Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1915
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 792
JOSEPH M. O'CONNOR

The O'CONNOR family came to Harrison county, Iowa, in 1869, the parents of Joseph M. O'CONNOR both being natives of Ireland, and early settlers of Iowa. Mr. O'CONNOR was only one year old when his parents located in this county and he has make his home here ever since that time. He has engaged in general farming and stock raising in Taylor township with gratifying success, and is classed among the progressive farmers of his township.

Joseph M. O'CONNOR, the son of John and Mary (MARLEY) O'CONNOR, was born on August 4, 1868, in Davenport, Iowa. His parents were both born and reared in Ireland, but came to America before their marriage. They were married in New Haven, Connecticut, and later settled in Davenport, Iowa, where John O'CONNOR worked in factories for several years. He first farmed in Scott county, Iowa, and in 1869, moved into Harrison county, where he farmed until his death, which occurred June 19, 1883. His widow died on January 1, 1908.

Joseph M. O'CONNOR was one of eight children born to his parents. He received a good common school education in the schools of this county and assisted his father on the farm until he was married. Before that time, however, he had bought a farm in Taylor township. It was very poorly improved when he acquired it, but he has built an addition to the house, erected new barns, granaries and tool-sheds, making it one of the best improved farms in the township. He feeds most of his grain to his stock, and annually sells about seventy head of cattle and two carloads of hogs. He keeps high-grade stock and although much of his stock is eligible to registry, he does not care to bother about having it listed.

Mr. O'CONNOR was married on October 9, 1900, to Catherine A. GILMORE, who was born in Dubuque, Iowa, a daughter of A. J. and Sarah (MCCONNAH) Gilmore, natives of Ireland and Montreal, Canada, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. O'CONNOR have been born three children, Sarah Frances, born on August 22, 1901; Regenia C., born on January 7, 1905, and Arthur Gilmore, born on December 5, 1908.

The family are loyal members of the Catholic church, and Mr. O'CONNOR is a member of the Knights of Columbus. In politics he gives his support to the Democratic party, but has never taken an active part in political affairs. Mr. O'CONNOR started out in a humble way in life, but now has an excellent farm and is enjoying all the conveniences of modern life. He goes to town in his own automobile and well remembers the day when he envied the men who owned fine farms in his community. His example may well be emulated by the coming generation, since his whole life has been such as to commend him to those about him.

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