Abstract:
Robert “Beau†Hickman grew up in Warrenton, North Carolina. He became well known in Washington D.C. as an enjoyable socialite. Hickman quickly learned to live off his popularity. He charged fees to those who wanted to listen to his stories or enjoy his company. Hickman's story was told in the 1879 booklet Life, Adventures and Anecdotes of ‘Beau' Hickman. After living from his friends' financial support, Hickman died penniless.