William R. and Isabella (Alexander) Bickett and a member of one of the old families of Xenia township, and by that union was the father of one child, a son, the subject of this sketch. Solomon Foust was a Republican and a member of the United Presbyterian church. He died in 1868, at the age of fifty-seven years, and his widow survived him for many years, after his death making her home on the old Bickett place, where she was born and where her son now lives, her death occurring there in 1904, she then being seventy-nine years of age. She was the third in order of birth of the six children born to her parents, the others having been Adam R., Matthew A., Elizabeth Isabella, Lydia Ann and Harvey A. William R. Bickett, father of these children, was born in the Coaquilla Valley, in Pennsylvania, about the year 1796, a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Reed) Bickett, natives of Ireland, who were married there and all of whose children save the two younger were born there, these latter, of whom William R. was the last-born, having been born after they came to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania, where Adam Bickett died. Not long after the death of Adam Bickett, his widow and her children came to Ohio, driving through with a six-horse team, in 1818, and passed their first winter here with the household of Robert Hamill, Mrs. Bickett's brother-in-law, who had come to Ohio during the previous year as a school teacher. In the spring of 1819 the Bicketts bought a tract of one hundred and fifty acres in the neighborhood of Xenia and there established, their home. After his marriage in 1827 to Isabella Alexander, William R. Bickett established his home on that same place and there spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1865. His widow survived him for many years, her death occurring in April, 1885, she then being eighty-three years of age. They were members of the Second United Presbyterian church , at Xenia and their family have continued active factors in that congregation.

Reared on the old Bickett farm, his father having died when he was but an infant in arms, Ed. S. Foust received his schooling in the common schools and early became a practical farmer and stockman. To his original holdings at "Miami Valley Farms" he has added until now he is the owner of three hundred acres. Mr. Foust is vice-president and a member of the board of directors of the Commercial Bank of Xenia, is connected with the Huston-Bickett Hardware Company at that place and is otherwise interested in the general business affairs of the city. He is a Republican and he and his wife are members of the Second United Presbyterian church at Xenia. Mrs. Foust was a teacher in the schools of Greene county for some years before her marriage to Mr. Foust on December 28, 1905. She was born, Aletha Ray, in Xenia township, a daughter of Joseph and Emily (Whiteman) Ray, the latter of whom also was born in Xenia township, a member of one of Greene county's best known families. Joseph Ray was a native of England, who came to this country in 1851 and after a sometime residence in Boston and at other points in the East came to Ohio and located in Greene county, taking up farming in Xenia township. where he spent the rest of his life, having established his home on a farm there after his marriage to Emily Whiteman. He died in 1901 and his widow still survives him, continuing to reside on the home farm in Xenia township. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Mrs. Foust was the fifth in order of birth, the others being John, Carrie, Levi, Anna, Elizabeth, Robert and Emily.


 

 

[NI0905] Adam Reynolds Bickett is one of the honored citizens of Greene county, who has passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey. His career as ever been such as to command the respect and confidence of men and he is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family. His home is located about three miles east of the city of Xenia and upon the farm adjoining this place he was born June 24, 1829, his parents being William R. and Isabella (Alexander) Bickett. The ancestry can be traced back to Ireland, where Adam Bickett, the grandfather of our subject, was born. At length determining to try his fortunes in America he crossed the Atlantic and after a long voyage of thirteen weeks took up his abode in PA, where he spent his remaining days. He married Elizabeth Reed and among their children was William R. Bickett, who was born in Coaquilla Valley, PA, about 1796. In 1818 he started with his mother and the other members of the family -- the father having previously died -- for OH. The journey was made with a six-horse team and during the first winter the family lived with Robert Hamell, a brother-in-law of William R. Bickett, who had located in Greene county the previous year. In the spring of 1819 the family purchased one hundred and fifty acres of wood land and William and his brother John built a log house, which remained the home of the family for many years. Pioneer conditions existed and they experienced all the hardships and difficulties incident to a settlement upon the frontier. Venison was a common dish upon their table, as was wild tyrkey and other game. After arriving at years of maturity William R. Bickett was married in 1827 to Isabella Alexander, and the became the parents of six children: Adam R., of this review; Mathew A., a well known famer of the county; Mary Jane, who became the wife of Solomon Foust, who died a few months later, leaving a son, Edward; Elizabeth Isabella; Lydia Ann, who died when twenty years of age; and Harvey. The parents were devoted members of the United Presbyterian church. The father was a very active and influential man in his community, and at his death many friends mourned their loss. He passed away in 1865 and his wife died April 4, 1883, at the advanced age of eighty-three years, and was laid his side in the cemetery at Xenia. In the subscription schools Adam Reynolds Bickett began his education and remained at home assisting in the development and cultivation of the farm until 1864, when he abandoned the plow and took up the rifle in defense of his country, becoming a member of Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth OH Infantry as a private. He was at the front for four months and was mustered in and out at Camp Dennison, returning from the front in August, 1864. He had previously belonged to the national guards and had enlisted for five years. After his father's death Mr. Bickett assisted in the operation of the home farm until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 9th of December, 1867, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Agnes Wright, who was born near Oldtown, Greene county, a daughter of John B. and Sidney (Simpson) Wright. The young couple began their domestic life upon the farm which is now the home of Mr. Bickett. He has made excellent improvements here and now has a valuable and desirable property. He erected a good residence, large and substantial barns and commodious outbuildings, his place being now well equipped with all modern accessories and conveniences. Within its borders are comprised one hundred and ninety-six acres and the land is highly cultivated. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bickett was blessed with three children: Clinton Wright, now deceased; Mary Belle, who is with her father; and Ludia S. who died at the age of sixteen years. The mother passed away in 1879 at the age of forty-two years and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Xenia. She was a member of the United Presbyterian church and a most estimable lady. On the 18th of January, 1882, Mr. Bickett was again married, his second union being with Ruth Anna Kyle, a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Cassill) Kyle.

