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Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",  published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.


     EMMETT L. RICKS, who resides near Baird and is engaged in stock raising and general farming, is one of the leading citizens of Douglas county and has earned this position by reason of merit and worthy endeavors.  He has manifested commendable wisdom and progressiveness since coming to this county and has done much for its substantial improvement and material upbuilding.
     Emmett L. Ricks was born in Pettis county, Missouri, on April 23, 1865, the son of William and Mary J. (Harvey) Ricks, natives of Kentucky and Missouri, respectively.  The father was a pioneer to the frontier regions of the latter state and wrought faithfully to open and subdue the country.  The common schools of Pettis county were the alma mater of our subject and within its precincts he remained until 1889, having spent the years of his manhood until that time, in doing general farming.  Upon arriving in Douglas county on March 27, 1889, Mr. Ricks selected a homestead and a timber culture claim and set himself to improve and open them up.  He made a good farm of that half section and then sold only to purchase an estate of four hundred acres where he resides at the present time.  Upon this place he has erected a fine two-story residence of beautiful design, commodious barns and outbuildings, besides making numerous other improvements, which add materially to the value of the farm.  Mr. Ricks does general farming and also has a large bunch of good graded cattle besides some horses and hogs.  Mr. Ricks was one of the first settlers between the two coulees and is well and favorably known all over the county.  He has brothers and sisters named as follows, Marion, William, DeWitt M., James L., Vernon, Joseph, Marvin, Mrs. D. McClure, Mrs. M. Hartman, Mrs. C. Forest and Elizabeth.
     Near Coulee City, on April 23, 1895, occurred the marriage of Emmett L. Ricks and Miss Viola Gilbert, and to them have been born four children, Edith M., on February 6, 1897; Leonard G., on September 21, 1898; Mildred M., on June 2, 1900; and Lela P., on April 3, 1902.  Mrs. Ricks' parents are Riley and Nancy D. (Allen) Gilbert.  They are both natives of Oregon, where also Mrs. Ricks was born on October 23, 1868, Junction City being the locality.  The other children of the family are, Granville M., Corington G., and Mrs. Ella Salmon.
     Mr. Ricks is a member of the M. W. A., while he and his wife are communicants of the Presbyterian church.  Mr. Ricks and his estimable wife have always labored well for the good of the community and they are highly esteemed by their neighbors and all because of their real worth and sagacious endeavors.
 
 

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