Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Memorial and Genealogical record of Texas Goodspeed Bros., Chicago - 1894 [-210-] JUDGE JOHN O'NEIL, ex-Judge of Calhoun County, Texas, and one of the sound, substantial and popular men of the county, has fully borne out the reputation of that class of energetic and far-seeing men of Irish origin who have risen to prominence in different portions of this country. Mr. O'NEIL is a native of Calhoun County, Texas, and the fourth of seven children born to THOMAS and MARY (GALLAGHER) O'NEIL, natives of the green isle of Erin. The parents were married in their native country, and seeing a prospect for bettering their condition in the "land of the free," emigrated to the States in 1845, and first set- tled in the city of New York. From there they went to Philadelphia, resided there for several years, and then went to Alabama, where they resided in Montgomery and Mobile for several years. They then came to the Lone Star State and the father engaged in stock-raising, which he continued until his death in 1858. He became quite wealthy and owned large stock interests. His wife followed him to the grave in 1867. In the town of Port Lavaca our subject was reared and educated, and on the 12th of July, 1863, he enlisted in Company E, WALLER'S Battalion, GREEN'S Brigade, and was in all the battles of BANK'S campaign on Red River. After that he served in Arkansas on scout duty, but subsequent- ly returned to Texas, where his regiment was disbanded early in 1865. Following this he at once engaged in the cattle business and soon had a large herd of stock on hand. About 1876 he bought land around Port Lavaca and soon became the owner of a fine ranch there. In 1888 he erected the Seaside Hotel, a fine house. JUDGE O'NEIL has ever been alive to matters of public importance, is an active politician, and in 1887 he was elected Sheriff, serving one term. After that he was elected County Judge and served in a very satisfactory manner for two terms. He has often served as delegate to conventions and has always been an active worker for his party. In 1890 he sold his ranch busi- ness. JUDGE O'NEIL'S happy domestic life began in 1872, when he led to the altar Miss JANIE ROBINSON, a native of Louisiana, and the daughter of WILLIAM ROBINSON, who died when a comparatively young man. Eight children, all of whom are living, were born to this marriage: JAMES D., ESTELLA, ANNIE, EDGAR, JUELDINE, LOUIE, JOHN and FLORINE. Judge and Mrs. O'NEIL are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a Mason. Both are highly esteemed in the section. =========================================================================== If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access more information about Calhoun County, Texas by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/tx/calhoun/ ===========================================================================