Newspaper articles reflect that sculptor Byron M Pickett was born at Port Byron, NY the son of John Welcher and Lucy Pickett. Other articles suggest he was a native of Jordan. We can confirm that the Pickett family did live at Port Byron as early as 1840 per the Federal census.
John served as Mentz Town Clerk and is buried with his son David Pickett at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Port Byron.
Byron M Pickett completed several important sculptures:
"Patriotism" located at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, NY. According to their website, they are the 6th oldest Reformed Church in America. This sculpture is also known as the "Daughter of the 120th Regiment".
History of the Old Dutch Church at Kingston
"Samuel Finley Breese Morse" at Central Park.
Morse Statue at Central Park
"62nd NY Infantry" Gettysburg. This regiment was also known as Anderson's Zouaves.
Photo of 62nd NY Inf Statue
"Anderson Zouaves" - Living History & Research Group
1879 Bio of Byron M Pickett
If anyone knows of the burial location for Byron M Pickett, please contact me. He has relatives trying to find his grave, somewhere in the Manhatten area.
