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Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",  published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.

     THOMAS F. AND WILLIAM E. SHEEHAN are enterprising and prosperous stockmen, dwelling about twenty miles southwest from Waterville.  They were born in Charleston, Massachusetts, on August 26, 1869, and December 18, 1871, respectively.  The father, John S., was a native of Cork, Ireland, and came to the United States in the early forties.  He died in Douglas county on July 4, 1894.  During the terrible war of the Rebellion, he enlisted in Company A, First Regiment, New Jersey Light Artillery, under Captain A. N. Parsons, and took part in the battle of Gettysburg, besides other great struggles.  He was a member of the G. A. R. and a prominent citizen until his death.  He married Mary Brown, a native of county Limerick, Ireland, who also came to the United States in early days.  Our subjects attended the common schools of Mono county, California, whither the family went in 1878.  After a residence of four years there they moved to Nevada and did mining for eight years, being occupied in the Northern Bell mine.  In 1888-9 these two enterprising young men came from Nevada to Washington and settled on a homestead in section 26, range 22, township 23.  Their labors were bestowed to improve the land in stockraising, and they have been very successful in their efforts.  They now have a fine band of well-bred horses and a great many graded cattle, besides other property.  Their home place is supplied with all the improvements necessary for the successful operation of a first-class stock ranch.  When they first settled here, all supplies had to be brought from Ellensburg and they well know the hardships encountered in opening up a new country and following a pioneer life.  Our subjects have three sisters: Mrs. Augusta Geary, living in Redwood City, California; Mrs. Mary Usher, the widow of George Usher, now dwelling in Hillyard, Washington; and Mrs. Annie Casey, the widow of Henry Casey, dwelling in Seattle.  In addition to handling their stock and ranch, Thomas Sheehan was for some time in the employ of the government in the improvement of Cabinet Rapids, on the Columbia river, while his brother worked for John W. Stevens in a sawmill on Badger mountain.
     They are among the best known stockmen in the entire Big Bend country and they have many friends wherever the are known.  In political matters they are both active and well informed, while in religious persuasions, they are adherents of the Roman Catholic church.
 
 

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