Perhaps the best known of the quartet of brothers serving Uncle Sam is Corporal Daniel J. O’Connell of the 320th machine gun battalion, now in France.  He was active in the Sacred Heart C. T. A. society and Attitash club, and appeared in several theatricals conducted by these organizations.  He was employed in building 30, River Works, before going into service.

Private Peter J. O’Connell is now doing his bit in France with the 10th United States Field artillery.  He was the first of the boys to go across and is now believed to be in action.  He was employed for some time previously to enlisting as a chauffer with the Lynn Coal Company.  He enlisted in November, 1917.

Mess Sergeant Frank D. O’Connell, the youngest of the brothers, was only 16 years old when he entered service.  He is now with the 21st aero squadron in Texas, and his ability as an assistant chef in the local restaurant helped him when he enlisted by securing him a speedy promotion to mess sergeant.  He enlisted last November.  Both Sergeant Frank and Private Peter O’Connell are members of St. Mary’s C. T. A. society.

The four boys are the sons of Peter and the late Ellen O’Connell, 34 Murray street.  They have three brothers, John F., William, and Charles O’Connell of this city, and two sisters, Mrs. Mary McCarthy, 151 Lowell street, Peabody, and Mrs. Nellie Chadwick, Bangor, Me.

Charles J. O'Connell obituary

Daily Evening Item, December 27, 1932

Charles J. O’Connell, aged 44, a veteran of the World war and for the past 18 years employed at the Lynn post office, died of a cerebral hemorrhage Sunday afternoon at his residence 387 Summer street.  Although he continued with his duties as mailing clerk at the Lynn post office, he had been troubled with high blood pressure for some time.

He was born in this city, the son of the late Timothy and Elizabeth O’Connell.  During his youth he was prominent in amateur athletics, at one time 100-yard dash champion of New England and a member of the old Pioneer Baseball club.  He served with the United States army during the World war.

He was a past president of Lynn Branch 51, National Association of Postoffice Clerks.  He was a member of Post 6, American Legion.  George Washington court, M. C. O. F., and Lynn Aerie or [sic] Eagles.

He leaves his widow Mrs. Margaret J. (Corcoran) O’Connell; a brother Timothy O’Connell; two stepbrothers, John and Joseph O’Connell, and three stepsisters. Mary, Catherine, and Gertrude O’Connell all of this city.

John F. O’Connell Begins 33d Year in Circus Life

Lynn Man is the Lot Supt. of Ringling Brother’s Show

Daily Evening Item, April 14, 1933

Circus days! Circus days!

The specialty artists, the clowns, the animals and even the calliope [steam organ] are ready for the road season of the “greatest show on earth,” Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus, and with the beginning of a new season for America’s largest circus.  Lynn’s better known circus official, John F. O’Connell, is ready for his 33rd year with American circuses.

For 32 years, John P. O’Connell, known affectionately in circus circles as “Cow” has traveled with American circuses, beginning years ago as a helper in the cookhouse with the Buffalo Bill show and advancing through the years to responsible positions in leading circuses until today he is lot superintendent of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus, a position which he has occupied for three seasons.

Lynn’s circus official leaves next week for Brooklyn, N. Y., where he will make preparations for the assembling of the Ringling show under canvas.  He returned this week from the opening of the Ringling show in New York City and while in metropolis he was the principal speaker at the annual dinner of the National Art Club.

At Worlds Fair.

From Brooklyn, O’Connell travels with the circus in his official capacity to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and then entering New England and visits Boston, May 8.  After a New England tour, the circus visits the World’s Fair at Chicago, Ill., for 30 days and then on a general route to the south, closing in New Orleans, La., in November.  After the close of the season, the Lynner returns to his local residence, 17 Fuller Street, for the winter season.

Mr. O’Connell is known from coast to coast and in Canada almost as well as in West Lynn where he was educated in the old Centre Street and Tracy schools.  At the age of 14 years, Jack joined the Buffalo Bill show while it was playing at Hill’s field.  His first position with the circus was in the cook tent as “pourer” for the circus personnel. After three years in the cook tent, he graduated into the work of putting up and taking down the tents.  After advancing to various positions with that circus, he joined the Barnum and Bailey show and traveled with that circus for nine years.  He next joined the Sells Floto circus and was lot superintendent with that show for 17 years.  He became associated with the Miller Brothers’ 101 Ranch Wild West circus as “24-hour man” and soon advanced to the position of general superintendent.  He remained with that circus until three years ago when he became associated with the Ringling circus.

