For more than forty-four years John H. Hickey has been numbered among the citizens of the Golden state, and for many years he has been classed among its leading agriculturists. He was born in Overton county, Tennessee, February 27, 1828, his parents being Banister and Martha (Burrus) Hickey, natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina. In 1832, when but four years of age, this little lad was taken by his parents to Missouri, the family home being in Cooper county until 1838, when they removed to what is now Newton county, and there the son grew to man's esate, receiving his education in the subscription schools common in that state in that early day. From Missouri, via Salt Lake City, Mr. Hickey crossed the plains to California in September, 1850, and for a time after reaching his destination was engaged in gold mining in Amador and Calaveras counties, while for a time thereafter he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits on the Mokelumne river. In 1858 he took up his abode near Elliot, San Joaquin county, where he is now the owner of three hundred and sixt acres of rich and productive land, forty-four acres of which comprises the homestead farm. He is a practical, thorough-going agriculturist, understanding every department of work connected with the proper supervision of a country home of this extent, and success has abundantly rewarded his persevering, well directed labors. Now, in his declining years, he may look backward over the pathway he has come and truly feel that his efforts have been blessed, and have few regrets for idle days and wasted moments.

In his early manhood Mr. Hickey was united in marriage to Mary E. Bryant, by whom he had two children, but both are now deceased. On the 17th of August, 1896, he was married to Mrs. Sarah F. Curtis, a native of Gasconade county, Missouri, where she was born May 31, 1836, a daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Jarvis) Crow, natives respectively of Missouri and Kentucky. By her first marriage to Joshua F. Hickey Mrs. Hickey has three living daughters: Mary J., the wife of Thomas Stacks, of San Joaquin county; Emily, wife of Charles Wilson, a resident of Tesla, Alameda county; and Elizabeth J., wife of Edward H. Aldrich, also of this county. Mrs. Hickey is a member of the Christian church. Throughout the period of his residence in California Mr. Hickey has been active in local politics, giving his support to the Democracy, and he has been honored with the position of turstee of the Elliot school district, also serving a three-year term as supervisor of San Joaquin county and as chairman of the board of supervisors for one year. His fraternal relations are with the Masonic order at Woodbridge. His true worth and kindly life have endeared him to all who know him, and his example is indeed one which may be profitably followed by the younger generation.

Source: History of the New California Its Resources and People, Volume II

The Lewis Publishing Company - 1905
Edited by Leigh H. Irvine