Wickett, Richard A.

WICKETT

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/3/2021 at 11:49:50

History of Warren County, Iowa from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Rev. W. C. Martin, Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1908, p.416

RICHARD ASHTON WICKETT
Richard Ashton Wickett, a retire agriculturist living in New Virginia, was born in Devonshire, England, May 2, 1845, his parents being Humphrey and Ann (Ashton) Wickett, who were natives of England, and died in that country many years ago. Our subject acquired a common-school education, and when twenty-three years of age emigrated to Canada, where for four years he worked on a farm by the month. On the expiration of that period he removed to Polk County, Iowa, where he was also employed on a farm by the month, but eventually the man for whom he worked failed, and Mr. Wickett lost three thousand dollars in wages. In 1878 he came to Warren County and began work as a farm hand for William Hasty, of Scott’s Ridge. His possessions consisted of less than twenty dollars’ worth of household goods, and he had a wife and small children to provide for, but, nothing daunted, he worked untiringly, persistently and energetically, and at length gained the prosperity which always comes as the reward of earnest labor. As he had no money, Mr. Hasty bought him a sack of flour. Subsequently Mr. Wickett rented land of William Buxton and was successfully engaged in its operation for nineteen years. The relations between the two men were most congenial, for during all these years there was never a written agreement between them, all their contracts being made verbally only. When his financial resources permitted, Mr. Wickett purchased eighty acres of improved land in Virginia Township, and kept gradually adding to his holdings until he now owns five hundred and thirty acres of valuable land, which is farmed by his sons. His success may be attributable in large measure to the fact that he never went in debt, but always lived within his means. Brooking no obstacles that honest effort can overcome, he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now well worthy the proud American title of a self-made man. He is now living retired in New Virginia, having gained a competence that enables him to enjoy all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life without recourse to further labor.
On the 13th of September 1870 in Canada, Mr. Wickett was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ann Leach, who was born in Devonshire, England, September 5, 1852, and was brought to Canada by her parents when a year and a half old. Unto this union have been born seven children, one of whom died in infancy. Frederick George, who wedded Cora Munroe and has three children, owns and operates a farm of eighty acres in Virginia Township. Frank Benjamin wedded Ida Halden, by whom he has five children, and also lives on his father’s farm in Virginia Township. William Lawrence was twice married, his first union being with Stella Fred, and his second with Alberta Fred. He has three children and lives on his father’s farm in Virginia Township. Charles A. wedded Mary Procter, has one child, and resides on his father’s farm in Liberty Township. Walter R., who married Margaret Otts, by whom he has one child, also lives on his father’s farm in Virginia Township. Selena Ann is the wife of Alden Smalley, a farmer of Virginia Township, and has one child.
Mr. Wickett is a staunch Republican in his political views, and has served as school director, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. Both he and his wife were members of the Bible Christian Church in Canada, but have not become identified with any denomination in this country, though they attend and contribute to the support of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a strictly temperate man and has never used tobacco in any form. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought – which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man – and making the best of these, he has steadily worked his way upward. He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Warren County.