HICKEY, PATRICK (deceased), for several years a prominent citizen of Riverton, Ill., will be remembered by many of the older residents there as a pleasant, upright man, of high character. He was a devout Catholic and honest in his dealings with his fellow men, winning the respect of all who knew him. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1822, and his parents, also natives of Ireland, lived on a farm, which the father operated, and they spent their entire lives there. Mr. Hickey was educated in Ireland and worked for his father in boyhood and youth. He emigrated to America in 1850 and soon afterward came to Springfield and engaged in business with Michael Doyle. For several years he and Mr. Doyle conducted the Cottage Gardens, and when they dissolved partnership Mr. Hickey moved to Riverton.

Upon coming to Riverton, Mr. Hickey purchased land near the village and engaged in farming, remaining there until his death. He conducted a tavern for sometime and during the war boarded the soldiers who passed through Riverton. General Grant ate at his table as well as many other officers. He was an industrious worker and successful in his various occupations. H was interested in everything concerning the general welfare and supported the Democratic party.

Mr. Hickey was married in Springfield to Mary Funchin, also a native of Tipperary, and to their union three children were born: John, who survives, and two who are deceased. The mother of these children died in 1858. Mr. Hickey married as his second wife, Julia Shelly, a native of Ireland, born in 1823, their union taking place in January 20, 1859. Her father, Cornelius Shelly, was a farmer by occupation, and both her parents died in Ireland. Nine children were born of this union, of whom two now survive: Margaret, wife of Patrick Fleming, of Springfield, and Mary, wife of Michael Egan, also of that city. Mr. Hickey died at his home in Riverton in 1867, deeply mourned by his many friends. His widow became the wife of John Smith and owns a home in Riverton, where she is well known and highly respected. Mr. Smith died in 1880 in Riverton.