Elizabeth Van Liew Van Doren was born on May 20, 1838 at MIddlebush, Somerset County, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Frederick Van Liew Van Doren and Dinah Conover. Elizabeth married John Goodwin between 1852 and 1885. Elizabeth married Cornelius Hoagland on Oct 17, 1866. Elizabeth Van Liew Van Doren died between 1870 and 1932.

     Gerdena Wyckoff Van Doren died on Feb 19, 1845. She was born on Apr 10, 1848. She was the daughter of Frederick Van Liew Van Doren and Dinah Conover. Gerdena married Joseph Rifell on Jan 7, 1874.

      Cornelius Conover Van Doren was born on Apr 16, 1852 at New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. He was the son of Frederick Van Liew Van Doren and Dinah Conover. Cornelius married Dorothy Rausch on Jan 1, 1872. Cornelius Conover Van Doren died between 1878 and 1943.

      John Goodwin was born between 1821 and 1841. John married Elizabeth Van Liew Van Doren, daughter of Frederick Van Liew Van Doren and Dinah Conover, between 1852 and 1885. John Goodwin died between 1853 and 1912.

      Sophia Van Doren was born on Aug 31, 1810 at MIddlebush, Somerset County, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Joseph Van Doren and Elizabeth Van Liew. Sophia married John G. Polhemus on Nov 23, 1832. Sophia Van Doren died on Jul 6, 1859 at age 48.

      Benjamin Van Doren was born on May 30, 1817 at Middlebush, Somerset County, New Jersey. He was the son of Joseph Van Doren and Elizabeth Van Liew. Benjamin Van Doren died on Mar 18, 1825 at age 7.

      John Van Liew Van Doren was born on Jan 4, 1821 at Middlebush, Somerset County, New Jersey. He was the son of Joseph Van Doren and Elizabeth Van Liew. John married Catherine Brokaw, daughter of Bergen Brokaw, on Oct 15, 1851 at Bridgewater, Somerset County, New Jersey. John Van Liew Van Doren died on Aug 15, 1871 at age 50.

      Sarah Conover Schenck was born on Jul 8, 1794. She was the daughter of Martin Schenck and Maria Conover. Sarah married Aaron VanDeventer, son of Jacob VanDeventer and Alletta Hegeman, on Dec 19, 1811. Sarah married Joseph Van Doren, son of Benjamin Van Doren and Sophia Van Dyke, on May 9, 1827. Sarah Conover Schenck died on Oct 22, 1853 at age 59. She died on Oct 22, 1854 at age 60. Sarah's estate was proved on Nov 11, 1854.

      Sarah Elizabeth Van Doren was born on Jun 27, 1828. She was the daughter of Joseph Van Doren and Sarah Conover Schenck. Sarah married Garret Polhemus Cortelyou, son of Abraham H. Cortelyou and Johannah Polhemus, on Sep 26, 1849 at MIddlebush, Somerset County, New Jersey; no issue. Sarah Elizabeth Van Doren died on May 24, 1899 at age 70.
     She received into the church at Dutch Reformed Church, Harlingen, Somerset County, New Jersey, Apr 25, 1850. She dismissed by certificate from The Dutch Reformed Church at Harlingen to the at Presbyterian Church, Bound Brook, Somerset County, New Jersey, Sep 6, 1890.

      Joseph Van Sinderen Van Doren was born on Feb 19, 1831. He was the son of Joseph Van Doren and Sarah Conover Schenck. Joseph Van Sinderen Van Doren died between 1832 and 1921.

      Mary Ellen Van Doren was born on Aug 22, 1832. She was the daughter of Joseph Van Doren and Sarah Conover Schenck. Mary Ellen Van Doren died between 1833 and 1926.

      Ferdinand Schenck Van Doren was born on Sep 21, 1836. He was the son of Joseph Van Doren and Sarah Conover Schenck. Ferdinand Schenck Van Doren died between 1837 and 1926.

     Thomas Lee Van Doren was the son of Thomas Lloyd Van Doren and Elizabeth Ann Harlow.

      Jonathan Baldwin Smock was born on Jun 26, 1814. Jonathan married Martha Veghte Garrettson on Dec 4, 1844 at New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Jonathan Baldwin Smock died on Dec 30, 1893 at age 79.

      Martha Veghte Garrettson was born on Dec 4, 1817. Martha married Jonathan Baldwin Smock on Dec 4, 1844 at New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Martha Veghte Garrettson died on Jan 19, 1888 at age 70.

     Kenneth married Jean Marion Van Doren, daughter of Martin Luther Van Doren and Della Ann Tingley, on Sep 17, 1949.

      Joseph Glynn was born between 1899 and 1928. Joseph married Gertrude Lois Van Doren, daughter of Martin Luther Van Doren and Della Ann Tingley, on Jun 26, 1948. Joseph Glynn died between 1951 and 1991.

      Herbert Brainerd Bush was born between 1861 and 1889. Herbert married Martha Garretson Van Doren, daughter of Martin Luther Van Doren and Gertrude Baldwin Smock, in Jan, 1909. Herbert Brainerd Bush died between 1912 and 1953.

