Source: History of Butler and Bremer Counties, Iowa, Together with Biographies. Springfield, Ill.: Union Pub. Co., 1883.

History of Bremer County
Chapter XXV
Leroy Township
Early Settlement

The first settlement was made in June, 1854, by Patrick O'Day, locating on section 2, where he yet lives; W.A. Moulton, Emmor Flood and Nelson Long, on section 13.

Patrick O'Day was born February 15, 1824, in the parish of Parteen, county Clare, Ireland. He is the son of P. O'Day and Kate Frost, natives of the county Clare. In 1849, he emigrated with his family to America, landing in New York July 4, and without waiting any time started for the west, remaining in Chicago about three months, then went south and worked for Captain J.B. Eads upon a wrecking boat on the Mississippi river, making his home at St. Louis and New Orleans. He was married in Chicago in August, 1850, to Miss Mary Foley, daughter of Hugh F. and Bridget Foley, a native of county Clare, Ireland by whom he has had ten children - Robert, Hattie, Kate, Mary, William and Anne. About two years after marriage, Mr. O'Day came with his family to Bremer county, and settled on the land in Leroy township, where he has since resided. At the time of his coming to the township he found only one family. Mr. O'Day is one of the leading farmers of his township, has at the present time 613 acres of prairie, and 120 of timber. The year after Mr. O'Day came to America he was followed by his father, mother and three brothers, who came to Illinois, where his mother died, when they all came to Bremer county, his father dying April 16, 1876. Mr. O'Day has held several local offices; has always worked with the democratic party, but is now a greenbacker. Himself and family are members of the Catholic church.