DEATH NOTICE Iron River Reporter Jan 10 1933 with photo. Age 74.
OBITUARY Iron River Reporter Jan 13 1933. Age 74.
FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter Jan 17 1933. Age 74. Representative to Lansing from this district for 10 years. Publisher of Iron River Reporter; also Iron River postmaster. Buried beside 3 infant sons.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE Iron River centennial book 1981 page 422 "Pat O'Brien"
Patrick O'Brien was born in Western Pennsylvania March 9, 1858. In 1871 he came to Brighton, Michigan with his parents. In his teens he worked on a farm. In 1876 he worked as a railroad employee for five months, but, disliking the work, he entered the office of a local paper where he learned to set type. When the paper was sold after 14 months, he found employment at the Howell Republican for 2 years. The following year he completed his apprenticeship at the Williamston Enterprise in Williamston, Michigan. He then went to Black River Falls, Wisconsin and became foreman in a newspaper office and was so capable that he was promoted to business manager and editor, a position which he held from 1880 to 1884. Selling out his stock in the paper, he located in Ashland, Wisconsin where for six months he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He then found employment in the office of Lieutenant Governor S.S. Fifield until the summer of 1885 when he returned to Black River Falls. There he married Georgie Elliott, born June 13, 1862 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, and they settled in Tomah, Wisconsin where he leased a paper for a few months. In 1886 he established the Eagle River Vindicator. After a year he sold out and moved to Bessemer, Michigan where he became foreman in the office of The Pick and Axe until December 1887. Then he bought the Iron County Reporter, renaming it later the Iron River Stambaugh Reporter. A Republican, he served in many public offices including that of state legislator from 1915-1925. From 1890 to 1894 he was postmaster at Iron River, served as clerk of the township and of the village, was president of the board of village trustees, a member of the board of education. He was also the member of numerous fraternal organizations. He and Mrs. O'Brien were the parents of two children, Stella, born September 7, 1892, who taught in Cornucopia, Wisconsin and Port Wayne and died in August, 1933; and Dorothy, born in 1905, who married Mauritz Carlson and died January 1, 1972. He died on January 10, 1933. Mrs. O'Brien died in September 1938.
MUSEUM DISPLAY Iron County Legislators with photo and information sheet
Born in Western Pennsylvania 3/09/1858
Died in Iron River 1/10/1933
Resident of Iron River 1887-1933
Served 5 terms
Republican
Total number of bills introduced – 45
Industrial School For Boys-3
Railroads-3
Insurance-3
State Normal College-3
Mines and Minerals-3
Game Laws-2
Fish and Fisheries-1
Ways and Means-1
Roads and Bridges-1
Major work in: Insurance, Railroad Rates, Assessment
Occupations: Iron River Reporter publisher and editor 1887-1933
Iron River postmaster 1890-1894, 1924-1933
Other Activities:
President of Iron River Village
Treasurer of Iron River Village
Town Clerk
Member of City Charter Commission
Justice of the Peace
Board of Education President/Trustee
Iron County Agricultural Society-President
Marital Status: married Georgie Elliot, 1885
Children: Dorothy, Mrs. Mauritz Carlson
Stella
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Sep 10 1986 "Reporter Owner Served In Lansing" with photo
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 12 1973 "History Is Written In Hillside" (excerpt)
Pat O'Brien, founder of the Iron River Reporter, was buried here in 1933.
NEWS PHOTO Iron River Reporter June 28 1951 "Outspoken Editor" for Iron Ore Centennial celebration with photo [at right]
From 1887 when he purchased from Atty. E.P. Lott the Iron County Reporter, a weekly newspaper founded by Lott on August 29, 1885, Patrick O'Brien was a vital influence in shaping the growth of Iron River and neighboring communities. Mr. O'Brien changed the name of the paper to the Iron River-Stambaugh Reporter to embrace the growing Stambaugh district, and in 1920 expanded this publication into The Daily Reporter which a year later became the semi-weekly newspaper it is today.
A man of strong convictions, his newspaper quarrels with Thomas Conlin, editor of the Crystal Falls Diamond Drill, became widely read and his position loyally defended by his west side readers.