 

[NI0918] Adam and William Bickett came to this country from Antrim County in Northern Ireland in 1794. They lost their course and were 20 weeks (or 13) in crossing the ocean, and almost perished from thirst and hunger. They were of Scotch-Irish descent, and a hardy, sturdy prople of good habits and morals.

"Greene County History" by Robinson
D. Cameron Bickett
"Bicket-Bickett Family" by Delores (Bickett) Overskei
Including her quote from "The Barr Family" by Rev. William Bickett Barr

 

[NI0932] Adam and William Bickett came to this country from Antrim County in Northern Ireland in 1794. They lost their course and were 20 weeks (or 13) in crossing the ocean, and almost perished from thirst and hunger. They were of Scotch-Irish descent, and a hardy, sturdy people of good habits and morals.

"Greene County History" by Robinson
D. Cameron Bickett
"Bicket-Bickett Family" by Delores (Bickett) Overskei
Including her quote from "The Barr Family" by Rev. William Bickett Barr

 

[NI1036] Built the first house in Greene County, OH below Xenia, OH.

 

GREENE COUNTY, OHIO
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Transcribed by Deb.

Biography donated to Clark County, Ohio Bios by Jo.  For more information, please check out her site "the Portrait and Biographical Album of
Clark and Greene Counties" at <http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gen2/index.htm>.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF GREENE AND CLARK COUNTIES, OHIO
CHAPMAN BROS., CHICAGO copyright 1890

pg 609, 610

MATHEW A. BICKETT, one of the representative farmers of Xenia Township, owns and operates a fine farm lying some two and one-half miles from Xenia Court House.  He is a native of Greene County, Ohio, where he was born January 19, 1831, in a house which is only about a quarter of a mile from his present home.  His father, William R. BICKETT, was one of the pioneers of the county having made choice of it for a dwelling place in the year 1818, while it was yet a wilderness.  The region which had recently been the home of the Indian, shortly began to wear the aspect of civilization, as the advent of the white man caused the original forest to disappear, and its place to be taken by fields of waving corn and golden grain. 


William BICKETT was a native of Coaquilla Valley, Pa., where he was born in the year 1796 or 1798, the date is uncertain, and which was his home until he arrived at the age of about twenty-one when he started for the “far West” in company with his mother, sister, and one brother.  The party reached Greene County, in the year 1818, having made the trip with a six-horse team.  The first winter was passed in the house of Robert HAMMELL, a brother-in-law of Mr. BICKETT.  In the following spring he bought about one hundred and fifty acres of woodland upon which he and his John erected a log cabin that was the home of their mother for a number of years.  As rapidly as possible they cleared and improved the farm, and provided for the wants of the mother and sister who were dependent upon their exertions.  Deer, wild turkey and other game abounded, and they could always procure plenty for the table by simply using their trusty muskets.

In 1827 William R. BICKETT and Miss Isabella ALEXANDER were united in marriage, and took up their residence on the old home farm.  The fruit of this union was six children, three boys, and three girls.  The boys are all married and living within one-half mile of the old homestead.  Mr. BICKETT died in 1865.  Mrs. BICKETT survived him some twenty years, departing for the better land in April, 1885.


The subject of this sketch was educated in the commons schools, and assisted on the farm in the intervals.  When school life was over, he continued to work on the home place until about the time of his father’s death.  May 30, 1865, our subject and Miss Caroline E. KENDALL were united in marriage.  He then purchased his present place of one hundred and eighty-one acres of land, and began business for himself as a general farmer and stock-raiser.  His stock consists for the most part of graded Short-horns in cattle, and a fine strain of hogs.  Mr. BICKETT has no political aspirations, but exercises his rights as a citizen in favor of the Republican party.  He is a highly esteemed member of the society, and a devoted adherent of the church of his fathers, the United Presbyterian, and is a regular attendant upon the services of that body in the town of Xenia.


Mrs. BICKETT was born in Greene County in 1838, about two miles from her present home, and is an intelligent and amiable lady well fitted to make a happy home for her husband and children.  Mr. and Mrs. BICKETT are the parents of seven children whose names are:  Clark K., Charles A.; William Albert; Annie M.; John W.; Elinor I.; and David Cameron, all at home, and all except the eldest attending school.  Their parents are determined they shall have the best educational advantages that can be obtained, before permitting them to start out for themselves in the world.


