San Francisco County
Biographies
JEREMIAH
O’LEARY
The late Jeremiah O’Leary was one of San Francisco’s outstanding citizens and nationally known turfman who exerted a marked and beneficial influence upon the sport of racing in this country. Born in the family home south of Market street, July 18, 1865, he there resided until his death on the 16th of May, 1919, at the age of fifty-tree years. He was a son of James and Eleanor (Garrigan) O’Leary, of whom the former came from Boston to California with his parents when five years of age. This was during the early 60’s, and as a young man James O’Leary embarked in the livery and cab business in San Francisco, thus continuing throughout the remainder of his life.
Jeremiah O’Leary pursued his studies in the old Lincoln school and when his education was completed entered his father’s business. He found the work congenial, for he was greatly interested in horses and learned much concerning them. Through experience, observation and study he constantly broadened his knowledge, becoming widely recognized as an authority on thoroughbreds. He loved fine horses and owned a stable of blooded race horses. On the coast he was associated with the famous Jack Atkins stable for many years, and was known throughout the country as one of the foremost men in the racing fraternity. Aside from the supervision of his real estate holdings, his time was occupied with the management of his string of horses and attendance at racing meets.
On the 29th of August, 1895, Mr. O’Leary was married in San Francisco to Miss Julia Muldoon, a daughter of James and Bridget (Barrett) Muldoon, who came to California in the early ‘50s. Mr. and Mrs. O’Leary became the parents of a son and two daughters: James, Ida Beverly, who is the wife of Dr. V. H. Mitchell and the mother of two sons, Vaughn Henry, Jr., and James Barrrett Mitchell; and Eleanor Loretta, now Mrs. Frank Murphy. All of the children were born, reared and educated in San Francisco and still reside here. Mrs. O’Leary survives her husband and makes her home at 787 Thirty-ninth avenue.
Mr. O’Leary had no one hobby; every branch of skill and sport was to him a part of his life. He was one of California’s greatest sportsmen, and nothing in the sporting line in San Francisco was complete without his presence. His death was mourned by all who enjoyed the privilege of knowing him, and as long as the racing of thoroughbred horses continues to be the “sport of kings” the name of “Jerry” O’Leary will be remembered and reverenced.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Byington, Lewis Francis, “History of
San Francisco 3 Vols”, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1931. Vol. 2 Pages 85-86.
© 2007 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
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