My Genealogy Hound

John W. Fricks, merchant, Saratoga, Ark. The father of our subject, Henry M. Fricks, was a native of Georgia, and was there married to Miss Matilda Taylor, also a native of that State, who bore him eight children, the subject of this sketch being fourth in the order of birth. The parents resided in their native State until 1857, and then moved to Ouachita County, Ark., where they made their home for some time. They then moved to Hempstead County, and there made their permanent home. Mr. Fricks was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was active in educational and religious matters, being a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for many years. He was a farmer by occupation, and carried this on all his life. His death occurred in 1873, and the mother died the same year. Of their family of children three are now living. Both William J. and Martin T. are engaged in merchandising, as is also our subject. They form the firm of Fricks Bros., carry an average stock of about $1,200, and are wide-awake, enterprising business men. John W. Fricks was born in Ouachita County, Ark., October 29, 1862, and was reared principally in Howard County, where he obtained a good English education. At the age of sixteen years he began working for himself as a farmer, and also attended school. When twenty years of age he bought land, but is now exclusively engaged in the mercantile business. He was married in 1884 to Miss Mattie V. Spates, who is the second child of T. F. Spates, an extensive merchant and farmer of this place. Mrs. Fricks was born in this State on December 19, 1867. She is a member of the Christian Church, as is also Mr. Fricks. In his political views the latter is Independent.