Adam Vernette Pickard (1856-1898)

Adam Vernette Pickard was born on March 11, 1856 in Sheffield, Warren County, Pennsylvania to Joshua Pickard and Sarah Ann Waite. Adam married his cousin, Estella Pickard. His second marriage was to another cousin, Minnie L. Pickard Dowd on December 27, 1890. Adam V. Pickard committed suicide by shooting himself Sunday, April 17, 1898 in the evening at the residence of Mr. Klock on 13th Street in Jamestown, New York. Pickard had not been living agreeably with his wife for some time and recently left his home and was boarding with the Klock family. Sunday evening he went to his room after 7 p.m. and shortly after, Mr. Klock heard the report of a revolver and hastening to the room found the unfortunate man lying helpless across a trunk. Mr. Klock inquired as to what the trouble was and Mr. Pickard said he had shot himself. Dr. Scofield was summoned but the man was dead on his arrival, the bullet penetrating his right side and found a fatal lodgment in the lungs. His body was removed to the undertaker, E. G. Partridge’s Parlor. Investigation held and a surgeon said death was accidental. The Newspaper thought family was trying to cover up the death. The funeral of Adam V. Pickard was held at his father, Joshua Pickard's residence in Ellery, Wednesday afternoon April 20. Reverend Hunt assisted by Reverend Hotchkiss officiated. There was a large attendance. Music furnished by Mr. and Mrs. Alden and Miss Bernice A. Pickard and Millard Smedley. Bearers were: Edward W. and George G. Pickard, Franklin Swagger and Oscar Stafford.