Robert Pickett, General Pickett’s father, is listed as a businessman - dealing in coal.
The 1830 census Robert Pickett owned 42 slaves. The 1850 census shows that he owns 23 slaves and that his real estate was worth $50,000. (Turkey Island - the former Randolph Estate).
It is noted that he left Turkey Island because he could not manage it. The Johnston family prevented the financial collapse on several occasions. In the end, 1843, Andrew Johnston was made trustee of all Robert’s property with the stipulation he could remain.
Robert Pickett was elected a member of the Richmond Light Artillery Blues July 4, 1817. (General Pickett commanded his father’s former unit, which fought as the 1st Virginia Infantry, Company E, at Gettysburg in 1863.)
He married Mary Johnston, sister to Andrew Johnson, Pres. Lincoln’s law partner in Ill., Daughter of Robert Johnston, Sr. on 19 June 1821.
“Col. Robert Pickett of this city died suddenly at his residence on Thursday night. At the time of his death Col. Pickett was an honorary member of the Light Infantry Blues, and many years ago, filled the post of Orderly Sergeant of that company. He will be buried with military honors tomorrow.”

Robert Pickett, General Pickett’s father, is listed as a businessman - dealing in coal.
The 1830 census Robert Pickett owned 42 slaves. The 1850 census shows that he owns 23 slaves and that his real estate was worth $50,000. (Turkey Island - the former Randolph Estate).
It is noted that he left Turkey Island because he could not manage it. The Johnston family prevented the financial collapse on several occasions. In the end, 1843, Andrew Johnston was made trustee of all Robert’s property with the stipulation he could remain.
Robert Pickett was elected a member of the Richmond Light Artillery Blues July 4, 1817. (General Pickett commanded his father’s former unit, which fought as the 1st Virginia Infantry, Company E, at Gettysburg in 1863.)
He married Mary Johnston, sister to Andrew Johnson, Pres. Lincoln’s law partner in Ill., Daughter of Robert Johnston, Sr. on 19 June 1821.
“Col. Robert Pickett of this city died suddenly at his residence on Thursday night. At the time of his death Col. Pickett was an honorary member of the Light Infantry Blues, and many years ago, filled the post of Orderly Sergeant of that company. He will be buried with military honors tomorrow.”