Joseph C. O'brien

As printed in 1902

JOSEPH C. O'BRIEN.

Joseph C. O'Brien is engaged in the undertaking and embalming business in Springfield. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, February 25, 1855, and is a son of Patrick O'Brien, whose birth occurred in Ireland. The father was educated in the common schools of his native land and received a business training in his native country as well. He served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade and about 1849 sailed for America, believing that he might have better business opportunities in the new world. For a time he resided in Quebec, Canada, and in 1850 he came to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged in contracting and building for four years. On the e.expiration of that period he removed his family to Urbana, Ohio, and was a resident of that city until 1869, when he believed that he might better his condition by becoming a resident of Springfield. Accordino-ly he linMiQ-ht his family to this place and for many years successfully followed his chosen occupation, being actively and prominartly identified with building interests here. He is now living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Before he left the Green Isle of Erin he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Esmond, and unto them were born four children, of whom one died in infancy. The others are Joseph C, Mary and John. Mary is the wife of Daniel Kenney, of Springlield. John, also a resident of this city, has been a member of the board of equalization since 1893, and is an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party. He married and had three children, Elizabeth, Patrick and Paul, but the wife died in 1897. Patrick O'Brien, the father of our subject, has always been an active and enterprising man and is one of the old, respected contractors O'f the city. He provided his children with good educational advantages in the public and parochial schools of Urbana and Springfield and gave them instruction at night in different branches of learning in order that he might prepare them for life's practical duties.

Joseph C. O'Brien was thus educated until sixteen )-ears of age, when he began work with his father at the carpenter's trade, the business association between them being maintained for a few years. Our subject then secured work in a planing mill and possessing much natural mechanical skill, he made rapid advancement. He followed that pursuit for a time and later began work in a foundry, being then twenty-one years of age. He was in the James Leffel Wheel Works under the superintendency of Timothy Hennessey, learning the trade and remaining in that place for seven years, but in 1882 he abandoned that work in order to secure, other opportunities in the business world. He purchased an interest in the undertaking business of Callahan & Graham, buying out the junior partner, the firm being known as Callahan & O'Brien. Mr. O'Brien then had no knowledge of the business, but with ready adaptability he mastered all the details. At the time the new firm was organized they purchased the interest O'f Mr. Breslin in the livery business of Brennan & Breslin. They continued to do a successful business, gaining a wide reputation for honesty and industry. In 1890 Mr. O'Brien purchased the interest of his partner in the undertaking business and has since been alone in this enterprise. He follows modern methods, keeping abreast with the times and personally superintend his business in its various branches. From 1890 until 1898 he experienced some trying years in business. He worked against strong opposition and competition, and as this covered a period of financial depression in the history of the country, it was all the more difficult for him, but his honesty and industry, combined with resolute purpose, enabled him to overcome all obstacles.

Mr. O'Brien keeps well read on current events, politically and otherwise, and is a man of high standing. He is a worker in St. Raphael's church, and to charitable institutions of the city he has been a liberal supporter, although he is very quiet and unostentatious in his giving. He was an active worker and a member of the Father Matthews T. A. B. Society from its organization until it disbanded, while in the foundry he was an active member of the Iron Molders Union, and is a member and also treasurer of the Knights of Columbus. In politics he is a Democrat and for two and one-half years took part in public affairs as a member of the police and fire board. Modest in demeanor and of a quiet temperament, he nevertheless has gained the warm regard of a very large circle of friends.

As printed in A Biographical record of Clark county, Ohio .. (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.