Pickens Family Genealogy & History

Slim Pickens, born Louis Burton Lindley Jr., was a renowned American actor and rodeo performer, famous for his cowboy roles in Hollywood Westerns. His career highlights include iconic comic roles in films like "Dr. Strangelove," where he played Major T. J. "King" Kong, "Blazing Saddles," and "1941." Pickens's unique country drawl and physical presence made him a natural fit for Westerns, and he often performed his own stunts thanks to his rodeo background. His versatility shone in both comedic and villainous roles, notably alongside film legends like Marlon Brando and John Wayne.

Slim Pickens was born in Kingsburg, California, to Sally Mosher (née Turk) and Louis Bert Lindley Sr., a Texas-born dairy farmer. He showed an early talent for horseback riding, which eventually led him to a successful career in rodeo and later in film.

George Malik Pickens Jr., born March 4, 2001, in Hoover, Alabama, is a standout wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. A former Georgia Bulldogs player, Pickens was a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Known for his spectacular catches, including a "Catch of the Year" contender in 2022, Pickens has quickly become a key player for the Steelers. In the 2023 season, he led the league in yards per reception with 18.1, showcasing his elite athleticism and playmaking ability. His career highlights include several game-winning touchdowns and a crucial role in Georgia's 2022 National Championship victory.

George Pickens grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, alongside his older brother, Chris Humes, a former NFL cornerback. Their shared passion for football has been a defining aspect of their family dynamic.

Carl McNally Pickens, born March 23, 1970, is a former American professional football player renowned for his role as a wide receiver in the NFL, playing for the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans. Pickens, a standout athlete from Murphy High School in North Carolina, shone at the University of Tennessee, earning All-American honors in 1991. In the NFL, he was notable for being named the 1992 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and setting records, including 100 receptions in a single season. Pickens's career was highlighted by his ability to consistently achieve over 1,000 receiving yards in multiple seasons, making him a key player in the Bengals' history.

Francis Wilkinson Pickens, born circa 1805/1807, was a pivotal political figure during the American Civil War era, notably serving as the Governor of South Carolina when it became the first state to secede from the Union. A member of the Democratic Party and a strong advocate for states' rights, he was instrumental in the Fort Sumter crisis, sanctioning military actions against Union forces. Pickens also served as a U.S. Congressman and was the U.S. Minister to Russia under President Buchanan. His career highlights include his staunch support for nullification and his involvement in repealing South Carolina's Ordinance of Secession.

Francis Pickens hailed from a distinguished Southern family with deep political roots. He was the son of former Governor Andrew Pickens and the grandson of General Andrew Pickens, a notable Revolutionary War figure. His mother was Susannah Smith Wilkinson. His family connections extended to prominent figures like Senator John C. Calhoun, making him part of an influential lineage intertwined with South Carolina's political landscape. Pickens' wealth and social status were significant, with substantial land and personal property holdings, including 276 slaves as of the 1860 census.