      Mary Hagaman Voorhees was born on Dec 25, 1889 at Somerset County, New Jersey. She was the daughter of George Buckham Voorhees and Ella Hegaman. Mary married John Smock Van Doren, son of Martin Luther Van Doren and Gertrude Baldwin Smock.
     Mary Hagaman Voorhees was also known as Mamie Voorhees.

      Cornelius Hoagland was born between 1818 and 1846. Cornelius married Elizabeth Van Liew Van Doren, daughter of Frederick Van Liew Van Doren and Dinah Conover, on Oct 17, 1866. Cornelius Hoagland died between 1869 and 1910.

      Joseph Rifell was born between 1803 and 1834. Joseph married Gerdena Wyckoff Van Doren, daughter of Frederick Van Liew Van Doren and Dinah Conover, on Jan 7, 1874. Joseph Rifell died between 1876 and 1899.

      Dorothy Rausch was born between 1835 and 1859. Dorothy married Cornelius Conover Van Doren, son of Frederick Van Liew Van Doren and Dinah Conover, on Jan 1, 1872. Dorothy Rausch died between 1876 and 1930.

      John G. Polhemus was born between 1786 and 1812. John married Sophia Van Doren, daughter of Joseph Van Doren and Elizabeth Van Liew, on Nov 23, 1832. John G. Polhemus died between 1836 and 1878.

      Catherine Brokaw was born on Nov 28, 1830 at Hillsborough, Somerset County, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Bergen Brokaw. Catherine married John Van Liew Van Doren, son of Joseph Van Doren and Elizabeth Van Liew, on Oct 15, 1851 at Bridgewater, Somerset County, New Jersey. Catherine Brokaw died on May 16, 1864 at age 33.

      Joseph Conrady was born between 1902 and 1922. He died in 1944 at Allied Invasion WWII, Anzio, Latium, Italy. Joseph married Gertrude Lois Van Doren, daughter of Martin Luther Van Doren and Della Ann Tingley.

     David Glynn was the son of Joseph Glynn and Gertrude Lois Van Doren.

     Patty Glynn was the daughter of Joseph Glynn and Gertrude Lois Van Doren.

     John married Donna Jean Van Doren, daughter of Martin Lloyd Van Doren and Evelyn Margaret Peters.

     Harry married Donna Jean Van Doren, daughter of Martin Lloyd Van Doren and Evelyn Margaret Peters.

      Joseph Van Doren was born on Jul 7, 1862. He was the son of Frederick Van Liew Van Doren and Ruth Perlee. Joseph Van Doren died on Aug 9, 1862.

     Terry married Jan Ricks, daughter of Robert Lewis Ricks and Fern Davenport.

      Jan Ricks was born on May 6, 1948 at Saint Anthony, Fremont County, Idaho. She was the daughter of Robert Lewis Ricks and Fern Davenport. Jan married Terry Mosier Helm.

      Robert Lewis Ricks was born on Sep 26, 1920 at Parker, Fremont County, Idaho. He was the son of George Ricks and Hattie Secrist. Robert married Fern Davenport, daughter of Charles Sperry Davenport and Flora Bell Barrett, on Jun 17, 1947 at Idaho Falls Temple, Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho. Robert Lewis Ricks died on Sep 16, 1954 at Saint Anthony, Fremont County, Idaho, at age 33. Robert was buried at Parker Memorial Park, Parker, Fremont County, Idaho.
     He was also known as Robert Louis Ricks.

     Fern Davenport died. She was born on Feb 26, 1925 at Parker, Fremont County, Idaho. She was the daughter of Charles Sperry Davenport and Flora Bell Barrett. Fern married Robert Lewis Ricks, son of George Ricks and Hattie Secrist, on Jun 17, 1947 at Idaho Falls Temple, Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho. Fern Davenport died on Dec 30, 2003 at age 78. Fern was buried at Parker Memorial Park, Parker, Fremont County, Idaho.

      Nola Ricks was born on Feb 6, 1951 at Saint Anthony, Fremont County, Idaho. She was the daughter of Robert Lewis Ricks and Fern Davenport.

      Lynette Ricks was born on Jun 30, 1953 at Saint Anthony, Fremont County, Idaho. She was the daughter of Robert Lewis Ricks and Fern Davenport.

      George Ricks was born on Jan 2, 1876 at Logan, Cache County, Utah. He was the son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks. George married Hattie Secrist, daughter of Heber Nephi Secrist and Florence Adelia Smith, on Mar 15, 1899 at Logan, Cache County, Utah. George married Annie Pearl Anderson, daughter of George David Anderson and Annie Mariah Hogan, on Jun 25, 1930 at Logan Temple, Logan, Cache County, Utah. George Ricks died on Jan 25, 1967 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho, at age 91.

      Hattie Secrist was born on Feb 18, 1880 at Farmington, Davis County, Utah. She was born on Feb 19, 1880 at Parker, Fremont County, Idaho. She was the daughter of Heber Nephi Secrist and Florence Adelia Smith. Hattie married George Ricks, son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks, on Mar 15, 1899 at Logan, Cache County, Utah. Hattie Secrist died on Nov 15, 1929 at Logan, Cache County, Utah, at age 49. Hattie was buried at Sugar City, Madison County, Idaho.

