Ralph Hicks (1889-1919)

HICKS, RALPH M.--PRIVATE

Son of James B. and Amanda Jane Hicks; born October 19, 1889, Huntington County, Ind. Moved to Whitley County in 1892. Served four years in U.S. Navy, 1912-1916. Entered military service March 29, 1918, Columbia City, Ind. Sent to Camp Taylor, Ky.; assigned to Medical Detachment, Base Hospital. Died of pneumonia February 13, 1919, Camp Taylor, Ky. Buried in South Whitley Cemetery, Ind. Survived by widow, Helen Payton Hicks, Louisville, Ky.

Gold Star Honor Roll: A Record of Indiana Men and Women Who Died in The Service of the United States and The Allied Nations in The World War 1914-1918 (Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Commission, 1921) Page 719. Contributed by Meredith Thompson.

Columbia City Post ~ Saturday, February 15, 1919

One of the saddest deaths to occur in Whitley county for some time was that of Ralph Hicks, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Hicks, of Cleveland township. A telegram came to the family Friday morning from Camp Taylor, Ky., announcing that Ralph had died Thursday evening at six o’clock, after an illness of two weeks from pneumonia. The father had been at the bedside of his son since a week ago Wednesday, and the mother and sister, Mrs. Eldon Lawber, left Thursday, following a hurried summons, but it is unknown whether they arrived before he passed away. The young man was for four years in the United States navy, and after receiving his discharge, returned to the arm, where he helped his father for two years. But in March, 1918, he enlisted in a hospital unit, and was located at Camp Taylor, Ky., never having been sent to France. On November 16th, of last year, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen Payton, of Louisville, Ky., whom he had met while in camp.

Ralph Hicks was born October 19, 1889, to James and Amanda Hicks, in Huntington county, and died February 13, 1919, at Camp Taylor, Ky., at the age of 9 [sic] years, 3 months and 24 days. At the age of six years, he moved with is parents to Cleveland township, where he grew to manhood and until he was 23 years old, ably assisted his father on the farm. As previously mentioned, in 1912, he joined the navy, and during four years visited many foreign shores enjoying a wide and varied experience. After two years following his career in the navy, he again offered his services to the government, falling in the prime of life, a victim to that most treacherous of diseases, pneumonia. When at home he united with the Centenary U. B. church in Cleveland township, and was a member of the Odd Fellow lodge. Aside from his bride, father and mother, six sisters and one brother, he leaves a great many close relatives and friends, who regret sincerely his loss.

The sisters and brother of the deceased are: Mrs. Lester West, of Huntington county, Mrs. Eldon Lawber and Mrs. Russell Smith, of Whitley county, Alta, Martha, Kathrine and Virgil, at home.

The remains arrived Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock at North Manchester, and from there were brought to the home in Cleveland township. The funeral arrangements will not be completed until the arrival of the rest of the family from Camp Taylor.