William Hicks (1857 - 1916)

Born 10 Nov 1857 in Norwood, South Australia, Australia

Ancestors

Husband of Freida Johanna (Marx) Hicks — married 1883 in Bellingen, New South Wales, Australia

Died 16 Jul 1916 at age 58 in Bellingen, New South Wales, Australia

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Biography

(2016) Article One of the strangest “doctors” was “Dr.” Hicks, who had no qualifications except what he had learned as a chemist’s assistant for one year.

Some of the cases he treated in the absence of a qualified medico were remarkable and the famous Dr. Casement, of Kempsey, referred to him as “the most competent untrained medical practical practitioner” he had ever known. Being unqualified he could not charge for treatment or the prescriptions he made, so he used to wash the patient and make a charge for that.

15 April 1916

THANKS. I WISH to publicly thank MR. WILLIAM HICKS, our local chemist, for his unremitting attention and promptitude in attendance on my little daughter when she was bitten by a snake thismonth. I feel sure that my child would have lost her life but for Mr. Hicks's skill. H. C. SAWTELL.

OBITUARY 21 July 1916

OBITUARY.' With regret we have to chronicle the demise of an old and much re spected resident in the person of Mr. William Hicks, which sad event took place at tha residence of Mr. Geo. Dillon, of Gordonville, on Saturday morning last. Deceased was 58 years of age, and bad been a resi dent of the district for about 35 years. He will long be remembered in these districts by the residents, for the many kind acts done in bygone days in case of sickness. In those days seldom a doctor' was sta tioned between the Macleay and the Clarence, and ' Dr. Hicks,' as he was familiarly known by, was always to the rescue, day or night, sunshine or hail, and effected many wonderful saves. Of recent years he carried on the profession as pharmacist in Bel lingen, later on removing to Dorrigo. For many years he suffered with a weak heart. Some few weeks ago he decided to take a trip to Sydney, but on his returning was carried on to Byron Bay, the steamer being unable to call at Coff's Harbor. On returning overland to the Bellinger, he contracted a severe cold at Graf ton, and became an inmate of the hospital there for a few weeks. Sub sequently, he returned to Gordon ville, and was in Bellingen two days prior to death, feeling well and hearty. On the Friday morning he complained of being unwell, but be fore medical aid could be sought he passed quietly away. Deceased was a native of South Australia, and shortly after coming to the Bellinger he married Mrs. McLennan, wife of of the late Sandy McLennan, who was then residing on the property known as Marx Hill. Cr. T. A. J. McLennan, D. M. J. McLennan, of Gordonville, and Mrs. C. Moseley, Guy Fawkes ,.are the family of late Mr. McLennan, while Max. and Ru dolph Hicks, Mrs. George Dillon, and Miss Hicks are children of de ceased. The funeral took place in the Bellingen cemetery on Sunday afternoon last, when a large number of relatives and friends were present. The Rev. F. W. Hare read, the last sad rites, while the funeral arrange ment were in the hands of Mr. J. S. White. The funeral was met at the School of Arts corner by the Shire Band, who marched in front playing the ' Dead March' .down Hyde-st., while at the graveside they rendered ' Nearer, my God, to. Thee. We extend to the bereaved widow and family our sincerest sympathy.

Sources

• Trove