John Rickert, proprietor of the Dickson Trade Palace, came to Dickson County in 1867 and began farming, which he still continues. 1871 he opened his general merchandise trade, in which he has met with success ever since. He owns about 400 acres of land adjoining Dickson, and a part of the town was laid out on his land. He was born in Pennsylvania 1818, being the youngest of family of nine children of Peter and Sophronia (Roth) Rickert, also natives of Pennsylvania. The parents lived and died in their native State, the father’s death occurring in 1871 and the mother’s in about 1865. The father was a farmer. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and had limited educational advantages. He married at the age of twenty-four, and followed farming in Pennsylvania till moving to Dickson County, in 1867. His marriage was in 1842 to Eliza J. Polley, of Pennsylvania. Nine children have been born to this union, viz.: Henry A., who was killed in the war; Herschel E., who died in Andersonville prison; Adolphus S., William E., John F., Maggie S. (deceased), Abner G., Elmer E. and Edwin E. Politically Mr. Rickert is a Republican, and he is one of the respected citizens of Dickson County.