“P” is for Pickens, Francis (1807-1869). Congressman, diplomat, governor. Born in St. Paul’s Parish, Pickens attended the South Carolina College where he became known for his support of nullification. In 1834 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where he was a strong supporter of slavery and states’ rights. At the 1856 national Democratic convention Pickens supported James Buchanan successful candidacy for president. And in 1857, as a reward, Pickens was named U.S. minister to Russia. In 1860 he was elected governor, four days before South Carolina seceded. Because of early U.S. military successes in the Sea Islands and a lack of confidence in the governor, a special council was created to exercise executive authority in the state. The council was abolished in December 1862, shortly after Andrew Pickens’s term as governor ended.
“P” is for Pickens, Francis (1807-1869)
