No. 22163 Joseph P. O’Connell, 1873-1926
From American Series of Popular Biographies. Massachusetts Edition. This Volume Contains Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Boston: Graves & Steinbarger, 1891.
JOSEPH P. O’CONNELL, contractor and dealer in masons’ supplies, Dorchester, was born in Somerville, Mass., March 17, 1873, son of Dennis and Mary (Reardon) O’Connell. His parents were natives of Ireland, and were married in this country. Arriving in America at the age of about twenty-one years, Dennis O’Connell engaged in general contracting in Boston and vicinity, becoming favorably known in his line of work. He resided in Somerville. He was the father of six children. One son, D.F. O’Connell, of Boston, is a contractor; Joseph P. is the subject of this sketch; and Timothy J. is in business with him. The mother died some five years ago.
Joseph P. O’Connell was educated in the schools of Somerville and Boston. He worked under his father’s direction until 1895; and, becoming a contractor after his father’s death, he is now carrying on an extensive business in company with his brother Timothy J., making a specialty of sewer construction. Among his more notable operations is a large part of the Stony Brook conduit in Roxbury, and he has also completed contracts on the sewer systems of Malden and Everett. In July, 1898, Mr. O’Connell established himself in Dorchester as a dealer in lime, cement, brick, plaster, hair, laths, and other masons’ supplies, and is carrying on a profitable business.