Rev. J. J. O’ Brien has been required to answer the roll call of death.
Jeremiah Joseph O’ Brien, born Aug. 4th, 1836, in Wicklow
County, Ireland, was the son of William and Rosannah O’ Brien.
His boyhood days were completed in Ireland. Near the age of 21
he realized that opportunities awaited his youthful ability. Although
his home in Ireland was dear to his memory, he sailed for America
and arrived in New York, June 2, 1857. Later he volunteered to
offer his service for this country and was enlisted in the U.
S. Army in October 1861 to face the dangers of the Civil War.
His army service continued three years and ten months.
In May 1868 he was united in marriage to Creasy Clark. To this
union two children were born: Mary and John O’Brien. His
companion was later called to rest.
March 25, 1880, he was again united in marriage to Sarah Ann Simmons,
who also preceded him in death. To this union one child was born,
Rebecca J. Simmons.
In the year of 1885, he professed faith in Christ and united with
the County Line Missionary Baptist Church of Johnson County, Illinois.
On January 12, 1890 he was set apart by the church as an ordained
minister of the Gospel. He continued faithfully in that service
until old age deprived him of the privilege. After his companions
had been called in death, he made his home with his daughter,
Mrs. R. L. Simmons.
During the early part of the night on May 24th, 1932, he quietly
passed away at the age of 95 years, 9 months and 20 days.
He leaves to mourn his loss, one daughter, Mrs. Richard L. Simmons
of Flatwoods, four grandchildren, one great- grandchild and many
personal friends.
Funeral services were held at County Line Church on Thursday,
May 26, 1932, at 11:00 o’ clock. Sermon by Elder Oscar Reynolds
of Harrisburg. Interment followed in the Kerley Cemetery."
Obituary was sent to me by Jeremiah O’ Brien’s great- grandson, Gregory Simmons.
My father, Wayne Morris, was 30 years old when Jeremiah O’ Brien passed away. He shared fond memories of his Uncle Jerry (as he was called) and described him as "being a really fine man."
JOHNSON COUNTY JOURNAL Sept 10 1880--
" Jerry O'Brien attended the Soldier's reunion here
last Friday. Jerry has been a democrat heretofore, but he proposes
now to vote the way he shot. We are pleased to see the Union Soldiers
uniting in this struggle for loyal supremacy."
The people took their politics very seriously in those days. They
held rallies and other events in Vienna, Grantsburg and surrounding
communities.