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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JOHN LICKISS. England has contributed to the United States many estimable citizens, but she has contributed none more worthy of success than the subject of this sketch, who for years has been prominently identified with the growth and development of Randolph County. For some time he engaged in farming in township 6, range 5, but in August, 1893, disposed of his estate and purchased property in Steeleville, where he is now living.

Our subject was born in Yorkshire, England, November 5, 1836, and is the third in the family of Captain John and Mary A. (Scott) Lickiss. His father, who was also a native of England, followed a sea-faring life for forty years, but in April, 1865, he brought his family to America and located upon land near Steeleville, Ill. There he continued to reside until his death, which occurred July 18, 1888. His widow is still (1894) living, and although eighty-three years of age, is vigorous and strong; she makes her home with our subject.

Having attended school until fifteen years of age, our subject then entered a merchant’s office, where he completed his business education. He remained in that office as clerk until his father concluded to come to America, when he joined the family, and crossing the ocean located in Randolph County. For a few years he assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm, after which he came to Steeleville and entered the employ of the firm of Lickiss & Son, his uncle and cousin, for whom he clerked three years. He then went to Chester and accepted a position, as book-keeper for John F. Schuchert, with whom he remained for three years.

Returning to Steeleville, Mr. Lickiss embarked in the mercantile business, which he conducted for three years. He then disposed of the stock and accepted a position with H. C. Cole & Co., in whose employ he worked for twelve years. Owing to failing health he resigned that position, and locating upon his farm near Steeleville, superintended the management of the estate until August, 1893. As above stated, he now makes his home in Steeleville. In politics he is a Democrat and never fails to cast his ballot for the nominees of that party. Socially he affiliates with Chester Lodge No. 57, I. O. O. F., and has been the incumbent of the various chairs in the lodge, which he has also represented in the Grand Lodge.

In 1858 Mr. Lickiss married Miss Sarah F., daughter of Staple and Sarah (Doty) Malone, natives of South Carolina, who came to Illinois in an early day. Mrs. Lickiss was born in Randolph County, Ill., and by her marriage has become the mother of eleven children, eight of whom are deceased. Those living are: Rebecca, who married Hubert Townsend, a prominent insurance agent of St. Louis, Mo.; Mary F., who married Alexander Allison, a farmer and stock-dealer residing in Chester; and Alice C., who resides with her parents. Mr. Lickiss and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a Deacon in the congregation at Steeleville.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Randolph County, Illinois family biographies here: Randolph County, Illinois Biographies

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