Hickman, George W., Jr.

HICKMAN, NORTH

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/31/2009 at 08:01:48

Hickman, George W., Jr.

The present review records the events in the life of a man who was well known in Newton, Iowa, and to the people of Jasper County as a man of unswerving honor and integrity, and one capable of fulfilling his duty in all the situations of life where he was placed. He was yet but in his prime at the time when he was taken away, and the loss of his cheering presence and of his strong and upright manhood was greatly felt by those who had occasion to be associated with him, for though there are many who have become more famous and wealthier than he, still no one can ever fill the individual place which he so well filled, and no one can ever take the place of George W. Hickman in the memories of his friends, his wife and his family. Their consolation is that they hope to meet him later in his heavenly home.

George W. Hickman, Jr., was born in Campbell County, Kentucky, on June 2, 1847 and died at his home in Newton, Iowa, on March 31, 1905. He was brought up by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. North, his mother having died when he was six years old.

In 1864, though but seventeen years of age, he enlisted in the service of his country, and was for one year a member of Company C, Fifty-third Kentucky Mounted Infantry. During this period he was taken prisoner, and was confined for three months in Libby prison, where he suffered great exposure, and almost starvation, the effects of which permanently injured his health. While in active service he was in a number of battles, and in all of them showed himself as a brave and efficient soldier, though but a lad, not yet fully grown.

On September 29, 1867 Mr. Hickman united with the Methodist Church at Asbury Chapel, near Newport, Kentucky, and there began his career of Christian service. A few years later he came to Jasper County, Iowa, where he engaged in farming, and then he transferred his membership to the First Methodist church of Newton, of which he was an active and leading member until his death.

Mr. Hickman was married on January 16, 1876, to Jane Hickman, the daughter of Samuel Hickman and wife, who were pioneers of Jasper County. To this union was born one son, Melville Clifford.

George W. Hickman was very successful in his farming operations, and was a capable and upright businessman in whom the people had confidence. To all mankind he was a friend, and no one in need could appeal in vain to his generous heart. He was an active member of Garrett Post of the Grand Army, and was always glad to meet in its hospitable halls the comrades of the great struggle to preserve American liberty. To his wife and son he was especially kind and loving, for he was a man who cared much for his family, and lavished on them the wealth of a strong affection. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 479.