Knows Circus Greats.

During his many years with American circuses, he has been associated with John Ringling, the leading figure in circus life today; Col. William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Col. Joe and Jack Miller; Frank Gotch, the wrestler; Jack Dempsey, ex-heavyweight champion; Jess Willard, also a former heavyweight champion; Bob Fitsimmons, Tom Sharkey, Georges Carpentier, and many others.

He is well known as an after-dinner speaker and has lectured before many organizations in this section of the state and has spoken in many of the leading cities of the country where his circus has had engagements.  His colorful career with the American circus has been the subject of articles in leading publications including the American Monthly, the Shriner and others.  He is the author of numerous articles which have appeared in show publications.

He is a member of St. Mary’s C. T. A. Society, Massasoit Club, Valladolid Council, Knights of Columbus, and Lynn Lodge of Elks.

Jack O’Connell, Lynn Circus Man, Dies in Texas

Succumbs to Heart Attack Monday Night at Tyler While Awaiting Show’s Arrival

Daily Evening Item, September 29, 1936

John F. O’Connell of Lynn, affectionately known to thousands of Greater Lynners as “Big Top,” one of the nation’s most prominent circus officials, died suddenly, Monday night, at Tyler, Texas, according to word received by Lynn friends today.

Apparently the victim of a heart attack, the Lynner died in the small Texas city, where he had gone as “24 hour man” for the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus to complete final arrangements for today’s show.  Tyler is a city of about 20,000 population, located about 100 miles east of Dallas.

The Lynner, one of the best known public characters in the city, was on his final two weeks’ trip with the circus, which was due to end its season in Florida soon.  He had been away from Lynn since March 31, when he went to New York for the opening of the big show.

Details concerning his death were lacking today but Lynn friends understood that he had died suddenly of a heart attack.  It was also reported that the circus folk planned to stage an impressive memorial service under the “big top” tonight before the body was started hoe to Lynn.

Ends Notable Career.

Death brought to a close a notable career in the circus field for O’Connell.  One of the best known circus officials, he had travelled with circuses for 36 years and had held outstanding jobs in the industry.  He was a close friend to many of the leading circus attractions of the past 30 years and his stories of circus life were rich in human interest.  He was 50 years old.

Had Many Friends.

Born in West Lynn, O’Connell prided himself on his residence there and on his hundreds of friendships with residents of the section.  In the last 10 years, his circle of friends was greatly extended by his increasing series of lectures before organizations in all sections of the city as well as in communities throughout the State.

Although he was 50 years old, O’Connell retained the powerful physique he acquired through early years of hard labor with the circus.  A teetotaler, he also avoided chewing tobacco, an item traditional with circus men.  He did, however, enjoy an after-dinner cigar occasionally.

His association with circuses dated from the time he was 14 years old.  He had just finished attending the old Centre street and Tracy schools when he heard of a chance to join Buffalo Bill’s show, then playing at Hill’s Field.

In the Cook Tent.

He joined up and was set to work as “pourer” in the circus mess tent.  After three years in the cook tent, he was assigned to the sturdier task of helping set up the huge canvas tents.  His promotions were rapid and he soon became known as one the most skillful circus bosses in the country.

Soon after, he went with Barnum and Bailey, then the greatest of all tent shows.  Nine years with Barnum’s production were followed by his appointment as superintendent of the Sells-Floto circus, a post he held for 17 years.

He later became associated with Miller Brothers’ 101 Ranch Wild West circus “as 24-hour man” and soon advanced to the post of general superintendent.  He remained with Millers until 1930, when he joined the Ringling Brothers show as lot superintendent.

Visited Every State.

Tours with the circus took O’Connell to every state in the union and through much of Canada.  With various shows he played metropolitan cities and tank towns.  In the process, he acquired a deep understanding of man and human affairs.  His travels brought him exceptional knowledge of affairs throughout the nation and his annual reports on the circus tour were often a means of determining how business conditions were in other sections.

As one of the driving forces in circus operation, O’Connell had to surmount all manner of difficulties.  Violent storms, animal breaks, breakdowns in transportation facilities and a thousand and one other difficulties constantly plagued the shows but O’Connell became known for his skill in taking the outfit out of trouble and making certain that the show went on.

