James Barton Hickman

1816-1886

  This is a letter from Dr. James Barton Hickman to his brother, William Adams Hickman in Utah Territory.  Note the casual friendship that is evident between these brothers and other family members:

Sandhill, Scotland County, Missouri

Feb. 13, '49                    

Dear Brother:  Doubtless you have ere this abandoned the idea of getting a letter from me before your departure for California.  In short the cause is that I lost the name of the county and postoffice which you gave me, and after I had entirely dispared of finding it Lo! All of a sudden I obtained that treasure (a good proof of orthodox experience) from father who had it in a letter from you.  I have just returned from Randolph where I found all the relatives well.  We have some new relatives in Randolph i.e. Richard Hickman of Kentucky (a Baptist preacher) who is now teaching school in the vicinity of Jo Bakers, near Huntsville (a widower) and Columbus Hickman from near Jefferson City.  (Nephew of Richard's) who is now teaching school in Gooding's neighborhood.  George W. H. is still in Mississippi State but expects to return this Spring.  Easom is teaching school.  Jo is not doing much of anythink [sic] (not self confidence enough to drive piles)  D. is doing a pretty fair business in the healing art.  Jack and Rhoda are well and doing well he is as large as he was when you saw him and Rhoda much more.  Tom and Lettice are doing well both in property and children they have 6 children and looking out for another.  I have done a better business than I anticipated when I saw you last.  I booked $200.00 per month since I saw you.  My practice this winter has been mostly Scarlatina Anginosa [scarlet fever] Bronchitis, and Pneumonia, all of which I have had entire success, but the worst is I cannot collect enough to go to California to the gold mines, I want you to write on reception and give me all the news you know about the mines both there and at the Salt Lake and what time you expect to leave for that country, etc. etc.

If I can be certain to find you in April I want to come and see you and Brenetta and children before your departure, Salina wants to know what you have named your blue-eyed girl and also sends her respects to all of you.

       No more at present

J.B. Hickman

P.S.  Salina is tolerable willing to go to California in the Spring if our indebtedness does not prevent.

--Hope Hilton, Edwin and Elender Webber Hickman, Some Progenitors and Descendents.  Early Pioneers of

Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri, and Utah, 3rd ed., 1978, p. 109

  James did eventually make the trip to Utah, stayed with Bill and his families at Murray before going to Bingham Canyon.  Bill's daughter Lerona mentions this event, and more information on James' activities as a medical doctor, a mine owner, and an inventor can be read by clicking here.

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