Joel Ricks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joel Ricks
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| Born | February 18, 1804 Christian County, Kentucky
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| Died | December 15, 1888 (aged 84) Logan, Utah
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| Occupation | Farmer, tanner |
| Spouse(s) |
Eleanor Martin
(m. 1826) |
| Children | Thomas E. Ricks |
Joel Ricks (born February 18, 1804 – died December 15, 1888) was an important Mormon Pioneer. He was a leader who helped build new communities in Salt Lake Valley and Cache Valley, Utah. Joel Ricks was also the father of Thomas E. Ricks, another famous pioneer.
Contents
Joel Ricks: A Pioneer Story
Early Life and Family
Joel Ricks was born on February 18, 1804. His birthplace was near Donaldson Creek in Christian County, Kentucky. This area is now part of Trigg County, Kentucky. His parents were Jonathan Ricks and Temperance Edwards.
On May 18, 1826, Joel Ricks married Eleanor Martin. After their marriage, he continued to work on his father's farm.
Becoming a Pioneer
While living in Illinois, Joel Ricks met missionaries. These missionaries were from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He decided to join their faith and was baptized in 1841.
Later, Joel Ricks moved to Nauvoo, Illinois. He wanted to live with other members of his new faith. However, people who did not like their religion caused problems. These troubles forced him to leave Nauvoo. He then joined the Mormon Pioneers. They began a long journey to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah.
Building a New Life in Utah
Joel Ricks helped lead his group of pioneers. They arrived in Bountiful in September 1848. He started farming in Centerville. Later, he opened a tannery in Farmington. A tannery is a place where animal hides are made into leather.
In 1859, Joel Ricks moved his family to Logan, Utah. He kept working in the tanning business there. He also helped with the area's first sawmill and gristmill. A sawmill cuts wood, and a gristmill grinds grain into flour.
Community Leader
Joel Ricks was very active in the early Cache Valley community. He helped establish the city of Logan. He served as the treasurer for Cache County for almost 25 years. He was also an officer in the Logan Canyon Road Company.
He often provided equipment to new Mormon immigrants. He also helped build many of the first community buildings. In his church, he was a longtime member of the Stake High Council. He was also ordained as a Patriarch.
Joel Ricks passed away at his home in Logan on December 15, 1888.
