She was able to trace her family, through her mother to Anne Blennerhassett of 1694 and Denis McGillicuddy of McGillycuddy of the Reeks.
A renowned genealogist and historian, Hickson wrote three volumes of histories about Ireland and Kerry.
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Hickson is now recognised for her different perspective on Irish history as a financially insecure Protestant Unionist during a time when nationalism was the growing movement.
Her work on the history of Ireland in 1641 created controversy about the veracity of testimonies about the violence of Irish Catholics against Protestant settlers.
Hickson died in Kingston College, Mitchelstown in 1899 and was brought home to be buried in Tralee.