Ad'dicks, JOHN EDWARD (1841- ), an American capitalist and politician, born in Philadelphia. He early entered business and organized and became the chief stockholder in several large corporations, notably the Bay State Gas Company of Boston and the Brooklyn, N. Y., Gas Company. In 1895 he first made a serious effort to gain political office, being a prominent candidate for United States senator in Delaware. Though defeated, he prevented the election of his rival, and for about eight years Delaware was represented by only one senator and part of that time had no senator at all. During his many campaigns Addicks gained an unenviable reputation for corruption and political intrigue.