Michael J. O’Meara, first son of Darby and Mary Ann (Beland) O’Meara. He was born in Tipperary county, Ireland in 1843, reared on a farm until sixteen years of age when he enlisted in Co. K, British Fusileers.

After that he went to North Orange, Essex county, NY and engaged in agriculture for 18 months. Then he traveled to Chicago, Illinois, remaining there for a short time, then going to Grand Rapids for two years and then to Byron Center. He purchased a residence on Hanover Street in 1869.

Here he married Florence Wedgewood, daughter of Amaziah and Elizabeth Ann (Kelly) Wedgewood of Maine. They had three children, Fred, born 16 Apr 1871 at Grand Rapids, Agnes, born 13 Apr 1875 at Byron Center, and Edward, born 29 Mar 1879 at Byron Center. He was a democrat, a member of the Roman Catholic Church in Grand Rapids. In was township clerk in 1880.