Private, Company A, 4th Missouri State Militia Cavalry. Enlisted May 18, 1863 and discharged July 18, 1865.

Member of Post 177 (Logan), Grand Army of the Republic. Served in numerous elected positions in the post, including post commander.

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Joseph B. Hicks was born in Adair County, Kentucky, November 11, 1843 and died June 10, 1928 at the age of 84.

The family moved to Missouri when he was seven years old. Mr. Hicks and family came to Kansas in 1883 and settled in Phillips County.

He was united in marriage to Mary A. Shrout, February 22, 1876. Her death occurred January 9, 1886. To this union was born three children, Mollie J. Boyd of Logan, Joseph Arthur and James Blaine Hicks, these sons having preceded the father in death.

He was united in marriage to Mary L. Nicholson, March 21, 1887. To this union was born Josie M. Brown of Beaver City, Nebraska.

January 29, 1893 he was united in marriage to Mary Crusha whose death occurred February 21, 1926. To this union was born seven children - Hatasu Oleson of Soda Springs, Idaho; Manilla F. Campbell of Logan; Jesse B. Hicks of Chicago, Lola J. Harmon, Martha B. Ashley, Alice M. Gates and Joseph R. Hicks, all of Logan. William Hobart Hicks who died in 1910. He also leaves to mourn his passing one sister, Mrs. Julia Taylor of Nelson, Missouri, eighteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

In politics Mr. Hicks was a staunch Republican and always took an active part in its affairs. Until disabled by failing health and strength he had been a conspicuous figure at the public gatherings especially so at those of interest to the old soldiers.

He enlisted in the Civil War from Missouri, company B, 4th Cavalry, on May 17, 1863. The following are some of the battles he took part in: Warrensburg, Sedalia, Marshall, Lexington, Boonville, West Point and Jefferson City. He was mustered out of the service on the 8th day of July 1865 at Benton Barracks, St. Louis.

The present generation can have but little appreciation of what these old settlers and soldiers have done to make this the great country it is. Their ranks are rapidly passing out and ere long only history can relate their achievements.

Forty years ago the Grand Army of the Republic, commonly known as the G.A.R. had a large membership in and around Logan and as they took an active part in the service on such occasions as Memorial and Decoration Day, Fourth of July and similar occasions were notably conspicuous and won the admiration and respect of the younger generation. Today there is but one Civil War veteran left in this vicinity, Lorenzo Robinson. Henry Pearson is a veteran of a later Indian War, but is a member of the G.A.R. and entitled to similar honors. As time goes on the mantle of such honors must rest upon a younger generation, "Boys of the World War."

Today the stooped figures, feeble bodies and gray heads of these old veterans do not elicit the admiration and enthusiasm that their ranks once did, but never the less we should remember they were once stalwart young men with erect shoulders and lively steps and as they pass in review from time to time our hats should come off and with bowed heads honor them for what they have accomplished in the past and for which we are so much indebted.
Logan Republican, June 1928, reprinted on 17 July 2003, p.6