Isaac M. Ricketts

    Isaac M. Ricketts, one of the enterprising and progressive citizens of Blackford County, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 5, 1826, a son of Reason and Hannah (Mason) Ricketts, the father being a native of Maryland and the mother of Pennsylvania. Reason Ricketts died when our subject was seven years of age, and his widowed mother with her eleven children, subsequently came to Blackford County, Indiana. They finally settled in Wells County, locating in Jackson Township about five miles from Montpelier. There, assisted by her two sons, Cyrus aged thirteen years and Isaac but eleven years of age, she began to make a home out of the forest, experiencing all the trials and privations which usually fall to the lot of pioneer families.

    Isaac M. Ricketts spent his youth in hard work, but the lessons of persevering industry and economy learned in early life have proved of lasting benefit to him. The schools of that early day afforded but limited educational facilities, but by study at home he acquired a good practical education.

    March 10, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Swain, a native of North Carolina, and a daughter of John H. and Elizabeth (Swindel) Swain. Of the eight children born to this union one daughter, Elizabeth is deceased. The names of those yet living are -Hannah E., John R., Sarah F., Charity A., Cyrus F., Nancy B., and Cynthia R.

    Mr. Ricketts continued to reside on the old homestead until 1857, hen he settled on Section 1, Washington Township, Blackford County. In 1867 he removed with his family to Harrison Township, and has since resided on his present farm. His farm contains 120 acres of valuable land, of which 100 acres are cleared, and under a high state of cultivation. His residence is comfortable and commodious, and his barn is large and conveniently arranged for his stock. His land is well improved and is divided into different fields for stock and grain raising.

    In politics Mr. Ricketts is a Republican, and a strong adherent of the principles of that party. In 1869 he was elected justice of the peace, and during the four years he filled that office his decisions were always wise and just. He was county commissioner six years and always served to the best interests of the United Brethren Church, of which he is a trustee. His genial manners and honorable dealings have gained for him many friends.

Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana by The Lewis Publishing Company, 1887.