CHAPTER THREE: JOHN O’DONNELL - THE MYSTERY MAN!

Based on the information found in his NYC death certificate (information presumably supplied by his widow Annie Elizabeth (nee Murphy), we can say the following:
John, son of Enoc and Mary O’Donnell died in New York City (at his home 346 Sixth Avenue, Brooklyn) on April 2, l899 having lived 47 (49?) years, 9 months and 29 days. He is listed as married, having lived 28 years in USA, and his occupation is listed as Real Estate business. He was initially buried in Calvary Cemetery in Queens on April 5, 1899 in Section 3 Avenue 15 Plot K grave 8. This plot had been purchased by John O’Donnell April 17, 1874 apparently for the burial of Patrick O’Donnell who died 4/13/74. The only other interment in the plot was of an infant son of John & Annie O’Donnell, Francis Xavier.
On Feb 1, 1901 the remains of John & Francis X. were transferred to a Section 30 range 15 plot B grave 11 Calvary Cemetery. This new plot was purchased 2/5/01 by his widow Annie E. O’Donnell. Thus Patrick remains the only recorded occupant of the original grave.

From the death certificate (inquest) and printed obituary of Patrick O’Donnell we learn that he died of blood poisoning (resulting from an accident in which he suffered a compound fracture of his right arm) in Bellevue Hospital New York City on April 13, 1874. Patrick was 5 years in USA, 3 years in New York at time of death, worked as the driver of a grocery wagon. He resided at the Devitt residence 324 East 38th Street prior to the accident. Patrick was 20 years, 6 months of age at time of death and buried in the grave purchased by John O’Donnell April 17, 1874. Paid obits appeared in the World (4-16-74 page 5) and Irish American 5/2/74) and in NY Herald 4/15/74 page 4). These tell us that the funeral was from the residence of his uncle Gilbert Devitt 224 East 38th Street 4-17-74 at 3 PM. The Irish American obit says “Patrick O’Donnell, a native of Stragar, Parish of Killybegs, Co. Donegal, Ireland.” Check out photo of Killybegs: http://picasaweb.google.com/padrepedro75/AnnieODonnellFamilyFotos#

Preliminary conclusions: Since John O’Donnell purchased the grave for Patrick, presumably they were closely related (John’s younger brother?) Probably John O’D supplied the data found in both death certificate and the obits. Is it possible that Gilbert Devitt, (Patrick's uncle) is married to an O’Donnell or that Patrick’s mother (nee Devitt?) is a sister of Gilbert? Curiously the Devitt family address is listed at 224 East 38th Street, 34 Essex Street, 324 East 38th Street in the DC & various obits!)
If John O’Donnell is Patrick’s brother, then presumably his place of origin is Killybegs. If John is a close relative, then presumably John is also from Killybegs.
If the information on the death certificate is correct, then John O’Donnell was born in 1849 or 1851, having arrived in USA in 1871 at age of about 20 years.

Family information indicates that he marries Annie E. Murphy Nov. 26, 1890 when he would have been about 40 years of age. (No record of the marriage has yet been located)
The marriage produced 4 children: Mary Olivia (1893), Joseph Aloysius (1894); Thomas Edward (1898); Francis Xavier (1899 died as infant). For photos of Mary O'Donnell click link: http://picasaweb.google.com/padrepedro75/MaryODonnell#
John drew up a will on March 1, 1899 witnessed by several of his business partners, leaving everything to his wife. Apparently he left 4 small mortgaged buildings which are: 346 Sixth Avenue (4 story brick & stone apartment house; single apartments mortgaged for $5,500 @ 5% first mortgage;)
348 Sixth Avenue ( ? story brick & stone apartment house, single apartments mortgaged for $5,500 @ 5 ½ % first mortgage)
329 Fifth Avenue (stone & 2 floors above brown stone; mortgaged for $3,000.00 at 5% first mortgage)
471Sixth Avenue (three story brick, stone & 2 floors; mortgaged for $3,500.00 at 5% first mortgage)
two lots in the village of Queens, no incumbrances.

Income derived from property $3,156.00 per year. Expenses for maintenance, mortgages, taxes, repairs, insurance, janitor, etc $2,364, thus providing minimal support for his survivors. His obit (NY Herald) ran for 3 days listing funeral Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church Brooklyn, same church where his children were baptized.

1898-99 was a difficult year for O’Donnell household! Sept 15, 1898 Thomas Edw. is born; Jan. 25, 1899 Francis X. is born (miscarriage?); March 1, 1899 Last Will of John O’D is witnessed; April 2, 1899 John O’D dies! Check link for photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/padrepedro75/AnnieODonnellFamilyFotos#

Mysteries: We have no information about any other O”Donnell members related to John. No serious information has yet surfaced from Ireland or New York sources. How did John come to USA? On what boat? What port and year? Did he first go to Britain as many Irish did? Did he come through Canada as many Irish did? What previous schooling enabled him to enter Real Estate world? How did he acquire capital to “own” several buildings, etc? Where and under what circumstances did he meet Annie Murphy (almost 20 years younger than John?) What was John doing for almost 40 years prior to his marriage? We possess a family photo taken on the front porch of a rented summer house in Pt. Washington, NY in 1923. It shows Tom O’Donnell with his intended bride, Dot Clark. Also seated with them are Tom’s sister,Mary and Agnes O’Donnell. Who is she and could research on her lead us to another O’Donnell branch in USA? Further work needs to be done!