Biographies

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.

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.