by Charles W. Bowman
Biographies
THOMAS J. HICKMAN
Thomas
J. Hickman came to Bent County, Colo., in 1873. He was born in Randolph
County, Mo., in May, 1832, where he lived the first eighteen years of his
life. Then he moved with his father to Macon County. He received his
education from the ungraded common schools prevalent in that part of that
country. After locating in Macon County, he divided his time between the
farm and store which his father owned until 1856. In 1857, having spent a
few months in Adair County, he went to Salt Lake, where he resided but a
short time. After a trip back to Macon County, he again made a journey
across the plains, and became one of Denver's "fifty-niners." But even
Denver had not sufficient attractions to hold him, and Missouri became once
more his stamping-ground. After serving in the Confederate army from 1861 to
1864, he went to Plattsmouth, Neb., but remained there only a year.
Atchison, Kan., claimed him for a citizen from 1865 to 1869, when he
commenced selling goods for himself in Platte City, Mo., remaining there
until 1873. Leaving Platte City, he came immediately to Las Animas, and
received the appointment of Sheriff for Bent County from the County
Commissioners, to fill an unexpired term of Sheriff Spiers, who had
resigned. Having given entire satisfaction in the performance of his
official duties, he has since been twice elected to the office at general
elections. March 11, 1881, he received a severe injury in a railroad
accident, on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road, which will necessitate
his resigning the office of Sheriff. Mr. Hickman enjoys the respect and
confidence of his fellow citizens.
