An American Family History

William Ricketts was born on August 29, 1822 in Dearborn (now Ohio) County, Indiana. His parents were William and Elizabeth Ricketts. William was an engineer according to the 1860 census.

He married Josinah Anderson on July 15, 1844 in Tazewell County, Illinois. Josinah was born on February 4, 1823.

Josinah and William's children included:
infant daughters (1845)
Colbert Edwin Ricketts (1848, married Lavina Elmira Devore),
Eli Thomas Ricketts (1850, died as an infant),
Clara Ricketts Smith (1853, married Thomas Smith),
Charles A. Ricketts (1856),
Telva Ricketts Denning (1857, married William H. Denning)
Bertha Ricketts Woodcock (1860, married Charles E. Woodcock) and
Joanna Ricketts.

At the time of the 1850 census they were living in Peoria, Illinois. The household consisted of 29 year old William who was a laborer, Josinah age 29 and Colbert age 2.

At the time of the 1860 census they were living in Washington Township, Tazewell County, Illinois. The household consisted of William age 38 who was an engineer, Josina age 37, C. Edwin, age 9, Clara age 6, and Telva age 3.

William died in 1860.

In 1870 the household was in Metamora. The household consisted of William age 49, Lovina age 48, Edward age 21, Flora age 12, and Bertha age 7.

In 1880 Josinah was living in Metamora, Woodford County, Illinois with Telva and Bertha.

By 1880, 57 year old Josinah was a widow and living with Telpha age 23 and Bertha age 20.

Josinah died in January, 1889.