Obituary
James M. Pickens
Died Feb. 1898
Death came as a relief to suffering, intense and long continued, in the
case of one of our most esteemed citizens. James M. Pickens, at an early hour
on Thursday morning, Mr. Pickens had been afflicted for a long period with
cancerous formations about his face and head and during the past year had
submitted to several operations for relief, which however, proved to be only
temporary.
Deceased was 80 years of age, and was the son of Ebenezer and Mary Pickens,
born in that part of Middleboro, now Lakeville. Most of his long life was
spent in Middleboro, with the exception of a few years in early manhood passed
in New Bedford, where he was engaged in business. He was a pioneer in the
making of straw goods in Middleboro. In the early '50s he was engaged with his
twin brother, Andrew J., and William King, in the manufacture of straw goods,
first at the centre of the village, and afterwords in the building which the
two brothers built at the site of the present Bay State Straw Works. In 1858,
he retired from the straw business. Afterwords, he conducted a grocery store
at the head of Courtland street for a number of years. In his later years he
was engaged in the real estate business.
Mr. Pickens enjoyed renown as a singer master in his earlier years, and up
to within twenty years he conducted singing schools, with mcuh success all
through this section and in Cape Cod. He was the possessor of a tenor voise of
unusual beauty. Mr. Pickens was from the first one of the Central
Congregational church, and his connection with the society dates back nearly
half a century to it's first organization. In the erection of the church
ediface he had a prominant part, contributing $1000 and nearly a years work in
various capacities. For twenty five years he has served as a deacon, and the
church looses a loyal and devoted servant. He was always in his place at the
prayer meeting and at the Sunday Service, in fowl weather and in fair.
Christian worship, Christian fellowship always found in him a devoted
supporter.
Deacon Pickens has always occupied an available position in the estimation
of his fellow townspeople. His business life was characterized by fairness and
upright dealings, and into which, as well as in the walks of private life, he
ever carried the Golden Rule - "What so ever you would that men should do
unto you, do ye even so unto them". In church and home and community, all
through the years, his presence has been strong for righteousness. He was of
such stuff as states are made. It is men like this that have made New England
famous. It is men such as these that the hope of the country rests Their lives
are a benediction, their death a public loss. Without ostentation, without
cant without wide publicity, his long life has been lived quietly, honestly,
kindly and in the fear of the Lord. The community will miss his cheery
presence; the good word, the hardy grip, the friendly call, the praying spirit,
the steady devotion to the common good, these have been an inspiration the
community for many years. Sorrow there will be in the home at his departure
but it will be sweetened and sanctified by blessed memories. He leaves his
family a priceless heritage, a Christian character. We mourn our loss, we
rejoice in his coronation.
Deceased married Lucy H. Potter of North Brookfield, who survives him,
together with his family of four daughters - Laura, wife of E.F. Kingman of
Riverside, California. Lucy, wife of Richard E. Cobb of Newton, Mary B. wife
of Amasa R. Glidden and Martha S. wife of Henry W. Sears.
Found mentioned in obituary of his brother James M. who died Feb. 1898, as
his twin. No further information.