Dillon O’Brien

Dillon O’Brien (1817-1882) was an immigrant to Minnesota, originally from Kilmore, County Roscommon, Ireland. He was a schoolmaster, editor of The Pilot, secretary of the colonization bureau, and he also wrote four novels. He was very interested in helping Irish immigrants and was even a part of the Minnesota Irish Immigration Society. O’Brien’s son, Christopher, was mayor of St. Paul from 1883-1885 and wrote a book about his father called Dillon O’Brien: A Minnesota Pioneer.

O’Brien’s best-known novel is called Daly’s of Dalystown and follows a family of Catholic gentry who have fallen upon hard times. In order to pay back their debt, the Dalys immigrate to America where they earn good money and are able to pay their debts, move back to Ireland, and occupy their former position in society. The novel juxtaposes the hierarchical structures found in Europe with egalitarian freedom in America. Another of O’Brien’s novels, Dead Broke, is concerned with the conflict between the modern world and human values.