      Florence Hattie Ricks was born on Mar 7, 1901 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho. She was the daughter of George Ricks and Hattie Secrist. Florence married Joel Arza Mason, son of James Thomas Mason and Rhoda Adelaide Hinckley, on Oct 20, 1927 at Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Florence Hattie Ricks died on Jun 19, 1977 at Boise, Ada County, Idaho, at age 76.

      Margurite Adelia Ricks was born on Feb 13, 1904 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho. She was the daughter of George Ricks and Hattie Secrist. Margurite Adelia Ricks died in 1911.

      George Vernon Ricks was born on Mar 18, 1907 at Sugar City, Madison County, Idaho. He was the son of George Ricks and Hattie Secrist. George married Rae Greenwood, daughter of Lester Duane Greenwood and Dora May Murdock, on May 20, 1937 at Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho. George Vernon Ricks died on Nov 8, 1964 at Boise, Ada County, Idaho, at age 57.

      Rulon Secrist Ricks was born on Jul 11, 1912 at Parker, Fremont County, Idaho. He was the son of George Ricks and Hattie Secrist. Rulon married Therel Brown, daughter of Charles William Brown and Martha Letitia Orgill, on Oct 21, 1936 at Logan Temple, Logan, Cache County, Utah. Rulon Secrist Ricks died on May 20, 1990 his last known address was according to the Social Security Death Index.

      Ruth Ricks was born on Jul 11, 1915 at Parker, Fremont County, Idaho. She was born on Jul 11, 1915 at Saint Anthony, Fremont County, Idaho. She was the daughter of George Ricks and Hattie Secrist. Ruth married George S. Brown, son of Joseph Guernsey Brown and Mary Ann Gooch, on Nov 23, 1938 at Logan Temple, Logan, Cache County, Utah. Ruth Ricks died on Mar 30, 2001 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona, at age 85. Ruth was buried on Apr 7, 2001 at Parker, Fremont County, Idaho.

      Jack Dale Ricks was born on Sep 22, 1924. He was born on Sep 22, 1925 at Parker, Fremont County, Idaho. He was the son of George Ricks and Hattie Secrist. Jack married Marion Maxine Hawse, daughter of Anthony L. Hawse and Josephine Julian, on Dec 28, 1946 at Boise, Ada County, Idaho. Jack Dale Ricks died on Feb 1, 1988 his last known address was at Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona, according to the Social Security Death Index.

      Annie Pearl Anderson was born on Apr 8, 1889 at Richmond, Cache County, Utah. She was the daughter of George David Anderson and Annie Mariah Hogan. Annie married William Harris Gheen, son of William J. Gheen and Hannah (Unknown), on Oct 2, 1918 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Annie Pearl Anderson and William Harris Gheen were divorced. Annie married George Ricks, son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks, on Jun 25, 1930 at Logan Temple, Logan, Cache County, Utah. Annie Pearl Anderson died on May 7, 1942 at Saint Anthony, Fremont County, Idaho, at age 53. Annie was buried at Sugar City, Madison County, Idaho.

      Betty Ann Ricks was born on Oct 17, 1932 at Twin Falls, Twin Falls County, Idaho. She was the daughter of George Ricks and Annie Pearl Anderson.

      General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. was born on Jul 21, 1828 at Donaldson Creek, Rigg County, Kentucky. He was the son of Joel Ricks and Eleanor Martin. Thomas married Tabitha Hendricks, daughter of Samuel Hendricks and Rebecca Dorris, on Aug 18, 1852 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Thomas married Elizabeth Jane Shupe, daughter of John Witstein Shupe and Martha Ann Thomas, on Mar 27, 1857 at Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Thomas married Tamar Loader, daughter of James Loader and Amy Britnell, on Mar 27, 1857 at Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Thomas married Ruth Caroline Dillie, daughter of David Buel Dilley and Harriet Lucrettia Welch, on Dec 24, 1864 at Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Thomas married Ellen Maria Yallop, daughter of Ephriam Yallop and Mary Ann West, on Nov 29, 1866 at Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. died on Sep 28, 1901 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho, at age 73. Thomas was buried at Rexburg Cemetery, Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho.
     
Thomas Edwin Ricks married four more times in plural marriage, and was father of 42 children. He was the founder of Ricks College, in Rexburg, Idaho.

