Daniel O'Neill (editor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel O'Neill
|
|
|---|---|
Memorial to Daniel O'Neill at his gravesite in the Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh.
|
|
| Born | 1 January 1830 Cloughbawn, County Wexford, Ireland
|
| Died | 30 January 1877 |
| Known for | Editor and owner of the Pittsburgh Dispatch newspaper |
Daniel O'Neill was an important newspaper editor and owner. He moved from Ireland to the United States in 1851. He settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There, he became the editor and owner of the Pittsburgh Dispatch newspaper. He worked on the paper with his brother, Eugene M. O'Neill. Daniel also served on the Pittsburgh City Council many times.
Contents
Early Life in Ireland
Daniel O'Neill was born in County Wexford, Ireland. His birthday was January 1, 1830. His full name was Daniel O'Connell O'Neill. His father, Hugh O'Neill, was a school principal. Daniel was the oldest of twelve children.
He became interested in journalism when he was young. He even wrote articles for a local newspaper. This newspaper was called the Wexford Independent.
Starting a Newspaper Career
In 1851, Daniel O'Neill moved to the United States. He settled in Pittsburgh. His first job was as a reporter for the Pittsburgh Dispatch newspaper. At that time, Colonel J. Heron Foster owned the paper.
After five years, O'Neill left the Dispatch. He became a local editor for a rival newspaper, the Chronicle. When the American Civil War began, he became a war correspondent. This meant he reported on the war from the front lines.
Owning the Pittsburgh Dispatch
After the war, O'Neill returned to Pittsburgh. He bought a share of the Dispatch newspaper. Over time, he and his brother Eugene M. O'Neill took full control. Daniel became both the business manager and the editor.
People at the time said he was very energetic. They noted how he helped the Dispatch become very successful. He turned a small newspaper into a powerful one. His name became well-known in Pittsburgh. His newspaper was welcomed into many homes.
Daniel O'Neill was a strong writer. He was quick and direct. If he disagreed with something in the city, he made sure the public knew it. He was a very influential voice in Pittsburgh.
Besides his newspaper work, O'Neill also served on the Pittsburgh City Council. He was also a member of the Electoral College of Pennsylvania. The Electoral College is a group of people chosen to elect the president and vice president of the United States.
Daniel O'Neill's Family
Daniel O'Neill was first married to Mary O'Neill in 1853. They did not have any children. Later, he married Emma Seely (1851–1910).
Daniel and Emma had three children together. Their children were Florence O'Neill, Emily Martha O'Neill, and Daniel O'Neill. Florence later became a writer and composer. He also helped his father manage the Dispatch newspaper.
After Daniel's death, his wife Emma married his brother, Eugene M. O'Neill.
Death and Burial
About a year before he passed away, Daniel O'Neill finished building his family home. It was called Linden House. It was located in Pittsburgh.
Daniel O'Neill died on January 30, 1877. He is buried at the Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh.
Memorial
At O'Neill's gravesite, there is a special memorial statue. It shows him sitting at an editor's desk. This statue honors his long and important career as a newspaperman in Pittsburgh.
