Through DNA research: Finding one’s true surname & origin

Soledad O'Brien has South Buffalo, NY relatives

O'Brien twins born in different years in historic first.

1905 New York State Census for Stephen and John O'Brien

In 1905 Stephen and John OBrien were working at the Buffalo Gas Company in the downtown section of Buffalo, New York.

Buffalo Gas Company

circa 1905

1905 New York State Census

They were staying at Flannagan Flats a Boarding House at 211 Front Avenue only a few city blocks North of the Buffalo Gas Company.  They rented one bed and worked different shifts.  As Stephen got up for work, John would end his shift and jump into the warm bed that his brother, Stephen had left to go to work.

1902 Buffalo, New York

211 Front Avenue

1902 Buffalo, NY

Buffalo Gas Works

Stephen worked at the Buffalo Gas Company at least until 1920 when he was living at Kennedy's Saloon on West Genesse Street.  Stephen then worked as a scooper until he was injured in the late 1920's when  his feet were crushed while working in grain ship.

John O'Brien married in 1908 and started a new job at the Atlas Refinery on Elk Street and retired from there in 1939.