Thomas J. Sheean, junior member of the firm of David & T. J. Sheean, Attorneys- at-Law, is, with his brother-partner, located in a pleasant suite of offices in the well-known Hempstead Building, Galena, which they have occupied since 1869. The firm was established in June, 1869, but in 1876, David, on account of ill health, was obliged to withdraw from the confinement of the office, and spent nearly eighteen months outside. At the expiration of this time, the brothers resumed their legal business* in company. Their practice has extended all over Illinois and into other States, and has resulted in the accumulation of a competence for each.

Mr. Sheean was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Illinois November 23, 1868, during the times of Sidney Breese, C. B. Lawrence and P. H. Walker, eminent jurists of the State. He has been an extensive reader and avails himself of every opportunity to become informed upon the points which are constantly arising in the course of his practice. His legal education was obtained largely through his own exertions. He was reared at his father's farm in Guilford Township, this county, where he was born Dec. 15,1838. He was next to the youngest of five children, now living, the offspring of James and Mary (Lorden) She an, a sketch of whom will be found in the biography of David Sheean on another page in this volume. He became familiar with farm work at an early age, and learned those habits of industry and economy which have served him well in later life. He taught school winters during his early manhood, taking the proceeds to assist him in his education. He first attended Sinsinawa Mound College. Wisconsin; subsequently he attended Rock River Seminary, at Mount Morris, IL, completing his studies there in 1863. Mr. Sheean was Supervisor of his native township of Guilford for the terms of 1867-68; from 1873 to 1875 he was the Mayor of Galena, and was a second time elected in the year 1883, being the incumbent of the office under the new law, which made the Mayor's term two years. Politically he is a sound Democrat and takes considerable interest in local politics. He has studied the county for twenty years for President and other Democratic officials. He was a delegate from the Sixth Congressional District to the National Convention which nominated Grover Cleveland in St. Louis, and was Presidential Elector of this district in 1888, canvassed the district and made speeches in all of the counties—Stephenson, Winnebago. Ogle, and Carroll.

The marriage of Thomas J. Sheean and Miss Frances Delahunt was celebrated in Galena. Dec. 25, 1865. Mrs. Sheean was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, Jan. 11, 1846, and is the daughter of Mathew and Margaret (Byrne) Delahunt, who were also natives of Ireland. They emigrated to America and came to Northern Illinois In 1849. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died in Galena in 1869 when about seventy-five years old. The wife and mother is yet living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Sheean. She is now eighty-one years of age. Both parents became connected with the Catholic Church early in life.

The wife of our subject was a child three years of age when her parents came to America and settled in Guilford Township, this count}*, where she was reared to womanhood and received a common-school education. Of her union with Mr. Sheean there have been born five children. The eldest, .lames M., was graduated from Galena High School when a youth of sixteen years. He then entered Beloit College (Beloit, Wis.,) from which he was graduated in the class of 1887, before reaching his twenty-first year. He became a law student in the office of his father and uncle, and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court, March 23,1 889, and at once entered into partnership with his father and uncle. Miss Mary A. Sheean was graduated from the Galena High School; she afterwards attended St. Mary's Academy- at Notre Dame, Ind., and with the younger children. Clara. Henry D. and Frank, remains at home with her parents. They form a remarkably bright and interesting group.

Transcribed by Christine Walters - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889)