Story

Heene Hallmark

John McCance 1859 -1893

Astronomer

John was born in Newry, Co. Down, the son of James and Jeanette. His father was the local magistrate. John was sent to school in Cheltenham before going on to Harrow and then to Trinity Hall, Cambridge. Although a brilliant student, he did not complete his education due to poor health. He suffered all his life from lung disease. In 1879 he left England for Australia and by 1884 had settled in Hobart, Tasmania. On 28th February 1885, John married Edith Sophia Garrard at All Saints Church, Hobart. Their daughter Edith Sophia was born on 17th February 1887 at the family’s home in Adelaide Street, West Hobart. John was a very active member of the Royal Society of Tasmania, his expertise being the study of sunspots. The society hold various research papers in his name.(for further details see www.trove.n/a.gov.au) In June 1889, the family returned to England after selling their property at 31 Napoleon Street, Hobart. They settled in Worthing, firstly in Chesswood Road and then at “St Chad’s” in St Michael’s Road. John died at his home on 22nd November 1893. Probate was granted on 30th December to Daniel Breay Ledsam solicitor. Effects £818 8s 7d.

Researcher: Carol Sullivan

Date of Death: 22/11/1893

Cause of death: Phthisis

Address line 1: "St Chad's"

Address line 2: St Michael's Road

Town: Worthing

County: Sussex

Country: England

Obituary

Norwich Mercury 2nd December 1893

We. regret to announce the death, at his residence, St. Chad’s, Worthing, on the 22nd ult., of John McCance, second son of the late Mr. James Law McCance, J.P., of Kingston Co. Dublin, sometime resident magistrate in Newry, Co. Down, Ireland, the early age of 34. The deceased was educated at Harrow and Trinity Hall, Cambridge. His exceptional mental ability, and his early distinction gave promise of a brilliant career. These expectations, however, were blighted the development of pulmonarv disease; but his unfailing patience through long illness, his steady faith in his God, and loving consideration for others, have won for him a greater name than was possible by mere literary attainment. He married in 1885 Edith, second daughter Mr. Wm. Garrard of Bcccles.

Personal Effects

Money left to others: £818 8 s 7 d

Current value of effects: £67116.00

1861

None available. Much of the Irish Census was destroyed in a fire in 1921.

1871

6 Duoro Villas, Cheltenham

John aged 11, pupil at school run by Fanny and Elizabeth Hall.

1891

Clifton Lodge, Chesswood Road, Worthing.

John aged 31, living on own means. Edith aged 34. Edith aged 4. Henry aged 24, brother, 2nd lieut. Royal Scots Regiment. Plus a cook, nurse and maid.