A staunch Republican, Mr. O'Brien served in the Michigan house of representatives for several terms and held various local offices. His death occured January 10, 1933.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter undated June 1951 "First Discovery of Ore on Range Made At Iron River, Not Waucedah, 99 Years Ago" for Iron Ore Centennial celebration with photo
EARLY MINING DEPRESSION In 1884, The Mining Reporter, the town's first newspaper, was established. It was purchased in 1887 by the late Pat O'Brien, who converted it to the present Iron River-Stambaugh Reporter. The paper is still published by the O'Brien estate.
NEWS PHOTO Iron River Reporter June 28 1951 "Education Amply Provided In West Side School Districts: Pioneer Educators Put Emphasis On Fundamentals For Good Schools" for Iron Ore Centennial celebration (excerpt)
The minutes of the Iron River Board of Education of November 9, 1898 were signed by Patrick O'Brien, Secretary of the Board.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Jan 7 1930 "Meet Today" Pat O'Brien publisher and owner of Iron River Reporter
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Oct 1 1926 “P. O’Brien 50 Years In Printing Field: Editor of the Reporter Will Observe Golden Anniversary Tomorrow”
A half century of service in the printing and publishing business will be completed tomorrow by P. O’Brien, veteran publisher of the upper peninsula, and proprietor of The Reporter Publishing Co. of Iron River.
The “golden anniversary” of his career in the printing field still finds Mr. O’Brien actively engaged with his vigorous editorial pen, and possessed of a keen interest in all matters related to state journalism.
During his 50 years of application to printing and publishing, Mr. O’Brien observed vast changes come over the printing industry and he kept apace with them in his plant as fast as the finances of the institution would permit. From a modest plant when he first came to Iron River in 1887, he has developed a printing institution which is one of the largest and best in the Michigan country field.
STARTED ON SECTION A large measure of persistence and an equal measure of perspiration accounts for his success, as the following story of his early life relates.
Fifty years ago, Oct. 2, 1876, I left working on the section, on what is now known as the Pere Marquette railroad, and took a position in the office of the Brighton Citizen, a lower peninsula paper, at a salary of $2 a week, which did not include board. I put in an apprenticeship of four years, receiving the last year of apprenticeship $3 a week and board.
“Following this apprenticeship I secured employment in the office of the Jackson Independent at Black River Falls, Wis., as a journeyman printer. I remained in Black River Falls six years and then went to Ashland, Wis. and entered the mercantile business. This did not prove a financial success and after six months I went back as a reporter and printer in the office of the Ashland Press, published by Lieut. Gov. Sam S. Fifield. On December 7, 1887 I came to Iron River, which has since been my home.”
Mr. O’Brien’s devoted interest to the upbuilding of the Iron River-Stambaugh-Bates district, the handicaps overcome, and his ultimate success are written indelibly into the history of the district.
Although in the “autumn of life,” he still possesses his characteristic vigor, and is looking forward to many more years of service to his community through the work of his publication.
NEWS ARTICLE Diamond Drill July 7 1888 “Iron River Reipples” (excerpt)
IRON RIVER, July 5 – A match game of base ball between Iron River and Stambaugh clubs was played here on July Fourth, this being the first game of base ball ever played in this vicinity.
Those who scored included:
Iron River:
E. Ammerman ss 2 runs 0 outs
P. O’Brien cf 1 run 4 outs
Thescore was Iron River 21, Stambaugh 26. The large score is owing to the fact that the outfield was not large enough, and when a ball was batted outside of the cleared space it was hard to find. When all of the facts are considered it can be called a good game, especially when it is known that neither nine ever played or practiced together.
STAMBAUGH, MICHIGAN CENTENNIAL,1882-1982: 100 YEARS ON THE HILL centennial book "Family Histories: Gust Westman" page 93 (excerpt)
Before she was married in 1905, Sena Lindahl Westman obtained employment from the Pat O'Brien family, where she stayed for five years.
OBITUARY of Stella O'Brien July 1933 says her father Patrick O'Brien died Jan 10 of this year.
