John Daniel O'CONNOR was born in 1889 in Ballybunion, Ireland to John D. O'CONNOR and Mary Margaret GALAVAN O'CONNOR. He came to the United States in 1909.

John, known as "Irish John," was married to Kathryn Veronica LAMBERT, daughter of William and Mary HART LAMBERT, at Maloy January 14, 1916, by Father Henry POUGET. Their witnesses were Rose LAMBERT and Martin O'CONNOR. Mike HART was soloist, and was accompanied by Margaret DUNCAN at the organ.

John was engaged in farm work during the time he lived in Maloy. Kathryn (Kate) was graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Des Moines and also attended Iowa State Teachers College and Drake University. She taught schools in Ringgold County in the primary grades for over 20 years.

John and Kate had one son, John Hubert, born September 24, 1917 who passed away April 29, 1918. He is buried at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Kate was organist for many years for the choir at the Catholic [Immaculate Conception] Church in Maloy. They moved to Des Moines in 1939. John worked at Look Magazine until he retired.

Kate passed away in Des Moines in 1957, and John passed away at St. Vincent's Home in Omaha in 1972. Both are buried in St. Mary's Cemetery at Maloy.

SOURCE: Maloy, Iowa Centennial History: 1887 - 1987 p. 133.

Courtesy of Mount Ayr Public Library

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2011