From A Biographical History of Central
Kansas, Vol. I, p. 647
published by The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago & New York, 1902
Walter Pickerill
The list of the leading citizens of Rice County contains the name of Walter Pickerill, one of the representative and honored citizens of the county. He was born in Brown county, Ohio, near Ripley, December 17, 1863, a son of Thomas J Pickerill, one of Rice County’s early pioneers and leading agriculturists. He was born in Ohio, and there received a good education, following the profession of a teacher for many years. He married Jane Scott, who proved to him a faithful companion through life. In 1865 they took up their abode in Topeka, Kansas, where they remained for one year, and then removed to Missouri, locating in Jackson county. They remained there until 1872, when they took up their abode in Carthage, Jasper county, Missouri. Three years afterward they returned to Jackson county, that state, remaining there until 1879, when they took up their abode in Victoria township, Rice County, Kansas. The father was engaged in farming here until his death, which occurred February 1, 1901, at the age of sixty-eight years. At his death he left a widow and six children, four of whom still survive: Maggie, wife of J K Board, of Victoria township; Walter, our subject; Ida, wife of John Armstrong, of Oklahoma; Minnie, wife of Adam Collins, of Galt township, Rice County. Two children died in childhood, - Lulu and Jennie. The father of this family was an elder in the Church of Christ for forty years, exemplifying his Christian belief in his every day life.
Walter Pickerill, whose name introduces this review, spent the days of his youth upon a Missouri farm, there enjoying the educational privileges afforded by the common schools, but by reading and experience he has added greatly to his knowledge. In 1879 he came with his father to Rice County, Kansas, where he now owns a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he has resided for eleven years. The place is improved with a good residence, a large barn, a beautiful grove and orchard, excellent pastures, and everything about the place indicates the supervision of a progressive and thrifty owner.
In 1883 Mr. Pickerill was united in marriage with Lizzie Weckman, who was born in Blackhawk county, Iowa, near Waterloo, a daughter of Adam and Sarah (Walker) Weckman, natives of Stark county, Ohio. The father was of Pennsylvania German descent, and his death occurred at the age of thirty years, leaving three children, - Byron, Minnie and Lizzie. The mother was a second time married, becoming the wife of William Strayer, and they had nine children, five now living – Calvin, Hattie, Frank, Orville, and Jessie. Three of the children died in childhood, and Ida departed this life at the age of sixteen years. The mother now resides in Iowa, and is a member of the Dunkard church. Mrs. Pickerill was reared and educated in Iowa, and at the age of fourteen came with her grandmother to Kansas. She is now the mother of eight children, five sons and three daughters: Jesse, who is seventeen years of age; Lelia, aged fifteen; Roy, aged thirteen; James, aged eleven; Minnie, aged nine years; Charles, aged eight years; Grace, aged five years; and Alfred, a lad of three years. Mr. Pickerill is a supporter of Democracy and is a member of the Church of Christ. He enjoys the high esteem of all who have the honor of his acquaintance.