Biographical Sketches of the Leading Men of Chicago
Biographical Sketches of the Leading Men in Chicago, Photographically Illustrated by John Carbutt, 1868, Pages 435-436 (No Photograph)
James W. Sheahan, who is widely known in the West, both from his intimate association with Judge Douglas and his long connection with the newspaper interests of Chicago, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, February 22, 1824. His parents were Irish, and the son started upon his career with few advantages beyond the gifts with which nature had endowed him. His education was received at the Jesuit School in Frederick, Maryland, and in 1845 he was admitted to the practice of the law in the Federal Courts of the District of Columbia. The law, however, was not suited to his taste, and he commenced the study of reporting, and for many years reported Congressional proceedings for the press of the District and the New York Associated Press, and thus laid the foundation for his future journalistic success.
In 1854, he was induced to come to Chicago to publish a Democratic paper. miscellaneous literary work, to addresses before literary societies, and to the preparation of a very comprehensive biography of Senator Douglas, which was published by the Messrs. Harper in 1860.
In July, 1860, after having firmly established the “Times,” he sold it to Mr. McCormick, and in the following December, with his former staff of writers, commenced the “Post,” which in turn he sold to the “Republican” Company in April, 1865. He remained in the office, however, during the administration of Mr. Dana, and when that gentleman left the paper, Mr. Sheahan accepted an editorial position on the ” Tribune,” which he still retains.He established the “Chicago Times” in the month of August of that year, and at once made it not only a local power, but the organ of Democracy in the Northwest. With the aid of able assistants, although competing with other papers which had the advantage of age, he made a prominent place for it as a newspaper, and secured for it a wide circulation. The energy with which it advocated the Democratic cause, and the advancement which it secured for Judge Douglas, are well known in the West. From 1854. to 1860, scarcely a Democratic canvass, caucus or convention was held that did not show the marks of Mr. Sheahan’s labors; and few men ever emerged from such political experience with so many friends. During all this period of political and editorial labor and few but those who have experienced it, can imagine how toilsome and exhausting editorial labor found time to devote himself to miscellaneous literary work, to addresses before literary societies, and to the preparation of a very comprehensive biography of Senator Douglas, which was published by the Messrs. Harper in 1860.
In July, 1860, after having firmly established the “Times,” he sold it to Mr. McCormick, and in the following December, with his former staff of writers, commenced the “Post,” which in turn he sold to the “Republican” Company in April, 1865. He remained in the office, however, during the administration of Mr. Dana, and when that gentleman left the paper, Mr. Sheahan accepted an editorial position on the ” Tribune,” which he still retains.
As an editorial writer, Mr. Sheahan has few equals. His powers of mind are very versatile, and no subject, from the most abstruse financial theory or political question, to a mere sketch, comes amiss to him. He has acquired that most important element of editorial success, the faculty of writing, on the spur of the moment, upon any topic current with the people. And on every topic he writes with equal happiness and ease of style. He is concise and argumentative in statement, and thoroughly logical in treatment, and with these positive powers, he blends playful humor, keen recognition of shams, and at times, strong invective and sarcasm. If any species of writing may be called his forte, it is biographical analysis. Few political opponents, or few society snobs or shams of any description, would care to be dissected with his worse than surgical pen. In all respects, the press of the country can scarcely boast a more accomplished writer.
In personal appearance, Mr. Sheahan is of medium height, compactly built, naturally light complexion, with a smiling, genial face, and a brusque, off-hand, but always polite manner. In dress, he is rather careless, and pays little attention to the prevailing characteristics of fashion. Mr. Sheahan is married and has six living children.
OTHER WORKS.
The text for a thirteen part publication called Chicago Illustrated was written by James W. Sheahan, and he was the co-author of the 1872 book, History of the Great Conflagration. Chicago. Its Past, Present & Future with George P. Upton.
Leave a Reply