I've been staring at this brick wall long enough: the ancestors of James Hicks (b. 24 Mar 1854 - d. 24 Dec 1888) are completely eluding me. I am doing research for my 82 y/o step-grandfather, and I hope to tell him more about his line. The above info came from the family Bible, as well as that he married a Nancy Jane Phillips (b. 10 Dec 1852 - 27 Jul 1900). They had these children: James Sam (b. 5 Aug 1875 - d. 20 Feb 1903),
Theodosia (1 Jan 1878 - d. 4 Aug 1882),
Lloyd Alexander (4 Jan 1882 - 17 Jul 1900),
Sidney Melvin (b. 4 Oct 1884 - ),
William Lloyd (b. 16 Oct 1887 - ) [twin] &
Nancy Ellen Hicks (b. 16 Oct 1887 - 21 Jul 1900) [twin].
[Image of Bible on profiles of James & Nancy Hicks]
After James passed, Nancy married J. M. Bridges. Around the 1900s, it is said that Nancy & several of the children died from pneumonia. Also, the surname Ferrell is mentioned (Elbert b. 27 Aug 1907 & Joseph Clarence b. Dec), but the relation is unclear. Also unclear: Bascom Hicks (b. 29 Jan 1901 - d. 2 Feb 1905).
We learned via dna testing that James Hicks appears to be a descendant of Nathaniel Hicks (son of Absolom Hicks and Mary Harris) and Elizabeth Brashears (dau. of Robert Brashears & Charity Dowell). According to family lore, James Hicks came down the MS R. from MO to Lauderdale Co., TN on a steamboat when he was young. The family line for the most recent generations has been situated around Tipton Co, TN, as well as Hardeman & Fayette counties. They were farmers.
Also the dna test showed his paternal haplogroup to be E-L117 and his nearest direct match is to the Willis surname. Maybe at some point the surname changed, or an adoption occurred, or there was a NPE, or... ?
I hope this information might help someone fill in blanks in their tree, but I REALLY hope I might receive some help connecting the branches of this line. I am thankful for any and all help!
Aliesha