His career attracted considerable attention from feature writers and he was featured in articles in the American magazine, the Shriner and many other publications.  His lectures at home and in leading cities brought him additional prominence.

Gave Many Lectures.

Each fall at the end of the circus season, O’Connell would return to his home at 17 Fuller street and start his round of talks.  His other activities included attendance at local sport events, particularly the high school football contests, which he followed closely.  The Massasoit club was a favorite off season haunt for him and during the winter he often camped in New Hampshire with Walking Mike Doyle and other Lynn friends.

During his long services with circuses, O’Connell, who was affectionately known as “Cow,” he was an intimate friend of many noted figures including Col. William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Col. Joe and Zack Miller, Frank Gotch, the wrestler; Jack Dempsey and Jess Willard, when they were heavyweight champions; Bob Fitzsimmons, Tom Sharkey, George Carpentier, the boxers, and any other outstanding attractions.

O’Connell was a member of St. Mary’s C. T. A. society, the Massasoit club, Valladoid council, Knights of Columbus and the Lynn lodge of Elks.

He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Peter O’Connell, prominent West Lynn residents.  He leaves six brothers and two sisters.  They are: Charles O’Connell of Chelsea, Daniel, Timothy, Peter, Frank, and William O’Connell of Lynn; Mrs. Mary McCarthy of Peabody and Mrs. Nellie Chadwick of Bangor, Maine.

Sketch drawn by 1st Lieutenant George R. Vanden Heuval in support of Encounter Report of April 16, 1945.  Lt. Chadwick - Yellow 4 - was Pilot "g."  Lt. Chadwick's three victories are marked with added red stars.

Rangeley Flier Killed in Germany

Portland Press Herald, February 28, 1949

Lt. Lewis Chadwick

Native of Bangor

(Rangeley) First Lieut. Lewis P. Chadwick, 27, was killed Friday in an air crash in Germany according to word received here from the War Department.

The news arrived as Mrs. Chadwick, the former Miss Adelaide Russell, daughter of Mrs. And Mrs. A. Mason Russell was making final arrangements to join her husband who was transferred to Furstenfeldbruck Field, Germany from Dow Field, Bangor, last November.

Born in Bangor Aug. 25, 1921, he was the son of John and Nellie (O'Connor) (sic) Chadwick. He was educated in the schools of Bangor and the University of Maine.

Chadwick joined the air force in February 1943 and served in the European Theater as a P-47 fighter pilot. After the war, he re-enlisted in the regular air force.

Besides his widow, he is survived by his father John Chadwick, Bangor, and a sister, Mrs. Charles Wilson [of] Levant.

Sports of the Times

Peabody Times; May 17, 1962

Dr. Ralph McCarthy is known far and wide in the medical field. Fame and notability, however, were attached to Dr. McCarthy’s personal file long before he made his mark in the medical field. Dr. McCarthy, it just happens was one of Peabody’s illustrious baseball performers in the roaring twenties. He achieved diamond greatness later on as an outfielder at Georgetown University in Washington, D. C., then after a two-year flirtation with professional baseball, he returned to Georgetown’s Medical School and posted a most impressive record as Georgetown University baseball coach. There is much more to be told but first things first.

Dr. McCarthy presently in the midst of his 20th season as Boston Red Sox physician, was one of the three backfield members of the 1924 Peabody High football team to enter the medical ranks. Dr. McCarthy was a halfback. At the other halfback slot was the late Dr. George Mortis. The fullback was Dr. Barney Weinstein. Quarterback of this unit was the late Dan Donovan. “It seems so long ago,” replied Dr. McCarthy when asked to recall his wonderful past. “The late Ed Brawley, who was an All-American at Holy Cross, was in his third season as Peabody coach in 1924. “It was amazing,” added the good doctor. “Mr. Brawley had played with Jim Thorpe at Cleveland in the first pro football league and he had us playing the T formation with all its variations. The ball was always moving - what it amounted to was the modern day version of football. And that was almost 30 years ago.”

