William O'Brien

Nova Scotia

William O'Brien, Windsor Forks, "Nova Scotia's Grand Old Man of Agriculture", enjoyed the distinction of being admired and respected by all with whom he came in contact.

His interests were many and varied. His accomplishments in the livestock world ranged over a wide field encompassing the breeding of purebred Clydesdale horses, Hereford cattle, Leicester and Shropshire sheep.

He was a good farmer, and a good stockman, and this fact was recognized by the Nova Scotia Farmers Association which, in 1939, conferred upon him the title Nova Scotia Honour Farmer. Over the years, the name 0'Brien became synonymous with good livestock and wherever Elinhurst Farm animals were exhibited and shown - at the Hants County Exhibition, the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition, at the Maritime Winter Fair, and at other Canadian exhibitions - they commanded the admiration and respect of all who appreciated good husbandry and good showmanship.

However, William 0'Brien's greatest contribution to his native province is to be found in his example of good citizenship, and in the leadership he provided to the many organizations of church and state with which he was identified and to which he lent his support and encouragement, not only in his local community, but in the wider provincial sphere as well.