OBITUARY Iron River Reporter Jan 13 1933. Age 74.
FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter Jan 17 1933. Age 74. Representative to Lansing from this district for 10 years. Publisher of Iron River Reporter; also Iron River postmaster. Buried beside 3 infant sons.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE Iron River centennial book 1981 page 422 "Pat O'Brien"
Patrick O'Brien was born in Western Pennsylvania March 9, 1858. In 1871 he came to Brighton, Michigan with his parents. In his teens he worked on a farm. In 1876 he worked as a railroad employee for five months, but, disliking the work, he entered the office of a local paper where he learned to set type. When the paper was sold after 14 months, he found employment at the Howell Republican for 2 years. The following year he completed his apprenticeship at the Williamston Enterprise in Williamston, Michigan. He then went to Black River Falls, Wisconsin and became foreman in a newspaper office and was so capable that he was promoted to business manager and editor, a position which he held from 1880 to 1884. Selling out his stock in the paper, he located in Ashland, Wisconsin where for six months he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He then found employment in the office of Lieutenant Governor S.S. Fifield until the summer of 1885 when he returned to Black River Falls. There he married Georgie Elliott, born June 13, 1862 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, and they settled in Tomah, Wisconsin where he leased a paper for a few months. In 1886 he established the Eagle River Vindicator. After a year he sold out and moved to Bessemer, Michigan where he became foreman in the office of The Pick and Axe until December 1887. Then he bought the Iron County Reporter, renaming it later the Iron River Stambaugh Reporter. A Republican, he served in many public offices including that of state legislator from 1915-1925. From 1890 to 1894 he was postmaster at Iron River, served as clerk of the township and of the village, was president of the board of village trustees, a member of the board of education. He was also the member of numerous fraternal organizations. He and Mrs. O'Brien were the parents of two children, Stella, born September 7, 1892, who taught in Cornucopia, Wisconsin and Port Wayne and died in August, 1933; and Dorothy, born in 1905, who married Mauritz Carlson and died January 1, 1972. He died on January 10, 1933. Mrs. O'Brien died in September 1938.
MUSEUM DISPLAY Iron County Legislators with photo and information sheet
Born in Western Pennsylvania 3/09/1858
Died in Iron River 1/10/1933
Resident of Iron River 1887-1933
Served 5 terms
Republican
Total number of bills introduced – 45
Industrial School For Boys-3
Railroads-3
Insurance-3
State Normal College-3
Mines and Minerals-3
Game Laws-2
Fish and Fisheries-1
Ways and Means-1
Roads and Bridges-1
Major work in: Insurance, Railroad Rates, Assessment
Occupations: Iron River Reporter publisher and editor 1887-1933
Iron River postmaster 1890-1894, 1924-1933
Other Activities:
President of Iron River Village
Treasurer of Iron River Village
Town Clerk
Member of City Charter Commission
Justice of the Peace
Board of Education President/Trustee
Iron County Agricultural Society-President
Marital Status: married Georgie Elliot, 1885
Children: Dorothy, Mrs. Mauritz Carlson
Stella
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Sep 10 1986 "Reporter Owner Served In Lansing" with photo
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 12 1973 "History Is Written In Hillside" (excerpt)
Pat O'Brien, founder of the Iron River Reporter, was buried here in 1933.
NEWS PHOTO Iron River Reporter June 28 1951 "Outspoken Editor" for Iron Ore Centennial celebration with photo [at right]
From 1887 when he purchased from Atty. E.P. Lott the Iron County Reporter, a weekly newspaper founded by Lott on August 29, 1885, Patrick O'Brien was a vital influence in shaping the growth of Iron River and neighboring communities. Mr. O'Brien changed the name of the paper to the Iron River-Stambaugh Reporter to embrace the growing Stambaugh district, and in 1920 expanded this publication into The Daily Reporter which a year later became the semi-weekly newspaper it is today.
A man of strong convictions, his newspaper quarrels with Thomas Conlin, editor of the Crystal Falls Diamond Drill, became widely read and his position loyally defended by his west side readers.
