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JOSEPH HICKS is one of the most intelligent, progressive and enterprising of the native-born citizens of Jefferson County. Though young, but few men of his calling have been more successful than he, as he is already one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of this section. He owns eighty acres of valuable land located on section 12, Bald Hill Township, which he devotes to raising the various cereals and good breeds of stock. Joseph Hicks, of this sketch, was born October 28, 1854, in this county, not far from where he is at present residing, and is the fifth in order of birth of the family of children born to James and Amanda (Dodds) Hicks. The parents are of eastern birth, and Thomas Hicks, the paternal uncle of our subject, was the first white child born within the limits of Jefferson County. Mrs. Amanda Hicks is an old resident of this section, having been born in Jefferson County; she is still living and makes her home with her youngest son. Our subject was given a good education, attending the Union and Utah schools in this county, but when not in school shared energetically in the toil of carrying on the farm, and thus gained a thorough knowledge of farm life. At the early age of fifteen years he began life's battle on his own account, working out as a farm laborer and continuing to be thus employed until 1880. At the end of that time having accumulated a sufficient sum of money, he purchased land of his own and now possesses eighty acres of splendidly improved land, and is looked upon as one of the progressive and successful farmers of the township. December 27, 1877, Miss Mary C., daughter of Columbus and Rachael (Thomas) Bravard, were united in marriage. The latter were natives of Kentucky, where they were farmers by occupation. To Mr. and Mrs. Hicks has been born a family of four children, William Everett, Vesta Ann, James Lawrence and V. Pearl. They are thoroughly good people and are highly respected in their community. In politics our subject's views formerly coincided witli the Democratic party, of which he was a stalwart supporter, but now he feels that he has sufficient reason for leaving their ranks, and will hereafter vote with the People's party. He is a prominent member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and is classed among the progressive farmers of the locality.
"Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton,
Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer