Published in the Athens Review November 2, 1944
H.D. Pickens, member of a pioneer Henderson county family and himself a pioneer of the county, died Thursday night at 6 o'clock at his home 501 South Prairieville, after an illness of the past two weeks. He suffered a stroke Thursday morning October 12, and after rallying somewhat a few days later, his condition again became critical and he steadily grew worse.
His death brought an end to a colorful life, replete with pioneer experiences and with memories of the early days of the county, beginning with the settlement in the west end of the county by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Pickens. Mr. and Mrs. Pickens built one of the first homes in that section of the county, the community to become known later as Pickens Spur, and in that house H.D. Pickens was born on August 8, 1861. Pickens Spur is six miles west of Athens.
Mr. Pickens worked on his father's farm in the early days of his youth, and later came to Athens and was employed as a salesman by one of the first firms in Athens, a firm headed by Dr. Collins.
Mr. Pickens and his wife, the former Miss Annie Prince, of Van Zandt county, also a member of a pioneer family of East Texas, were married on November 11, 1888. She is the daughter of Mrs. Matilda Prince and Capt. Sam Prince, who died as the result of wounds received in the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Pickens built a home within half a mile of his father's homestead after their marriage, and lived there until three years ago, when they moved to Athens.
Mr. Pickens, in addition to being a pioneer resident of the county, was a pioneer in farming innovations. He shipped the first watermelons and sweet potatoes from the county, and brought the first registered hogs and the first registered beef-type cattle to the county.
He was a leader in civic and church affairs, and he and his father were instrumental in establishing the present Methodist Church in the Pickens Spur community. He had been a member of the church since, and was active in it's support.
Many pioneer articles of furniture and implements used by the early day settlers were prized possessions of Mr. Pickens, and he was ever ready to tell friends and visitors the colorful history behind them. Some of them have been displayed in Athens and others have been viewed at his home here and at the old home place at Pickens Spur.
He found great pleasure in reminiscing over old times, and his mind was very active and clear. He kept in constant touch with current events, and was able to discuss them thoroughly with anyone. He was seen on the streets of Athens, making one of his frequent visits to the business district, just a day or so before he was stricken.
Surviving are his wife; two sons, J.P. Pickens, president of the First National Bank of Athens and A.A. Pickens of Tyler; two daughters, Mrs. D.T. Broom of Athens and Miss Frankie Pickens of Fort Worth; seven sisters, Mrs. J.C. Wood, Mrs. J.B. Henry, and Mrs. Anna Williamson of Athens, Mrs. O.T. Boyd and Mrs. Y.V. Earnest of Pickens Spur, Mrs. J.T. Williams of Houston and Mrs. Willie Alexander of Arp; and three grandchildren, Martha Ann Pickens of Tyler and John Pickens and Martin Pickens of Athens. Martin is a Corporal in the United States Army and is stationed in the Pacific.
Funeral services were held at the Pickens Spur Methodist Church Friday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock with the Rev. C.A. West of Cleveland, a former pastor of the church for several years, the Rev. J.L. Riley, the present pastor and Dr. R.E. Joiner, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Athens, officiating.
Pallbearers were H.C. Moseley, W.B. Stirman, A.B. Taylor, Roy Loosier, Reagan Tarrant, John Dean, A.M. Barnes and Evan Ennis.
Interment was in the City Cemetery in Athens. Carroll and Lehr Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.