William Hickey (writer) facts for kids

Reverend William Hickey, also known as Martin Doyle (born 1787 – died 24 October 1875), was an Irish writer and a kind person who helped many others. He is remembered for his work in farming and for his writings.

Early Life and Education

William Hickey came from a family of doctors called the Ó hÍceadha. He was the oldest son of Reverend Ambrose Hickey, who was a priest in the Church of Ireland in County Cork.

William went to St. John's College, Cambridge, a famous university in England. He later earned a special degree called a Master of Arts from the University of Dublin in Ireland.

A Life of Service

In 1811, William Hickey became a priest. He worked in different places in Ireland, including Dunleckny, Bannow, Kilcormick, Wexford, and Mulrankin. He stayed in Mulrankin until he passed away.

While he was in Bannow, he started important groups to help farmers. He created the South Wexford Agricultural Society and the Bannow Agricultural School. These groups helped local farmers learn new skills and grow better crops. People respected him greatly, no matter their religion.

Writing as Martin Doyle

William Hickey started writing in 1817. His first work was a small book about how to help poor people in Ireland. He later began using the pen name "Martin Doyle" for most of his writings.

He wrote often for farming magazines like Blackwood's Agricultural Magazine and other publications. His last book, published a few years before he died, was called Notes and Gleanings of the County Wexford.

In all his writings, William Hickey focused on helping people. He always tried to avoid arguments about religion or politics, choosing instead to write about things that could bring people together and improve their lives. He even worked as an editor for The Irish Farmer's and Gardener's Magazine.

Recognition and Family

Because of his great work for Ireland, the Royal Dublin Society gave him a gold medal. He was known for being very kind and generous. He spent his life helping others and didn't have much money when he died in 1875, at 87 years old.

William Hickey had a son named J. S. Hickey, who also became a priest. His granddaughter was Emily Henrietta Hickey, a well-known author and poet.