Michael James Heney

Michael James "Moose" Heney (October 24, 1864 – October 11, 1910 ) was a railroad contractor, best known for his work on the first two railroads built in Alaska, the White Pass and Yukon Route and the Copper River and Northwestern Railway. The son of Irish immigrants, Heney rose to the top of his profession before his death. His life inspired several books and at least one movie.

Early life Michael James Heney was born on October 24, 1864, near Stonecliffe, Renfrew County, Canada West. He was the son of Thomas Eugene Heney and Mary Ann McCourt, Irish immigrants. His family farmed in the upper Ottawa Valley.

At age 14, Heney ran away from home to work on the newly announced Canadian Pacific Railway. He started as a water boy, then graduated to a track laying crew assistant and mule skinner. In 1883 he was included in a survey and location crew in the Selkirk Mountains, eventually becoming foreman. In 1887 he was hired to construct a rail line for the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway. In 1897 he was contracted to build a gold mining hydraulic line at Anchor Point, Alaska.

Heney was bought out for $250,000 and he retired for a second time.

Widely popular, Heney was known as "Big Mike" or "The Irish Prince of Alaska". A glacier, Heney Peak and range of mountains in Alaska overlooking Cordova bears his name.