This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: atb123 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.jackson/14279/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I have this newspaper obituary as follows. Watseka Illinois Friday, June ? Watseka Mourns The Passing Of Worthy Citizen The death of Joseph Pickens, well known and respected Watseka plumber after a plucky struggle for life following two operations, despite the handicap of age, caused a general expression of sorrow from the people of the vicinity. Death occurred at the Iroquois Hospital, Wednesday evening, June 22, at about 4:40 o'clock. Mr. Pickens, in his younger days, was a picture of stalwart manhood, proof against ill health. In later years, however, he began to fail until his condition became so serious that he was taken to the hospital where two operations were preformed for obstruction of the bowels. Joseph Lee Pickens was born on a farm near Crescent City, January 1, 1858. Since his father and mother both died when he was but a child, their names have been lost from record. He spent his youth with relatives in that vicinity and about 1883 he was united in marriage with Emma Mae Flesher. Four children were born to this union: Earl, who passed away about six years ago, Fay of Watseka, Birdella of LaFayette, Ind., and Verner, who died in infancy. Mrs.Pickens was called by death July 4, 1890, and in 1907 Mr. Pickens remarried to Mrs. Lena Martin who survives. Three children were born to this marriage, Joseph Jr., and twin daughters, Norma and Naomi, all of whom reside at home. Mr. Pickens is also survived by one half-brother, Charles A. Fletcher of Pearshall, Colorado, and by two step children, William M. Martin of Watseka and Mrs. Stella Martin Reeder of Chicago. Mr. Pickens, after his first marriage, was engaged in farming near Crescent City for a number of years. About 1897, he moved to Watseka where he found occupation as a plumber, and served capably as city plumber for a number of years. Funeral services will be held this (Friday) afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Watseka Christian Church, conducted by Rev. R. N. Cloyd. Interment will be made in the Flesher cemetery near Crescent City. Does anyone know what year Joseph Pickens died? Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.