According to Dr. McCarthy, the 1924 team was an outstanding group, probably better than the 7-4 record that shows in the record. “The ends were James Boyle and Jack Reid,” he began, “Charlie Mogavero and John Boyle, Jim’s brother, were the tackles. The guards were Al Thibodeau and Sol Ainbinder and the center was Sol Beres who later went to N.Y.U. We had a great kicker in Eddie Anderson and Joe McDonald, the insurance man, was another end. Joe later played B.C.,” informed Dr. McCarthy. It was Dr. McCarthy’s junior year; he never did get to play football in his senior year because of a back injury sustained against Lynn Classical at Little River Playground, West Lynn. Our subject of the day did return to play baseball the next spring, nevertheless, and led the Tanners to the Essex County League title. Teammates, among others, included Sol Beres, Bill Dunney, Al Bongette, Red Berriman and the Chiplinski boys. Moving to Georgetown, Dr. McCarthy ranked with the top outfielders in intercollegiate ranks. He captained Georgetown his senior year and was such a promising baseballer he received an invitation to join the Red Sox for spring training in 1931. The invitation was extended by Hugh Duffy.

After graduating from Georgetown, Dr. McCarthy signed with the Detroit Tigers. He inked a contract with scout Frank Donovan, who gained baseball renown while managing Salem in the Old New England League. Dr. “Mac” played with Toronto of the International League and Hartford in the Eastern League for two seasons. Then he returned to Medical School. “Times were rough then,” said Dr. McCarthy, “a future in baseball wasn’t as good as today. The traveling was real rough and the money wasn’t much, so I followed my original intention and went back to Georgetown and Medical School.” An example of Dr. McCarthy’s statement as to the money situation is pointed out in Chick Davies’ career. Davies, one of Peabody’s all-time greats, played major league ball with the Philadelphia Athletics, but it is reported he left the majors for semi-pro ball where money was a more lucrative object. “I believe Chick went back to the majors about 10 years later after leaving,” offered Dr. McCarthy, “He was pitching five days a week around here with Salem and Marblehead and he was real good.”

While studying for his degree in medicine, he coached Georgetown for three years. Dr. McCarthy’s last team was a power. Making it a “power” was George Nicketakis of a lot of certain major league pitchers he’s seen. “George was real effective as a pitcher,” said Dr. McCarthy. He explained that a sore arm stopped Nicketakis’ baseball future. Charlie Keller, the old pro with the New York Yankees, was “the best college player I ever saw,” in the words of Dr. McCarthy. Keller played at the University of Maryland when Dr. McCarthy was coach at Georgetown. “Keller could do everything well,” stated the friendly doctor during the interview at his office on Park street. Dr. McCarthy, before starting his private practice in Peabody in 1939, played with Salem, Reading, and Malden Twi in the Greater Boston Twilight League.

Dr. McCarthy’s baseball background helped him considerably when he was selected by Dr. Tommy Richards, famed surgeon and Red Sox physician, as the Red Sox physician in the spring of 1940. He had served his internship at St. John’s Hospital, Lowell, and Boston City Hospital. With the exception of two years, 1954-55, Dr. McCarthy has held the post as Red Sox physician ever since appointment. In addition, he has served as football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and track physician ay Peabody since 1943. He relinquished his football duties with P.H.S. footballers in 1955. From his experience with P.H.S. football, he rates the championship 1944 team as the best team he ever saw, even better than some of those in the 1920’s and 1930’s. “I’ve seen just about every team since my school days,” said Dr. McCarthy, “and that 1944 eleven must rank first with me. It was a great group of boys that played football hard, had desire.” When it was pointed out to Dr. McCarthy that the 1944 team was from “the old school,” he readily agreed.

In his position at Fenway Park, Dr. McCarthy is in attendance at every Red Sox home game. “Knock on wood,” he commented. “I can’t say that there have been many injuries over the years - nothing serious. (Dr. McCarthy was not Red Sox physician in 1955 when the tragic death of Harry Agganis occurred.) “Major league ballplayers are very easy to treat,” said Dr. McCarthy. “They present no difficulties, they follow directions very carefully - they're big leaguers all the way I guess you might say.” The doctor is responsible for both the Red Sox and visiting teams, as well as fans who become ill during a game. His busiest days are doubleheaders when there are large crowds in the park. He then has all manner of patients in the emergency room under the first base stands - cuts, bruises, heart attacks and other more serious ailments than ball players generally suffer. The doctor has met a host of great men in association with his job at Fenway Park and one of the foremost is Joe Cronin, American League president, whom he knew when Cronin was with the Washington Senators and Dr. McCarthy was at Georgetown University. Among the most durable players he has encountered was Ted Williams, who played a final month of a later season with bronchitis.

