Sidney Arthur HOOKINS (Tree I)

Sidney Arthur HOOKINS was born on 22 April 1897 in Oil City Pennsylvania. His parents were another Sidney Arthur HOOKINS and his Minnie Zora (formerly REESE). He is sometimes also referred to as Arthur Sidney.

In the 1900 US Census he was living in Cranberry, Venango County, Pennsylvania with his parents and sister Lucille although his father was to die just 2 years later.

By 1910 he was living with his widowed mother and his sister at the home of his maternal grandparents in Oil City but by 1920 he was with his mother, sister and cousin Dorothy. By this time he is classed as being a Machinist

He married Vesta Ines RUSSELL on 12 August 1925 in his home city and their first child, Jean Louise was born the following year followed by a second daughter, Ruth, 2 years after that.

By the 1930 Census he seems to have been known as Arthur S and is living with his family at Central Avenue in Oil City, his occupation being a Mechanic. This had changed to Repair Man (Electric Power) in the 1940 Census where he again used the Arthur name whilst living with his family at 3rd Street in Oil City.

He was recorded as Arthur Sidney on his death certificate on 1 April 1950 at Oil City Hospital when he was classed as an Auto Mechanic for the Pennsylvania Electric Company. His obituary states that he was employed by this Company for a period of 20 years. He was buried at Sunset Hill Memorial Cemetery in Venango County.

Both daughters married during the next 10 years and his Widow Vesta survived him by 27 years.

He had it seems had some enthusiasm for athletics if the only photo I have of him is anything to go by!!