Dennis O'Brien was the son of Michael O'Brien (farmer) & Honora Clancy. He was born in County Clare Ireland around 1840. He married Johanna Ryan on the 10th March 1871 in Ballarat.

Johanna was also born around 1840. She was the daughter of John Ryan and Bridget Gavin of Toomovarra, Tipperary, Ireland. Five of her brothers and sisters also came to Australia

Dennis was killed in an road accident at Derby in 1889, and Johanna died in 1923 in Bayswater, Melbourne. Both are buried at the Inglewood cemetery

Extract from Bridgewater : a history

Both Dennis and Johanna O'Brien came from Ireland to Australia and choose Derby to select their land. Dennis O"Brien was accidently killed when their youngest child was three years old, so his wife Johanna had the big task of raising the family alone. They had seven children. John, who died as a child, and Dennis, Michael, Martin, Bridget, Mary and Nora.

Michael O'Brien married Kate Guthrie of Leichardt and they had one child, Patricia (Mrs E. Gilbert). After his marriage, he disolved partnership with his brother, Dennis, and purchased his own farm near the Derby station from James Harrison.

Martin O'Brien farmed near the original O'Brien farm until he retired to Bendigo. He and his wife, Mary, formerly Mary Gleeson of Derby, had one child, Basil.

Bridget O'Brien became a nun in the Catholic Church and went to Rome where she later died.

Mary O'Brien married a Mr McFarlane and lived in New Zealand for some time, whilst Nora (Mrs Wood) lived in Pyramid Hill.

Dennis O'Brien remained a bachelor and lived on the original farm until his death. Dennis, Michael and Martin O'Brien all played football with Bridgewater, and were very active on the Derby hall and school committees and also the popular Derby carnivals. Dennis was also very active in the open coursing club at North Bridgewater



REPORTS FROM THE INQUEST OF DENNIS O'BRIEN

Johanna O'Brien being duly sworn saith as follows: I am the wife of the deceased Dennis O'Brien. At about 10am on the 8th Nov, he left his home at Derby for Ingelwood with a load of hay. At about 5pm, Miss Holden brought the deceased home in her trap. I asked him what was the matter with him. He said that the withers had come off the horse and caused it to bolt, and that he had thrown himself out of the dray. He complained of great pain in his stomach and groin. He died at 8 o'clock that evening. The horse was a quiet animal and had never been known to bolt previously.

Elizabeth Holden being duly sworn saith as follows: I know the deceased Dennis O'Brien. At about 5pm yesterday, I was returning from Bridgewater to Derby and saw the deceased lying on the ground close to the road...about one mile from his home. I asked him if he was hurt, he said yes. I came for Mrs O'Brien and with her assistance put him in my trap and took him home.

G.P. Douglas McMcDonald (Doctor) : ...well rounded muscular man ...5ft 9in in height, 33 inches round the chest.