PICKETT, D. S. - Putnam

Surnames in this biography are: Pickett, Adams, Harcourt D. S. Pickett.

One of the old-established and prominent business enterprises of Indiana, which has been in successful operation since 1850, is the Mid-West Crushed Stone Company, of Indianapolis, the owner of several plants and quarries at various points in the state. One of the largest plants of its kind is situated at Spencer, covering seventy- seven acres, and the sales manager of which is D. S. Pickett. Mr. Pickett commenced his career as a teacher, later was identified with the lumber industry, and after serving overseas in the World war became identified with his present concern in 1919. He has won success through merit and enterprise, and has the full confidence of the officials of the company and his business associates. Mr. Pickett was born October 31, 1890, at Greencastle, Indiana, and is a son of C. M. and Myrtle (Adams) Pickett, the latter a native of Massachusetts and a descendant of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. His paternal grandfather was David Pickett, who was born in North Carolina, later moved to South Carolina and spent his life as a planter and business man. C. M. Pickett was born, reared and educated in South Carolina, and in young manhood came to Indiana, settling at Greencastle, where he spent the remainder of his active career as a business man. D. S. Pickett attended the public schools in his native community and after graduating from high school went to the West and for several years was engaged in teaching school at Council, Arco and Blackfoot, Idaho, subsequently pursuing a summer course at the University of Idaho. He then became identified with the lumber industry, and was thus connected at the outbreak of the World war, and when the United States became involved in that titanic struggle he volunteered his services, was accepted, and attached to the Quartermaster’s Department. After intensive training at Indianapolis he left for France with his outfit August 23, 1917, and served continuously until March, 1919, when he returned to the United States and went to Camp Dix, New Jersey, being subsequently mustered out and honorably discharged at Camp Sherman, March 19, 1919. At that time Mr. Pickett effected a connection with his present company, in the service of which he has won promotion to the position of sales manager. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Spencer, where he makes his home, and has been a leader and supporter of civic movements of various kinds. The Mid-West Crushed Stone Company, of Indianapolis, quarries and manufactures Dolomite limestone, which has many uses, principally in the building of roads and highways. The plant and quarries at Spencer cover seventy-seven acres, being one of the largest plants in Owen County, with the most modern stone-crushing equipment. Other plants are located at Greencastle and Ridgeville. The Company was started in 1850, with local capital, but was later bought by the present company, and an average of twenty-five men are given regular employment. Mr. Pickett is accounted an able and thorough-going business man and an alert executive, and has had the fortune to gain and hold the respect and esteem of those with whom he has come into contact He has not cared for political activities; or position, but is a good citizen of enlightened views. On November 5, 1923, Mr. Pickett was united in marriage with Miss Blanche Harcourt. They have no children.