David Hickerson, an aged and respected resident of Penn Township, Morgan County, Ohio, passed away on 1 May 1901, at the age of 74 years, 4 months, and 3 days. He died from paralysis (stroke) at his home and was laid to rest on 2 May 1901, in Wolf Creek Cemetery, Union Township, Morgan County, Ohio.

Early Life and Family

David was born on 28 December 1826, in Harrison County, Virginia (now West Virginia), the son of Elder Silas Hickerson and Mary "Polly" Tutt. His family was of French and English descent, and according to family tradition, his grandfather served as a Major-General in the Revolutionary War. His father and five of his brothers were Baptist preachers, establishing a strong religious foundation that would influence David throughout his life.

When David was about three years old, his family moved from Virginia to Ohio, settling in the western part of Penn Township, Morgan County, where he would spend the remainder of his life.

Marriage and Family

On 2 August 1853, David married Mary Jane Carman, daughter of Samuel Carman and Margaret Ann Rickey, in Morgan County, Ohio. The ceremony was performed by William Anguish of the Wolf Creek Christian Church. Together, they raised seven children: Mary Maggie, Silas S., Samuel Carman, William Henry, Martha Jane, Olive Cyrena, and Millie Matilda. Four of their children survived to adulthood.

Professional Life

David was a dedicated farmer who steadily increased his land holdings and prosperity throughout his life. Agricultural census records show his farm's value growing from $1,200 in 1850 to $6,000 by 1870. He was known for his butter production, making 400 pounds in 1850 according to agricultural records. His farming operation included horses, cattle, swine, and significant tobacco cultivation.

During the Civil War, David registered for the draft in June 1863 at age 37. He paid the $4.00 commutation fee in 1864 and again in 1865. Thus, he does not appear in the 1890 Census of Veterans.

Faith and Community Service

David was a pillar of his religious community and served as a minister. He was a member of Mount Olive Regular Baptist Church beginning in August 1830, where the meeting house was located on his own land. According to family accounts, "Uncle was the main support and stay in the Baptist church at Mt. Olive." Later in life, he also worked as a Minister of the Wolf Creek Church of Christ in Malta Township.

Legacy

David Hickerson was remembered as a man of strong faith who taught his children to "fear the Lord and keep His commandments." His example led all of his surviving children to join the church. He was described as having been a main support of his religious community throughout his life.

The funeral service was conducted by Elder Morin, and David was buried alongside his beloved wife Mary Jane, who would join him in 1922. His life represented the steadfast pioneer spirit of Morgan County's early settlers—a man who built his farm, raised his family, served his community, and remained faithful to his beliefs throughout his 74 years.

David Hickerson's legacy lives on through his descendants and the community he helped build in rural Ohio during the transformative 19th century.

--John Richardson Jr. (with Claude 4.0)