John (Dawson) Gilmary Shea - Reference

Historian, born in New York City, New York, USA. Admitted to the bar (1846), he left to become a Jesuit (1848), then left the order (1852) and devoted himself to studying Catholic history. His works include a pioneering 4-volume history of the Church (1886–92). Also an expert on Indian languages, he was a co-founder (1884) and first president of the American Catholic Historical Society.

John Gilmary Shea (July 22, 1824 – February 22, 1892) was a writer, editor, and historian of both American history in general and American Catholic history specifically.

Shea was born in New York City to James Shea, an Irish immigrant and school principal, and Mary Ann (Flannigan) Shea.

Reference

John Gilmary Shea: Father of American Catholic History, 1824-1892, Peter Guilday, (New York: United States Catholic Historical Society, 1926).