Chatham County GaArchives Biographies.....O'Leary, Michael J. 1869 - living in 1913
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 October 13, 2004, 2:55 pm

Author: William Harden
p. 582-583

   COL. MICHAEL J. O'LEARY. Excelling in achievements and commanding success in
several lines of endeavor, Col. Michael J. O'Leary, of Savannah, has won marked
prestige as colonel of the First Regiment of Infantry, National Guard of
Georgia; has acquired prominence in commercial circles and engaged in the
transfer of cotton; and as alderman was actively associated with the public
interests of the city for one term.

   Born in New York City in 1869, he was brought by his parents to Savannah when
but a few months old, and is practically a Savannah product, having been brought
up in this city, and here receiving his early education in Saint Patrick's
school, and his commercial training in McCarthy's Business College. Since 1896,
when he succeeded to the interests of Andrew McCorrnick, Colonel O'Leary has
been actively and prosperously engaged in the cotton transfer business, which is
the principal business of the kind in Savannah, in his operations enjoying the
patronage of all the large cotton interests.

   In 1888, responding to the lure of military life, Michael J. O'Leary enlisted
as a private in the "Irish Jasper Greens," one of the companies of the First
Regiment of Infantry, National Guard of Georgia. Subsequently receiving
well-merited promotion, he was first made first lieutenant of his company, and
later was commissioned major of his regiment. In 1908 he was again promoted,
being made colonel of the First Regiment of Infantry, National Guard of Georgia,
a position which he now holds. This regiment is famous in the military history
of Georgia, its distinguished record being referred to at length in the
historical portion of this work. At present the First Regiment is composed of
twelve companies, including the Emmett Rifles, the German Volunteers, the
Oglethorpe Light Infantry, the Savannah Cadets, the Irish Jasper Greens, the
Republican Blues, and several out-of-town companies. Colonel 0 'Leary has
rendered notably efficient service and given the highest of satisfaction as
commander of his regiment, which is one of the military bulwarks of the state.
For two seasons, in 1907 and 1908, the colonel was captain of the Georgia Rifle
Team, representing the Georgia military organization in the rifle contests at
Camp Perry, Ohio.

   Elected alderman of the city in the fall of 1910, Colonel O'Leary took his
seat in January, 1911, and is rendering excellent service in that capacity. He
is one of the directors of the Savannah Fire Insurance Company. He is a director
of the Chamber of Commerce; and of the Exchange Bank and a member of the Cotton
Exchange; of the Savannah Automobile Club; the Hussars Club; the Guards Club;
and fraternally is a member, and past state deputy, of the Knights of Columbus,
and master of the fourth degree of the states of Florida, Georgia, North and
South Carolinas.

   Colonel O'Leary married, in Savannah, Josephine MeCormick, and they have one
daughter, Josephine O'Leary.


Additional Comments:
From:

A HISTORY OF SAVANNAH AND SOUTH GEORGIA
BY
WILLIAM HARDEN

VOLUME I
ILLUSTRATED
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
CHICAGO AND NEW YORK
1913


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