A staunch Republican, Mr. O'Brien served in the Michigan house of representatives for several terms and held various local offices. His death occured January 10, 1933.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter undated June 1951 "First Discovery of Ore on Range Made At Iron River, Not Waucedah, 99 Years Ago" for Iron Ore Centennial celebration with photo
EARLY MINING DEPRESSION In 1884, The Mining Reporter, the town's first newspaper, was established. It was purchased in 1887 by the late Pat O'Brien, who converted it to the present Iron River-Stambaugh Reporter. The paper is still published by the O'Brien estate.
NEWS PHOTO Iron River Reporter June 28 1951 "Education Amply Provided In West Side School Districts: Pioneer Educators Put Emphasis On Fundamentals For Good Schools" for Iron Ore Centennial celebration (excerpt)
The minutes of the Iron River Board of Education of November 9, 1898 were signed by Patrick O'Brien, Secretary of the Board.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Jan 7 1930 "Meet Today" Pat O'Brien publisher and owner of Iron River Reporter
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Oct 1 1926 “P. O’Brien 50 Years In Printing Field: Editor of the Reporter Will Observe Golden Anniversary Tomorrow”
A half century of service in the printing and publishing business will be completed tomorrow by P. O’Brien, veteran publisher of the upper peninsula, and proprietor of The Reporter Publishing Co. of Iron River.
The “golden anniversary” of his career in the printing field still finds Mr. O’Brien actively engaged with his vigorous editorial pen, and possessed of a keen interest in all matters related to state journalism.
During his 50 years of application to printing and publishing, Mr. O’Brien observed vast changes come over the printing industry and he kept apace with them in his plant as fast as the finances of the institution would permit. From a modest plant when he first came to Iron River in 1887, he has developed a printing institution which is one of the largest and best in the Michigan country field.
STARTED ON SECTION A large measure of persistence and an equal measure of perspiration accounts for his success, as the following story of his early life relates.
Fifty years ago, Oct. 2, 1876, I left working on the section, on what is now known as the Pere Marquette railroad, and took a position in the office of the Brighton Citizen, a lower peninsula paper, at a salary of $2 a week, which did not include board. I put in an apprenticeship of four years, receiving the last year of apprenticeship $3 a week and board.
“Following this apprenticeship I secured employment in the office of the Jackson Independent at Black River Falls, Wis., as a journeyman printer. I remained in Black River Falls six years and then went to Ashland, Wis. and entered the mercantile business. This did not prove a financial success and after six months I went back as a reporter and printer in the office of the Ashland Press, published by Lieut. Gov. Sam S. Fifield. On December 7, 1887 I came to Iron River, which has since been my home.”
Mr. O’Brien’s devoted interest to the upbuilding of the Iron River-Stambaugh-Bates district, the handicaps overcome, and his ultimate success are written indelibly into the history of the district.
Although in the “autumn of life,” he still possesses his characteristic vigor, and is looking forward to many more years of service to his community through the work of his publication.
NEWS ARTICLE Diamond Drill July 7 1888 “Iron River Reipples” (excerpt)
IRON RIVER, July 5 – A match game of base ball between Iron River and Stambaugh clubs was played here on July Fourth, this being the first game of base ball ever played in this vicinity.
Those who scored included:
Iron River:
E. Ammerman ss 2 runs 0 outs
P. O’Brien cf 1 run 4 outs
Thescore was Iron River 21, Stambaugh 26. The large score is owing to the fact that the outfield was not large enough, and when a ball was batted outside of the cleared space it was hard to find. When all of the facts are considered it can be called a good game, especially when it is known that neither nine ever played or practiced together.
STAMBAUGH, MICHIGAN CENTENNIAL,1882-1982: 100 YEARS ON THE HILL centennial book "Family Histories: Gust Westman" page 93 (excerpt)
Before she was married in 1905, Sena Lindahl Westman obtained employment from the Pat O'Brien family, where she stayed for five years.
OBITUARY of Stella O'Brien July 1933 says her father Patrick O'Brien died Jan 10 of this year.
