 October
21, 1921 Harrison, Arkansas
From left to right, Dennis Homer Flynn
Jones, Lee Otis Jones, Nancy Bellzona Collins Jones, Walsie Jones Watkins
(sister to Joseph) Joseph Hubbard Jones, Pierce Watkins.
Walsie Jones Watkins, was born in Valley
Springs, Arkansas. May 29, 1871. She is buried in the Maplewood cemetery
in Harrison, Arkansas. Joseph was also born in Valley Springs, Arkansas.
There is a Jones family cemetery there where his grandfather, William
Beaver Jones is buried.
An artist's eye sees many things, but is
taught to portray only the beautiful. There is truth of observation in
these old photographs, which is what Bellzona would have wanted. Joe's
hands were always his pride, small and delicate. Hard work had left him
with arthritis, seen here. In the picture on the other page is barely
visible the pipe he always held as if receiving relief from the warmth of
its bowl. There is a distinct sadness about his face, he was not able to
hide from the camera. Joe never complained, about anything. He saw a
problem and quietly worked through it to a solution, often, much to
everyone's surprise. For instance, the day the children came home from a
dreary long walk from the country school to see a motor scooter setting in
the drive way. The memory over the years is still strong and precious.
This he did when he was ninety years old.
There was, undoubtedly, a closeness between
Joe and Walsie since she and Pierce had been married in Oklahoma close to
Joe and Bell's home. A touch of nostalgia is seen here in her face. Pierce
is looking on with what seems to be amused detachment at the cocky young
men, Dennis & Lee. |
