Richard (Dick) Pickens

The American Revolution affected everyone in Abbeville County, included those whose stories have often been overlooked. Richard Pickens, more commonly known by his nickname Dick, was one such individual. Dick was a slave owned by Andrew Pickens, who eventually freed him. Dick joined the Patriot forces along with Andrew Pickens, serving beside him throughout the war, including at the Battle of Cowpens, a key Patriot victory. During the Revolution, a large number of the Patriot soldiers lacked appropriate clothes or shoes, and the army often did not have the funds to replace damaged attire. Dick saw that Andrew Pickens’ boots had been worn out and had the idea to salvage a pair for Pickens from a dead Loyalist soldier so they wouldn’t go to waste. Dick searched the battlefield and found a good pair, but when he bent to retrieve the boots he realized that the soldier that had been presumed dead was in fact still alive. Dick brought the dying man some water and sat with him, ensuring that his last moments were more peaceful. After the war ended, Dick accompanied Andrew Pickens to the Congress held in Philadelphia.

Dick was married to a woman named Fillis, and after he was freed, he owned a farm with cattle, sheep, and pigs.