Anderson Hicks Family Reunion

THE HICKS FAMILY

DEEP ARE THE ROOTS

Long ago when slaves were sold, somehow, this family started to grow.

Families died and cried, but the Hicks family grew with pride.

Anderson Hicks was born in 1825. Even though no written evidence has been presented documenting his birthplace. It was orally passed down by Toby Hicks, to his son Alfred Hicks to his daughter Flora Hicks Stone, that he was born in Africa and later brought over to the United States as a slave. The earliest records that the United States Census Bureau in Washington, D.C. could provide was for the year 1870. Any records prior to this period has been destroyed. The name of Anderson's first wife is, therefore, unknown but it is recorded that from this first union six sons were born: Harry, Toby, Gene, Jack, Tom, and Chaine "Shine".

The 1870 Census indicated that Anderson Hicks was a 45-year old free emancipated laborer who was married to his second wife, Lavina and from this union a female Crecy, and a male Fenis was born. As of 1985, the youngest members of the. Hicks clan can trace their roots back over six generations.

It is also known from oral history that Anderson Hicks was a tall handsome, light-skinned colored man. He had high facial cheek bones with a massive crop of black hair. He was well built and over six feet tall with fum muscles all over his large frame. During the slave era he was in charge of all the "master's" slaves and was an amicable strong, fair overseer of this enlarged "family". He protected when necessary, sheltered when needed and chastised fairly. He was a respected leader among his people.

From these humble beginnings in America came a slave, an emancipated faimer, a tiller of God's good earth and down through six generations grew men and women of various occupations: family businesses, waiters, singers, teachers, tax accountants, nurses, licensed cosmetologists, carpenters, a computer scientist, homemakers, law enforcers, secretaries and government employees.

From the loins of Anderson Hicks came forth generations that have contributed to America's society and made our country a more viable place to live.

NOTE: The above census records were provided by the 2^°d Civil District.

Shelly, Tennessee Enumerated July 29, 1870 Pages 25-26

Researched by Annette Stone Blake