William Nauns Ricks

William Nauns Ricks
Ricks c. 1919. The medals are likely from his Army service in the Spanish–American War.
Ricks c. 1919. The medals are likely from his Army service in the Spanish–American War.
Born(1876-09-06)September 6, 1876
Wytheville, Virginia, US
DiedSeptember 14, 1948(1948-09-14) (aged 72)
Oakland, California, US
Resting placeGolden Gate National Cemetery
OccupationPoet
Notable worksThe Whistle Maker, and Other Poems

William Nauns Ricks (September 6, 1876 – September 14, 1948) was an American poet who lived and worked primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area.[1] He published hundreds of poems, mainly in the popular press, and one collection.

Born in Virginia, Ricks moved to California in 1902 following his service in the Spanish–American War. His first poem was published in a newspaper in 1902, and he settled in San Francisco in 1904. He wrote on a wide variety of subjects, including issues of nation and race.

  1. ^ Yoo, Rannie; Morganti, Mary (1996). "Guide to the William Nauns Ricks Papers, 1899–1963". Online Archive of California. Bancroft Library. Retrieved July 6, 2020.