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
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
State Senate
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
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
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]
