Pleasanton Observer-Enterprise, Thursday, Dec. 1, 1921, Pg. 8

Vol. 50, No. 24

Joseph A. Fine.

As mentioned briefly last week, Joseph A. Fine, one of the most highly honored and most respected colored men of Linn county, passed away at his home Tuesday evening, Nov. 22, after a long illness. Funeral services were held in the A. M. E. church Thursday afternoon, Nov. 24th conducted by Rev. Whitcomb, and attended by a large crowd of friends, of both races showing the esteem in which this good man and veteran of the Civil war was held by everybody. After the services he was tenderly taken to the Pleasanton cemetery and laid to rest.

Joseph A. Fine was born in slavery on September 18, 1840, in Washington county, Arkansas, and at the time of his death, November 22, 1921, had reached the advanced age of 81 years, 1 month and 24 days. Early in the Civil war he enlisted under the old stars and stripes and served Uncle Sam faithfully until the close of the war.

At the conclusion of the war, his mother having moved to Mound City in the meantime, he came to that place to make his home with her. On September 17, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Park and to this union eight children were born, all of whom survive, as follows; E. W. Fine, Pleasanton, Kansas; Joseph Fine, Jr., of Oakland, California; William M. Fine, of Independence, Kansas; Mrs. W. H. White, Independence, Kansas; Robert Fine, Kansas City, Mo.; Thomas W. Fine, Wichita, Kansas; Mrs. Inez Giles, Kansas City, Mo.; and Bert D. Fine, Pleasanton, Kansas. His life companion also with the children, survive his passing, as do also twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Almost forty years ago the family moved from their farm near Mound City to Pleasanton and during all of that time Joseph Fine had conducted himself in a manner that won for him the respect of every citizen of Pleasanton, regardless of race. He was quiet , inoffensive, but firm in his conviction as to right and wrong of matters pertaining to the best interest of our city.

This paper joins with its readers in expressions of sympathy to the bereaved family at this grand. good man.