Ricks, Thomas Edwin, president of the Fremont Stake ofZion, was born July 21, 1828, in Trigg (now Christian) county, Kentucky, son of Joel Ricks and Elenor Martin. Whenbut two years old his parents moved to Madison county, Illinois, at which place he was baptized Feb. 14, 1845, and in the following October he was ordained an Elder. In September he moved with his parents to Nauvoo, Illinois. He worked on the Nauvoo Temple from the time he arrived there until work was stopped, and preparations commenced to move west. He crossed the Mississippi river for the west Feb. 8,1846, with part of Charles C. Rich's family, acting as teamster for them as far as Council Bluffs, where he remained with his parents until April, 1848, when he continued westward in Heber C. Kimball's company. When thec ompany arrived near Elkhorn river the Indians stole four of their oxen, and Bro. Ricks with three others were senti n pursuit of them. They came upon the Indians [p.456]about six miles from camp. The Indians at once commenced firing at them and Bro. Ricks was shot three times. It was not until the following July that he was able to leave his bed, but from that time on he continued to gain strength. He arrived in Salt Lake valley Sept. 24, 1848, locating at North Mill Creek, about twelve miles north of Salt Lake City. The following spring he moved into Centerville. In the fall of 1849 he was called to go with an eight-ox team to meet a company of emigrants in charge of Ezra T. Bensonand Geo. A. Smith, whom he met near Independence Rock on the Sweetwater, and returning with the company he arrived in Salt Lake City Oct. 23, 1849. On the 20th of November of the same year he was called to go on an exploring expedition under the charge of Parley P. Pratt—to southern Utah. He accompanied this expedition as far south as where St. George is now located, and returned March 27, 1850. He was married to Tobitha Hendricks Aug. 28, 1852. At the April conference, 1856, he was called to go south on an Indian mission with William Bringhurst and others. They went to Los Vegas (now Nevada), and there, with the others of the mission, he assisted in building a fort, and opening up farms. At the October conference, 1856, he was called togo and assist the hand-cart company through, and started out on this mission the same day he was called. He met Capt. Martin's company at Independence Rock, and arrived a tSalt Lake City with them Nov. 30th. March 10, 1858, he,with others, was called to Salmon river, Idaho, to rescueThomas S. Smith's company from the Indians, returning to Salt Lake City one month later—with the rescued—when theyfound the Saints all moving south on account of the approach of Johnston's army, in which move he participated and went as far south as Strawberry creek, a little north of where the town of Nephi is now located. In the fall of 1859 he moved to Cache valley and located at Logan, in said valley. He was for many years a member of the High Council of Cache Stake of Zion. In 1863 he crossed the plains as captain of a company of teams who went to meet theemigrants at Council Bluffs, and again in 1866 he was called to fill a similar mission, both of which he filled successfully. In 1869 he filled a mission to the States of Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky. Soon after his return from this mission he was found busy in the construction of the railroad from Ogden to Franklin, being one of the principal contractors in the building of this grade. In 1877, he, in company with Wm. D. Hendricks, contracted for the laying oft he track from Franklin, Idaho, to Butte, Montana, which work he completed by Christmas, 1880. In 1881 he was busy as a contractor of grades for the Northern Pacific railroad. In December, 1882, he was called to lead a colony in the settlement of the upper Snake River valley, Idaho,where he arrived the following February and at once went to work and laid out the city of Rexburg, and afterwards assisted in laying out nearly every settlement in what is now Fremont and Bingham counties. He built the first gristmill in the upper Snake river valley; built the first ferry across the north fork of Snake river; built the first sawmill; opened up the first mercantile store, and was ever first and foremost in every enterprise that tended to build a commonwealth. He was appointed the first Bishop in theSnake River country, then known as the Bannock Ward. When the Stake was organized Feb. 4, 1884, he was appointed its president, which position he creditably filled till hisdeath. In 1885 he was called on a mission to England, which he filled for a period of over two years. Soon after his return from this mission, while in Logan, he was placed[p.457] under arrest on the charge of unlawful cohabitation, but at his preliminary hearing on May 28,1888, he was discharged. In 1890 he was again arrested for his religion's sake, and this time appealed his case to the higher court from the decision of the trial court, which resulted in the case being again dismissed. From 1861 to 1863 he served Cache county as their sheriff, and again in the '70s he was serving the same county as their assessor and collector. He was a colonel of the Utah militia for agreat number of years. Twice he was appointed by the governor of Idaho a delegate to represent the State in the National Irrigation congress, both of which he filled with honor. In 1898 he was appointed by the governor of Idaho as a member of the board of directors of the Insane Asylum of Idaho. He was chosen chairman of the board and held that position at the time of his death. During the time he was railroad-building he accumulated considerable means, all of which he spent in building up and developing the Snakeriver country, and in assisting the poor and needy who had come to settle there. The savings and accumulations of agreat many years of industrious toil were all spent through his kindness and liberality. President Ricks died at his home in Rexburg, Bingham county, Idaho, Sept. 28, 1901, surrounded by his numerous and sorrowing family. Those who,knew him best assert that a more courageous man never livedthan Thos. E. Ricks; for fear to him was unknown. While attimes he appeared a little rough and stern in his manner and conversation, yet beneath that roughness and sternness there always beat a kindly and forgiving heart. To the kingdom of God, and the Priesthood, he was loyal to the core, ever ready and willing to go where he was called and when he was called, unflinchingly braving every danger and hardship without a murmur. His was a cheerful disposition,and he always had words of encouragement to those who were laboring to build up the new country in which he took somuch interest. He had five wives, four of whom survived him. He was the father of 42 children, 36 of whom he left to mourn his loss. At the time of his death he had 154grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren living.


Thomas E. Ricks was born on the 21st of July, 1828, in Trigg county, Kentucky. His parents were Joel Ricks and Elenor Martin. They moved while he was yet an infant toMadison county, Illinois, where his boyhood was spent untilhe was eighteen years of age. His time was mostly occupiedin assisting his father, who was a hard-working and prosperous farmer. On March 27, 1844, he had a thigh brokenby being thrown from a horse, an accident that caused oneof his legs to be much shorter than the other, thus makinghim a cripple for life; but for all that he was very activeand hard-working and remained so to the end of his days. Reared on the frontiers of Western Illinois, where educational facilities were very limited, he was able to acquire but little book learning, and what he did obtain was mostly at odd times by dint of his own unaided effortsat the home fireside.

