Wednesday, Texas native Thomas Patterson visited Picayune for the first time and brought historic pieces, which belonged to the Kimballs, one of the former owners of the historic Hermitage.
According to previous Item coverage, the 12-acre estate was built in the mid-1800s and survived a Civil War, two world wars and numerous natural disasters. The land, which was originally inhabited by Choctaw Indians, was owned by a number of notable Picayune residents including Moses Cook, Leonard Kimball, Lamont Rowlands and R.H. Crosby.
The historic home is currently owned and being renovated by Lynne and Frank Burger.
Patterson’s great-great-great aunt was Jane Potter Russ Kimball, wife to Leonard. The Kimballs owned the home during the mid-1800s.
The Kimballs opened their home to young ladies during that time, one of which was Eliza Jane Poitevent, Patterson said. After Leonard’s death, Patterson said his aunt lived there for about two years before moving in with Poitevent. When Poitevent died, Jane Kimball spent her remaining days in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
“From what I understand there are not a lot of artifacts from the Hermitage’s Antebellum period,” Patterson said. “As a child, my mother told me stories about the items from the plantation in Mississippi.”
Patterson donated coin silverware to the city of Picayune, which was made in the mid-1800s and molded from melted coins. The silverware also features the engraved initials of Leonard Kimball. Two silver candlesticks were also included with the donation.
The items were donated to the city in memory of Patterson’s mother, Janie Kimball Russ Patterson.
“My mother passed away in 2012 and I wished I could have made this donation with her so she could see all the places she talked about,” Patterson said. “I also have Jane Kimball’s scrapbook and I’m hoping to get copies made for the city as well. These items belonged to my family that lived in Picayune and I feel this is where they should go.”
The donation was accepted by City Manager Jim Luke at the Hermitage House, who said it was an honor and privilege to accept these historic artifacts on behalf of the city.
“These are real treasures and as city manager, I want to help preserve our history and heritage,” Luke said. “It’s exciting to be a part of history. We’re very blessed to have a mayor and city council that care about preserving the history for our children’s children.”
Luke said the items will be on loan to the Pearl River County Historical Society’s museum, which is located in City Hall.
After viewing the Hermitage for the first time, Patterson said it was wonderful to finally see the homestead he’s heard about all of his life.