Matthew Alexander Bickett

Matthew Alexander Bickett was born January 19, 1831, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co, OH, and died November 26, 1910, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, at age 79. Buried in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. He is the son of William Reed Bickett of Coaquilla Valley, Huntington Co., PA, and Isabella Alexander of Wheeling, WV.

Caroline Eleanor Kendall was born July 19, 1838, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, and died January 19, 1921, in Xenia, Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, at age 82. Buried in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. She is the daughter of William Kendall of Stony Creek, KY, and Eleanor Jackson of near Mt Pleasant, Jefferson Co., OH (or Belmont Co., OH).

Matthew Alexander Bickett (age 34) and Caroline Eleanor Kendall (age 26) were married May 30, 1865, in Greene Co., OH.

Matthew Alexander Bickett and Caroline Eleanor (Kendall) Bickett had seven children:

Matthew Alexander Bickett was born January 19, 1831, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co, OH.

Caroline Eleanor Kendall was born July 19, 1838, 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 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.

Matthew Alexander Bickett (age 34) and Caroline Eleanor Kendall (age 26) were married May 30, 1865, in Greene Co., OH.

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) lives nearby.

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.

Clark Kendall Bickett and Margaret Susannah Turnbull were married May 25, 1899, in Xenia, Greene Co., OH.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 9, 1900 shows Matthew Bickett (age 69) born January 1831 in Ohio to Pennsylvania and Virginia-born parents is a Farmer owning his farm free of a mortgage and is living in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH. Living with him is his wife of 35 years, Caroline E. Bickett (age 61) born July 1838 in Ohio to Kentucky and Ohio-born parents with all 7 of the children born to her still alive. Also living there are his unmarried children, all born in Ohio to Ohio-born parents: Charles A. Bickett (age 32) born January 1868, a Farm Laborer; William A. Bickett (age 30) born January 1870, a Farm Laborer; Anna M. Bickett (age 28) born March 1872; John W. Bickett (age 25) born November 1874, a Preacher; Eleanor I. Bickett (age 23) born November 1876; and David C. Bickett (age 18) born August 1881. Leigh Larson note: Matthew's brother, William H. Bickett (age 63) lives on a nearby farm.

William Albert Bickett and Margaret Harper were married November 26, 1901, in Jamestown, Greene Co., OH.

John Wilson Bickett and Leoti F. Watt were married December 31, 1902, in Highland Co., OH.

The Xenia Daily Gazette, Xenia, Greene Co., OH, Wednesday, April 29, 1908

Mr. Mathew Bickett, an old and well known resident of the Bickett road, about two miles east of Xenia, is very ill, suffering with several ailments. He is about 75 years of age and has been in a feeble condition for some time.

Matthew Alexander Bickett died November 26, 1910, in Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, at age 79.

The Xenia Daily Gazette, Xenia, Greene Co., OH, Monday, November 28, 1910

A GOOD MAN GONE TO HIS REWARD.

Matthew A. Bickett, son of Wm. and Isabel Alexander Bickett, was born January 19, 1831, and died Saturday evening at nine o'clock, Nov. 26th, 1910. He was united in marriage to Caroline E. Kendall May 30, 1865, who is still living; also seven children, (this being the first break in the family) as follows: Clark K., Charles A. and W. Albert, prominent farmers residing within a few miles of the old home, Rev. John W., pastor of the U. P. church, of Kenton, Hardin county, O., Misses Anna M., Eleanor I. and D. Cameron to whom the cares of the old home have been gradually transferred. He was tenderly cared for by wife and children during his three years of sickness and great suffering, with dropsy of the heart and other complications. He bore his affliction with great fortitude and patience, during which time he was compelled to sleep in his chair, and for the past five weeks being confined almost entirely to his chair. His mind was clear, and he was conscious until the end. He was a member all his life of the Second U. P. church, Xenia. A noble Christian man, his life was a blessing to the community, but he will be especially missed in the home circle. He leaves two brothers, Reynolds and Harvey, and a sister, Miss Elizabeth, all of whom reside in the same neighborhood. The funeral will be held at the residence, Tuesday, Nov. 29th, at one o'clock.

The Xenia Daily Gazette, Xenia, Greene Co., OH, Wednesday, November 30, 1910

MATTHEW A. BICKETT IS NOW AT REST

Funeral Services Over Remains of Prominent Farmer Occurs Tuesday Afternoon.

Matthew A. Bickett, a prominent farmer of east of Xenia, whose death occurred Saturday night, is now at rest in Woodland cemetery. Funeral services over his remains were held at the late residence at one o'clock Tuesday afternoon and were attended by a large concourse of friends and relatives. Dr. W. S. McClure, pastor of the deceased, assisted by Dr. J. G. Carson, a former pastor and close friend of Mr. Bickett, was in charge of the services. During the service a quartette, composed of Mrs. Charles Kyle, Miss Ella Collins, Mr. Harvey Collins and Dr. McClure, sang a portion of the 91st Psalm and the 23rd Psalm. The pallbearers were the five sons of the deceased: Clark W., Charles A., W. Albert, D. Cameron and the Rev. John W., of Kenton.

David Cameron Bickett and Martha Pearle McCampbell were married June 15, 1915, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John McCampbell, Xenia, Greene Co., OH.

Caroline Eleanor (Kendall) Bickett died January 19, 1921, in Xenia, Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OH, at age 82.

[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 passeed 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

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

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.

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. 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.