Eugene P. Hicks, a leading farmer of Little Neck, was born in 1860 on the homestead where he now reside, being a son of Ruscum and Addie (Pinkney) Hicks. He was one of four children, of whom the only survivor besides himself is John F., born Christmas Day of 1864, now a resident of New York City. His father was born October 10, 1827, at Little Neck, near the present family homestead, being a son of Thomas and Sarah (Sweet) Hicks, who were born August 1, 1776, and January 22, 1783, respectively. He grew to manhood under the parental roof and then settled down on a portion of his father’s property, where he engaged in farming. October 11, 1854, he married Addie Pinkney, who was born September 4, 1829, and died October 4, 1867. After her death he rented the home place and thenceforth lived in retirement until his death, February 10, 1893.

Educated in the public schools, at the age of seventeen our subject became an employee of Gilbert & Lever, wholesale commission merchants in Broome Street, New York City. After some three years he returned home to spend a vacation, and the property being without a tenant, he took charge of the place and settled down to agricultural pursuits. October 5, 1882, he married Mary Frederick, daughter of Thomas H. Frederick, of Queens. Of their four children, three survive: Ruscum, Edgar and Addie.

After having farmed the place on shares for five years, our subject rented it, in which way he continued until the death of his father. The home farm and property in Great Neck the reverted to him as his share in the estate. Here he expects to make his home permanently, and he therefore introduces such improvements, year by year, as will enhance the value of the property and make it in every respect an ideal home for his wife and children. In his political belief he is a Democrat, while in religion he is identified with the Dutch Reformed Church.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Queens County (Long Island) New York"
(Copyright 1896 by Chapman Publishing Company)

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