The Ricketts Family Legacy: A Rich History Spanning 9 Generations
Our Ricketts family history research proudly spans over nine generations, beginning with our patriarch, David Ricketts, born in 1852. David married Elizabeth McFarland, and while much of their story is still unfolding, we do know that one of their sons was David William Ricketts, born on October 22, 1874, in Pennsylvania. In 1894, David William married Sarah Louisa Still from New Jersey, and together they raised ten children, making their home in Pottstown, PA, where the Ricketts family became a cornerstone of the community.
David William and Sarah Louisa’s children were: Percy, Russell David Jr., Sarah Louisa Alice, Albert, Raymond, Richard James Sr., Cubit, Charles, and Elizabeth, who tragically passed away at just three years old. This large and vibrant family set the foundation for generations of Ricketts to come, with each child contributing to the family’s legacy in their unique way.
Albert Ricketts, one of David William's sons, left a significant mark on South Jersey. In the 1940s, he became the first Black man to own a construction company in East Riverton. The company was a success, and because family meant everything to Albert, he employed many of his brothers-in-law, sons, and sons-in-law, continuing the tradition of keeping the family close and building opportunities for the next generation.
Meanwhile, Richard James Ricketts Sr., Albert’s younger brother, became known throughout Pottstown as “Mr. Dick.” For 25 years, he was a mentor, leader, and guiding force at the Bethany Recreation Center, a place that he transformed into a community cornerstone. The Bethany Center was eventually renamed the Richard J. Ricketts Community Center in his honor. Today, the Ricketts Center remains a hub of athletic, educational, and wellness activities, serving Pottstown’s youth and community with pride. Richard Sr.'s legacy is a testament to the enduring values of service, leadership, and community building that have been passed down through our family.
Richard Sr. also left a remarkable legacy through his sons, Richard Jr. and David Ricketts. Both men excelled in baseball, with Richard Jr. making history as one of the best basketball players in the country. An All-American in college, Richard Jr. was the #1 pick of the 1955 NBA draft, following in the footsteps of trailblazers like Jackie Robinson in breaking down racial barriers in American sports. The accomplishments of Richard Jr. and David are not just impressive athletic feats but also symbols of resilience and the ongoing fight against discrimination and racism.
Though we still have much research to do, our family is proud to honor the stories we have uncovered. We pay special tribute to Kenneth Ricketts, the eldest living member of Albert Ricketts' line, who continues to embody the strength and spirit of our family’s rich heritage. Our family’s history is one of perseverance, achievement, and love, spanning business, athletics, education, and politics. We invite every Ricketts family member to contribute to our ongoing research and to help us continue uncovering our shared history. Together, we will carry this legacy forward, blessing future generations with the wisdom and strength of our ancestors.
Bless you all!