Joseph E. O'Neill, who carries on general farming in James Township, is numbered among the leading sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Council Bluffs, January 5, 1862. His parents were James and Bridget (Cody) O'Neill, natives of Ireland, and in their family were ten children, eight now living. The father came to America at an early date and established his home in Council Bluffs. He is now the owner of several fine farms in Pottawattamie County, having prospered in his undertakings.

Joseph E. O'Neill remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and in the meantime acquired his education in the public schools. After he had reached adult age he began farming on his own account and for twenty-two years he has been cultivating a part of his father's land. He has recently, however, purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres, on section 7, Valley Township, and expects to locate there in the spring of 1908.' In his farming pursuits he has always made a specialty of raising full-blooded shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. He is an excellent judge of stock and has thus been enabled to make judicious purchases and profitable sales. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has been a stalwart advocate of the democracy and supports its candidates at the polls, but has never been an office seeker, preferring to give undivided attention to his business interests.

Mr. O'Neill has been married twice. In 1886, he wedded Miss Helen Gross, of this county, and unto them have been born five children: James J., George F., John L., Mary and Patrick E. The wife and mother died in 1896 and in 1897 Mr. O'Neill was again married, his second union being with Mira Kate Sinnett, a daughter of Patrick and Mary Sinnett, who were natives of Ireland, but are now deceased. In their family were five children, while unto Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill have been born the same number: Anna, Bernard and Agnes, all at home; Thomas, deceased, and Hugh, who completes the family. The parents are members of the Catholic Church of Avoca. Mr. O'Neill has spent his entire life in this county and has always been associated with farming interests, being now recognized as a leading representative of agricultural pursuits here.