Joseph Patrick O'Leary was born in Wexford, Ireland, on March 16, 1862. On November 18, 1897, he married Mary Drummond at Oberon, North Dakota. Mary was born to Scottish parents in Ontario, Canada, on September 16, 1864.
In 1882, Joseph O'Leary had moved to Michigan where he had relatives, but came to Jamestown in 1883. In 1897, he came to Carrington where he bought lots for his home. Mr. O'Leary was a stonemason and contractor. He practiced his art in the area for the rest of his life. He made the blocks and built the Congregational Church (now the Federated Church), also many stone foundations which he made are still standing. He made most of the original cement walks in the city.
The O'Leary's had five children: Edna, Lawrence, Marcella, Alger and John. Mr. O'Leary died January 1945 and Mrs. O'Leary in May of 1945. They are buried at Carrington.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 34B