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Four Brothers in the Service of Uncle Sam Four O’Connell Brothers of West Lynn Now Serving in United States Military Forces Lynn Daily Item, April 30, 1918 Four brothers of the family of Peter O’Connell, 34 Murray street, West Lynn, are in the military forces of the United States. Two of the young men are awaiting orders to go “over there.” They are all widely known in this city, and were prominent in several Lynn socialites. They are: Timothy P., aged 24; Daniel J., aged 22; Peter J., aged 19; and Frank D. aged 17. Private Timothy O’Connell is with Battery A, 301st Field Artillery, at Camp Devens. He was formerly employed in the General Electric Company and was active with the Mohawk Associates. He played baseball with the Acme A. A. and other teams in the western section of the city. He is now captain of one of the baseball teams at Camp Devens. He left Lynn last October. 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. 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. 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. |
