James Joseph O'Donnell

James Joseph O'Donnell, son of Michael and Mary Dineen O'Donnell. He was born July 17, 1881 in Brooklyn, NY. He married Mary Harrigan, daughter of John F. and Kate Harrigan. They had four sons, Edwin, Lester (my grandfather), James and LeRoy. After Mary died he married Charlotte Kerner Creen and had three more children, Charlotte, Albert and John "Jack". "James was a very handsome man who enjoyed life. He was very stocky, had dark hair and blue eyes. He also enjoyed liquor "and had a temper to rival any Irishman" (Charlotte O'Donnell Vasalo). He was a member of the Elks Club, very active in politics, belong to several Irish-American societies. He is buried in Holy Cross Cemetary in Brooklyn, New York. Both parents were born in Ireland, County Donegal and came to American in 1863 during the famine. He had one living sister Alice Fay or May who married Eli A. Killem. The 1930 census says he was an Engineer, Plumber. In the 1910 census they were living next door to the John F. Harrigan Family. Married 6 years with 3 children. Lester married Mary Harrigan (my grandparents). The others in the pictures were thought to be his sons. I do not recognize one as my grandfather Lester.

People in photo include: James Joseph O'Donnell