My Genealogy Hound

Walter C. Fricks, merchant, Saratoga, Ark. Mr. Fricks, one of the most popular and successful business men in Saratoga, embarked in mercantile pursuits in this place in 1884, and now does an annual business of $30,000. He was born in what was then Cass (but now Bartow) County, Ga., on January 15, 1839, and is the son of M. A. and Sarah D. (Jones) Fricks, natives of North Carolina. The parents were married in Georgia, but moved to Arkansas in 1857, and settled in Ouachita, where they remained until 1864. They then moved to Hempstead County, and there made their home until 1876, when they moved to Howard and there spent the balance of their days, the mother dying in 1879, at the age of sixty-five years and the father in 1887, at the age of seventy-two years. The latter was a Republican in politics, but was not very active in this. He represented Ouachita County at the General Assembly in 1871, and held many other positions of trust. He was a farmer by occupation, and he and wife were worthy church members. Walter C. Fricks attained his growth in Georgia, obtained a limited education in the common schools, and during the late war he enlisted as a private in the Confederate State Troops, with which he remained for three months. He was next under Col. Gee, and remained with his company until he was captured. After this he joined another company, continuing with the same three months, after which he rejoined his old company under Col. Johnston. Of this he was elected second lieutenant, and served in that capacity until July 8, 1863, when he was captured at Port Hudson. From that time until the close of the war he was in various Federal prisons. He was in numerous skirmishes, but in no important battles except Port Hudson. After the war he returned to Hempstead County, engaged in farming and stilling, which he continued for two years, when he discontinued stilling and engaged exclusively in farming. He at present owns about 600 acres of land, and has 300 acres under cultivation. He is also engaged in merchandising, having one-fourth interest in the store of Spates & Fricks, of Saratoga, Ark. Mr. Fricks has been twice married; first, in 1869, to Miss Bettie Erwin, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of Frank and Lucinda Erwin. Six children were the fruits of this union: Mary, Nora, Fannie, Henry F. (died in 1877), Jennie, and one that died in infancy. Mrs. Fricks died in 1884, and Mr. Fricks took for his second wife Mrs. Stacy (Jones) Copland, in 1885. Two children were the result of this union: Walter (who died while young) and Edgar L., who is living with his parents. Mr. Fricks is a member of the Masonic fraternity, joining Woodlong Lodge No. 15, in 1860, and at present holds membership at Hope Lodge. He is a Democrat in politics, but is not active, and is a liberal supporter of all public enterprises. He and Mrs. Fricks are members of the Christian Church at Saratoga.