Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1900-11-07
IhA). OCONNOR D[AD
An Old lime Figure In state and
National iolitics Dies in Sol.
diers' Home Hospital
Maj Henry O'Conror. ex.AttorDey
General Of Iowa and Solicitor Of
state Department.
Known IS One Of the Most brilliant
stump orators in His Day-Ais
Long Eventtul Career.

One OF the bright lights IN the galaxy
of prominent Iowa figures in years past
passed from this world this morning in
the person of Maj. Henry O'Connor, of
the Soldiers Home, ex-attorney general
of Iowa and prominent figure in re-
publican politics following the days Of
the civil war.
Maj. O'C0nnor's health has been fail
II ing for several years past and only q
rugged constitution permitted his sur
vival this long. His age began to tell
upon him more particularly a few years
ago, while residing in Sioux City. and on
account Of his intirnities he was per-
suaded by frineds to come TO the Home
where he could receive treatment. For a
thine he was in very good health, but he
has gradually failed during the past
year and for the past few months his
| end has been expected almost at any
time.
Henry O'Connor was born in Dublin,
Ireland, in 1920, and came to America
when 20 years of age. Landing in New
York he sought employment as tailor.
Being of a studious mind. and anxious
=
lstudied law in his leisure hours. and in
lS49 was admitted to the bar. This
was in May, 1919, but in New York the
chances for 50 young a man in his pro-
fes'sion We're very small for success. Ac-
!cordingly, in the fall of that year he em-
|igrated to what Was then the far west
and located near Aluscatine. His sue
cess in Iowa was quite marvellous and
his advancement rapid. He entered poll
itics and HE brilliancy in vii and logic
brought for him fame. In 1852 he was
made a Scott electcr and in 1876, when
John c. Fremont was placed by the re-
publican party az its first candidate for
the presidency, Mr.. O'Connor was an
elector. In 1855 he Was elected district
attorney of the Second district, which
position he held until the breaking out
| of the war.
When the call came for volunteers and
President Lincoln's summons was first
heard in April, 1861. Henry O'Connor
enlisted asa private in Company A,
First Iowa infantry He remained with
the regiment unit! 1t was mustered out,
when he was appointed major of the
Thirty-fifth Iowa. in which he served
until the close Of the war.
In 1876 he was elected by the republi-
can party to the position of attorney
general. serving until 1872, when he was
appointed solicitor Of the state depart
ment at Washington, ID. C. Old wheel
horses of the party who were in politics
then remember Henry O'Connor az one
Of the most eloquent stump orators in
the party, and in the days of campaign
ling he was In great demand
Maj. O'Connor has made his home in
Marshalltown since Nov. IA. 1898. when
he came to the Soldiers Home. He has
been in the hospital during the greater
part of his membership. II was called
upon shortly after he came TO the Home
10 mourn the death of his life's help
meet. who died in Sioux City and was
buried in Muscatine. Two sons survive
the deceased. the elder, Charles, being a
captain in the Eighth United States
Cavalry. now stationed at FIT Riley
kas. The younger son. Arthur O'Con-
nor is an attorney practicing at the ia.
tional capital Each has been sum
moned and will probably be at the fu-
neral, which will be conducted at Nus.
1catine. The remains will leave Mar.
shalltown for Muscatine Thursda,
morning and the funeral will be held
Friday afternoon.