He was baptized a Latter-day Saint February 14, 1845, and in September of the same year went with his father's family to Nauvoo, where he worked on the Temple during the fall and winter. In October he was ordained an Elder under the hands of Jesse Baker. The following February, the exodus from Illinois having begun, his father sent him with a team to assist Charles C. Rich in moving West. He crossed the Mississippi on the 8th of that month, joined the camps on Sugar Creek and traveled with the family of Elder Rich to Council Bluffs. His father's family having arrived there, they went into Winter Quarters, remaining on the Missouri until the spring of 1848.

The elder Ricks being in good circumstances, they were able to fit themselves out very comfortably for the journey across the plains, and also to lead considerable aid to others. They traveled under the direction of Apostle Heber C. Kimball, with whom, as well as with other leaders of thepeople, a close intimacy was formed. On the Elk Horn rive, on the third day of June, while attempting to recover some stock driven off by the Indians, Thomas was shot by them,and for a time his life was despaired of, the doctordeclaring, while probing for the three balls that had entered his body, that he could not live three hours. He was administered to by the Elders, however, and promised that he should live. He recovered, and for fifty-two years his life continued to be active and useful.

He arrived in Salt Lake valley September 24, 1848, and settled first at Centerville in Davis county. In 1852 hemoved to Farmington, where he made his home until 1859,when he removed to Logan, Cache county. There he residedfor twenty-four years, and during this period was mostlyengaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1883 he was called by the Church authorities to lead a colony into Snake Rivervalley, Idaho, and [p.157] there, at the town of Rexburg—named in his honor after the original spelling of his family name—he resided up to the time of his death.

At various times he formed business associations and undertook enterprises which generally proved successful .For twenty years he was interested in milling at Logan,with William D. Hendricks of Richmond, and was also associated with him for several years in railroad construction. He was president of the Rexburg Milling Company and of the Rexburg Co-operative Store.

Among the missions he fulfilled was one to the Indians at Los Vegas, New Mexico, in April, 1855. He left home in May of that year, and returned in September, 1856. In 1863 and in 1866 he crossed and recrossed the plains, bringing emigrants to Utah. From October, 1869, to March, 1870, hewas on a mission to the States, and from May, 1885, to November, 1886, on a mission to Great Britain. He took active part as an officer of the Church from his earliest connection with it and was advanced step by step until hebecame the President of a Stake. He was always generous and charitable with his means, and in the days of his greatest prosperity was styled "the friend of the poor."

For many years he was a Colonel in the Utah militia, and during early troubles with the Indians was a minute man,ready to start at a moment's notice to defend the lives and property of the people. He was for several years sheriff of Cache county, and it was during his tenure of that office that the incident occurred which formed the basis of the charge upon which he was tried and acquitted, as narrate din chapter twenty-seven, volume two, of this history.

Thomas E. Ricks was always looked upon as a proper man to take charge of public enterprises, such as the constructionof canyon roads, irrigation canals and ditches, especially in times when all was done by donation. Should his Bishopor the President of his Stake ask him to superintend such alabor, he would never shrink nor shirk, whatever sacrificeit entailed. He was always on hand to do his duty, and always respectful and obedient to his superiors in authority. He was President of Bannock Stake for many years, and after it was divided he continued to be President of Fremont Stake, holding that position until his death. He was married August 18, 1852, to Tabitha Hendricks; March 27, 1857 to Tamar Loader and Jane Shupe;December 6, 1863, to Ruth C. Dilley; and November 29, 1866,to Ellen Maria Yallop. His children number forty-three. President Ricks died at his home in Rexburg, September 28,1901.


History of Utah by Orson F. Whitney
Volume 2
Chapter XXVII 1873–1875

One of these prisoners was Colonel Thomas E. Ricks, ex-Sheriff of Cache County, who, at the time that Judge Emerson began holding court at Salt Lake City, had been lying in prison for six months, awaiting trial on a trumped up charge of murder, alleged to have been committed about fifteen years previously. During his imprisonment he had had opportunities to join two successful escape parties,but had preferred to remain in durance and have his case come to trial, feeling confident that he would be acquitted and desiring to clear his name of the stigma placed upon itby the grand, jury which had indicted him.

The facts relating to the alleged crime are these. About the last of June or the beginning of July, 1860, Colonel Ricks, who was then Sheriff of Cache County, arrested one David Skeene for horse-stealing, and had him in custody at Logan. The place of his temporary confinement was an old log school-house in that town. Skeene was a confirmed horse-thief and a dangerous and desperate character. He had formerly been under arrest in Utah County, but had succeeded in escaping after being hotly pursued and shot at by the officers. During the night following the day of his arrest in Cache County—July 2nd—the inhabitants of Logan were startled by the report of several pistol shots in the vicinity of the log schoolhouse in which Skeene had been placed, with Sheriff Ricks and others on guard over him.Several citizens, hastening to the spot, found the body oft he horse-thief lying dead outside the building, and were informed by the Sheriff and his men that he had been shot while attempting to escape. Colonel Ricks stated tha tSkeene had come at him as if to snatch his revolver,whereupon he, the Sheriff, threw up his arms to ward him off and at the same time discharged his pistol, the ball taking effect in the floor. Again the prisoner rushed upon him and the officer then fired at him repeatedly till he fell. This statement was confirmed by William Chambers, one of the guards, who, at the inquest held over the dead bodyof the prisoner, testified that he was guarding Skeene at the time and that the latter thought he (the witness) was asleep when he "made a grab" for Sheriff Ricks.

