Moses O'Brien

Moses O'BRIEN OBRIEN, DOYLE, RYAN, FINN

Posted By: Mary E. Lanigan Date: 8/4/2003 at 23:09:35

Moses O'BRIEN, a successful farmer and stock - raiser of Keokuk Twp, occupies a fine homestead on section 29, and in various branches of his meeting with success.

Mr. O'Brien is a native of Ireland, having been born on Vinegar Hill, County Wexford, Aug 15, 1826. He is the son of Michael and Catherine (DOYLE)O'Brien who passed their entire lives in their native land, and are now deceased.

The maternal grandfather of our subject was a Captain in the Rebellion of 1798 in Ireland, and took an active part in that Revolution. He was finally captured by the English, shot and gibbeted. In those days the manner of executing the latter ignominity was by taking a large gunny sack covered with tar and pitch, to which was placed the body of the victim and was then hung upon a triangle remaining there until it fell to pieces, and even fter this the bones were not allowed a Christian burial, but were to remain upon ground insight as an example to rising generations.

Mr. Moses O'Brien arrived in the United states in 1854, landing in New York City.He remained there until the following year, and then removed to Pennsylvania, going thence to Galena, Ill, and from there to New Boston, Mercer County where he engaged a ferry-boat. His fortunes then led him into Mt. Pleasant Iowa where he accepted a situation in the asylum and was employed there for 10 years.

In 1866 he came to Wapello County ; purchased forty acres of land which he began to establish a home and to wich he has addeded in acreage and volue until he is now the prossessor of 120 acres, finely improved and cultivated, and supplied with a valuable set of farm buildings.

The marriage of Mr. O'Brien with Miss Bridget BRENNEN was celebrated on the 29th of August 1857, after he had become a citizen of the west. Mrs. O'Brien remained a faithful and affectionate companion of her husband until 1874 when she departed this life in her home in Keokuk. Of their union, 5 children were born; Michael, Edward, Richard, Thomas and Mary C.

On the 20th of October, 1874, Mr. O'Brien was the second time married to Miss Mary, the daughter of James and Mary (Ryan) Finn. The parents were native of Ireland, but are now residents of Northumberland, Upper Canada. They had 7 children, Patrick July 24, 1873, Moses John Oct 19, 1876, Julia A. Feb 25, 1878, Joseph L Sept 06, 1880, Margaret Oct 14, 1882, William D. Sep 13, 1884 and Elizabeth J. Dec 13, 1885.

• Wapello County Portrait and Biographigal 1887