DEATH NOTICE Iron River Reporter Jan 10 1933 with photo. Age 74.
OBITUARY Iron River Reporter Jan 13 1933. Age 74.
FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter Jan 17 1933. Age 74. Representative to Lansing from this district for 10 years. Publisher of Iron River Reporter; also Iron River postmaster. Buried beside 3 infant sons.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE Iron River centennial book 1981 page 422 "Pat O'Brien"
Patrick O'Brien was born in Western Pennsylvania March 9, 1858. In 1871 he came to Brighton, Michigan with his parents. In his teens he worked on a farm. In 1876 he worked as a railroad employee for five months, but, disliking the work, he entered the office of a local paper where he learned to set type. When the paper was sold after 14 months, he found employment at the Howell Republican for 2 years. The following year he completed his apprenticeship at the Williamston Enterprise in Williamston, Michigan. He then went to Black River Falls, Wisconsin and became foreman in a newspaper office and was so capable that he was promoted to business manager and editor, a position which he held from 1880 to 1884. Selling out his stock in the paper, he located in Ashland, Wisconsin where for six months he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He then found employment in the office of Lieutenant Governor S.S. Fifield until the summer of 1885 when he returned to Black River Falls. There he married Georgie Elliott, born June 13, 1862 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, and they settled in Tomah, Wisconsin where he leased a paper for a few months. In 1886 he established the Eagle River Vindicator. After a year he sold out and moved to Bessemer, Michigan where he became foreman in the office of The Pick and Axe until December 1887. Then he bought the Iron County Reporter, renaming it later the Iron River Stambaugh Reporter. A Republican, he served in many public offices including that of state legislator from 1915-1925. From 1890 to 1894 he was postmaster at Iron River, served as clerk of the township and of the village, was president of the board of village trustees, a member of the board of education. He was also the member of numerous fraternal organizations. He and Mrs. O'Brien were the parents of two children, Stella, born September 7, 1892, who taught in Cornucopia, Wisconsin and Port Wayne and died in August, 1933; and Dorothy, born in 1905, who married Mauritz Carlson and died January 1, 1972. He died on January 10, 1933. Mrs. O'Brien died in September 1938.
MUSEUM DISPLAY Iron County Legislators with photo and information sheet
Born in Western Pennsylvania 3/09/1858
Died in Iron River 1/10/1933
Resident of Iron River 1887-1933
Served 5 terms
Republican
Total number of bills introduced – 45
Industrial School For Boys-3
Railroads-3
Insurance-3
State Normal College-3
Mines and Minerals-3
Game Laws-2
Fish and Fisheries-1
Ways and Means-1
Roads and Bridges-1
Major work in: Insurance, Railroad Rates, Assessment
Occupations: Iron River Reporter publisher and editor 1887-1933
Iron River postmaster 1890-1894, 1924-1933
Other Activities:
President of Iron River Village
Treasurer of Iron River Village
Town Clerk
Member of City Charter Commission
Justice of the Peace
Board of Education President/Trustee
Iron County Agricultural Society-President
Marital Status: married Georgie Elliot, 1885
Children: Dorothy, Mrs. Mauritz Carlson
Stella
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Sep 10 1986 "Reporter Owner Served In Lansing" with photo
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 12 1973 "History Is Written In Hillside" (excerpt)
Pat O'Brien, founder of the Iron River Reporter, was buried here in 1933.
NEWS PHOTO Iron River Reporter June 28 1951 "Outspoken Editor" for Iron Ore Centennial celebration with photo [at right]
From 1887 when he purchased from Atty. E.P. Lott the Iron County Reporter, a weekly newspaper founded by Lott on August 29, 1885, Patrick O'Brien was a vital influence in shaping the growth of Iron River and neighboring communities. Mr. O'Brien changed the name of the paper to the Iron River-Stambaugh Reporter to embrace the growing Stambaugh district, and in 1920 expanded this publication into The Daily Reporter which a year later became the semi-weekly newspaper it is today.
A man of strong convictions, his newspaper quarrels with Thomas Conlin, editor of the Crystal Falls Diamond Drill, became widely read and his position loyally defended by his west side readers.
