Henry Robert Nicks (1852-1928) and Horace Jackson Hancock (1862-1914). This picture was provided by Steven Hancock, grandson of Horace J. Hancock, who writes, "I think it is kind of humorous. Whiskey, cigars, and pistols - what a combination!" Steven believes the picture is from around 1910. "In looking closer at the picture, he looks to be in his late 40's or so. He would have been 48 in 1910. Horace died of an 'abscess on the brain,' probably a stroke, in December 1914 at age 52 leaving his widow and four kids aged 4 to 16 on the farm. Times had to be tough back then, so the people had to be really tough to survive. The story goes that Bob and Horace drove a herd of cattle down to the market in Tampa and indulged themselves before starting the long, hot ride home. They had the picture taken to record the moment. Sounds good to me. I have Horace's old Elgin pocket watch that he bought in 1896. It runs like a top!" Return to picture index