The Last of the Twelve: Lorenzo Dow Hickey

Lorenzo Dow Hickey was the last of the apostles with James Strang who was "one of three major contenders for leadership of the Latter Day Saint movement." There was a book written about him entitled "Lorenzo Dow Hickey: the Last of the Twelve" by John Cumming. Lorenzo was the son of Rev. James Hickey.

Obituary of Lorenzo Dow Hickey published April 26, 1897
[From the Clarke Historical Library collection]

Died: 25 April 1897
Born: 15 February 1817 in Palmyra, New York
1852 married Sarah Linnell of Beaver Island, Michigan (2nd wife)
1866 to Coldwater, Branch Co., Michigan
13 Children: Alvira E. Brownson of Alden, MI; Jerry M. of Marino, CO; Lorenzo D., Jr., of Jonesboro, AR; Judson J. of Grand Rapids; Jessie G., Matthew, Joseph, Mrs. Robert Rattray, Ruth, Phoebe & James, all of Coldwater and two daughters [Favor Hickey & Rhoda] of Lapeer Co. (the last three by former wife). Is Jared L. also referred to as Jerry?

2 Brothers: Rev. George Hickey of Lansing and Manasseh Hickey of Detroit
1 Sister: Mrs. John [Julia] Hutchins of Detroit

Lorenzo Dow Hickey's first wife was Ann Davis (she married 2nd John Wesley Peaslee). He was a polygamist (even though his obituary stated he wasn't). Three children were with Frances Miller and there was a possible fourth wife who died in childbirth. [Source]. Sarah Adaline Scott is thought to be the mother of Lorenzo Dow Hickey, Jr.

Hickeys in the Coldwater City Directory in 1882.

Death record of Lorenzo D. Hickey's grandsons, Eber Brownson and Howard Hickey.

Marriage record of Frances Adelia Hickey, Jesse J. Hickey, Ruth Hickey, Phoebe E. Hickey,

1880 MI Branch Co., Coldwater
Lorenzo D. HICKEY Self M W 65 NY Teamster NY NY
Sarah HICKEY Wife M W 44 NY ME CT
Ruth HICKEY Dau S W 13 MI School NY NY
Judson HICKEY Son S W 11 MI School NY NY
Adelia HICKEY Dau S W 9 MI School NY NY
Phebe HICKEY Dau S W 7 MI School NY NY
Joseph HICKEY Son S W 4 MI NY NY

1880 MI Branch Co., Coldwater
Francies MILLER Self W Female W 43 NY Keeping House NY NY
Marietta MILLER Dau S W 22 WI House Keeper NY NY
George MILLER Son S W 20 WI Clerk Store NY NY
Mark MILLER Son S W 15 WI School NY NY
Jessis J. HICKEY Nephew S W 23 WI Drayman NY NY
Lorenzo D. HICKEY Nephew S W 21 WI Painter NY NY

There is a memoir online written by Judy, a descendant of Lorenzo Dow Hickey's grandaughter Sybil (Hickey) Berry. Judy, has a collateral ancestor (Nancy Bridger) who was married to one of my collateral ancestors (Isaac Garrett). Judy's great-great grandfather, Lorenzo Dow Hickey (subject of this post), lived in Lapeer County, Michigan, where many of my paternal relatives lived. Judy's great-grandfather, Lorenzo Dow Hickey, Jr., moved from Michigan to Craighead Co., Arkansas, where he lived amongst my maternal ancestors (Garretts & Johnsons).