A staunch Republican, Mr. O'Brien served in the Michigan house of representatives for several terms and held various local offices. His death occured January 10, 1933.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter undated June 1951 "First Discovery of Ore on Range Made At Iron River, Not Waucedah, 99 Years Ago" for Iron Ore Centennial celebration with photo
EARLY MINING DEPRESSION In 1884, The Mining Reporter, the town's first newspaper, was established. It was purchased in 1887 by the late Pat O'Brien, who converted it to the present Iron River-Stambaugh Reporter. The paper is still published by the O'Brien estate.
NEWS PHOTO Iron River Reporter June 28 1951 "Education Amply Provided In West Side School Districts: Pioneer Educators Put Emphasis On Fundamentals For Good Schools" for Iron Ore Centennial celebration (excerpt)
The minutes of the Iron River Board of Education of November 9, 1898 were signed by Patrick O'Brien, Secretary of the Board.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Jan 7 1930 "Meet Today" Pat O'Brien publisher and owner of Iron River Reporter
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Oct 1 1926 “P. O’Brien 50 Years In Printing Field: Editor of the Reporter Will Observe Golden Anniversary Tomorrow”
A half century of service in the printing and publishing business will be completed tomorrow by P. O’Brien, veteran publisher of the upper peninsula, and proprietor of The Reporter Publishing Co. of Iron River.
The “golden anniversary” of his career in the printing field still finds Mr. O’Brien actively engaged with his vigorous editorial pen, and possessed of a keen interest in all matters related to state journalism.
During his 50 years of application to printing and publishing, Mr. O’Brien observed vast changes come over the printing industry and he kept apace with them in his plant as fast as the finances of the institution would permit. From a modest plant when he first came to Iron River in 1887, he has developed a printing institution which is one of the largest and best in the Michigan country field.
STARTED ON SECTION A large measure of persistence and an equal measure of perspiration accounts for his success, as the following story of his early life relates.
Fifty years ago, Oct. 2, 1876, I left working on the section, on what is now known as the Pere Marquette railroad, and took a position in the office of the Brighton Citizen, a lower peninsula paper, at a salary of $2 a week, which did not include board. I put in an apprenticeship of four years, receiving the last year of apprenticeship $3 a week and board.
“Following this apprenticeship I secured employment in the office of the Jackson Independent at Black River Falls, Wis., as a journeyman printer. I remained in Black River Falls six years and then went to Ashland, Wis. and entered the mercantile business. This did not prove a financial success and after six months I went back as a reporter and printer in the office of the Ashland Press, published by Lieut. Gov. Sam S. Fifield. On December 7, 1887 I came to Iron River, which has since been my home.”
Mr. O’Brien’s devoted interest to the upbuilding of the Iron River-Stambaugh-Bates district, the handicaps overcome, and his ultimate success are written indelibly into the history of the district.
Although in the “autumn of life,” he still possesses his characteristic vigor, and is looking forward to many more years of service to his community through the work of his publication.
NEWS ARTICLE Diamond Drill July 7 1888 “Iron River Reipples” (excerpt)
IRON RIVER, July 5 – A match game of base ball between Iron River and Stambaugh clubs was played here on July Fourth, this being the first game of base ball ever played in this vicinity.
Those who scored included:
Iron River:
E. Ammerman ss 2 runs 0 outs
P. O’Brien cf 1 run 4 outs
Thescore was Iron River 21, Stambaugh 26. The large score is owing to the fact that the outfield was not large enough, and when a ball was batted outside of the cleared space it was hard to find. When all of the facts are considered it can be called a good game, especially when it is known that neither nine ever played or practiced together.
STAMBAUGH, MICHIGAN CENTENNIAL,1882-1982: 100 YEARS ON THE HILL centennial book "Family Histories: Gust Westman" page 93 (excerpt)
Before she was married in 1905, Sena Lindahl Westman obtained employment from the Pat O'Brien family, where she stayed for five years.
OBITUARY of Stella O'Brien July 1933 says her father Patrick O'Brien died Jan 10 of this year.
