Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Greene and Carroll Counties, Iowa. Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1887.

John O'Connor, section 27, Washington Township, is a native of County Clare, Ireland, born about the year 1816. He grew to manhood in his native country, and was there married to Miss Margaret Eyras, a daughter of Lawrence Eyras. Ten children were born to them, six of whom are still living-Mary, Annie, Michael, John, Margaret and Eliza. In the Spring of 1864, Mr. O'Connor immigrated with his family to America, settling in Limestone, New York, where he worked in a tannery thirteen months and for several years worked at various occupations. In 1867 he came to Iowa, locating first at LeClaire, where he spent three months. The same year he went to Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked as a farm laborer for one year. He was then employed on the Des Moines & Fort Dodge Railroad for two years, and during this time lived at Fort Dodge one year and one year at Des Moines. In 1870 he came to Greene County, Iowa when he located on the farm where he has since made his home. He was one of the first settlers in his part of the township, there being but one house between his and Grand Junction. His land was almost entirely unimproved, and his nearest trading post was Perry, ten and a half miles distant. He began life in limited circumstances but by hard work, strict economy and good management, he has met with success in his farming and stock-raising, and is now the owner of 200 acres of choice land, the entire surroundings of his place proving him to be a thorough practical farmer.