Prominent in business circles of Stockton, William J.S. Hickox has made an outstanding success in the different activities in which he has been engaged. A native son, he was born at Castroville, Monterey County, on March 16, 1873. His parents, both native of New York, were Frank G. and Clorinda (Sarles) Hickox, and both are now deceased. Grandfather Jeremiah Sarles came around the Horn to California in 1851, and Mrs. Hickox was only three years old when she arrived in California, coming by way of the Isthmus in 1852. There were only seventeen women in Stockton at that time and she was the first white child. Jeremiah Sarles teamed to the Southern Mines in the early days and later ran a dairy, delivering milk there in 1862. He bought the J.C. Smith ranch on the Sacramento Road, which he later sold, and he also followed sheep raising and mining for a time. In 1872 he ran for sheriff of San Joaquin County, and was defeated by only one vote. Frank G. Hickox, our subject’s father, was one of Stockton’s pioneer painting contractors, coming there in the early days of the town and actively engaging in his trade.

William J.S. Hickox was only one year old when his parents brought him to Stockton. He was fortunate in receiving a good education, attending the University of California after he had completed his work in the public schools. Returning to Stockton after his University days, he was employed as a bookkeeper for a time and then learned the trade of painting and became a partner with his father in the business, continuing for himself after his father’s death. He gradually drifted in to the business of house wrecking and general contracting, and in these lines he is now engaged. He owns two lumber yards in Stockton and a number of apartments and residences, due to his hard work and his progressive methods of business.

In Stockton on May 5, 1896, Mr. Hickox was married to Miss Annie S. Smith, a native daughter of California, born at Angels Camp, Calaveras County, and they make their home at 528 North American Street. Mr. Hickox enters enthusiastically into all public-spirited movements and he is especially well known in fraternal circles, being a member of the Woodmen of the World, Red Men, Court of Honor, Yeomen, and Royal Highlanders.