“Dr. Meany’s death is a personal bereavement to very many in this community; and a loss to the city’s energy and spirit of progress.
In every way he was a self-educated, self-made, well-made, manly man.
Born in Enfield, November 17, 1865, of poor parents, he moved with them to a fifty-acre farm near Trumansburg, in 1874. While there he did the hard work of a farm lad during the day and pored over his school-books at night, alone, with grim determination as his school-master.
His savings and mastery of his books took him to the Buffalo medical college, on High street, where he was graduated.
In February, 1887, at 22 years of age he came to Ithaca and opened an office. His lack of years was a handicap which he gradually overcame; and he finally attained to a practice so large as to overburden him.
In 1896 he bought the Baker & Warren drug store on North Tioga street; and in 1900, removed it to 154 East State street. In 1907 he sold it to William Fahey and John Brady, who have since conducted it.
Some ten years ago, two years before his marriage, he bought the beautiful summer place at Taughannock Falls, which he later modernized and wherein he found his happiest hours. He looked forward to his retired life there with much pleasurable anticipation.
In January, 1904, he was wedded to Sarah Ross May of St. Johns, New Brunswick…
The only surviving relatives of the doctor are his wife and wo brothers: Patrick L., and John Henry Meany, both residents of this city.
The doctor was an earnest member and supporter of the Roman Catholic church and institutions here; member of the Cayuga Hosce [Hose] Co., No. 1 and long a Knight of Columbus, attached to the Auburn Lodge. …”