SHEEHAN, JOHN (1844-85) was the son of David Sheehan (a carpenter who settled in Auckland in the forties, made careful investments and became the owner of Governor Browne hotel. He represented Northern Division in the Provincial Council 1861-69). Born at Auckland on 5 Jul 1844, he was educated in part by R. J. O'Sullivan, and in 1862 was articled to the law with F. W. Merriman. Completing his term with R. W. Wynn and J. B. Russell, he was admitted to the bar (1867) and commenced to practise in Auckland. He was one of the founders of the Auckland Catholic Institute, in which he gained useful forensic experience and confidence.

During the Waikato war he served as a sergeant in the Auckland Cavalry Volunteers (1863). In 1869, on his father retiring from the Provincial Council, Sheehan was elected for the Northern Division, which he represented (1870-73). As leader of the group which defeated the executive then advising Gillies, Sheehan took office and himself administered the portfolio of goldfields secretary (1870-73). He was a confirmed provincialist. In the Council and also in Parliament he showed great powers of debate and oratory, and a faculty for repartee. From the outset he favoured free, secular and compulsory education, which he advocated throughout his political career, often against the policy of his own faith.

When Farnall resigned from Parliament to go to England (Jan 1872) Sheehan was elected unopposed, the first European born in New Zealand to sit in Parliament. He represented the Rodney constituency till 1879, and then Thames (1879-84). (Ormond defeated him in another constituency, Clive, in 1879). When Sir George Grey began to gather about him a young liberal following Sheehan became his first lieutenant. He was one of the moving spirits in the Young New Zealand party, which gradually exerted its influence towards the defeat of the Atkinson government. In the Grey administration (1877-79) Sheehan was Minister of Native Affairs and Justice. At the general election of 1879 he and Grey were returned unopposed for the Thames, but the Government was defeated immediately afterwards. Sheehan at this time was following his profession in the native land courts and had a lucrative practice in Napier, where he resided. He contested the Napier seat against Ormond in 1884, but was defeated. A year later a vacancy occurred in Tauranga, and he defeated W. Kelly. A few weeks later he died (12 Jun 1885). Sheehan was a man of sparkling qualities and brilliant promise; able, intellectual, generous and warmhearted. He was the first native-born New Zealander to hold cabinet rank.

Brett's Almanac, 1879; N.Z.P.D., 18 Jul 1872, et pass.; Cycl. N.Z., ii, 540; N.Z. Herald, 13, 15 Jun 1885; Auckland Star, 13 Jun 1885; Lyttelton Times, 14 Jun 1885. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 150

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