Pickard - John Sydney
Source: Waveland Independent, Feb 16, 1934
John S. PICKARD, who has been in poor health for a long time, died about half past 5 on Thursday morning, last. Death came peacefully from heart exhaustion. Funeral services were held on Saturday afternoon at the Christian Church in charge of Rev. Edward Bamish. Mrs. Charles F. Moore; Mrs. Frank Gardner and Mr. and Mrs. Bamish sang, with Mrs. Slavens at the piano. The casket was carried by James B. McClain; Frank Seybold; Lowell Spencer; J.M. Milligan; Chester Heslar and Clay Williams. Burial in Presbyterian Cemetery.
The first paragraph of this obituary was written by Mr. Pickard Oct 15, 1925 – John Sydney Pickard was born Oct 13, 1863, in Parke County about two miles south of Marshall, Indiana near where the Goshen Church used to stand. His mother died when he was about 9 and his father died when he was 19. After three sisters, Naomi Huffman; Bertha Downy and Laura Teegarden leaving him the only remaining member of the family. On the 25th day of August, 1909 he was united in marriage to Lucinda Beach. To this union were born 3 children, Sydney Kenneth; Audrey May and Rachel Frances Pickard. A friend continues: John Sydney Pickard was the son of Frank and Rachael Dooley Pickard. In his death the community has lost a fine citizen, a kind neighbor and one whose every influence was for good. On July 26, 1892, he united with the Waveland Christian Church under the pastorate of Rev. TJ Shuey. He served as deacon of the church from Dec 24, 1897 to about 1930. He was always a regular attendant at church as long as his health permitted. He was a good man. He lived a devoted Christian life and was a kind, considerate husband and father. He served as janitor of the school building and drove a school bus for several years. He was especially fond of school children and never too busy to pay attention to them. In 1898, he joined Waveland Lodge No. 217, IOOF and was an active member as long as his health permitted. He served as treasurer for many years and delivered the most important charge in a manner that deeply impressed the candidate with the principles of friendship, love and truth. After the above was written, an old friend of Mr. Pickard said he would like to add: “He has known him for many years and he has never heard him speak an unkind word of any one.” He leaves to mourn his loss a devoted wife, a son, Sydney Kenneth, two daughters, Audrey May and Rachael Frances, a step mother, Mrs. Hartson Morehouse, an aged aunt, two nieces and a host of friends.
The following tribute to John S. Pickard was written for the Annual of WHS in 1915 by Margaret Peck. “Yes, I know a man and his word is like gold, And he sings and he goes to and fro, Keeping fire in the basement and sweeping the rooms. At the house where the children all go. Oh! His smile gives us hope, an example he makes, And his song keeps us glad, don’t you know! For he’s happy and cheerful, each hour of the day At the house where the children all go. With some tools he mends everything that goes wrong. And he keeps the whole house like ‘twas new. If you’ll watch him and follow the pattern he makes You’ll succeed with your work when it’s through. Then we should be prompt in whatever you do, Always cheerful and happy and so, If work, if we wait, we’ll be more like the one who cares for the place where the children all go.” Titled: Our Custodian.