In a small town filled with economical hardships, Hicks saw a need among pregnant women, although abortions conflicted with his faith, according to Narratively. There are stories that even suggest that some mothers were told that their babies did not survive at birth. We can tell ourselves stories, and they become our truths. What is the Levant DNA Region on Ancestry. Busted not for selling babies, but for the abortion clinic. Chang, Juju, Jasmine Brown, Geoff Martz and Lauren Effron. The adoptive parents paid $1,000 for the baby, and Hicks would provide housing for the mothers for several months at his farm, a hotel, his apartments or a telephone company building, according to Appalachian History. $1000 was not a tremendous amount of money when you think about the birth mothers room and board for one month (they had no money, they paid nothing) prior to the birth, plus 24 hr a day Nursing care. she weighed a little over 4lbs I wonder if theres any connection between those doctors. Instead of killing the children he delivered live infants, told the mothers their babies were dead, and gave the babies away to parents who wanted them. Just horrible! thank you so much for the information danny has 5 sisters and 1 brother looking for him, Should anyone believe or just want to be a part of the DNA registry for The Nicks Babies..please visit us on our webpage (Hicks Adoptees), Thank You Not a mother who wanted to give her baby up for adoption, but a mother who trusted her doctor? The townspeople believed he encouraged pregnant women who came to him to carry their babies to term instead. Dr. Hicks obviously cannot give his side of the story. There was no reason not to dig up his grave. Thomas, or Dr. Hicks, was one of six children. As a matter of fact she grieved the rest of her life for her first born she thought had died! He was born October 18, 1888. His wife was a Baptist Sunday school teacher, according to PEOPLE. He was protecting himself due to his many illegitimacies & looking out for his own financial interest!!! You gotta wonder if this was a routine operation throughout history. Did the births take place at the Hicks Clinic? Who Is Dr. Thomas J. Hicks? - The True Story Behind Taken At Birth She grieved her the rest of her life for her first born son. | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Family Tree Building Basics for Beginners Book, Use DNA to Trace Your Mexican Family Tree Book, Example of Family Tree DNA Family Finder Results, were discovered more than two decades after Dr. Hicks death. When Dr. Hicks began his illicit practice, abortions were illegal in the United States, Phil Trexler wrote in the article. His wife and son both passed away, and his daughter lives in North Carolina, according to Appalachian History. He also told the mothers that their babies died, gave them death certificates but then sold the baby out the back door for $1000. Dr. Hicks was married and had two kids a son and a daughter. This is how those who were adopted can identify the parents or grandparents of their biological parents. He would sell the babies to parents who wanted to adopt but couldnt afford to do so legally. The story has been featured in many TV specials, including on TLCs, Taken At Birth, which originally aired in 2019. But many aspects of his clinic remain a mystery to this day. We just were not there and will never know his thoughts. Login to find your connection. If he does, youll want to be in whichever database he decides to use. He also has a living granddaughter named Sally Sompayrac. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MGFJ-W52: accessed 10 April 2021), Thomas J Hicks in household of D Fleming Hicks, Civil District 10, Sullivan, Tennessee, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 162, sheet 7B, family 136, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9119259/thomas-jugarthy-hicks, See: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:McCaysville%2C_Georgia He was buried in Crestlawn Cemetery in Polk County, Tennessee. My oldest would have been born in Akron in 1960. She assumed it was a legal adoption until he told her otherwise. Many of the Hicks babies also began searching for their biological families. I am by no means defending Dr Hicks black-market adoption practices, but its important to remember that, even today, people die from asthma attacks. It sickens me to see any one make what he did look OKAY! He induced births, told mothers their babies died and sold them! How Did Hicks Black Market Babies Business Work? I dont know. Hicks beliefs did not fully mesh with abortions, and he would sometimes convince women that he would handle adoptions if they carried the babies to term, according to WKYC in Cleveland, Ohio. