Page 1252

HARRIS HICKOX - Mr. Hickox is classed not only among the capitalists of Springfield, but also among the public-spirited citizens, for while he has controlled extensive business interests, bringing to him large profits as the result of his capable management and correct business principles, he has always been alive to the needs of the city and the opportunity of the citizen to aid in the work of progress and advancement here. Throughout his entire life Springfield has been his home, his birth having occurred here in 1858, his parents being Virgil and Catharine E. (Cabanis) Hickox, who are mentioned on another page of this volume. At the usual age he entered school and when he had completed the high school course he entered upon his business career, becoming interested in the coal trade in 1874, when but sixteen years of age. As a coal operator he became widely known, and for sixteen years he gave his attention almost exclusively to the conduct of his mining interests, mastering every detail of the business and gaining broad knowledge of the different kinds of coal and its market values. For thirteen years he was a partner in the firm of Hickox, Ridgely & Company, and for ten years was interested in the Loose mine, south of Springfield, which was operated with profit. The business of the firm was carried on along both wholesale and retail lines and large sales brought good financial returns, while the business policy of the house commended the firm to the patronage of all who once gave them their custom. Mr. Hickox remained an active member of the firm until 1898, when he withdrew and severed his connection with the business of handling coal, although he is still the owner of coal lands. Another source of income which has classed Mr. Hickox with the capitalists of Springfield is his real-estate investments, which have been judiciously made, so that his property holdings include some very valuable city realty. He is likewise a stockholder and director of the State National Bank, with which he has been long connected.

In September, 1882, Mr. Hickox was united in marriage to Miss Louise Broadwell, a daughter of N. M. Broadwell, former mayor of Springfield and one of its most prominent citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Hickox are the parents of four children: Norman, Harris, Catherine and Louise. Mr. Hickox belongs to the Sangamo Club of Springfield. The family residence, formerly the Broadwell home, is at No. 529 South Fourth street, situated in the midst of beautiful grounds, and is noted for its delightful social functions, including many gatherings of the prominent old settlers of Sangamon county and of the state.