Pocahontas Record Democrat, Pocahontas, Iowa, Thursday, 11 May 1939, pg. 1/10

John O’Brien, 90, Former Havelock Resident, Dies

Father of J. F. O’Brien, Local Druggist, Was Buried Here Monday

John W. O’Brien, father of J. F. O’Brien, local druggist, and an early settler in the Havelock vicinity, died suddenly Friday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Clara Quigley at Elk City, Okla. He had been in failing health for the past few years but was able to get around up to the time of his death. He was past 90 years old.

The remains was brought to the O’Brien home here Sunday and funeral services were held at Sacred Heart church at 9 o’clock Monday morning, Rev. Father Geo. F. Wessling officiated. Burial was in Calvary cemetery. The pallbearers were O. W. Stover, Robt. Cummingham, Frank Schall, Theo. McCartan, John Kopriva, Jr. and Dr. F. E. Heathman.

John William O’Brien was born Oct. 1, 1848 at White Oak Springs, Wis., and grew to manhood in that vicinity. On August 6, 1879, he united in marriage with Alice Nooman [sic] at Shullsburg, Wis. They lived on a farm near that place for two years and in 1881 moved to Pocahontas county, locating on a farm in Sherman township. In 1891 the family moved to Havelock, where Mr. O’Brien was a carpenter and contractor for a time. He also operated a lumber yard and grain elevator at that place. In 1908 the family, with the exception of J. F. O’Brien, moved to Elk City, Okla. Mrs. O’Brien died in 1920. For several years following her death Mr. O’Brien made his home with his son Neal, and for the past 10 years he has been living with his daughter, Mrs. Clara Quigley at Elk City.

Mr. O’Brien is survived by two sons, J. F. of this place and Neal of Elk City, Okla., and two daughters, Mrs. Clara Quigley and Mrs. F. L. (Teresa) Nichols both of Elk City. His wife, two sons and one daughter preceded him in death. He is also survived by four sisters. They are Miss Ellen O’Brien and Mrs. Ed O’Donnell of Schullsburg, Wis., Mrs. Sarah Lyon of Stockton, Ill., and Mrs. Libbie Donohoe of Ft. Dodge. There are 11 grandchildren.

Mr. O’Brien was of the sturdy type of pioneers who withstood the hardships faced by the early settlers of Pocahontas county. He had a large part in the building of the town of Havelock. As a contractor he constructed many fine residences and store buildings. He also was the contractor for the Sister’s home for Sacred Heart parish.

Transcribed by Teresa Davis