The inquest referred to was held at Logan on July 3rd,1860, before Justice of the Peace, E. Landers, and a jury composed of Messrs. William B. Steele, William B. Preston,D. B. Dille, John Nelson and Cyrus W. Card. The witnesses examined were Thomas E. Ricks, who gave his account of the attempted escape and killing; William Chambers, who confirmed that account and testified to other particulars;James Denning, who stated that he had heard the shooting and, rushing to the spot as soon as possible, had found Skeene lying dead; James Pierson, who had seen men lurking about town whom he believed to be planning the escape oft he prisoner; N. W. Birdno, who had seen a man running from the vicinity of the school-house immediately after the shooting, and David B. Dille, surgeon, who with the assistance of the jury examined the body and found five bullet holes, three in and about the breast and two in the loins. The verdict of the jury was to the effect that the deceased, Elisha David Skeene, came to his death in attempting to make his escape from the officers and guard who had him in custody.

Such were the facts relating to the killing, and it was out of these and other materials that District Attorney Carey,assisted by Mr. R. N. Baskin, proposed to construct a case of murder. They claimed to have been informed—and it was upon this information that Colonel Ricks had been indicted,arrested and imprisoned—that when he shot the prisoner Skeene, the latter was asleep, and that consequently the killing was unjustifiable. The main reliance of the prosecution, in their futile effort to prove the truth of this theory, was no other than the man William Chambers,one of the witnesses who had testified at the Logan inquest, and who had then and there corroborated the statement made by Colonel Ricks.

The trial of the case against the ex-Sheriff began on the18th of March, 1875, the very day that Judge Emerson too khis seat upon the bench of the Third District. The prosecution, as stated, was conducted by U. S. District Attorney Carey, assisted by Mr. Baskin. The defense was represented by Messrs. Sutherland, Bates and Snow. Two days were occupied in empaneling the jury, which, being completed, stood as follows: De Witt C. Thompson, John S.Barnes, Alex. J. Daft, Frank Cisler, James Johnson, JosephPeck, Ezra Foss, Stephen Hunter, Thomas H. Woodbury, Jr.,William Irvin, William C. Morris and Joseph Weiler. Several of these were non-Mormons.

Mr. Carey briefly stated the case to the jury, giving first the view taken by the prosecution and afterwards the known plea of the defense. Various witnesses were then examined,among them William Chambers, upon whose testimony, asstated, the prosecution mainly relied. The substance of hisstory was as follows. He had been for several years a resident of Harrison County, Iowa, but in July, 1860, was living in Cache County, Utah. He was one of the men placed to guard Skeene on the night of July 2nd, and he claimed that he saw the defendant and others whom he did not know shoot and kill the prisoner, and that the first shots were fired while the latter was asleep. The memory of the witness was very faulty in places. He remembered that there was an inquest held on the body and that he was present,but he did not know anything about a justice of the peace named Landers. He did not recollect being sworn as a witness at the inquest, but admitted that he was there asked if Mr. Ricks' statement was true, and had answered that he believed it was. He did not recall having testified that Skeene rushed upon Ricks and seized him as if to snatch his revolver, nor that he, the witness, had feigned sleep when in the school-house on guard. The reason he did not testify at the inquest as he did now was because he thought another inquest would be held. Being asked by Mr.Baskin why he did not tell the truth at the inquest,Chambers replied that it was "because of past experience,"though he stated in the next breath that no one there had intimidated him.

The defense, in rebuttal, introduced in evidence the duly attested minutes of the inquest held before Justice Landerson July 3rd, 1860. Therein it was recorded that Sheriff Ricks testified that he had shot the prisoner while in the act of rushing upon him as if to snatch his revolver and effect an escape; and that William Chambers, being sworn, corroborated the Sheriff's statement, and added that he had long watched Skeene and that the latter thought he (thewitness) was asleep when he "made a grab at Thomas Ricks."By numerous witnesses it was proven that Skeene was a bad character, a horse-thief and an abuser of women; that shortly before his death he had declared his intention to escape, and had boasted that if he got one foot the start of the officers they would not be able to overtake him. It was likewise shown that it was generally believed at the time that some of his confederates were plotting for his liberation. Charles Shumway testified that Judge Peter Maughan had informed him that he had heard of such a plot,and that the Judge requested him to go and warn Sheriff Ricks of the rumor. The witness stated that he went from Wellsville to Logan for that purpose and was with the Sheriff on the night of the killing. He was outside the house most of the time, but was inside once or twice, and saw Skeene lying upon the floor. Some knocks were given on the rear end of the building, and he went out to ascertain the cause, when two or three men ran rapidly away from the house. Hearing some shooting, Mr. Shumway returned to the front of the school-house and saw Skeene's body lying upon the ground. Several witnesses, among them William B.Preston, David B. Dille and Charles O. Card, testified tha tWilliam Chambers, at the inquest held the day after the shooting, corroborated the Sheriff's account of the killing.

