Source: Will L Clark, et al. History of Counties of Woodbury and Plymouth, Iowa. Chicago: A. Warner & Co., 1890-91

John C. Hickey, brick manufacturer, Le Mars, was born in county Clare, Ireland, in 1850. In 1863 he came to America with his parents and located at Taunton, Mass., where they remained until 1875, when they came to Le Mars. John C. Hickey bought property, and engaged in the manufacture of brick, having the only plant of the kind here, and which has a capacity of 25,000 daily. He has made a brick for nearly every block in Le Mars, and finds a ready sale in this locality for all his output. Both he and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic church.