My Genealogy Hound

A. H. Nicks, deputy collector of Laclede County, Mo., was born in Hickman County, Tenn., December 2, 1817, and is the son of John and Anna (Richards) Nicks, natives of Guilford County, N. C., and Pennsylvania, respectively. The paternal grandfather, John Nicks, was of English descent, and was a farmer by occupation. He immigrated from England to North Carolina at a very early date, and there passed the remainder of his life. The father of the subject of this sketch was also a farmer. In 1858 he came to Missouri, locating in Howell County, where he died in 1859. The mother died in Tennessee. To their marriage were born ten children, three now living: Betsey A., Alfred H. and Mary. A. H. Nicks remained on the farm in Tennessee until seventeen years of age, when, in 1836, he was employed as clerk in the mercantile business. He followed mercantile pursuits until 1857, when he moved to Howell County, Mo., where he was engaged in farming for some time. The same year of his arrival he was elected sheriff of Howell County, but his opponents thought it not fair. They issued a few warrants, and had a trial, but the judge decided in favor of Mr. Nicks, and he held the office for one term. He was married in 1844 to Miss Flora N. Porter, a native of Williamsport, Tenn. To them were born four children: William M., Mary B., Brown S. and Robert A. In 1862 Mr. Nicks enlisted in the war under Col. McFarland, in Company B, and was first lieutenant all through the service under Col. Price. He was engaged in the battles of South Fork and Farmington, Miss. At the close of his service, in 1864, his financial condition was not of the best, as he had but $1 left. He moved to Pulaski County, engaged in farming and the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1876, after which he practiced for some time. In 1869 he removed to Laclede County, locating in Gasconade Township, where he purchased a farm, and there he has since made his home. He was commissioned city collector September 18, 1888, and is one of the prominent men of the county. He owns between 600 and 700 acres of land on the Gasconade River, which is very valuable, and has 200 acres under cultivation. He has made all his property by hard work and economy, and is now ready to enjoy the fruit of his labor. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity; a member of the Grange, of which he was president for some time, and a member of the Agricultural Wheel, of which he is a member of the trade committee. Mrs. Nicks is of the prominent Porter family.