Mr. BICKETT is a first-class practical farmer, and not only provides a comfortable and commodious home for his family, but also considers the wants of his stock.  He has one of the finest barns in the township, it being 40x60 feet with shed and corn crib of 19 feet additional.  Most of the shrubbery, and all the improvements upon the farm are the result of his own labor, and reflects great credit upon his ability and taste in the selection of the ornamental features of his beautiful home.  He derives great enjoyment from the society of congenial friends, and is deservedly popular with all classes, but finds his great pleasure in the bosom of his affectionate and happy family.             

 

 

Portrait and Biographical Album of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio
Chapman Bros., Chicago, Copyright 1890
 

 

pg 609, 610 

MATHEW A. BICKETT, one of the representative farmers of Xenia Township, owns and operates a fine farm lying some two and one-half miles from Xenia Court House. He is a native of Greene County, Ohio, where he was born January 19, 1831, in a house which is only about a quarter of a mile from his present home. His father, William R. Bickett, was one of the pioneers of the county having made choice of it for a dwelling place in the year 1818, while it was yet a wilderness. The region which had recently been the home of the Indian, shortly began to wear the aspect of civilization, as the advent of the white man caused the original forest to disappear, and its place to be taken by fields of waving corn and golden grain. 

William BICKETT was a native of Coaquilla Valley, Pa., where he was born in the year 1796 or 1798, the date is uncertain, and which was his home until he arrived at the age of about twenty-one when he started for the “far West” in company with his mother, sister, and one brother. The party reached Greene County, in the year 1818, having made the trip with a six-horse team.  The first winter was passed in the house of Robert HAMMELL, a brother-in-law of Mr. Bickett. In the following spring he bought about one hundred and fifty acres of woodland upon which he and his John erected a log cabin that was the home of their mother for a number of years. As rapidly as possible they cleared and improved the farm, and provided for the wants of the mother and sister who were dependent upon their exertions. Deer, wild turkey and other game abounded, and they could always procure plenty for the table by simply using their trusty muskets.

In 1827 William R. BICKETT and Miss Isabella ALEXANDER were united in marriage, and took up their residence on the old home farm. The fruit of this union was six children, three boys, and three girls. The boys are all married and living within one-half mile of the old homestead. Mr. BICKETT died in 1865. Mrs. BICKETT survived him some twenty years, departing for the better land in April, 1885.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the commons schools, and assisted on the farm in the intervals. When school life was over, he continued to work on the home place until about the time of his father’s death. On May 30, 1865, our subject and Miss Caroline E. KENDALL were united in marriage. He then purchased his present place of one hundred and eighty-one acres of land, and began business for himself as a general farmer and stock-raiser.  His stock consists for the most part of graded Short-horns in cattle, and a fine strain of hogs. Mr. BICKETT has no political aspirations, but exercises his rights as a citizen in favor of the Republican party. He is a highly esteemed member of the society, and a devoted adherent of the church of his fathers, the United Presbyterian, and is a regular attendant upon the services of that body in the town of Xenia.

Mrs. BICKETT was born in Greene County in 1838, about two miles from her present home, and is an intelligent and amiable lady well fitted to make a happy home for her husband and children. Mr. and Mrs. BICKETT are the parents of seven children whose names are:  Clark K., Charles A.; William Albert; Annie M.; John W.; Elinor I.; and David Cameron, all at home, and all except the eldest attending school. Their parents are determined they shall have the best educational advantages that can be obtained, before permitting them to start out for themselves in the world.

Mr. BICKETT is a first-class practical farmer, and not only provides a comfortable and commodious home for his family, but also considers the wants of his stock. He has one of the finest barns in the township, it being 40x60 feet with shed and corn crib of 19 feet additional. Most of the shrubbery, and all the improvements upon the farm are the result of his own labor, and reflects great credit upon his ability and taste in the selection of the ornamental features of his beautiful home. He derives great enjoyment from the society of congenial friends, and is deservedly popular with all classes, but finds his great pleasure in the bosom of his affectionate and happy family.             

 

478 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Mrs. Isabella Bickett was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1802, and is the daughter of Matthew and Isabella Alexander, natives of Pennsylvania, who immigrated to Ohio in 1804, with a family of six children, Francis, John, William, Isabella, Matthew, and Robert. Isabella and Robert are the only survivors of the family. Isabella was married, in 1827, to William R. Bickett, of Greene County. They raised a family of six children. Adam R., Matthew A., Mary J., William H., Elizabeth I., and Lydia A. The last named died in 1865. Mrs. Bickett received her education in Greene County, where her life has been spent. She is a member of the Second United Presbyterian Church. She is now living on a farm three miles east of Xenia, with her daughter, Mrs. Solomon Foust, who was married in 1868, and has one son, Edwin, who is living with his mother and grandmother on the farm, and attending school. Mrs. Bickett is now in her seventy-ninth year, and is uncommonly active for one of her age. The family, from the oldest to the youngest, are Republicans, and enjoy the reputation of being benevolent, and always ready to lend a helping hand in time of need.