Obit: Wicker, James D. (1809 - 1881)
Contact:  Stan
Email:  stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: WICKER FREER YERKS

----Sources: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Clark County, Wis.) 03/09/1881

Wicker, James D. (31 Mar 1809 - 4 Mar 1881)

Died, in this village (Colby, Clark County, Wis.) on Friday the 4th inst., at the residence of Oliver Yerks, of Paralysis of the heart, James Dyer Wicker, in the 72nd year of his age.

Our entire community was painfully shocked to learn of the sudden death of Judge Wicker, which occurred at about eleven o’clock Friday morning. The Judge was feeling as well as usual on the morning mentioned and was getting ready to go to his office when he was taken with a slight pain in the region of the heart, and he sat down thinking it would pass away in a few moments. It did, but when the pain passed the Judge had ceased to live.

Mr. Wicker was born in New York City, March 31st, 1809. At an early age served an apprenticeship in the trade of shoemaking in Ithaca, N.Y., after the close of his apprenticeship he was, on March. 6th, 1831, united in marriage to Miss Caroline Freer of Ithaca. He then entered a shop in New York City as journeyman where eh stopped a short time, then opened a shop of hiss own in the interior of the state, which on account of his health, he sold out in 1845, and went to farming, this pursuit he followed until 1856 he came to Wisconsin and settle at Barton, Washington Co. In Barton, Mr. Wicker acted the roll of hotel keeper and merchant for three years, when he returned to New York, and, during the first administration of President Lincoln occupied a position in the Brooklyn Navy Yard until in 1865 he again returned to Barton. On the 20th of July 1875 he was called upon to suffer the loss of his faithful wife, and in the same year he came to Colby where he has lived since, making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Oliver Yerks.

Mr. Wicker was, during his whole life, a great reader and a deep thinker, never having had the privileges of the common schools that are now enjoyed by the young, he was obliged to get an education as best he could, which he did by dint of perseverance, and close application to books. His intellectual faculties were large, and through his energy and perseverance he gained a more thorough education than many receive through a common school course.

Mr. Wicker was the father of nine children, five boys and four girls, six of who, four boys and two girls, are still living and mourn the sudden death of their father. As a family man he was far above the average; he was a kind husband and an indulgent father, using every means at hand to make home pleasant and attractive for his large family of children, often inventing amusements to make them happy.

In 1838 he united with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of New York City, and became one of the most faithful and efficient workers in that order. Since the commencement of his residence in this state he has instituted a number of Lodges, one of which, at New Castle, Fond du Lac Co. Now bears his name. He was the father and institutor of the lodge at this place, and instituted lodges at Unity and Medford.

In 1874 he was appointed Court Commissioner and in 1875 he was admitted to the bar of Marathon Co.; in 1874-76-78-79-80, and up to the time of his death. He held the office of Town Clerk of the town of Hull, Marathon Co.

…..(a little of the obit got cut off here) Medford, attended the funeral. The text of the discourse delivered by Rev. Chas. Barker, officiating Chaplain, was taken from Psalms 89:24 and Philippians 1:21.

After the services at the school House the procession formed in the following order, and proceeded to the cemetery: Chaplain Barker and Master of Ceremonies G. W. Ghoca; Odd Fellows in regalia; Remains of deceased; Mourners and friends of the families followed the general populace in teams.

He leaves a large family consisting of 6 children, 19 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, to mourn his sad and sudden demise.

The loss of Judge Wicker will be more severely felt than can be realized at present by all who have ever had occasion to transact business with him; he was kind and courteous to all; generous almost to a fault and a great stickler for the right, on account of which he was loved and respected by all who knew him and all with one accord exclaims, "Peace be unto the ashes of the dear old man."