The Frank O'Learys of Newfoundland

Capt. Frank O'Leary was a Master Mariner in Newfoundland who had skippered for Shea and Co. during his working career. In later life he was Captain of one of the Pilot Boats in the St. John's Harbour Pilot Service. He was born in 1853 and died in 1919 of a heart attack on the deck of a Danish ship he had just piloted through the Narrows of St. John's Harbour.
He was married to Margaret Lambert (who lived until 1948) and his descendants include Cahills, Fitzpatricks, Brazils, Meehans, Berrigans and others. In Newfoundland his best-known descendant is, perhaps, Frank M. O'Leary (son) who established F.M. O'Leary Ltd. (1922-1971), sponsor of the Barrelman radio program which brought future-premier Joseph R. Smallwood to the Newfoundland public's attention. His grandson is Gerard ("Art") Cahill, founder of the well-known electrical contracting company G.J. Cahill.
Tracing Captain Frank's forebears has proven to be difficult. Best guess is that he was the son of Martin O'Leary and Ellen Morrissey of Brigus South.

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