The examination of witnesses having concluded, arguments of counsel began, U. S. District Attorney Carey opening for the prosecution. He was followed by Judge J. G. Sutherlandin behalf of the defendant. His colleague, Mr. George C.Bates, was the next speaker, and Mr. Baskin then closed for the prosecution. The jury, after receiving the Judge's charge, retired for a short time and returned into court the same evening with a verdict of not guilty. This was on Tuesday, the 23rd of March.

      Sarah Catherine Ricks was born on Jun 4, 1853 at Centerville, Davis County, Utah. She was the daughter of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks. Sarah married James Rouse Turman, son of James Lackey Turman and Margaret Rouse, on Oct 19, 1874 at Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Sarah Catherine Ricks died on Sep 9, 1920 at Hamer, Jefferson County, Idaho, at age 67. Sarah was buried at Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho.

      Thomas Edwin Ricks Jr. was born on Dec 3, 1855 at Centerville, Davis County, Utah. He was the son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks. Thomas married Mary Ann Hibbard, daughter of George Hibbard and Hannah Williams, on Oct 11, 1878 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Thomas Edwin Ricks Jr. died on Dec 29, 1919 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho, at age 64.
     

Thomas was reared and educated at Logan, Ut. His father gave him forty acres of land in Cache Co., Ut. and he cultivated this until 1883, also working on the railroad. His father and William Dorris Hendricks laid steel on the Oregon Short Line Railroad from Franklin, Ida. to Butte, Mont., being four years in completing their contract. When Thomas came to Idaho with his father he took up a timber claim adjoining the town of Rexburg. He also bought land and continued its cultivation until the time of his death. For twenty years or until 1916 he engaged quite extensively in sheep raising and during a part of that period made a specialty of handling purebred Hampshire sheep. On the 11th of Oct. 1878 in Salt Lake City, Ut., he was joined in wedlock to Mary Ann Hibbard.In his political faith Mr. Ricks was a Democrat and served as Mayor of Rexburg, Ida., and also as a member of the city council for several years. He likewise served on the state sanitary board for four years. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became a high priest and a patriarch. From 1888 until 1890 he filled a mission for the Church in England. His life was ever guided by high and honorable principles and he contributed continuously to the material and moral upbuilding and development of his community from the time when he assisted in building the first log cabin of Rexburg. He lived to witness many notable changes here as the years passed by and bore his full part in the work of advancement.

      Joseph Hendricks Ricks was born on Jan 23, 1857 at Farmington, Davis County, Utah. He was the son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks. Joseph married Margaret Charles, daughter of Griffin Charles and Ann Williams, on Oct 20, 1876. Joseph married Sophia Nielsen, daughter of Peder Nielsen and Caroline Sorenson, on Nov 1, 1883. Joseph Hendricks Ricks died on Nov 1, 1915 at age 58.
      Joseph married 1st in 1876 to MARGARET CHARLES. She was born 15 June 1859, Logan, Ut., daughter of Griffith and Ann (Williams) Charles. Margaret was the mother of eight chil­dren. She died 7 Oct. 1932 in Rexburg, Ida., and was buried there. Joseph married 2nd SOPHIA NIELSON 1 Nov. 1883. She was born 2 May 1858, Siebjerg, Denmark, daughter of Peder and Caroline (Sorenson) Nielson. Sophia died in Rexburg, Ida. 7 Sept. 1921. She was the mother of six children.


Joseph worked with his father on the farm in Farmington until the family moved to Cache Valley. There his father acquired large land holdings and he worked on the farm at Cache Junction for many years. In the year of 1876, at nineteen years of age, he married Margaret Charles. On 8 May 1883, they left Logan and moved to Rexburg, Ida. He homesteaded 160 acres of farm land near where Sugar City now stands, but relinquished it when he was on the underground during which time he performed missionary service in the Northern and Central States Mission. In 1887, in order to escape the persecution of the U. S. Marshals, he moved his first wife and family to Canada and the second family and wife to Utah. He won distinction as a fireman where he became first assistant to the chief. He worked for a time in Montana, then returned to Logan, and in 1891 he returned again to Rexburg, Ida. where he took up land three miles south of Rexburg. This land is still owned by the family. He engaged in farming and sheep raising until the time of his death on 1 Nov. 1915. He can be classed as a pioneer in the truest sense of the word, having built railroads, bridges, ferries, wagon roads, and ditches. Children of Joseph Ricks and Margaret Charles, the first three and William were born at Logan, Ut., and the others were born at Rexburg, Ida.

      Hyrum Ricks Sr. was born on Jul 24, 1858 at Farmington, Davis County, Utah. He was the son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks. Hyrum married Martha Bitter, daughter of Tragott Bitter and Rosine Wilhelmina Aust, on Apr 1, 1880 at Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Hyrum married Elizabeth Mercy Mills, daughter of Charles Mills and Mary Ann Yeates, on Nov 16, 1887 at Logan, Cache County, Utah. Hyrum Ricks Sr. died on Aug 13, 1924 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho, at age 66. Hyrum was buried on Aug 17, 1924 at Rexburg Cemetery, Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho.
     

When Hyrum was 1 1/2 years old his parents moved to Logn, Ut. He graduated from Logan High School and thefollowing year he taught school at Preston, Ida. and at Cove, Ut.

