John Heaney

REVISION BASED ON NEW SOURCE REGARDING JOHN HEANEY'S, BROTHER, HUGH HEANEY.

FROM ANCESTRY.COM, EMIGRATION LISTS, 1833 TO 1839, ORDINANCE SURVEY MEMOIRS, SEASONAL MIGRANTS: It lists Hugh Heaney as coming from County Antrim, Parish Drummaul, Townland Leitrim.  

SOURCE:  Obituary from The Evening Auburnian, 4 Aug 1880

"John Heaney was born in Leitrim County, Ireland on 24 June 1809.  He moved to Auburn, NY in 1830, landing in New York ion the 3rd of June. 

He united in marriage with Catharine Sullivan, then a resident of Auburn, NY on 18 January 1844.

He died 4 August, 1880 at 8 o’clock a.m. from injuries received 9 weeks previous by falling from his wagon while driving over an unfinished portion of Collage Street. During those 9 weeks, he suffered intense pain, but with a degree of patience and an absence of complaining that was truly remarkable; and only the day before his death, while in conversation with Father Seymour, he expressed a Christian’s cheerful willingness to depart and be at rest, or to live on longer in his sufferings just as it might be the will and pleasure of his Heavenly Father. 

He left 6* children who mourned the departure of one who was to them a fond and kindly indulgent father. 

He was a prompt and efficient member of the fire company No. 1 and at the time of his death, was an honorary member of the same company.

By patient, faithful industry and judicious economy, John Heaney accumulated a large property, and died respected and beloved by all who knew him."

NOTE: New York State1855 Census indicates 7 children; other census’ and different periods reflect children to equal 9.   Last Will and Testament only notes 5 children who will receive any remaining inheritance.  It appears 4 children are not named in the Will.  However. The Evening Auburnian, 7 September 1880, states:

“Will Proved:  The will of the late John Heaney was provided in surrogate court yesterday.  The deceased leaves to his widow all the real and person estate during her life to be divided after her death, share and share alike, equally among six of his children as follows:  Mary E., Catherine, Ellen B. John, Frank and Joseph Heaney (Note from Kathleen: there is no evidence of a Joseph Heaney.  From my review of the Will, John Heaney named his son, Francis Joseph.  As such, it appears he is only leaving the remaining inheritance to 5 of his children).  Mr. Heaney was twice married and his son James by his first wife is cut off without a penny.  The estate is not appraised but is said to be valued at about $80,000.”