henry james hickmon, sr.
1907-1986
Life Story
Early Life & Family Background
Henry James Hickmon, Sr. was born about 1907, most likely in Jasper County, Mississippi. This estimated birth year is based on the 1910 U.S. Census, which lists Henry as three years old, providing a more reliable indicator than the age reported in later records. He was the son of Candice Bender (1893–1984).
In 1910, Henry was living in Jasper County with his mother and his younger sister, Martha Hickmon, who was listed as two years old. The census evidence indicates that Candice Bender was not yet widowed at the time of Henry’s birth, correcting earlier assumptions that conflicted with the ages of her children in that census record.
During his early years, Henry worked as a farm laborer, contributing to the household economy from a young age, as was common for families in rural Mississippi during the early twentieth century.
Marriage & Family
Henry James Hickmon, Sr. later married Lettie B. Evans (1917–1987), the daughter of Coyt (Coit) Edward Evans and Leila (Lela) Ann Beal Evans. Together, Henry and Lettie built a large family rooted in Newton County, Mississippi, with several of their children later relocating to other parts of the country.
According to Henry’s obituary, their children included:
- Alexander Hickmon (Jackson, Mississippi)
- Eddie J. Hickmon (Union, Mississippi)
- Frank Hickmon (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)
- Harry Hickmon (Fort Sill, Oklahoma)
- Harvey Hickmon (Union, Mississippi)
- Scotty Stewart (Gulfport, Mississippi)
- Lela Hickmon Dukes (Lafayette, Louisiana)
- Candy Hickmon Bailey (Union, Mississippi)
- Stephanie Hickmon (Union, Mississippi)
- Beverly Hickmon (Union, Mississippi)
- Henry James Hickman, Jr. (1934-1951) Preceded him in death
- Melissa Hickmon
- Regional Hickmon
This large household reflects the extended family structures typical of the period, where older children often contributed labor and caregiving within the home.
Work Life
By midlife, Henry transitioned from farm labor to industrial work and was employed as a railroad worker. He remained in this occupation for many years and was later described as a retired railroad worker, a position that provided greater stability than agricultural labor and supported his large family.
Faith & Community
Henry was a member of Union Grove Baptist Church in Union, Mississippi, where he maintained close ties to the church community throughout his life. His faith and church affiliation were central elements of his identity and family life.
Death & Burial
Henry James Hickmon, Sr. passed away on August 3, 1986, at Laird Hospital in Union, Mississippi. Funeral services were held at Union Grove Baptist Church, and he was laid to rest at St. John Baptist Cemetery in Newton County, Mississippi.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- The Union Appeal, Henry James Hickmon Obituary, Wed, Aug 13, 1986 ·Page 6
- Mississippi, U.S., Voter Registration Records, 1801-2023
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S., Cemetery and Funeral Home Collection, 1847-2018
- The Newton Record, Mrs. Candis Moore Obituary, Wed, Feb 29, 1984 ·Page 5
- U.S., Railroad Retirement Pension Index, 1934-1987
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
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