He married MARTHA BITTER on 1 Apr. 18801 in the Salt Lake Endowment House. She was born 29 Aug. 1860, New York City, N. Y., daughter of Tragott and Rosine Wilhelmina (Rust) Bitter. Eleven children were born to Hyrum and Martha.

Hyrum built one of the best and most commodious stores in Logan. The panic of 1883 and 188 4 swept away every dollar of his resources. Undaunted, how­ever, he began anew. In 1886 he entered into the grocery business on a small scale. In the same year he married ELIZABETH MERCY MILLS. She was born in Brighton, England 27 Feb. 1865, daughter of Charles and Mary Ann(Yates) Mills. Nine children were born to Hyrum and Elizabeth. In 1888 he left his family to manage his business and went on a mission to Great Britain where he remained for two years. In 1894 he moved his family to Rexburg, Ida. to make their home. In 1896 he engaged in the real estate business. He became active in the organization of the Democratic Party of Frement County. This drew him to the attention of the Governor of Idaho who appointed him chief engrossing clerk of the Senate. Governor Stunenbury and he became very good friends. In the year of 1898 he was elected Judge of the District Court. About this time he began to study the technicalities of law, becoming self taught, a master of legal science, passing a highly satisfactory examination he was admitted to the Bar in 1898, receiving distinct compliments from his learned examiner. He worked in law business with real estate, insurance, and collections as a side line until 1920 when his health began to fail and he had to retire from his business.
He was a staunch member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his life he held and filled many responsible positions - Sunday School Superintendency, member of superintendency of Fremont Stake; he also was .a High Councilman of Fremont Stake. He was Bishop of the Third Ward of Rexburg for six years. He was a member of the school board and taught classes in both stake and ward. Through his illness he was an invalid for four years.

      Heber George Ricks was born on Apr 27, 1860 at Logan, Cache County, Utah. He was the son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks. Heber married Mary Ann Neilson, daughter of David Neilson and Harriet Yates, on Jan 13, 1881 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Heber married Mary Barsley on Mar 29, 1904. Heber George Ricks died on May 28, 1907 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho, at age 47; accidentally killed while employed with the Utah Construction Company. Heber was buried at Rexburg Cemetery, Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho.

      Brigham Ricks was born on Apr 27, 1860 at Logan, Cache County, Utah. He was the son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks. Brigham married Clara Josephine Larsen, daughter of Christian Larsen and Ellen Louise Olson, on Jan 13, 1881 at Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Brigham married Mary Ann Neilson, daughter of David Neilson and Harriet Yates, on May 9, 1938. Brigham Ricks died on May 19, 1940 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho, at age 80. Brigham was buried at Rexburg Cemetery, Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho.

      Mary Elizabeth Ricks was born on Aug 19, 1861 at Logan, Cache County, Utah. She was the daughter of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks. Mary Elizabeth Ricks died on Mar 10, 1907 at age 45. Mary was buried at Rexburg Cemetery, Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho.

      William Ricks was born on Sep 25, 1863 at Logan, Cache County, Utah. He was the son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks. William married Sarah Ellen Loader Harris, daughter of George Henry Abbott Harris and Sarah Loader, on Apr 14, 1886 at Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. William Ricks died on Jan 1, 1940 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho, at age 76. William was buried at Rexburg Cemetery, Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho.

      Alice Ricks was born on May 23, 1865 at Logan, Cache County, Utah. She was the daughter of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks. Alice Ricks died on Aug 20, 1876 at age 11.

      James Ricks was born on Dec 20, 1867 at Logan, Cache County, Utah. He was the son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks. James married Lucretia Hannah Arrowsmith, daughter of John Taylor Arrowsmith and Lucretia Hannah Howard, on Oct 3, 1894 at Logan Temple, Logan, Cache County, Utah. James Ricks died on Jul 28, 1945 at California at age 77. James was buried at Rexburg Cemetery, Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho.

      Samuel H. Ricks was born on Feb 20, 1870 at Logan, Cache County, Utah. He was the son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks. Samuel married Ada Gamese Turner, daughter of Winifred Locket Turner and Robin Ellen Shaw, in 1897 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Samuel married Ada Gamese Turner, daughter of Winifred Locket Turner and Robin Ellen Shaw, on Aug 11, 1897 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho. Samuel married Letha Prater on May 31, 1911. Samuel H. Ricks died on Dec 11, 1933 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho, at age 63. Samuel was buried at Rexburg Cemetery, Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho.

      Ada Gamese Turner was born in 1867 at Utah. She was the daughter of Winifred Locket Turner and Robin Ellen Shaw. Ada married Samuel H. Ricks, son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks, in 1897 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Ada married Samuel H. Ricks, son of General Thomas Edwin Ricks Sr. and Tabitha Hendricks, on Aug 11, 1897 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho. Ada Gamese Turner died on Jul 13, 1940 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah.

      Kenneth Turner Ricks was born on Mar 28, 1905 at Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho. He was the son of Samuel H. Ricks and Ada Gamese Turner. Kenneth married Louise Jones on Jan 1, 1934 at Farmington, Davis County, Utah. Kenneth Turner Ricks died on Nov 17, 1963 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, at age 58.
     He was also known as Vivian Kenneth Ricks.