John William Hicks, was born in Jefferson County, Illinois, January 19, 1842, and died at his home in Waltonville, July 12, 1922, aged 80 years, 5 months and 23 days.

He was the son of James and Amanda "Dodds" Hicks, both of whom were members of families prominent among the early day residents of the neighborhood.

He was married in December 1861 to Miss Corinna Philp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Philp, early day settlers in Knob Prairie, who came here from Kentucky.

To this union was born four children two of whom survive. They are Elmer Hicks of Benton and Mrs. Eva Horner of Chester, Ill.

Two daughters Mrs. Zetta Ames and Mrs. Ethel Martin died several years ago, and his devoted wife died September 26, 1915.

Besides his son and daughter he is survived by two brothers Frank Hicks of Oakdale, Ill. and Joseph Hicks of Waltonville, also seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren and a large circle of other relatives.

"Uncle" John Will, as he was familiarly called, was a man of exceedingly kind and friendly disposition, and all who knew him were his friends. He was a great lover of music and it was his chief delight to visit homes of his friends and participate in music and social conversation. In his younger days he was a splendid violinist and always took great pleasure in playing for his friends. His cheerful presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

"Uncle" John Will was a believer in the Universalist faith. He had often expressed a wish that when death called him, the summons would be sudden, and his wish was granted, as he passed peacefully away apparently without a struggle, having retired at night in his usual health and was found next morning as though still sweetly sleeping but the spirit had returned unto God who gave it.

Source: The Register News
Submitted by: Cindy Ford