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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Atlas Map of Fulton County, Illinois, 
Andreas, Lyter, and Co., Davenport, Iowa. 1871
(page 51)

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Abel Pickering was the father of Curtis Pickering, now of Fulton county. Abel Pickering was born in London county, Virginia, in the year 1790, and lived there until the year 1816, when he moved to Ohio and stayed there until the year 1865, when he moved to Illinois, and settled in Vermont township, in Fulton county, where he still resides. 
    
Mr. Pickering was raised a Quaker; and at an early day commenced the ministry of the society of Friends, which he still continues. He was also a mechanic of edge-tools, and is considered one of the first quality; but never forgetful of his calling. He was the father of thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters -- four now living. 
    
Curtis J. Pickering was the fourth son, and was born in the state of Ohio, in the year 1823, and lived with his parents until he was nineteen years old, when he emigrated to Ohio, and settled in the west part; lived there one year; then moved to Illinois, and settled in Barnadotte, Fulton county; lived there and elsewhere until the year 1848, when he married Miss Stroade. He then bought and settled on section 23, in Farmer's township, where he still resides, principally engaged in farming, and raising stock and fruit. 
    
In his younger days, he devoted about ten years to the study of medicine, and has been in the practice of his profession, more or less, ever since. He spent some time in acquiring a knowledge of blacksmithing, and also devotes considerable time to that business. He is considered a good mechanic. Through close application o business, and good economy, he has accumulated a large amount of valuable property. 
    
He is one of the best horticulturists in Fulton county. He has over two hundred acres of number one land now, in a high state of cultivation, and has over thirty acres of bearing apple trees, all of the first quality of fruit, besides a large amount of small fruits. 
    
He is the father of twelve children -- six sons and six daughters -- ten living and two dead. One son is married and doing well. Nine children are at home. He sent one son, at his country's call, to the late war, who enlisted in the 50th regiment Illinois volunteers. He served his time, got his honorable discharge, and is now at home assisting his father on the farm. 
    
Mr. Pickering manufactures large quantities of cider and vinegar, for which he finds ready sale both at home and abroad. He is held in high esteem as a farmer, physician, mechanic, a. horticulturist, and a good citizen.