James O'Brien (piper) facts for kids

James O'Brien (1823–1885) was a famous Irish piper. A piper is someone who plays the uilleann pipes, a traditional Irish instrument. He was known for his amazing music and traveled widely, sharing his talent with many people.

Who Was James O'Brien?

James O'Brien was born in 1823 in a place called Swinford in County Mayo, Ireland. He loved music from a young age. He wasn't forced into music because of a disability, but chose it because he truly enjoyed playing.

Learning to Play

James O'Brien became friends with another well-known piper, Piper Cribben. Piper Cribben became James's teacher, helping him learn and master the uilleann pipes. James also knew Patrick Walsh (piper), another talented musician.

A New Path in England

Later in his life, James O'Brien moved to England. While working in a stone quarry, he had an accident and hurt his back. This injury made it hard for him to do heavy manual labor. Because of this, playing music became his main way to earn a living. He used his musical skills to support himself.

Traveling Musician

James O'Brien played his pipes all over the northern parts of England. He performed in many different places, like local gathering spots, outdoor picnics, and lively fairs. He especially loved playing in Yorkshire and Lancashire. Sometimes, he would travel far south, even reaching Devon.

An Interesting Story

Captain Francis O'Neill, a famous collector of Irish music, shared a story about James O'Brien. One day, while walking, James stopped at a large house to ask for a drink. An old lady with white hair answered the door. When she learned James was from Ireland, she asked if he knew a place called Ballinamuck.

James knew the place well, as it was near where he grew up. The lady then explained why she was interested. Her son, an officer in the English army, had been killed near Ballinamuck many years ago, during a time of conflict in 1798. A French soldier, too sick to march, had hidden and shot the officer. Even with her sad memories, the kind lady gave James a refreshing drink.

Journey to America

In the early 1860s, James O'Brien decided to move to the United States. He arrived in Portland, Maine. From there, he traveled to many Irish communities throughout Maine. He then moved on to Boston, Massachusetts, where he continued to play his music.

Settling in Chicago

By 1875, James O'Brien settled in Chicago. He stayed with Roger Walsh, who had also moved from Portland. It was in Chicago that James met Captain Francis O'Neill. Captain O'Neill was very impressed by James's music. He later wrote that he spent many enjoyable hours listening to "Jimmy's" wonderful tunes. Captain O'Neill helped to share many of James's songs with a wider audience.

James O'Brien passed away in 1885. After his death, his musical instruments, his pipes, were cared for by John Doyle. Later, they were passed on to Sergeant James Early. James O'Brien's legacy lives on through the music he shared and the stories told about him.