John Pickett

John Pickett of New London, merchant, "a well known and active merchant of New London" (source). In March 1651 he married Ruth, daughter of Jonathan Brewster. In 1658 Jonathan made over his property at New London and Poquetannuck, with his oxen, cows and swine, to his son Benjamin and his son-in-law John Pickett; on 14 Feb 1661/2 Pickett gave up his share to Benjamin, stipulating only "That my mother-in-law, Mrs. Brewster, the late wife of my father, Mr. Jonathan Brewster, shall have a full and competent means out of his estate during her life" (source).

He "dyed at Sea returning from Barbadoes" on 16 Aug 1667. "Mr. Pickett's estate was appraised at £1140. This was sufficient to rank him, at that period, as one of the wealthiest merchants of the place" (Caulkins, as quoted). Three of his sons were also lost at sea. His children, born at New London: Mary, wife of Capt. Benjamin Shapley; Ruth, wife of Rev. Moses Noyes of Lyme; John (b. 1656), who died at sea unmarried; Adam (b. 1658), who died at sea in 1691; Mercy (b. 1660/1), wife of Capt. Samuel Fosdick; and William, who died at sea about 1690. His widow married Charles Hill in 1668.

Research: Notable connections of Patricia Hatten (1940-2009): the paternal Hatten line.

Open questions

• His parents and origin.