Benjamin Ricketts was born near Cumberland, Maryland.  Learning his trade as a hatter in that town, he afterward opened a shop at Marietta; still later, had one in Zanesville.  Giving up his shop, he set up a store in West Zanesville.  He commenced selling goods in Coshocton in 1818, and in the spring of 1820, brought the family to the town.  His successful prosecution of business was most clearly apparent in the accumulations attending it.  He became a large land-holder and well-known citizen.

He served one term as county commissioner.  He and the opposing candidate were "tied" on the vote, and by lot the office devolved upon Mr. Ricketts.  He was never much enamored of public office, and, it is understood, never held any except this one.

His church connection was with the Methodist Episcopalians.

Like many, indeed nearly or quite all, of the successful and prominent men of Coshocton county, Mr. Ricketts was greatly aided in all his life's work by his wife, who, at the good old age of nearly eighty-five years, is still living in Coshocton.  She was from Hampshire county, Virginia; was married when about sixteen years of age, in 1807.

Mr. Ricketts died July 1, 1857.  His descendants and connections are many, and few families have been better known "in the gates" than his.

Source:  Historical Collections of Coshocton County Ohio 1764-1876
Author: William E Hunt, pub. 1876