Maria (Cross) O'Brien

CROSS OBRIEN GODFREY PRATT

Posted By: KHawkins (email)
Date: 7/29/2007 at 01:09:00

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After an illness of four weeks brot on from peritonitis, Mrs. Maria O'Brien, one of the oldest settlers in Mason City passed away at a local hospital this morning. Mrs. O'Brien has been a resident of Mason City for more than fifty years having moved here from North McGregor about 1870.

Maria Cross was born in Montreal, Canada, May 23, 1851, where she spent her early childhood. Later she moved to North McGregor, Iowa, where she married Timothy O'Brien on October 12, 1867. (KH note: Church & State docs show date as Oct 8, 1867.) The couple then moved to Mason City, where Mr. O'Brien acted as special police for the Chicago Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad, losing his life twenty six years ago, when he was shot and killed protecting the interests of his company.

Mrs. O'BBrien is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Nellie Pratt and Mrs. Jennie Godfrey of Minneapolis and one brother. Thomas Cross, also of Minneapolis. Three children, Mrs. T.L. Hogan of Minneapolis, Ed. O'Brien of Austin, and John O'Brien of McGregor also mourn her death.

The funeral services will be held at St. Joseph's church Thursday morning. Interent will be at Elmwood cemetery.

The news of the death of Mrs. O'Brien will be received with sorrow by the large circle of friends which she has made since taking up her residence in this city. She was a loving wife and a fond mother and an untiring worker for her church and for the Ladies' Relief Corps of which she has been a member for many years.
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Khawk1411@hotmail.com adds these notes: Obituary newspaper photocopy, which didnt show date on it or newspaper name),provided to me from Joen De Muth (daughter of Esther O'Brien marr.Joe DeMuth) who I believe obtained copy from Dan O'Brien (son of Daniel O'Brien). Both Esther & Daniel were grandchildren of Maria's from her firstborn son John James O'Brien. Church & State records show Maria's recorded date of marriage to Timothy was actually Oct. 8, 1867. Year of death for Maria estimated by KHawk1411 approx 1919 since obituary references 26 years after death of husband Timothy. (Tim died Oct 2, 1893). Note: Maria's daughter, Mrs. T.L.Hogan is a reference to daughter Mary who we believe married Timothy L. Hogan. Note: Mason City is in Iowa.

If you are related to anyone mentioned in this obituary, please contact: khawk1411@hotmail.com