John O'Hearn of Texas County, Missouri

John O’Hearn, Cabool. Among the many prominent and public-spirited citizens of Texas County, and among the notable ones of Cabool, stands the name of Mr. O’Hearn, who was born in the Emerald Isle, Parish of Kildorray, County Cork, June 24, 1847, and carries with him in his citizenship here full characteristics of the progressive people of his fatherland. His parents, Michael and Ellen (Sullivan) O’Hearn, were worthy people of Ireland, and came of a long line of ancestry there. They died when John was a mere lad, and he was left to the guardianship of an uncle by marriage, Michael Welch, who reared and educated him until thirteen years of age, when he went out to work. At the age of eighteen he took passage for America, paying the same by his own earnings, and sought for himself a home in the New World. He remained for several years in the State of Michigan, and during that time he not only gained a thorough knowledge of American customs and wages, but also, in his frugality, some means. After spending about seventeen years in honorable occupation in that State, he immigrated to Kansas, when, after an experience of about two years in that State, he decided to cast his fortunes in Missouri, and located, for some two years, in Rich Hill, Mo. He then moved to Texas County in 1882, just at the juncture when Cabool needed pushing and enterprising characters, invested here, and here he has made a notable mark in commercial circles, for be it said to his credit that he stands the equal of any of Texas County’s business men for keen business acumen and progressive character. Increasing his business, he has enlarged upon many of the industrial interests of this locality, and but few interests here, whether of merchandising, farming, school or church, but have been benefitted by his generous contribution and liberal patronage. He is a leader in his work, and stands high in the citizenship of his locality. He has built and improved the property largely, is the owner of some fine buildings here, and is the owner of a good farm, etc. He was happily married in Jackson, Mich., to Miss Bridget Nestor, a lady of estimable attainments, and the daughter of John and Annie (McNeil) Nestor, natives of the Emerald Isle, from County Clare. Mr. and Mrs. O’Hearn are members of the Roman Catholic Church, although both are liberal in their contributions to other church and society work. Mr. and Mrs. O’Hearn enjoy the respect and esteem of all who know them. Mr. O’Hearn has always identified himself with the political faith of Democracy, and has rendered his party important aid here on many occasions. We bespeak for him a worthy recognition on the part of the Texas County Democracy, at no distant day. He is an affable gentleman, and has drawn around him a host of friends.