Kennedy O' Brien, one of the oldest hide and leather merchants of La Salle, was born in County Cork, Ireland, Nov. 27, 1810. At the age of fourteen years he began to learn the trade of a tanner, at which he worked ten years, thus gaining a practical knowledge of one of the departments of his present business. He continued in business in his native country until 1849, when he immigrated to America, landing at New York with his family, with but $90 in his pocket. After acquainting himself with the business and the use of tools, which were very different from those used in Ireland, he left New York for Detroit, where he worked at his trade for three months for $4 per month. He then went to Ann Arbor, Mich., and worked at his trade by the piece in the finishing department for three years. He then came to LaSalle in 1853, and established his present business, beginning on a small scale. His business is the only one of that kind in LaSalle. He has been very successful, owing to his persevering industry and strict attention to his work. Mr. O'Brien has been twice married. His first wife, whom he married in Ireland, and all her children are deceased. He was then married in LaSalle to Mary A. Quien [Quinn], a native of Troy, N. Y. They have one daughter--Mary A. Mr. O'Brien has served as city Alderman and Treasurer of LaSalle for two years. He has been a Director of the LaSalle National Bank since its organization [1880], soon after which he was elected its Vice-President [1883], which office he still holds.
Transcribed and contributed 05 Feb 2021 by Steph McGrath, from History of La Salle County, Illinois, Volume 1, published in 1886, pages 752 (bank dates), 789-90 (bio).
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