James Hall Hicklin 1826-1907

HICKLIN, SIMS, ELLEGE, WILLIAMS, BLANCHARD, BRIMER, ARCHIBALD, GALLAGHER

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 10/26/2024 at 06:51:43

The Wapello Republic, Columbus Junction, IA
Thursday, May 16, 1907
Page 1

James Hall Hicklin was born October 4, 1826, in Edgar county, state of Illinois, and died in Wapello, Iowa, May 11, 1907. Thomas Hicklin, his father, was a native of Tennessee, his ancestors emigrating from Virginia. His mother, Mary Sims Hicklin, was a native of Kentucky. Both parents of the deceased died while he was but a mere boy and he lived for a time with a sister, Cynthia Ellege. In May, 1849, following his early instinct of frontier life, he came to Wapello, Iowa, together with his sister and her husband. They ate their first meal on Iowa soil- on the site of the old Wapello grist mill- within a block of where he died.

In the early part of the year being then twenty ? he enlisted for the services of the government in the Mexican war; was a member of the United States Mounted Rifle Regiment, under Captain Tucker and was assigned as Body Guard of General Kearney from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. He there joined his regiment with which he served until the close of the war and was discharged with honor, at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., returning to Louisa county.

On March the third, 1849, he was united in marriage to Sarah E. Williams, daughter of Robert Williams, who came to Louisa county in 1837. The marriage occurred at the home of his sister, Mrs. Mary Blanchard, then living in Wapello township. Here the deceased and wife began the struggle of life known only to pioneer settlers. They bravely met the inconveniences and hardships of those early days, not for wealth which might occur, but the good fellowship of neighbors and friends, and of these they were always richly endowed. To the above marriage there were born seven children: Mary Brimmer. Martha Archibald, Millard F. Hicklin, Monroe Hicklin, Manda Gallagher, James Daniel Hicklin and Edwin Hicklin. Monroe died on the fourth day of June, 1883. The other children still reside in and near Wapello.

Other than the above children and his beloved wife, Mr. Hicklin leaves 34 grand children and 14 great grandchildren and one sister Mrs. Sarah Welsch, of Clay Center, Kansas, who mourn his loss.

On the 5th day of August, 1862, he enlisted, for the second time in the services of the United States and joined company "G" 19th Iowa Infantry, under command of Captain A. M. Taylor, leaving at his home his wife and six small children. He served with his regiment until September 27, 1863, when he was discharged for cause of disability. Mr. Hicklin shared the hardships of his regiment and its engagements and his good nature was always an inspiration to his companions. Since the close of the war he has lived in Wapello or vicinity, in his quiet manner bearing his part of the burden of good citizenship and sharing its benefits with his neighbors and friends.

James H. Hicklin was a patriotic citizen. He was a patriot because of his innate love of country and his unselfish devotion to its cause. In his death we as citizen mourn his loss, by his death almost the last mark of early pioneer days is gone, by his death Louisa county gives up her last honored son of the Mexican war and the boys in blue part with a beloved comrade and cheerful companion. He was fond of his home and family. It was his great satisfaction to be cared for by them in his declining years.