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZ6P-BJM: 23 February 2021), Thos J Hicks, 1917-1918. My heart breaks for your mama and for your whole family. He told women their babies had died when they hadnt. my sister some how never got the gene or blood of him. Before Doctor Hicks opened his practice in Georgia he was just across the state line in Polk County Tennessee in the 1930s. Never has been black market babies, she told WKYC. I have had two of my children die. Who is Parent 1 or Parent 2 on Ancestry DNA? Many of those from Hicks small town defended his actions. Dr Thomas Jugarthy Hicks, Sr (1888 - 1972) - Genealogy Genealogy for Dr Thomas Jugarthy Hicks, Sr (1888 - 1972) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. What he did has no merit. Hicks Baby Adoptee Sold by Georgia Doctor 50 Years Ago Reunites With Birth Mother, Brother. Dr. Thomas J. Hicks is the "bad guy" featured in a three-part docuseries titled Taken At Birth. Dr. Dhingra has of over a decade in diagnostic, clinical, research and teaching work, including managing all sections of Pathology laboratory including histopathology, cytology, hematology and clinical Pathology. Well he and Alannas birth father very similar. That is when my older brother was born and my mother was told he was still born even though she told me she heard her baby cry. His birth certificate when he ent into the service was different than the one his parents had, so all I know its June 19 or 20, 1941. 1910 - Civil District 10, Sullivan, Tennessee, USA, Lucy E Hicks, Carrie E Hicks, Laura A Hicks, David Fleming Hicks, Mary Louise Hicks (born Holt), Thomas Jugarthy Hicks Jr, Walter Lynn Hicks, Margaret Mary Brown (born Hicks), est Hicks, Lucy Elizabeth Ketron (born Hicks), John William Hicks, Hicks, Carrie Ellen Dickson (born Hicks), Anna Laura Bradley (born Hicks), Samuel Ernest Hicks, Lucy Elizabeth Ketron, John William Hicks, Unknown Hicks, Carrie Ellen Dickson, Anna Laura Bradley (born Hicks), Samuel Earnest Hicks, Lucy Elizabeth Hicks, John William Hicks, Unknown Hicks, Carrie Ellen Dickson (born Hicks), Annie Laurie Hicks, Lucy E Hicks, Carrie Ellen Hicks, Anna Laura Wisdom Bradley (born Hicks), Thomas Jugarthy Hicks, Walter Lynn Hicks, Margaret Brown (born Hicks), Mary Edith Rogers Davis, Thomas J Jr Hicks, W Lynn Hicks, Margaret Hicks, Bloomingdale, Sullivan County, Tennessee, United States, Copperhill, Polk County, Tennessee, United States, Crestlawn, Polk County, Tennessee, United States. I know this first hand because of how it deeply hurt my mother for many, many years! ABC News, accessed 17 September 2019. Babies came to the mountains with him and babies left the mountains with him. Hicks was the beloved town doctor in the tiny mountain town of McCaysville, but women came from miles around to seek his services. It can be a serious disease. What Happened To Dr. Hicks And His Associates? Some were children of women Hicks convinced not to have abortions. Try DNA ancestry.comI found my biological father this waybest way to find out if you have family is through DNA, Take a ancestry dna That is the test they are using. How Many Babies Did Thomas Hicks Put Up For Adoption? Her initial search was unsuccessful, so she contacted a Georgia probate attorney. Unless you were one of the babies there is no way you could know what its like to have this to happen to you. You got a problem with that? He told some of the biological mothers that they had undergone an abortion. The illegal adoptions came to an end in 1964, when Hicks was caught performing illegal abortions. But those he left behind have differing opinions on his actions. Some of Hicks Babies, as they are sometimes referred to as, have done DNA tests in order to identify relatives who might be able to help them learn who their birth parents were. I would love to be able to find him or maybe some of his family. McCaysville, which is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains right on the Georgia border with Tennessee, was shocked to hear that their beloved town doctor, Dr. Hicks, was accused of arranging illegal adoptions, and even selling babies, for parents wanting to adopt. we do not know where these births occured most of our family is deceased. How would you feel if you found out a child your told was dead is actually alive I wish Hicks was alive to stand trial for what he did, he had no right. Are you on drugs. Those who were passed through the window as babies to adoptive parents have stopped by to see where their lives changed direction so early in life. Im sure there are also many, many Hicks babies out there that have no idea they are Hicks babies. My parents were young and married and wanted their first son! Are you in all of the DNA databases? Perhaps your dad was referring to the equipment used to save preemies. His wife and son have both passed away. When families came to his clinic to adopt babies, Hicks made the women pretend they had just given birth. Brother of Lucy Elizabeth Ketron; John Willie Hicks; Samuel Earnest Hicks; Infant Daughter Hicks and Carrie Ellen Dickson. I wondering how far the rabbit hole goes with him. I did see it just yesterday. Are there any unresolved feelings or unanswered questions you're still working to unravel? My mother was soooo lucky compared to all of the hudreds of babies Hicks Babies. The method of the illegal adoptions has left many questions for those who started their lives in Hicks clinic. Some of those in his town defend his actions, according to Narratively, saying he was providing a service. Even though Dr. Hicks is not suspected to be biologically related to any of the Hicks Babies, some people might find his ancestry and family tree to be of interest. The son, Gillam Thomas Hicks, and his family will be featured in next week's column. Why am I rehashing this. That doesnt mean that my heart doesnt break for the pain that these people have gone through and continue to go through. It is in Gods hands. The source for today's story was the book The Hicks Family Tree; The Magnificent Journey of Our Branch of the Hicks Family Tree, 1455 to 2011, and The Families That Made a Difference, written by Gale Hicks Thompson and Bob G. Hicks. