O'Brien, Julia (Leonard) 1854 - 1927

OBRIEN, LEONARD, MEYER, QUINN, BYRNES, DINAN, WHITTLE

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/8/2019 at 10:32:02

Clayton County Register, Thur., 04 Aug. 1927.

Mrs. Julia O'Brien, mother of W. H. O'Brien and Mrs. Agnes Meyer of this place, died at Walker, Iowa, at about ten o'clock on Wednesday morning, August 3, 1927. She was about 73 years of age and her health had been gradually failing for the last two years, although she was up and about until within a few days ago.

Mrs. O'Brien's remains were brought to Elkader today and the funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock a.m. tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 5th, at St. Joseph's church. Rev. Father Heatherington of Volga City will be the officiating clergyman, assisted by Rev. Fathers Taken of Elkader and Bowan of Strawberry Point. Interment will be in St. Joseph's cemetery of this place.

Julia Leonard was born May 1, 1854, at Fall River, Mass. When but a young girl she came to Clayton county with her parents, who were pioneer settlers in Cox Creek township. In 1869 she was married to John O'Brien of Elkader, Iowa, who preceded her in death many years ago. She is survived by five sons, three daughters, two brothers and two sisters, a number of grandchildren and more distant relatives. The sons are: Wm. H. O'Brien, Elkader; Arthur O'Brien and Frank O'Brien, Sperry township; John O'Brien and Thos. O'Brien of Chicago. The daughters are: Mrs. Agnes Meyer of Elkader; Mrs. Katherine Quinn of Volga City; Mrs. Mary Quinn of Strawberry Point; Mrs. Sarah Byrnes of New Orleans. Her brothers are; Michael Leonard of Cox Creek township; and Richard Leonard of Elkader. Her sisters are: Mrs. James Dinan of Elkader; and Mrs. Calvin Whittle of Watertown, S.D.

Mrs. O'Brien was a woman whose life was centered upon her family and her friends. She was one of those who is always ready to assist those in sickness and trouble, and the memory of her good deeds will long remain, not only with the members of her family, but with the many others who came in contact with her. She was a devout member of the Catholic church belonging to the congregation of St. Joseph's church here for many years and earnestly endeavored to live in accordance with her belief.

The sympathy of the community is with the relatives who have lost one who meant much to them.

(Note: Although this obit indicates she was survived by three daughters, four were named, as presented here. The submitter has no explanation or further information.)