DiGital on Family Tree Circles

Browsing back and forth online, it seems plausible that WILLIAM HICKS that sailed to and settled in Samoa was the same "half caste William Hicks from Fiji" who was second mate of Bully Hayes' aboard the "Leonora." (http://www.micsem.org/pubs/articles/historical/bcomber/kosrae.htm)

Other events recorded in history online show William Hicks arriving and settling in Samoa around the same period 1874. William Hicks Samoan descendant THOMAS HICKS is my paternal grandfather.

He was a sailor like his ancestor William, and chose to remain in Fiji whilst on a stopover. He married MARY BUCKNELL and settled in Lautoka.

I remember being asked if we were related to the Hicks from Sigatoka, Navua, etc, and we'd always answer "No, we're the Samoan Hicks". Turns out we probably are.

I am interested in tracing our roots back to the "first Hicks" in Fiji and finding out his origins. Any help will be appreciated.

Records from FamilySearch.org reveal the earliest Hicks records in Fiji for a NED THOMAS HICKS born 1858 in Navua. A ELIZA MARY HICKS born 28 August 1848 in Gau (daughter of John Hicks and Tinai) is also recorded.

Records for HICKS Births in Samoa occur only after 1874 which would coincide with WILLIAM HICKS arriving in that area after that period.

I look forward to receiving any info & updates, thanks!