Pickens, Lucy (1832–1899)

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Pickens, Lucy (1832–1899)

American confederate hostess. Name variations: Lady Pick. Born Lucy Petway Holcombe, June 11, 1832, in La Grange, Fayette Co., TN; died Aug 8, 1899, in Edgefield, SC; dau. of Eugenia Dorothea (Hunt) Holcombe and Beverly Lafayette Holcombe (distinguished plantation owner); m. Francis Wilkinson Pickens (US Congressional representative and political leader), April 26, 1858 (died 1869); children: 1 daughter.

Celebrated as a beautiful southern belle, was groomed from a young age for society life; moved to Russia soon after marriage to Francis Pickens, who was newly appointed by President James Buchanan as American minister there; had instant social success and gave birth to only child in Russia; returned to SC (1860), where husband was elected secession state governor; entertained well during Confederate salad days and her image was engraved upon the Confederate $100 bill; inherited and entertained at family mansion, Edgewood at Edgefield (SC), after husband's death (1869); served as vice-regent for South Carolina of Ann Pamela Cunningham's Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and raised funds for Confederate monument at Edgefield.