Thomas J. O'Brien (Illinois politician)

For other people with the same name, see Thomas O'Brien.

Thomas J. O'Brien
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 6th district
In office January 3, 1943 – April 14, 1964
Preceded by	A. F. Maciejewski
Succeeded by	Daniel J. Ronan
In office March 4, 1933 – January 3, 1939
Preceded by	James T. Igoe
Succeeded by	A. F. Maciejewski
Cook County Sheriff
In office 1938–1942
Preceded by	John Toman
Succeeded by	A. L. Brodie
Personal details
Born	(1878-04-30)April 30, 1878 Chicago, Illinois
Died	April 14, 1964(1964-04-14) (aged 85) Bethesda, Maryland
Resting place	Queen of Heaven Cemetery
Political party	Democratic

Thomas Joseph O'Brien (April 30, 1878 – April 14, 1964) of Chicago was a U.S. Representative from Illinois, 1933–39, 1943–64, and as Cook County Sheriff from 1938 through 1942.^[1][2] He was of the Democratic Party.^[2] He became the "Dean" of Chicago delegates and played a role in the early career of Dan Rostenkowski.^[3]

O'Brien died in office of a stroke on April 14, 1964, and was buried at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.^[4]

The T.J. O'Brien Lock and Dam approximately 7 miles from Lake Michigan on the Calumet River in Chicago at the head of the Illinois Waterway is named after Congressman O'Brien.

See also

• List of United States Congress members who died in office (1950–99)

References

1. "Thomas O'Brien, Oldest in House; Chicago Representative, 85, Influential Democrat, Dies". The New York Times. April 15, 1964. p. 39. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
2. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
3. Mr. Chairman by James L. Merriner, pg 93
4. "Rep. O'Brien, Democratic Leader, dies". Chicago Tribune. April 15, 1964.

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by James T. Igoe	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 6th congressional district March 4, 1933 – January 3, 1939	Succeeded by A. F. Maciejewski
Preceded by A. F. Maciejewski	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 6th congressional district January 3, 1943 – April 14, 1964	Succeeded by Daniel J. Ronan