James H. O'Brien

James H. O'Brien.

James Henry O'Brien (July 15, 1860 – September 2, 1924 in Brooklyn) was an American politician from New York. A Democrat, he served terms in the New York State Senate and United States House of Representatives.

Life

O'Brien was born in born in Jamaica, Queens County, New York on July 15, 1860.^[1] He attended the public schools in Queens, and graduated from Browne’s Business College in Brooklyn.^[1]

He became a resident of the town of East New York, which was later incorporated into the city of Brooklyn.^[1] O'Brien worked as a machinist and mechanical engineer, and later owned and operated the J. H. O'Brien Scale & Supply Company, a business which manufactured commercial scales and equipment used in constructing overhead tramways.^[1]

O'Brien became active in politics as a Democrat. He was a member of the New York State Senate (10th D.) in 1911 and 1912.^[1] While in the Senate, he served as chairman of the Agriculture Committee, and was chairman of the state's Food Investigating Commission.^[1]

O'Brien was elected as a Democrat to the 63rd United States Congress, and served from March 4, 1913 to March 3, 1915.^[1] He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1914.

After leaving Congress, O'Brien resumed management of his business interests.^[1] He served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1916.^[2] He died in Brooklyn on September 2, 1924, and was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery.^[1]

Family

O'Brien was married to Catherine "Kate" Lyons.^[1] They were the parents of four sons and three daughters; William, James, Thomas, Edward, Geraldine, Anna, and Estelle.^[1]

References

Sources

Newspapers

• "Delegates Elected". New York Times. New York, NY. April 5, 1916. (Subscription required (help)). 
• "J. H. O'Brien, Dies, Ex-Congressman". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Brooklyn, NY. September 3, 1924. 

External sources

• United States Congress. "James H. O'Brien (id: O000012)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.