2008 Family Reunion Page

HOME ~ REUNION HISTORY ~ FAMILIES ~ PICTURES ~ MEMORIAM ~ NEWSLETTER ~ CONTACT US

The FAMILY REUNION

History of

Martin O'Hara

Martin O'Hara was born on November 1, 1887 in a small town named Fiddaun near Keenagh in Co. Mayo, Ireland.

In 1897 he went to Keenagh National School and attended Townacran Catholic Church. The new Keenagh Catholic Church was built in 1916.

On April 13, 1912 said the family had planned to take the 'Titanic' to the U.S.A. but they cancelled due to sick family members.

In April 1913 Martin O'Hara immigrated to New York from Ireland, where in 1915 during WWI joined
the 27th Division American Expeditionary Forces in France. Known as Private Martin O'Hara ( 2,671,847 ) in Company E, 106th, Infantry.

On August 28th 1918 he evacuated his wounded Sergeant under heavy fire at Vierstraat Ridge near Kemmel Hill, Belgium.
On December 2, 1918 he received the Gallant Conduct in the Field awarded by Major General John F. O'Ryan.

On March 27, 1919 he received Special Order #86 Headquarters 27th Division Camp Upton NY from James P. Cooke containing
Commendation for Meritorious Service. Addressed to Private Martin O'Hara 306 E. 93rd. Street New York City

On March 31, 1919 he got his Certificate of Naturalization #1201183 Petition
Volume 41 Number 10233 issued at Camp Upton, New York by James F. Richardson Clerk of the Supreme Court.

On April 2, 1919 he was Honorable Discharge from The United States Army
and Paid in full $79.49 to Martin O'Hara 2,671,847 Mechanic Co E. 106th Infantry signed by Colonel Franklin W. Ward.

He met the woman of his dreams Ellen Bryce in New York and they were marries on April 9, 1922.

Once married he and his new bride decided to move and in 1923 moved from 306 E. 93rd Street in New York City to
California and shared a duplex with his Sister Annie, on 22nd & Adeline, in Oakland CA.

Once he arrived he soon found work for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG & E) and
on May 22, 1923 Helper (basic) Apprentice Fitter (temp) for PG&E.

One year later he and Ellen on May 21,1924 entered into a Contract of Sale and Deposit with a Receipt of $600.00
to purchase a home on the East side of Peralta Ave. known as 2622 Peralta Ave. Oakland for $3200.00
$35.00 a month at a rate of 7% interest.

He and Ellen had 4 Children, Mary, Martin, Theresa and Kathleen.

After 24 years on May 27, 1947 he recieved a promotion with Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to Fitter and a salary
raise from $47.70 to $52.15 per week. In 1952 he retired from Pacific Gas & Electric after 29 Years of service.

Martin was a loving husband and devout father to his children, and was also there with his son Martin J. and Marcy
in his Oakland home and enjoyed the time and fun with his Grandchildren.

Martin Died on January 24, 1997 and made it to a wonderful old age of 99 years.

He has been surely missed by us all and will always be remembered.