Margaret Catherine McGuire O'Brien 1860-1929

OBRIEN, MCGUIRE, JACKSON

Posted By: B. Hand (email)
Date: 10/26/2008 at 16:43:28

From The Palo Alto Tribune 12 Sept. 1929

Mrs. John O'Brien Died Wednesday After Long Illness

One of the Palo Alto County's Highly Respected Ladies. Resident Here Since 1881

Mrs. John O'Brien died at the home of her son, P.T. O'Brien in the Fourth ward at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept 11. She had been ill since Thanksgiving time 1928, and was bedfast most of the time. She underwent a stroke of paralysis Sunday and never rallied from it. Death came to relief. Funeral services will be held at the Assumption church Friday morning.

Miss Margaret Catherine McGuire was born at Harper's Ferry, Iowa January 17, 1860. She grew to womanhood there.
In 1881 she came to Palo Alto county. On June 3, 1884 she united in marriage with John O'Brien in Emmetsburg. They located on a farm in Great Oak township where they resided until March 1915 when they came to Emmetsburg and established their home.
One daughter, Mary, of Chicago, John J. and P.T. O'Brien were born to this union. The daughter died three years ago, September 1, 1926. The three sons and their father, and ten grandchildren survive.

(Note: There seems to be a line missing from the article. Another obit from the Emmetsburg Democrat (12 Sept. 1929) has the following excerpt: Mrs. O’Brien is survived by her beloved husband and three sons—Will of Chicago and John J. and P.T. of this place. An only daughter, Mrs. Mary Jackson, died Sept. 1, 1926. Mrs. O’Brien’s death is also mourned by a brother, Tim McGuire, who lives in central Minnesota.)

Mrs. O'Brien was an exceptionally fine woman. She was earnest, conscientious and sincere. Her manner was gentle. She was mild and conciliatory. Every word and thought was charitable. She was slow to condemn another, although her ideas of right and wrong were fixed and she never wavered from the path of duty.
She was a devout Catholic, a sincere Christian, and a truly good woman in every way. She loved her daughter dearly and grieved over death. Her sons, too, were very dear to her, and the grandchildren, each had a warm place in her motherly heart.
She was a devoted, loving wife. There was nothing within her power that was not done to make her home a haven of peace, happiness and contentment.
It is possible--indeed it is probable that such women as Mrs. O'Brien attract little attention to themselves from the outside world, but they are the very salt of the earth.
They do every day and all the time their full duty and more, caring nothing for public display. They know not of ostentation. They do not lack pride. Their very nature is proud of every accomplishment, every success that comes to their dear ones or to their neighbors.
A life simply, honestly, sincerely, nobly lived, as Mrs. O'Brien's was cannot fail to please the Master of the universe.
That she has won heavenly reward promised to those who are faithful to their trust cannot be doubted by those who knew her.
The memory of this faithful wife will brighten the remaining years of her husband. The recollection of her many deeds of mercy, her many sacrifices for them, her care and anxiety for their welfare will be a treasure to her sons and grandchildren. They will miss her and find life lonely without her. To them the Tribune extends sincere sympathy.