My Genealogy Hound

W. J. Hickman, probate and county judge, Warren, Ark. Judge Hickman is numbered among the influential and esteemed residents of Warren, and justly so, for all will admit that he is a man who can be depended upon; one who endeavors to do his duty in every walk of life, attending to his affairs in a manner not calculated to attract unusual attention, but with a persistency and attentiveness that has redounded largely to his success, both officially and personally. He was born in Montgomery County, Ala., on April 14, 1830, and is a son of John L. and Betsey (McDade) Hickman, the father a native of South Carolina, and the mother of Alabama. They were married in the last named State, and in 1841 they emigrated to Arkansas, coming through in wagons, and locating within one mile of Warren. The father bought 160 acres of land, all in the woods, and on this erected a little log cabin, with clap board roof and puncheon floor, in which he lived for a number of years. He owned several farms during his time, and did a vast amount of improving. He cultivated the land where Warren now stands, and the place was covered with corn in 1842, when the county seat was located there. He delighted in hunting, and would often stand in his cabin door and bring down a deer with his trusty rifle. He was never an aspirant for office, but was elected and filled the office of coroner for some time. He died in 1879, and his wife in 1851. They had a family of fourteen children, all deceased but four: Caroline (wife of Anderson Lewis), William J., Anna B. (wife of A. B. Reeves), and Rebecca (wife of John F. Hurston). The father was in the War of 1812, drew a pension for his services, and was ninety years of age at the time of his death. Judge W. J. Hickman was but eleven years of age when he came with his parents to Arkansas, and in this State he received a limited education. He was early taught the duties of farm life, and it was but natural, perhaps, that he should choose agricultural pursuits as his chief calling. In 1862 he shouldered his musket, and enlisted in Company C, Hardy’s regiment, and served until the close of hostilities, being discharged at Marshall, Tex., in 1865. He held the rank of first lieutenant. After returning home he remained on the farm until November, 1888, when he moved to Warren, and in September of the same year was elected to his present office. He also held the office of justice of the peace for twenty-six years. He is now the owner of 160 acres of good land, and has sixty acres under cultivation. He divided considerable property among his children. Aside from this, he is the owner of some town property. His marriage took place in 1852, to Miss Jane Wardlow, by whom he has eight children: Elmira (wife of John L. Hurston), Frank M. (married Miss Frances Osment), Lewis (married to Miss Alice Richards), Nancy (wife of H. L. Callaway). William (married to Miss Texas Richards), John (married to Miss Alice Merritt), Edward and Mary. The Judge is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.