Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-02-16
coUyclInAs o,vElLh DEAD.
Expired ut His Residence EARLY on Tues
day After u Short Illness.

u
City Councilman George O'Neill,
Council" on account of his age and
i. 10 O'Clock Tuesday morning, after an
illness of four days, at his residence,
No. 401 Tatnall street. Since the open
ing of winter he had several attacks of
the grip, which weakened his consti-
tuition, and about week ago he con
traoted cold, which, with his old
age, is accountable for his death. He
was not confined to his bed, however,
and sat up until within q few hours of
the time Of life ebbed out. His chill
dren were at his bedside and he died
in the arms of his son, Daniel. A
priest from St Peters Pro- Cathedral
was also at the house and administered
the last rites of the Catholic Church.
Deceased was one of the best-known
men in the city. He was born in
Londonderry, Ireland, on March 18th,
1918. In early life he followed the
water in the vicinity OF the scenes of
his boyhood days and for several years
had charge of the boat which supplied
fresh water to the ships running in
and out of Londonderry. While in
Ireland he married Miss Margaret
Sweeney, who came with him to this
country. She died about six years ago.
He came to America in 1851 and
located in Philadelphia, where, for q
short time he was employed as ship
ping clerk for Tatem & Bro, sheet
lead manufacturers. He contracted
lead collie and was compelled to sever
his connection with the firm. He came
to Wilmington in March, 1854, and
from that time until 1861 was employed
by Charles Warner Co., and was in
charge Of the wharf force.
He was appointed Justice of the
peace and notary public in 1866 by
Gov. Salisbury and was twice re-
appointed, holding the Office for 81
years. Pursuant to an act passed in
1891, after the expiration Of Mr..
O'Neill's third term as justice of the
peace and notary public, he was ap-
pointed notary public, which appoint
ment expired last year.
In 1888 he was elected member of
Council from the First ward, succeed
ing Daniel Ross, Republican, and de-
feating Moses We'll, Republican, by a
vote of 1871 to 205. He was reelected
at each subsequent election and the
term he was serving at the time of his
death would have expired on June
Both, 1890. He served faithfully and
with marked ability, his advice being
sought by Republican as well as Demo-
cratic members.
In 1873 he was candidate for the
Democratic nomination for Mayor, but
was defeated by William G. Whitley.
He was o Democrat and was one of the
leaders in party affairs in this city.
Notwithstanding his advanced age,
he frequently made trips to Dover
| while tho Legislature was in session,
to look after matters affecting the city.
| He was in Dover last week and day
or two ago was lamenting about the
bad weather, as he desired to visit tho
| capital this week in order to inform
the members Of the Legislature uf his
opposition to certain measures which
are pending.
He was consistent member of st.
Peters Pro- Cathedral ever since he
came to Wilmington and attended SER
vices whenever it was possible to do
SO. He was member of st. Mary s
Beneficial Society, which recently dis
banded. He always took an active
part in Irish affairs in this country
and at the time of the Fenian move
ment was at it's head in this State.
At the breaking out of the Civil War
he was interested in the organization
of an Irish military company, which
merged with the Montgomery Guards,
which afterward became Co. Ii, Twenty
fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under
command of Capt. Thomas A. Smyth.
Two sons, Daniel and James, and one
daughter, Miss Jane O'Neill, survive
him. All live in this city and the
daughter kept house for her father.
SUCCESSOR TO COUNCILMAN o'NEILL.
Council has authority to fill vacancies
caused by tho death of members, such
appointments being for the unexpired
terms. The death Of Mr.. O'Neill leaves
the Council composed of six Democrats
and six Republicans, but it is believed
that the Republicans will offer no OBJ
lection to the selection of Democrat
to succeed Mr.. O'Neill. The term will
be only until July LIST, as the election
will take place in June. II Democrat
is chosen, it is said there is posi-
bility of Herman e. First or Joseph
Bickta being selected.
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