Joseph Lawrence Nickens was the second child of Seaborn Nickens and Mary Malinda Mortinez. He was born 27 Jan, 1869 in Ascension Parish, La. On 31 mar, 1892 Joseph married Ella Clayton in Ascension Parish. Ella was born in Ascension Parish, La. 13 Jul, 1871. She died 28 Apr, 1936 and is buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Prairieville, Ascension Parish, La. Joseph died 20 Oct, 1954 and is also buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Prairieville.
Joseph and Ella's children are:
| Perl Alice Nickens | Born: | 20 Dec, 1893 | Died: | 01 Dec, 1969 |
| Arnold Pennie "Hock" Nickens | Born: | 12 Jul, 1900 | Died: | 02 Jul, 1978 |
| Novi W. Nickens | Born: | 12 Oct, 1902 | Died: | 22 Jun, 1988 |
| Ruby Lillian Nickens | Born: | 20 Dec, 1912 | Died: | 30 Jan, 1998 |