OBITUARY Iron River Reporter Jan 13 1933. Age 74.
FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter Jan 17 1933. Age 74. Representative to Lansing from this district for 10 years. Publisher of Iron River Reporter; also Iron River postmaster. Buried beside 3 infant sons.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE Iron River centennial book 1981 page 422 "Pat O'Brien"
Patrick O'Brien was born in Western Pennsylvania March 9, 1858. In 1871 he came to Brighton, Michigan with his parents. In his teens he worked on a farm. In 1876 he worked as a railroad employee for five months, but, disliking the work, he entered the office of a local paper where he learned to set type. When the paper was sold after 14 months, he found employment at the Howell Republican for 2 years. The following year he completed his apprenticeship at the Williamston Enterprise in Williamston, Michigan. He then went to Black River Falls, Wisconsin and became foreman in a newspaper office and was so capable that he was promoted to business manager and editor, a position which he held from 1880 to 1884. Selling out his stock in the paper, he located in Ashland, Wisconsin where for six months he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He then found employment in the office of Lieutenant Governor S.S. Fifield until the summer of 1885 when he returned to Black River Falls. There he married Georgie Elliott, born June 13, 1862 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, and they settled in Tomah, Wisconsin where he leased a paper for a few months. In 1886 he established the Eagle River Vindicator. After a year he sold out and moved to Bessemer, Michigan where he became foreman in the office of The Pick and Axe until December 1887. Then he bought the Iron County Reporter, renaming it later the Iron River Stambaugh Reporter. A Republican, he served in many public offices including that of state legislator from 1915-1925. From 1890 to 1894 he was postmaster at Iron River, served as clerk of the township and of the village, was president of the board of village trustees, a member of the board of education. He was also the member of numerous fraternal organizations. He and Mrs. O'Brien were the parents of two children, Stella, born September 7, 1892, who taught in Cornucopia, Wisconsin and Port Wayne and died in August, 1933; and Dorothy, born in 1905, who married Mauritz Carlson and died January 1, 1972. He died on January 10, 1933. Mrs. O'Brien died in September 1938.
MUSEUM DISPLAY Iron County Legislators with photo and information sheet
Born in Western Pennsylvania 3/09/1858
Died in Iron River 1/10/1933
Resident of Iron River 1887-1933
Served 5 terms
Republican
Total number of bills introduced – 45
Industrial School For Boys-3
Railroads-3
Insurance-3
State Normal College-3
Mines and Minerals-3
Game Laws-2
Fish and Fisheries-1
Ways and Means-1
Roads and Bridges-1
Major work in: Insurance, Railroad Rates, Assessment
Occupations: Iron River Reporter publisher and editor 1887-1933
Iron River postmaster 1890-1894, 1924-1933
Other Activities:
President of Iron River Village
Treasurer of Iron River Village
Town Clerk
Member of City Charter Commission
Justice of the Peace
Board of Education President/Trustee
Iron County Agricultural Society-President
Marital Status: married Georgie Elliot, 1885
Children: Dorothy, Mrs. Mauritz Carlson
Stella
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Sep 10 1986 "Reporter Owner Served In Lansing" with photo
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Dec 12 1973 "History Is Written In Hillside" (excerpt)
Pat O'Brien, founder of the Iron River Reporter, was buried here in 1933.
NEWS PHOTO Iron River Reporter June 28 1951 "Outspoken Editor" for Iron Ore Centennial celebration with photo [at right]
From 1887 when he purchased from Atty. E.P. Lott the Iron County Reporter, a weekly newspaper founded by Lott on August 29, 1885, Patrick O'Brien was a vital influence in shaping the growth of Iron River and neighboring communities. Mr. O'Brien changed the name of the paper to the Iron River-Stambaugh Reporter to embrace the growing Stambaugh district, and in 1920 expanded this publication into The Daily Reporter which a year later became the semi-weekly newspaper it is today.
A man of strong convictions, his newspaper quarrels with Thomas Conlin, editor of the Crystal Falls Diamond Drill, became widely read and his position loyally defended by his west side readers.
