My Genealogy Hound

J. W. Hicks, one of the oldest settlers of Benton County, came here with his parents, J. W., Sr., and Elizabeth (Thompson) Hicks, in 1853. He was born in Christian County, Ky., and both his parents were also born in that State. The father was a blacksmith by trade, and followed this occupation in Golden City until 1877, when he moved to Dallas County, Mo., where he still resides, engaged in that occupation. His wife died in 1872, at the age of forty-five years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and became the mother of eleven children, three of whom came to Barton County; J. W., our subject; Drucilla, who died at the age of fourteen years; and Josephine, the wife of Daniel French, of Golden City. J. W. Hicks learned the blacksmith’s trade of his father, and became very skillful in that calling, and, in addition to horse-shoeing, is engaged in the manufacture of wagons, carriages, etc., and employs two men in his shop. In 1869 he was married to Miss Maggie Hedrick, a native of Illinois, who died in 1872, having borne one child, which died in infancy. In 1874 Mr. Hicks wedded his second wife, Miss Anna Jones, who was born in Herefordshire, England, and by her has two children living; John W. and Kittie Oletha; Corda died in childhood. Mr. Hicks is a Democrat, and has held the office of constable. He is in good circumstances financially and owns considerable valuable town property, his shop being the second one erected in Golden City. He is a Master Mason, and is one of the well-educated men of the county.