Jesse Ricks

Jesse J. Ricks (May 15, 1879–February 20, 1944) was an American lawyer and businessman best known for serving as the former President and Board Chairman of the Union Carbide and Carbon Company.

Biography and career

Early life Ricks was born on May 15, 1879, in Taylorville, Illinois, to his father, James Benjamin Ricks – the city's former mayor and an Illinois State Supreme Court justice – and his mother, Pammie Geltmacher. He attended the University of Michigan for his college education, where he served as a staff member for the Law Review.

Career Ricks began his legal career in Chicago, Illinois, being admitted to the Illinois State Bar Association in 1903. He would go on to serve as the chemical company's president, chairman, and director. He also served as Union Carbide's general counsel.

In 1941, Ricks went from being President of Union Carbide to its chairman. He was replaced by Benjamin O'Shea.

Personal life Ricks lived in his estate, Chanticlare, in Flower Hill, New York, on Long Island's North Shore. He was married to Sybil Ricks (née Hayward); the couple wed on February 11, 1909, in Niagara, New York.

Ricks was well-known for his avid interests in literature, music, and natural history. He was a member of the American Museum of Natural History, the Wilson Ornithological Society, and the American Forestry Association.