A staunch Republican, Mr. O'Brien served in the Michigan house of representatives for several terms and held various local offices. His death occured January 10, 1933.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter undated June 1951 "First Discovery of Ore on Range Made At Iron River, Not Waucedah, 99 Years Ago" for Iron Ore Centennial celebration with photo
EARLY MINING DEPRESSION In 1884, The Mining Reporter, the town's first newspaper, was established. It was purchased in 1887 by the late Pat O'Brien, who converted it to the present Iron River-Stambaugh Reporter. The paper is still published by the O'Brien estate.
NEWS PHOTO Iron River Reporter June 28 1951 "Education Amply Provided In West Side School Districts: Pioneer Educators Put Emphasis On Fundamentals For Good Schools" for Iron Ore Centennial celebration (excerpt)
The minutes of the Iron River Board of Education of November 9, 1898 were signed by Patrick O'Brien, Secretary of the Board.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Jan 7 1930 "Meet Today" Pat O'Brien publisher and owner of Iron River Reporter
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Oct 1 1926 “P. O’Brien 50 Years In Printing Field: Editor of the Reporter Will Observe Golden Anniversary Tomorrow”
A half century of service in the printing and publishing business will be completed tomorrow by P. O’Brien, veteran publisher of the upper peninsula, and proprietor of The Reporter Publishing Co. of Iron River.
The “golden anniversary” of his career in the printing field still finds Mr. O’Brien actively engaged with his vigorous editorial pen, and possessed of a keen interest in all matters related to state journalism.
During his 50 years of application to printing and publishing, Mr. O’Brien observed vast changes come over the printing industry and he kept apace with them in his plant as fast as the finances of the institution would permit. From a modest plant when he first came to Iron River in 1887, he has developed a printing institution which is one of the largest and best in the Michigan country field.
STARTED ON SECTION A large measure of persistence and an equal measure of perspiration accounts for his success, as the following story of his early life relates.
Fifty years ago, Oct. 2, 1876, I left working on the section, on what is now known as the Pere Marquette railroad, and took a position in the office of the Brighton Citizen, a lower peninsula paper, at a salary of $2 a week, which did not include board. I put in an apprenticeship of four years, receiving the last year of apprenticeship $3 a week and board.
“Following this apprenticeship I secured employment in the office of the Jackson Independent at Black River Falls, Wis., as a journeyman printer. I remained in Black River Falls six years and then went to Ashland, Wis. and entered the mercantile business. This did not prove a financial success and after six months I went back as a reporter and printer in the office of the Ashland Press, published by Lieut. Gov. Sam S. Fifield. On December 7, 1887 I came to Iron River, which has since been my home.”
Mr. O’Brien’s devoted interest to the upbuilding of the Iron River-Stambaugh-Bates district, the handicaps overcome, and his ultimate success are written indelibly into the history of the district.
Although in the “autumn of life,” he still possesses his characteristic vigor, and is looking forward to many more years of service to his community through the work of his publication.
NEWS ARTICLE Diamond Drill July 7 1888 “Iron River Reipples” (excerpt)
IRON RIVER, July 5 – A match game of base ball between Iron River and Stambaugh clubs was played here on July Fourth, this being the first game of base ball ever played in this vicinity.
Those who scored included:
Iron River:
E. Ammerman ss 2 runs 0 outs
P. O’Brien cf 1 run 4 outs
Thescore was Iron River 21, Stambaugh 26. The large score is owing to the fact that the outfield was not large enough, and when a ball was batted outside of the cleared space it was hard to find. When all of the facts are considered it can be called a good game, especially when it is known that neither nine ever played or practiced together.
STAMBAUGH, MICHIGAN CENTENNIAL,1882-1982: 100 YEARS ON THE HILL centennial book "Family Histories: Gust Westman" page 93 (excerpt)
Before she was married in 1905, Sena Lindahl Westman obtained employment from the Pat O'Brien family, where she stayed for five years.
OBITUARY of Stella O'Brien July 1933 says her father Patrick O'Brien died Jan 10 of this year.
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