Joseph Hicks, son of James and Amanda Dodds Hicks, was born in Jefferson county, Illinois, October 28, 1855 and departed this life at his home in Waltonville just before dawn on the morning of December 7, 1934, at the age of 79 years, one month and nine days.

On the 27th of December, 1877, Mr. Hicks was united in marriage with Miss Mary Catherine Bravard, daughter of Christopher C. and Rachel M. Bravard, pioneer settlers of this community.

This union was a very happy one and was blessed with seven children, three of whom survive. They are William E. Hicks of Sullivan, Illinois, Mrs. Vona Wible of Reno, Nevada and Mrs. Irlene Slater of Waltonville.

Four children, Earl, Lawrence, and Velma Hicks, and Mrs. Vesta Calloway preceded their parents in death.

Three grandchildren and one great grandchild also survive.

Mr. and Mrs. Hicks resided on a farm one mile south of Waltonville until six years ago when due to advancing years they retired from active life and moved to Waltonville. Here they continued to live happily until March 28, 1931. when the Angel of Death entered the home and took Mr. Hicks' loving companion to her heavenly home. The bereaved husband seemed never to recover from the shock of his wife's death. This was only natural as even the Grim Reaper is not able to break the ties formed during fifty-three years of perfect companionship and devotion.

Mr. Hick's health failed gradually until July 22, 1934 when he was stricken with paralysis. For almost twenty weeks he lingered, bearing his severe afflictions with extreme fortitude.

Mr. Hicks was descended from ancestors who not only played a prominent part in the early development of Illinois but who contributed their versatile talents toward the making of America prior to and during the War of Independence. It is no exaggeration to say that no man ever resided in this community who commanded greater love and respect than "Joe" Hicks as he was known to a multitude of friends and relatives. A dutiful son, a devoted husband, and indulgent father, a kindly neighbor and friend, and upright citizen, he performed faithfully and well the manifold obligations of life.

In 1896 Mr. and Mrs. Hicks united with the Primitive Baptist church and during the remainder of their lives were consistent members of this faith. For a number of years. Mr. Hicks was a deacon in the church and as long as health permitted he was a regular attendant at church services.

During his declining years Mr. Hicks made his home with his younger daughter, Mrs. Slater and family. Mrs. Slater gave her father every attention and showered him with unremitting devotion. The poet, Longfellow, says that each of us in departing this life leaves his foot-prints on the sands of Time, Our good neighbor has truly left his imprint for good on the times in which he lived, and while we shall miss his cheery greeting fond remembrance of his kindly deeds and noble character will form a flower in Memory's bouquet.

Submitted by: Cindy Ford