Will County IL Archives Biographies.....O'Connor, Michael 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00003.html#0000719 February 2, 2008, 2:58 am

Author: Past & Present Will County, 1907

Michael O'Connor, deceased, was for a long period connected with the 
agricultural interests of Will county, having made a permanent location here 
in 1864, and during his residence within its borders was known as a 
straightforward and reliable man. He was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in 
1823, a son of Nicholas and Mary (Fitzgerald) O'Connor, both of whom were 
likewise natives of County Limerick, where they spent their entire lives. 
Their family numbered three sons and three daughters. Michael O'Connor 
emigrated from his native land at an early day, and upon his arrival in New 
York at once made his way to Schenectady, where he spent some time, and in 
1864 continued his journey westward to Will county, purchasing a farm in 
Wesley township. He followed general agricultural pursuits for three decades, 
during which time he worked diligently and persistently to provide for himself 
and family and also acquire a comfortable competence. In 1894 he retired from 
active business life, and, removing to Wilmington, spent the remainder of his 
days in well merited rest. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, 
however, for his death occurred here two years later, or in 1896, when he had 
reached the age of seventy-three years. He was a man of strong temperance 
principles and was honored and respected throughout the community in which he 
resided for he was never known to take advantage of his fellowmen in any trade 
transaction. He was devoted to the welfare and happiness of his wife and 
children and his most pleasant hours were those spent, at his own fireside. He 
was a Jacksonian democrat but never eared to figure in political circles. He 
was a communicant of St. Rosa Catholic church of Wilmington. Mr. O'Connor was 
married in Schenectady, New York, in 1848, to Miss Bridget Father, who was 
born in County Roscommon, Ireland, a daughter of Bernard and Bridget (Higgins) 
Kither, both of whom were born in County Roscommon. The father emigrated with 
his family to the new world on an old-time sailing vessel, which, after a 
voyage of twenty-one days on the Atlantic, reached the harbor of New York. The 
family made their way to Schenectady, where they lived for six years, after 
which they removed to Will county, Illinois, where the father was engaged in 
farming and also worked for others. He was a Jacksonian democrat and a 
communicant of the Catholic church. Of their family of three sons and four 
daughters, four are now living, namely: Mrs. O'Connor; Patrick, a resident of 
St. Paul, Minnesota; Mary, and Catherine. The father of this family died in 
1862, at the age of sixty-three years, while the mother died in Braidwood, at 
the age of seventy. Of the thirteen children born unto Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor, 
six are now living. Bridget is the wife of Thomas Moran and resides in 
Braidwood. John wedded Annie Foley, who died February 19, 1907, and makes his 
home in Wesley township. Thomas, to whom we are indebted for the material 
furnished for this sketch, was born in Wesley township, March 8, 1863. He was 
educated in the public schools of Will county and for many years followed 
farming on his father's old homestead but in 1905 removed to Wilmington, where 
he has since lived retired. He is a democrat in his political views but is not 
active as an office seeker. He is a communicant of St. Rosa Roman Catholic 
church, while fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, 
belonging to River camp, No. 142, at Wilmington. Sarah O'Connor became the 
wife of Philip Carey, but he is now deceased, his death having occurred August 
4, 1905. Hattie is the wife of Andrew Quigley and resides in Chicago. Margaret 
is the wife of Michael Kennedy, a resident of Florence township, Will county. 
Mrs. O'Connor, a bright and active lady of eighty-two years, still enjoys good 
health and has many friends in Wilmington, where she now makes her home. She 
has eighteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren now living. The 
family are highly respected, having many friends in this community.

Additional Comments:
PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS By W. W. Stevens President of the 
Will County Pioneers Association; Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing 
Company, 1907

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