Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1891
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 391
JOHN O'CONNOR

John O'CONNOR, deceased, was born in Ireland, June 21 1822, and in 1849 came to America. He remained a few years in New Haven, Conn., but we next find him acting in the capacity of an overseer of a farm near Davenport, Iowa, for Judge Grant. In the spring of 1869 he came to Harrison County, Iowa, and settled on section 10, of Taylor Township. He bought one hundred and sixty acres of partly improved land, upon which stood a log house; about thirty acres of breaking had been done. The old log cabin, around which many a hallowed memory clusters, even in these days of beautiful residences, served well the purpose until 1875, when their present two-story farmhouse was erected, and is now the pride of the township as well as the comfort of the family. Its main part is 18x28 feet. There is also an addition 16x18 feet, and still another twelve feet square. It is one of the best houses in the county. In 1882 a barn was built 30x62 feet, with twenty-two foot posts, with cribbing attached on the north side. To the farm has been added until there is now two hundred acres, besides a farm on section 2, of one hundred and sixty acres.

Mr. O'CONNOR was married in New Haven, Conn., May 14, 1856, to Miss Mary MARLEY, a native of Ireland, born February 14, 1833. She remained in her native land until 1849, and then came to America, lived two years in New York City, and then went to New Haven. They were the parents of eight children�James E., Sylvester J., Elizabeth M., Joseph M., Francis M., William E., Margaret J. and Agnes I.

James E. is married and lives in Blair, Neb.; Elizabeth was married to Frank W. SCHWERTLEY and lives in Harrison County. Francis M. is married and lives in this county, while the remainder of the family are at home. Mr. and Mrs. O'CONNOR were both devout members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Mr. O'CONNOR brought about $4,000 to the county with him, which was the foundation of their present good home. They now keep about one hundred head of cattle on the place and feed two carloads of steers every winter. Our subject was called from the scenes of this life June 19, 1883.

W. E. O'CONNOR, a son of our subject, has taught five years in one school district, commencing when eighteen years of age. He exhibits marked ability as an educator, having first fitted himself for that calling by attending the High School at Logan and otherwise preparing himself for a teacher. At this time he is the Farmers' Alliance candidate for Superintendent of Schools in Harrison County. Margaret, his sister, also follows teaching, having been educated at the Sisters' School, at Council Bluffs, and in the Woodbine Normal.

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