Robert J. Picken, Rev. (1915)

BUCHANAN, PICKEN

Posted By: Mary Welty Hart
Date: 1/2/2011 at 13:59:56

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, September 1, 1915
Page 1

REV. ROBERT J. PICKEN Drowned In Idaho

Rev. Robert J. Picken, a former Madison county boy, who grew to manhood near St. Charles, was drowned near Boise, Idaho on the 14th of September (see note). The following detail of the distressing accident is taken from the Boise Statesman:

Rev. Robert J. Picken, pastor of the United Presbyterian church of Boise, was drowned at Payette lakes Saturday evening in full sight of his wife and children. Word of the accident was received in Boise Sunday morning.

Rev. Picken and family, his wife, and three small children, were spending their vacation at Boloin camp on the lake. With other men, he went out into the lake Saturday about 5:30 intending to bathe in the shallow water. He was deceived by the depth at the place which he selected and jumped out of the boat into eight feet of water. Unable to swim, he drowned before aid could be summoned.

None of the other men in the boat could swim and though they tried to reach him with the oars, were unable to do so and were forced to sit by and watch his struggles until, exhausted, he sank. The body was recovered in a short time, but efforts to resuscitate were without success.

Mr. Picken came from Colorado to take charge of the Boise church early the first of this year. He was exceedingly popular with his congregation, a young man of great power as a speaker, and one who attracted parishioners by his great sincerity. His congregation is prostrated over the tragic news.
_______________________

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, September 1, 1915
Page 8

St. Charles

REV. ROBERT PICKEN

A large crowd from here attended the funeral of Rev. Robert Picken on last Friday, who was drowned near his home at Boise, Idaho. Mr. Picken was born and grew to manhood here.

He leaves one sister, Mrs. Chester Buchanan of this place; three brothers: Joe Picken of Des Moines, Jim Picken of Chicago and Rev. Samuel Picken of India.
_______________________

Coordinator's note: Date of death per Idaho Death Certificate was August 21, 1915.

Gravesite
 

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen