Our O’Bryan History begins were Nicholas (O’Bryne) born around 1822 in Ireland, married Rose Dowling who was born around 1827.  They had a son Patrick Joseph O’Bryan born Jul 1847, Dublin, Ireland.  Patrick first came to America in 1872 with his family, they first known residents was in Pittsburgh, on the 14^th ward. They lived on Charlotte St. besides Patrick, his wife Margaret (O’Neil) there son James Hugh, Joseph and Nicholas were all there, Daniel and Patrick had not been born yet. According to the 1880 Census the name was spelled Bryne. 

Through out the history of this O’Bryan clan, there have been early childhood deaths, disease, work accidents and many things. On the other hand there has also been the war hero’s and Veterans along with musicians. One of the earliest and saddest deaths would be Nicholas, Son of Patrick Joseph, who died from injuries received on a playground, he was 15. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery, in Pittsburgh, PA on Sept. 25, 1893. 

Daniel Christopher O’Bryan born Aug 18, 1893, he had work related accident which affected his hips and spine, as a result he had to have a operation on his spine; the questions still remains on how he actually received the injury, but in the end he had to choose to either stand or lay down all the time, he choose to stand. Due to his spinal injury, Daniel lived at St. Barnabas Free home, in Pittsburgh for 21 years; he did continue to work however. At the time of his death the official cause is noted as “Angina Pectoral, Daniel was injured on the job as young man, a debilitating spine injury, his surgery left him only able to stand, not sit, attributed cause of death”. He also is buried at Calvary Cemetery; he died Jan 27, 1942.

Margaret O’Bryan, daughter Joseph Patrick was raised the majority of her life in the Vincentian Home in Pittsburgh. When she was about 13, her father felt he could no longer care for his daughters so he took them to the Vincentian Home. She died in 2004. She also is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Pittsburgh, PA.

Joseph Patrick O’Bryan lived in Greenfield, a part of Pittsburgh with his wife and children and attended St. Rosiala Catholic. After his wife died, Margaret and probably sister? Catherine was placed in the Divine Providence School in East Liberty, Pittsburgh. His daughter Margaret went as far as the 8^th grade and due to health went to the Vincentian Home in Feb 29, 1932. Joseph Patrick died at the little Sisters of the Poor Home in Pittsburgh, PA. His children lived for a while with maternal Aunt Mary Jackson and her husband Bill Jackson in Oakland, in Pittsburgh. Before he went to the little sisters home, his nickname was “shine” because he always made sure his shoes were shined. He also is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Pittsburgh. 

Charles Celestine O’Bryan (Jan. 6, 1886 – De. 18, 1918), at the time of his death Charles and his family lied on River Ave. in Haysville, PA next to Sewickley. He was employed at Riter Conley as a boiler maker. He went to Chicago to look for work and on the way home was killed falling off the train in Solon Ohio, the Erie RR Tracks, in Cuyahoga Co. His mother was living in Wall, PA at the time and she wrote a letter to the insurance company on behalf of Ann (Connolly) his widow. He had been a fiddler and violinist and also a car mechanic. His daughter Catherine was only 4 years old at the time. He is buried at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Sewickley, PA

One of the mysteries of this O’Bryan family would be the Murder of James Hugh O’Bryan (Oct. 1874 – 1928). It‘s said that he was murdered during a robbery and his body was found on the train tracks. 

James Lynn O’Bryan, son of James Patrick O’Bryan (Feb 24, 1914- July 28, 1969) Served time in the Vietnam war between the years of 1967-1969, for 30 or more years he has been playing guitar. Presently he lives in Cranberry, PA. 

Mary Louis Neff, daughter of Catherine O’Bryan and Edward Neff, was trained in classical (opera) singer, Nominated for an Emmy Award for best Historical Research on an Historical Documentary, worked on in Tulsa. It was on the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 and was on HBO. It was nominated for Best Historical Documentary. She is also a member of the SAG (screen actors guild), and has done some plays here and there and a little film. She lives in Tulsa, OK.

With this brief history of this O’Bryan Family; I am sure that there are more historical moments and stories out there and this will periodically will change as long as I keep this up or pass this on to someone else. With the stories and histories yet to come, this History of  Nicholas O’Bryan (O’Bryne) his descendents will grow as the family grows. Until then enjoy and feel free to participate with this O’Bryan Family Project or submit stories, pictures ect. So we can make this History a lesson for the future O’Bryan’s to come.