Matthew Ricketts

Matthew O. Ricketts
Phototype from the Progress, June 21, 1890
Member of the Nebraska House of Representatives
In office 1893 – 1897
Personal details
Born	(1858-04-03)April 3, 1858 Henry County, Kentucky, U.S.
Died	1917 (aged 58–59) St. Joseph, Missouri, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Alice Nelson
Alma mater	Omaha Medical College
Occupation	Physician

Matthew Oliver Ricketts (April 3, 1858 – 1917) was an American politician and physician. He was the first African-American member of the Nebraska Legislature, where he served two terms in the Nebraska House of Representatives (the lower house of what was then a bicameral legislature). He was also the first African American to graduate from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha.

Ricketts was born to enslaved parents in Henry County, Kentucky in 1858. His parents moved to Boonville, Missouri, after the American Civil War when he was a child, and he completed school there.

In 1876 Ricketts earned a degree from the Lincoln Institute (now Lincoln University of Missouri) in Jefferson City, Missouri. In 1880 he moved to Omaha, where he was admitted to the Omaha Medical College. He worked as a janitor to pay his tuition. In March 1884 Ricketts graduated with honors, and soon after opened a medical office in Omaha.

Ricketts quickly earned a reputation for "being a very careful physician, as well as an exceedingly likable young man." With his education and energy, Ricketts became the acknowledged leader of Omaha's African-American community. He was a charismatic man and controversial speaker.

Following the failed candidacy of Nebraska's first black candidate, Edwin R. Overall, in 1890, Ricketts was elected to the Nebraska House of Representatives in 1892 on the Republican ticket. Rickets served two terms, from 1893 to 1897. He was the first African American to serve in the Nebraska Legislature. Dr. Ricketts was regarded as one of the best orators there and was frequently called upon for his opinions.