Hicks Family, Vernon Parish Louisiana
Submitted by Jane Parker McManus
Date: July 31, 2013

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Source: Tall Timbers II, A History of Vernon Parish, Louisiana
and its People; 1988 Expanded Edition by Erbon Wise; Published 1988

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The Hicks Family
The story of the Hicks family dates back to pre-Vernon Parish days.

Josiah Hicks, a planter, married Elizabeth Richey at their homeland
in Ireland. They came to this country and settled in Franklin County,
Georgia.

James Hicks, their son, came from Georgia and settled what is now the
community of Hicks in Vernon Parish. In December, 1866, he married
Malitta Ann Newman. He opened a store, was a farmer and a mechanic,
and the first postmaster of Hicks Post Office. He died in 1886.

The children from this union who settled in Leesville were Josiah
(Joe) Hicks, John J. Hicks, and Almon R. Hicks. With their families,
they were active in the growth of Leesville and Vernon Parish, both
in business and politics.

Joe Hicks was elected clerk of court and served in that capacity for
16 years. He then was elected assessor and served almost two years
before his death while in office. 

John J. Hicks came to Leesville to work with Smart and Lyons in the 
mercantile business. He later entered the mercantile business with
his brother, Joe and his brother-in-law, John R. Bagents. The store
was named Hicks Brothers and Bagents. John Hicks and John Bagents
bought out Joe Hicks, leaving the store named Hicks and Bagents
Mercantile. John Hicks later bought out John Bagents and opened the
Leesville Hardware Store which he operated. He died in 1966.

Almon Hicks came to Leesville in 1899 and worked in the post office.
He then worked in the store for Hicks and Bagents. During that time
he was appointed treasurer for the parish to finish out an unexpired
term.

He was then elected clerk of court and served three terms. Later he
was elected assessor, an office he held for four years. 

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Photo:
John J. Hicks, Sr., Monroe Sandel, an employee, and John R. Bagents.
Taken in 1898

Photo found at:
http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/vernon/photos/groups/hicks_sandel.jpg