John H. Ricketts
From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing
biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.
JOHN H. RICKETTS, who is engaged in the operation of a good farm on section 24, town 11 north, range 5 west, has
spent his entire life in Henderson County, and is a representative of one of its early families. Mention is made of
his parents in connection with the sketch of Samuel A. Ricketts on another page of this work. Our subject was born
on the old homestead, April 29, 1852, and midst play and work his boyhood days were passed. His educational
privileges were quite limited, being confined to those afforded by the common schools of the neighborhood, and the
schools of that day were not of the best. His physical training, however, was ample, for as soon as old enough he
began work on his father's farm, and soon took his place in the fields as a regular hand.
Mr. Ricketts remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, when he left home to begin life for
himself. He took up the pursuit to which he had been reared, and has made it his life occupation, following it
continuously until 1888, when he engaged in the butchering business. He was thus employed for about a year, when he
returned to his father's farm, which he has since operated. The land is now under a high state of cultivation, and
there are good improvements upon the place. Everything is neat and thrifty in appearance and well indicates the
careful supervision of Mr. Ricketts.
On the 2nd of October, 1879, our subject was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Delia Forgey, who has
been to him a faithful companion and helpmeet. Their union has been blessed with four children, all daughters:
Jessie, Mary, Sadie and Annie.
Mr. Ricketts cast his first presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden, and has since been an advocate of the
Democratic party and its principles, but has never had time or inclination to seek public office. He holds
membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has led an honorable, upright life, worthy the esteem and
confidence which are his.
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