James Helme Rickard (1838-1914), son of George and Sarah (Helme) Rickard, was born in Abington, Conn., in 1838. Before the Civil War he worked as a teacher and grocer, and after went into business in Woonsocket, R.I. He also worked as a newspaper reporter and contractor, and served in the local militia. In 1874 he married Abbie Smith Weld (1847-1917), the daughter of Seth Lothrop and Abby Short Smith Weld. Captain Rickard died on 6 May 1914, and was buried in Union Cemetery, North Smithfield, R.I.
In 1862, Rickard enlisted in the 18th Connecticut and served in this regiment until 1864, when he was commissioned as a captain in the United States Colored Troops. He resigned from the army in 1866. In 1894, he published his Civil War memoirs, "Service with Colored Troops in Burnside's Corps."
From the description of Civil War letters, 1864-1866. (American Antiquarian Society). WorldCat record id: 191279689
