STANDARD ATLAS
OF
SCOTT COUNTY, ILLINOIS
1903
Geo. A. Ogle & Co.Publishers & Engravers
134 Van Buren St.
Chicago
Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough
Page 131
Everyone in this section who knows anybody, knows Patrick O'Donnell. He is one of Scott county's best farmers and also one of its best citizens. He lives three miles southeast of Winchester in one of the most commodious country residences in Scott county. His home is surrounded by many outbuildings, in which are stored all the modern conveniences of a progressive farmer. At present his possessions amount to nearly one thousand acres of land contiguous to his home. It is all well improved and as good as can be found anywhere in the county. Mr. O'Donnell is a self made man. He started in life with no capital save his indomitable will and industry. That he has been eminently successful, it is only neccessary to note what he has accomplished. Few, with his advantages, have been so fortunate. Even now, as he turns his head and looks back at the distant and fast receding past, he sees few opportunities that were not taken advantage of and improved upon. However, with all his success he can exultingly point to a record for probity and fair dealing that would be an honor to any man.
Mr. O'Donnell is a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, and was born March 17, 1836. His father died when our subject was quite young, and when twelve years of age he emigrated with his widowed mother, to the United States. The family located in New Jersey and Patrick found employment on a farm at the princely salary of five dollars a month. He soon changed his occupation, however, to that of a clerk on the steamer, "Ocean Wave," plying the Shrewsbery river. Later he officiated as fireman on the same boat and in due time was promoted to the position of assistant engineer. He followed the river for three years and then for two years he engaged with his brother in truck gardening for the New York market.
In 1856 he turned his face toward the setting sun and landed in Winchester. For three years he had charge of the engine in the Harlan mill; most of the time he was also miller and overseer of the establishment. It was during his service here that he bought his first land - 120 acres - a tract which now forms a part of his homestead. The first year the farm was worked by his brother, Dennis. Then both the brothers farmed in partnership for four years, after which they had accumulated enough to do business alone. Mr. O'Donnell, since 1860, has paid a great deal of attention to fine stock, horses, cattle and hogs and has owned some noted animals. During the was he bought horses for the union army and also made large sums buying and selling cattle.
On March 31, 1862, he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Jessie and Lizzie Young, who were among the earliest pioneers of this county. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Donnell there were born eleven children, nine of whom are living, viz: John, Mrs. Lizzie B. McLaughlin, Mrs. Olive Doyle, Charles, Nannie, Nellie, Thomas, Lillie and Susie. All reside in this county except Mrs. McLaughlin, who resides at Cerro Gordo, Illinois.
In the autumn of 1888 Mr. O'Donnell made a trip to his old home in New Jersey. He found things greatly changed. The farm he first worked on after coming to America had been transformed into a beautiful park, upon which the owner spent $250,000 in beautifying the grounds alone. He saw the principal objects of interest around New York and also had a long visit with his old boat captain. It proved a very enjoyable trip.
In politics Mr. O'Donnell is a democrat, but has never sought or held any office except those of road supervisor and school director. Himself and family are members of the Catholic church.