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CHAS. W. PICKFORD
Founder of the Village of Pickford Died at Washington, Oct. 17.
Charles W. Pickford died at his home in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, October 17, at the age of 77 years. His demise was not unexpected as he had been ailing for some time and it was known that he could not recover. The funeral was held in Washington Friday.
C.W. Pickford was a pioneer resident of the county, coming here from Canada when the county was a little more than a wilderness. He first prospected and the country comprising the township of Pickford appealed to him and he decided to locate here. He secured the land on which the village of Pickford is built and which was named in his honor as was also this township. Here he stayed until his farm was one of the garden spots of the county and one of the show places for all visitors to the region.
He spent not a little of his time and money in the development of the county and had more to do in getting early settlers here than any other one man. He seemed to realize the future value of the agricultural lands in the county and urged all with who he came in contact to take advantage of the conditions that then existed to secure a home and in many cases advanced sums necessary to enable without means to do so.
On coming to the states he espoused the democratic cause and was an ardent worker for the party during his residence in the county. He represented his township on the board of supervisors and held other positions of trust in that place.
His prominence in political affairs and his success led the party to recommend him for a position on the local customs force when Cleveland was elected and he was appointed, removing with his family to the Soo in 1884 to assume the duties of the place. He continued in this position until 1887 when he voluntarily resigned to engage in the general merchandise business, which he successfully carried on until his failing health made it necessary to retire in 1901. His wife having died in 1901, greatly affecting his health, he decided to go to Washington for the purpose of spending the remainder of his days with his children, who resided there.
Mr. Pickford will always be held in grateful remembrance by the people of this county. His life was exemplary, as a citizen, a business man and office holder he held and retained the respect and confidence of the people in the community in which he resided. He was a faithful member and worker of the Methodist Church and he carried his religion into the every day affairs of life. As a member of the city council of Sault Ste. Marie his advanced ideas were of great help to the city and his every act was one to further and better the conditions of his fellow man.
Mr. Pickford leaves seven sons and four daughters. They are: T.H. Pickford, C.R. Pickford, J.W. Pickford, S.W. Pickford, W.E. Pickford and Gertrude and Merta Pickford of Washington, and F.G.W. Pickford of Munising, A.F. Pickford of the Soo and Mrs. James Pickford of Hancock, wife of the presiding elder of the Houghton district.
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