University of Virginia Library

JOHN J. SHEEHAN

John J. Sheehan was born in Schuylkill County,
Pennsylvania, September 20th, 1856, and as a boy
attended the public schools of his native county. In
his youth he learned
the machinist trade and
was employed in the
Pennsylvania Railroad
Shops at Altoona, Pennsylvania.

He came to Roanoke
in 1884, immediately
after the city was
chartered. On July
12th, 1886, he married
Miss Agnes M. McLaughlin,
of Roanoke.

In 1886 he was elected
to membership of the
City Council and was
appointed chairman of
the committee on sewers
and drainage. The importance
of the position
can be appreciated when it is understood that at that
time many streets were extended and the central part
of the city where the business houses were being located
was practically a marsh and flooded with each succeeding
storm; thus causing serious loss to people engaged
in commercial pursuits. Mr. Sheehan with the progressiveness
characteristic of the man formed a broad
and progressive plan for the betterment of the street
drainage conditions, making it necessary to spend large
sums of money. This he did in the face of the severest
criticism. After strenuous efforts on his part aided
by other citizens, a large appropriation was voted for
this purpose but with the understanding that a board
consisting of three citizens should have the entire
supervision of the work and the expenditure of the
large amount of money involved. By reason of his
close contact with the plans and his earnestness in
the work to be accomplished, he was appointed as one
of the three men designated under the name of the
"Board of Public Works" which was provided for in
a charter amendment by the State Legislature. This
position Mr. Sheehan filled most acceptably until the
completion of all the improvements which were comtemplated
at the time. He has been identified with
every movement having for its purpose the advancement
of the city's interest and has always been an
active spirit in musical circles and for many years
was the principal clarinetist in the Roanoke Machine
Works Band.

He was first President of the St. Andrew's Literary
and Beneficiary Society, organized in September, 1885,
and the first Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus.
For a number of years he has been the state
deputy of that organization.

For a long term of years he has occupied the position
of foreman of the Tool Room in the Norfolk & Western
Shops, possessing the confidence and respect of the
men employed there, as well as the high officials of
that institution.