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 from 1911 to 1912, and in the United States House of Representatives for one term from 1913 to 1915.

Homer James O’Brien
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 9th district
In office
March 4, 1913 – March 3, 1915
Preceded byHenry M. Goldfogle
Succeeded byOscar W. Swift
Member of the New York State Senate
In office
January 1, 1911 – December 31, 1912
Personal details
Born
James Henry O’Brien

(1860-07-15)July 15, 1860
Jamaica, U.S.
DiedSeptember 2, 1924(1924-09-02) (aged 64)
Brooklyn, New York
Resting placeHoly Cross Cemetery
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseCatherine “Kate” Lyons
ProfessionPolitician

Early life and education edit

O'Brien was 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]

Business career edit

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 that manufactured commercial scales and equipment used in constructing overhead tramways.[1]

Political career edit

State Senate edit

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]

Congress edit

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.

Later career and death edit

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 edit

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 edit

Sources edit

Newspapers edit

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

External sources edit

New York State Senate
Preceded by
Charles Alt
New York State Senate
10th District

1911–1912
Succeeded by
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 9th congressional district

1913–1915
Succeeded by