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. Love and hugs to them all! Despite the illegality of the abortions, Hicks would advertise the service at phone booths, bus stations and bridges, according to Appalachian History. What people dont realize is Doc Hicks started his practice in Tennessee. A sick, twisted & greedy man. It can sometimes be more difficult to pinpoint the exact identify of someones biological parents without closer cousins, such as first cousins. I was born in 1967. If you have any questions about something that you read in this post, please join in the discussion below. I believe that he provided a valuable service, giving women an alternative, giving a baby a chance at life, giving a couple a chance to be parents. To push the boundaries of DNA science. Those who were adopted have few places to turn to track down their origins. Would love your thoughts, please comment. All of the babies were children of mothers who were persuaded to give up their children for adoption, and were not biological children of Dr. Hicks. I dont trust my own memories, let alone 50 year old memories. Did you like this post? GOOD NIGHT DEAD DAD, GOOD NIGHT GOOD NIGHT. After watching this documentary I can see how he got away with it for so long. That is crazy! Some theorized Hicks was buried beside his mausoleum because of concern the grave would be vandalized. He let loose some real chaos into this world.. These closer relatives can provide important clues that can help determine exactly which child descended from the grandparents (identified through the 2nd-3rd cousins) was likely the biological mother or father. The charges didnt mention that he sold babies or had them illegally adopted. Who was Thomas J. Hicks? Copyright 2023 The DNA Geek Ascension WordPress theme by, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), New TLC Special Taken At Birth Dives into Shocking Hicks Babies Black Market Adoption Scandal, Babies For Sale: The Secret Adoptions That Haunt One Georgia Town, Hicks Baby Adoptee Sold by Georgia Doctor 50 Years Ago Reunites With Birth Mother, Brother, Busted not for selling babies, but for the abortion clinic, 23andMe Introduces the Automated Family Tree , The Hicks Babies The DNA Geek | Ups and Downs of Family History V2.0, https://thednageek.com/how-to-transfer-your-ancestrydna-test-to-other-databases/, Book Review: I Know Who You Are, by Barbara Rae-Venter, Up Your DNA Game With New Courses in 2023, Verogen Increases Costs for Law Enforcement Again, A Board of Certification for Investigative Genetic Genealogy Is Announced. is anything else your are looking? Dr. Hicks was married and had two children, a son and a daughter. If you fully watched the documentary you would know that almost all the babies were 4lbs at birth weight or even SMALLER and he was doing this to hurry along the money. https://t.co/900llb4znH, Angel Patriot?? His forged birth certificates did not list biological parents. The news captivated many outside McCaysville. Hicks' wife and son had already passed away. I just wanted to say I watch this show about a little girl. Geni requires JavaScript! I have hicks show up in my DNA results. Mama named my brother Von Gordon. I know your heart aches. Autosomal DNA tests, such as Ancestry DNA, 23andMe, My Heritage, and Family Tree DNA, offer extensive DNA match lists. My Grandma has been gone several years now, but she told us numerous times that in 1952 when she gave birth to my aunt that she remembers having two babies and the nurse telling her she had a boy. As I say, not perfect, but a good man, Doris Abernathy told WKYC. Thomas Jugarthy Hicks in MyHeritage family trees (Sompayrac Web Site) Dr Thomas Jugarthy Hicks, Sr in 1940 United States Federal Census Thomas Hicks in U.S. Social Security Death Index (SSDI) view all Immediate Family Chassie Hicks wife Dr Thomas Jugarthy Hicks, Jr son Dr Walter Lynn Hicks son Private child Mary Louise Hicks mother I do hope your brother survived and is out there somewhere. Such an evil man to cause such heart ache! pic.twitter.com/aTH43ks3Co. I was waiting for one mother to come on and say that they were told that their baby had died, but nope. Blasio also created a confidential registry to help Hicks babies find their parents and siblings. There is living proof, with dna, of one man, who along with his twin brother, was reported dead and buried by Dr. Hicks. He died in 1972 and it took three decades before Hicks' actions were brought to light. We only know about the ones who survived. I Just dont understand how anyone could possibly think what he did was right or just or in any way good at all!! He was arrested for performing illegal abortions in 1964. These babies were born between 3.5 and 4.75 lbs.. very unfavorable!! It