Butler County Genealogy Trails Kansas Faith Marie Loomis Bio

BUTLER COUNTY'S EIGHTY YEARS BIOS

ESTEL MARIE PICKRELL

(Transcribed by Lori DeWinkler)

Estel Marie Pickrell began her newspaper career in 1928 in the office of the Leon News. She was an apt student and learned the rudiments of the mechanical as well as the editorial duties, until, at the present time, she could write the copy, set the type and print and mail the papers. She contributes an entertaining and popular column, entitled “Becky’s Corner,” to The News, in addition to her other departments on the paper.

Miss Pickrell is a daughter of A. L. and Effie Pickrell. She was born on a farm northeast of Leon, January 31, 1904, and now lives with her mother on an adjoining farm. Her mother still carries on with the farm work, much as her father did. The father died April 14, 1932. Both parents were from pioneer families. Miss Pickrell was one of the star students while attending grade and high school in Leon. She was graduated with a class of eleven seniors in 1922, and tied with Robert Hudkins, an attorney of Emporia, for valedictorian honors. She attended Teachers’ College in Emporia two summers and was a successful teacher in the grade schools of Leon and Van Huss. Miss Pickrell, who is a finished pianist and writer of prose and poetry, is a member of the Leon Christian church, is president of the Christian Endeavor Society, and an active member of the Rebekah Lodge.