Madison County, Indiana - Chapter 39, 1897

Through the philaiithrophy of John Hickey, Esq., a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, but a resident of Anderson since 1853, the city is indebted for one of its noblest institutions - St. John's Hospital. This a.sylum for the afflicted was founded in 1894, the deed to the property having been made on the 31st of March of that ^-ear by Mr. Hickey. or " Uncle John '" Hickey. as he is affectionately called by all who know him. The conveyance is made to " the trustees of the corporation of St. Mary's Academy, for the use and benefit of the .Sisters of the Holy Cross." and specifies that in the event it should ever become necessary to dispose of the property the trustees shall invest the proceeds of the sale thereof in other property within or adjacent to the city. This contingency may never arise, however, as the property is eligibly situated for the purpose to which it is devoted, being the old Ilickey homestead, between Jackson and Brown streets, in the south part of the city. The frame residence was used as a hospital until the present brick building was completed in the spring of ISUii. This building is two stories high and 1)5 feet long by ()5 feet wide. It is constructed in such a manner that the additions contemplated in the original plans will, when made, enhance its attractiveness as well as enlarge its conveniences. A number of public-spirited citizens, svmpathizing with the object and appreciating the eflforts of the Sisters of the Holy Cross to erect a suitable building in which to carry on the beneficent work of ministering to the wants of the sick and afflicted, made generous donations of materials and money to that end and now have the satisfaction of knowing that but few cities in the country of the population of Anderson have a better equipped or better managed ciiarity of its kind than St. John's Hospital. The institution is superintended liy Sister Victoria, a devout Christian and most gracious woman, assisted by six Sisters of the same order. The doors of St. John's Hospital are open to all who are sick, without regard to race, color or condition in life. Its impartial charities are bestowed upon all who seek them, and if necessary without money and without price. If Mr. Hickey should leave no other monument or work to perpetuate his memory, this noble institution will be sufficient. His name will be iilentified with its benefactions as long as it endures.