is suspected that many of them did and there is rumor that perhaps he disposed of those little bodies in the river. Aside from giving the adopted daughter her answer. Clearly, you have never lost a child. It may have started with good intentions, but these babies deserve the truth and they deserve it now. The same lecture is offered twiceNovember 1 and 2, 2022to accommodate schedules and time zones. I submitted my DNA in hopes that I might find my brother or some of his family. I realize Dr. Hicks is not here to defend himself or answer questions, but I cannot imagine how you can defend him after what you heard. Hicks died at age 83 in 1972. Natalie. Thank you so much. Wow! Those who are among the babies that were adopted through the Hicks Clinic can take DNA tests to help discover who their biological parents might have been. Who Are the Hicks Babies? - Who are You Made Of? The birth certificates Ive seen were in the 6-7 lb range. My mother/father picked me up from a nurse in a hotel in 1967. Genealogy for Dr Thomas Jugarthy Hicks, Sr (1888 - 1972) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. First of all, it was a small town clinic and back then it was not unheard of for any woman in a small town to go to a clinic to deliver their baby so to say hes some kind of hero for what he did is beyond disgusting. After I watched your show on TLC, I took a trip up to the mountains., looked the house that was HIckscock and made a big mistake when I asked some questions. The judge discovered records showing an unusual number of women visiting Hicks clinic. He was a monster, a murderer, and a kidnapper, but he wasnt a good man doing a good thing for helpless women. Once they have grouped their DNA matches in to several groups, they can study the descendants of the ancestors to find where they connect to each other. No matter where they grew upmost often in the industrial cities of Ohiotheir birth certificates said they were born in the Hicks Clinic in McCaysville, Georgia. What is the Egypt DNA Region on Ancestry? Town Secret Is Uncovered In Birth Quest. I am the youngest of seven siblings. The motives of Hicks actions are unclear. And he gave the babies to equally desperate childless parents. Her only health problem was asthma. Remember that these women had no where else to go, no one to turn to. Dr. Hicks died of leukemia in 1972 at the age of 83. At the very least, she helps them learn more about their birth stories and roots. Who is Jane Blasio, and what really went on with her adoption? - YourTango I may have a couple brothers out there. But honestly, my suggestion would be for them to live for today. Hi, the category is just Category:McCaysville, Georgia. Interesting. But not all of the babies have been reunited. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. I have my ancestory DNA done and would love to try to match some names with my DNA relatives. They were all corrupt! about dr thomas hicks family tree please comment if we missed anything here, please let us know. I came from a messed up family, too. So for that reason, I think were putting too much faith in these womens stories. People, accessed 17 September 2019. His parents were David Fleming Hicks and Mary Louise Holt. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MSZD-WWR: accessed 10 April 2021), Thos J Hicks in household of D Flem Hicks, Civil District 10, Sullivan, Tennessee, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 110, sheet 7A, family 118 All in all, I cannot condemn him. The illegal adoptions came to an end in 1964, when Hicks was caught performing illegal abortions. For him to lie to these women is unforgivable. Theres nothing there, Linda, one of the Hicks Babies, told Narratively. I am wondering if any possible hicks babies that have not found relatives has DNA done? me are my real parents or not as i am finding out not every thing they told me about family is real. In these cases, Hicks would forge a birth certificate and give the baby to adoptive parents in secret from his Georgia clinic. Many are hoping DNA will link them to their birth families, and some of them have found biological parents, siblings and parents through DNA, according to WKYC. Dr. Thomas Hicks died of leukemia, a type of blood cancer. Some residents seemed to know the double life he was leading. Now, they are using the power of DNA to reunite with their biological families. Some of the ads and links on this website are affiliate links which pay me a commission if you purchase through them. Would love to have help, Im mr.hicks grate grate grand daughter sadly, hes from my moms side of the family. Hed encourage them to put their babies up for adoption instead. Hicks performed illegal abortions in the 1950s and 1960s, along with the illegal adoptions, until he faced legal troubles in 1964 for the abortions. Oh well for them, I was raised in those mountains and Im not afraid of them. On another point, Ive heard it said that Dr. Hicks disposed of aborted babies in the river. Many people who fell victim to the Hicks baby market hope these DNA tests will help them find closure. 'Hicks Baby' Adoptee Sold by Georgia Doctor 50 Years Ago Reunites With Birth Mother, Brother, Who are the Hicks babies?