Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-02-13
ALMOST TRAGIC.
The Sudden Death of Dillon O'Brien, Esq,
While Calling Upon Bishop Ireland---
Stricken in a Moment and Dead Without

by all men who adore the qualities OF pniiah-
thropy, truth, patriotism and good citizen
ship. 1t is fact that the fragrance OF such
life is rich heritage to the community, that
may derive instruction from its example and
wisdom and virtue from its deeds.
Such life passed suddenly and fearlessly
away in this city yesterday morning, under
peculiarly sacred circumstances. By those
who knew Dillon O'Brien, Esq, the subject
of this sketch. and whose unexpected death
is herewith recorded, it will be conceded that
he possessed to an eminent extent the vir-
tuous gifts of qualities enjoined and described
by the psalmist.
That he was prepared for the final transia-
ton must be source of infinite consolation
to his family and friends, as the suddenness
of his taking off wildly illustrates the M
certainty of life and the possibility OF impend-
ing death at times and on occasions the most
unexpected and startling.
The deceased left his home in the south
western part of the city about 9o'clock yes
terday morning, in good health and splendid
spirits. He proceeded down town, and pre-
paratory to attending the 10 O'Clock service at
the cathedral, he called at the bishops resi-
dence on Sixth street with the intention Of
having short chat with Bishop Ireland.
He was welcomed into the bishops house
and upon the approach Of Bishop Ireland
conversation was commenced with reference
to the proposed celebration Of one OF the his
torical events of Ireland. This was about 9:45
o'clock, and as they sat conversng in one of
H. Richo Irc1o md OH
that Mr.. O'Brien had suddenly become i'll.
This seemed strange as a moment before he
was jocund with health and seemed in high
spirits. Bishop Ireland had scarcely time to
enquire what was the matter when MIR.
O'Brien was seized with spasm and appear
ing to suddenly weaken he leaned back in his
chair. The Bishop placed his hand on Mr..
o. Brien's pulse and was astonished
to find that it was quite cold.
Smith was sent for. Mr.. O'Brien, however,
was beyond the limit of human ais: or assis
lance, for without uttering a word and much
sooner than it takes to write these lines, he
was dead DR.. Smith came but the genial,
loving spirit had Joined the angelic hosts of
souls set free.
Hardly five minutes had taken place, and
yet the transfer from condition OF apparent
perfect health to death had been COM
plete.
Upon observing that the great shadow had
descended, and while he still respired, Bishop
Ireland administered to the departing spirit
the extreme JUNCTION or sacrament of the
church.
DR.. Smith, who had arrived just after Death,
that it had resulted from disease
of the heart.
The sad duty then devolved upon the clergy
to convey the news to the widow, who, with
her sons, was on the way to church. Upon
their arrival the intelligence was softly
broken, and over the sacred grief that followed
a veil should be drawn.
Messrs. Mccarthy & Donnelly were sent
for, and after placing the remains in casket
they were borne to the residence of the de-
ceased near the junction Of Pleasant avenue
and Dale street. Mr.. Chris. O'Brien and
other married children of the deceased, who
reside In different parts of the city, were called,
and during yesterday the house was visited by
many friends.
DnIon O'Brien, Esq, whose CHEEKY, genial
face and name were as familiar in the city and
state as household words, would have been 81
years of age had he lived until next June. He
was born in the county of Roscommon, Ire
land, In which county and the county
of Galway he owned extensive estates.
Having inherited large property he resided as
q gentleman in the old country until 1856,
when the spirit of enterprise and energy urged
him to remove to America. Arriving in the
United States in that gear he removed with
his family to the city Of Pontiac, Michigan
After short residence in that city he removed
to Bayfield,, Wis, where he was engaged in
experimenting the government school, In
1868 he removed to Minneapolis, and after a
brief residence in that city he came to st.
Paul, taking up his home in this city in 1865.
In this city he found vast field for the dis
play of his many commanding qualities Of
head and heart. Devoted to his mother
country and lover of liberty, his fine mind
was ever active in the work of alleviating the
sufferings of her sons. With brilliant mental
qualities, warm heart and dislnterested mo-
tives, he took up what proved the dearest pas
sion of his life and what has became the best
monument to his work, the scheme of colo
nization. In this work, which to him was a
sacred mission, he had the hearty support and
encouragement OF Bishop Ireland and the
clergy. Allied to this, and apparent in his
life, was the cause of temperance which he
advocated with a zeal rarely witnessed.
In 1865 he organized an emigrant society
which did good work and later he was promi-
nently identified with the Colonization Bureau
under Bishop Ireland. The record of his
achievements in the work of temperance and
emigration is too familiar to require extended
mention.
But IL was 0OL alone III lueSe QlTeCIlOQS Gnat
his genius was directed. AS brilliant speaker
possessing fund of original humor and in
formation reached by few, his services were
always in demand as lecturer, and his mag
netic qualities as speaker will be attested by
the verdict of thousands.
He was also polished writer, and his facile
pen has given to the world several books of
which he was the author. Beyond this his
earnest convictions of the true and right and
his kindly heart made him beloved wherever
he was known.
he was a member pf the Knights of st.
Paul and president of the Catholic Total Alb
stinence society of Minnesota. His death
leaves void in the ranks of true philanthro.
ply that cannot we'll be filed. He leaves a
wife, four sons, C. D., John, Thomas and
Henry O'Brien, prominently and favoIably
known in st. Paul, and who will worthily bear
the mantle of their honored sire, and three
daughters.
I The funeral will take place on Wednesday.
The following notice is issued by the Knights
of st. Paul:
Attention, Knights OF st. Panl--
A special meeting of the Knights OF ST.
Paul will be held at their hall, corner Seventh
and Jackson streets, on Tuesday evening, Feb.
IA, to make arrangements for the funeral of
our late brother, Dillon O'Brien. {.
By order of the president,
M. j. O'BRIEN, Secretary.
Ball of the Great Union Band.
The second animal holI Of @l,o n.oo.