FRANK F. PICKARD, well known in Harlem Township and vicinity, is the son of Jonas and Elizabeth (Merrick) Pickard, the former born in Cayuga, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 24, 1817, and the latter in Massachusetts, Feb. 5, 1830. After their marriage, in 1854, they located in Harlem Township, this county, whither they had come with their parents some time before.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Smith W. Pickard, married Miss Affa Skeel, and emigrated to this county in 1837. Aaron Merrick, the maternal grandfather, came in 1851. James Pickard, after his marriage, continued on the farm in Harlem Township where he first settled, until his death, which occurred Jan. 26, 1875. His widow, who survives him, continues on the old homestead. They were the parents of two children only – Frank F., our subject, and one who died in childhood.

Frank F. Pickard was born in Erin Township, Dec. 10, 1856. He attended the common school during his boyhood, and completed his studies in the High School of Lena. Farm life has been quite satisfactory to his ambitions, and he is fully prepared to carry on agriculture after the most approved methods, having served a thorough apprenticeship. After the death of his father he assumed the management of the homestead, of which he has since had charge, and is the owner of eighty-three acres of valuable land, upon which he has erected a good set of farm buildings.

Mr. Pickard was first married, at Freeport, June 2, 1877, to Miss Susan Herrbruck, daughter of Phillip and Maria (Decker) Herrbruck, and who was born in New Bethlehem, Pa. By her union with our subject she became the mother of four children – Dalta I., Luella A., Augusta, and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Susan Pickard departed this life at her home in Harlem Township, July 20, 1884.

Mr. Pickard was the second time married, in Kent Township, May 6, 1886, to Miss Laura E. Phillips, daughter of Orange H. and Mary C. (Gable) Phillips, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania, respectively. Mrs. Laura Pickard was born in Kent Township, this county, July 12, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. P. are members of the Evangelical Association, and politically, Mr. Pickard is a stanch Republican. He has held some of the minor offices, and is generally respected by the people of his community.

Contributed by Carol Parrish Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 747