Dr. McCarthy, now 54, has enjoyed every minute as Red Sox physician. It is very evident when talking with him. him.

Dr. Ralph McCarthy with Ted Williams in 1950. Williams was injured in the All Star game at Comiskey Park while making a catch off Ralph Kiner.

Noted Peabody Doctor, Red Sox Physician, Dies

Salem News, February 7, 1963

(Peabody) Dr. Ralph McCarthy, 55 area medical examiner, Peabody board of health chairman and team physician for the Boston Red Sox, suffered a fatal heart attack at his home, 38 Andover street, early this morning.

Associate Medical Examiner Dr. Ralph E. Foss pronounced him dead.

A physician for 27 years, Dr. McCarthy was widely known and respected in medical circles.

He embarked on a medical career after being one of the most promising baseball and football players in high school and collegiate ranks.

He was married to the former Vera Jones of Alabama.  They have five children.

Dr. McCarthy graduated from Peabody High school in 1925 and proceeded to gain degrees at Georgetown University and Georgetown Medical school.  While at medical school, he coached the Georgetown baseball team.

Upon graduating he interned at Boston City hospital and Lowell General hospital, prior to opening practice in Peabody.

Team Physician 20 Years

For the past 18 years he also served as physician for the Eastman corporation of this city.

He was team physician of the Red Sox team for more than 20 years, and was a long-time holder of the positions of medical examiner in the Eighth Essex district and health board chairman of this city.

He was son of the late John and Mary (O’Connell) McCarthy.

Surviving besides his wife are three sons, Naval Lt. Paul McCarthy, 24, stationed in Monterey, Calif.; Army Lt. Philip McCarthy, 23, stationed in Bogart, Germany, Edward McCarthy, 17, a senior at St. John’s Preparatory school, Danvers; two daughters, Janet McCarthy, 20, a junior at Anna Maria college, Worcester, and Christine McCarthy, 12, seventh grade student at St. Chretienne academy, Salem; one grandchild, a brother, Arthur McCarthy, principal of the Center elementary school in this city; nieces and nephews.

Sons May Come Home

Arrangements have been initiated through the American Red Cross to have Paul and Philip return home.

Dr. McCarthy was a member of Peabody lodge of Elks and various medical associations.

The funeral will be held on Monday with arrangements to be announced by the Francis L. Conway and Sons funeral home.

Peter J. O’Connell, Veteran of WWI, Retired from GE

Daily Evening Item, August 2, 1988

Peter J. O’Connell, 89, 12 Abbott St., died today in Whidden Memorial Hospital, Everett, after a brief illness.  He was the husband of the late Marion J. (Shanahan) O’Connell and was one of the few surviving Lynn “doughboys” of World War I.

Mr. O’Connell, who served as marshal in the city’s annual Memorial Day parade in 1986, was the last of four O’Connell brothers who served in the Army in World War I.  He fought in France with the Army’s 3rd Division as an ammunition-passer and cook.  He was a private in the 5th Balloon Co. Air Service, Battery F; and a cook in the 10th Field Artillery.

Battles he participated in include Saint Michel in September 1918, the first true American offensive of the war; and Chateau-Thierry, Champagne-Marne and Meuse-Argonne.  At Gray’s Farm along the Marne River, he was hit in the face by shrapnel on July 15, 1918, and was briefly hospitalized.  He was later blinded for 10 days from tear gas in another battle and was awarded the Purple Heart medal after the war’s end.

He was one of scores of men carrying the final battle messages to field officers the day Germany signed the Armistice, Nov. 11, 1918.  One message, he recalled in an interview in 1986, stated: “Give them everything you’ve got … discourage them.”  The second message was the cease-fire order.

He was a lifelong resident of Lynn, son of the late Peter and Ellen (Cronin) O’Connell.

He was employed at General Electric Co. as a crane operator for 24 years at the River Works and in Everett, retiring in 1964.

He was a past commander of Barracks 323, World War I Veterans, a communicant of Sacred Heart Church and a past president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Mr. O’Connell leaves a daughter, Mrs. Phyllis Gauthier of Lynn; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.  His late brothers include Frank O’Connell.

The funeral will be held Thursday at 8 a.m. from the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., followed by a mass at 9 at Sacred Heart Church.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.