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- John was born in 1833 near Newcastle, New Brunswick, Canada to Edward O'Connor of County Tipperary, Ireland and Catherine Welch.
In 1845 at the age of 12, John went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his family. The O'Connnor family lived a short time in Oshkosh, Wisconsin before settling on a farm in Brown County, Wisconsin. John attended school and helped his Father clear the land. As a young man, he became engaged in the lumbering business and worked as a sawyer. By the age of 19, he was a foreman in Oconto, Stiles County, and later became a Head Teamster.
On November 27, 1854, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, John married Anna Golden, daughter of William Golden and Mary Flatley. Ten children were born to them; Mary, Edward W., Ellen Isabelle., Anna, George e., Matilda, Henry c., Don J., Walter F., twins, and Harriet. He lived in Eau Claire, Wisconsin where his children attended school.
In 1883, John purchased a large tract of land in what is present day Eagle River. Although the land was platted in Anna O'Connor's name, he is known as The Founding Father of Eagle River, Wisconsin. He set up logging business and established churches, schools and businesses. John and Anna were described as interested in civics. John donated land and built a cabin to house the first school. His daughter Anna and later Matilda were the first teachers in the area. He also donated land for churches and helped build the first Catholic Church.
John died July 4, 1889 and is buried in Eagle River.
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