Julia O'Brien 1859-1928

OBRIEN, GRIFFIN, DUFFY, BRESNAHAN, MAGUIRE, WIGEN, KANE, KIBBIE, DEGNAN

Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall
Date: 4/3/2009 at 23:41:17

Highly Esteemed Ayrshire Lady

Mrs. Daniel O'Brien Who Answered Final Summons Last Wednesday.

Ayrshire, la., Feb. 9 - After a long and serious illness Mrs. Daniel O'Brien paused away on Wednesday morning at 12:05 o'clock at her home at this place. She was confined to her room for two months. About six weeks ago the members of her family were called to her bedside and remained with her until the end. The funeral services were held at the Sacred Heart church at this place Friday morning at 10:30. Father Dunn officiated, assisted by Fathers Slowey of Oelwein and Sellig of Laurens. The pallbearers were John Maguire, George Wigen, Martin Kane, J. H. Kibbie, James Degnan and B. L. Maguire. The burial was in Calvary cemetery.

Miss Julia Griffin was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Griffin. She was born at Dorchester, this state, August 3, 1859. She was 68 years of age.

In November, 1883, she was married at Dorchester, to Mr. Daniel O'Brien. Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien lived at that place for four years, after which they moved to Emmetsburg, residing there for four years. Later they bought a farm in Booth township. In 1920 they built a beautiful home in Airshire where they subsequently resided. Eight sons and daughters were born to them, all of whom are living. Besides her husband, she leaves to mourn her passing eight sons and daughters and one brother, William Griffin, of Dorchester. The sons are William L., James and Dan J. of this county. The daughters are Cecelia, who is at home,. Mrs. T. J. Duffy of Graettingor, Mrs. Frank Bresnahan and Mrs. J. L. Bresnahan, both of Waukon, and Sister Mary Agnes of the Presentation order of Algona.

Those who came from a distance to attend the funeral of Mrs. O'Brien were Mrs. Joan Griffin of Albion, Walter Griffin of Sioux City, Frank and J. L. Bresnahan of Waukon and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Griffin of New Albin.

Bro. Cookinham of the 'Chronicle' pays the following well deserved tribute to Mrs. O'Brien:
"It would be useless for the writer to try to find words that would extoll the life and character of Mrs. O'Brien for everyone knows the kind of a wife, mother and friend she was. Her life has been an open book to the entire community as long as can be remembered, and parents have held her life up to their children as an example to follow. Sincere and devout in her Christianity, faithful and thoughtful of her companion, kind and loving with her sons and daughters, charitable and sympathetic with her friends and neighbors, all combined, made a life that was as near perfection as is possible in this world. That she was this, and more, is evidenced in the impression that her life has had on her children. We dare say that she and her husband have raised one of the best and most respected family of girls and boys in the whole community and the attention and devotion that these children showered upon their mother in her last days of suffering is most commendable. She has been released from earthly suffering, trials and tribulations and is now in the presence of the God that she served so long and devoutely."

~Emmetsburg Democrat, Feb 9, 1928