Thomas F. Ricks (1855–1908) was born in Eureka, California, the son of 49-er Caspar S. Ricks (November 10, 1821 Rome, Indiana - June 21, 1888 San Francisco) who built many business and residential blocks in Eureka and Adaline A. Fouts of Clark County, Indiana who also owned Eureka property independent from that of her husband. The children of C.S. Ricks were well-to-do, socially prominent and influential. Thomas Ricks owned the Ricks Livery Stable. Thomas' younger brother, Hiram Lambert Ricks (1860 - January 27, 1921) established the present day Eureka water system, then named the "Ricks Water Company", served as Mayor of Eureka, and began campaigning for the Northwestern Pacific Railroad to Captain A.H. Payson, then president of the line. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ricks had extensive property holdings in Eureka, and Mrs. Rick's business extended as far as San Francisco, to which she traveled frequently. Thomas Ricks died in 1908, aged 53.