Richard E. O'brien

As printed in 1902

RICHARD E. O'BRIEN.

Richard E. O’Brien is now serving as chief of police of Springfield, having been called to this responsible position by reason of his ability and his known loyalty to the interests of the city. He was born here January 7, 1860, and is a son of John O'Brien, who was a teamster and came to Springfield in the ’50s. His birth occurred in Ireland, where he pursued his education, and when a young man he bade adieu to friends in the native land, sailing for the new world. He took up his above in Cincinnati, where he attended school for a time, and was there united in marriage to Miss Dora McAvoy, who survives him and is now living in Springfield at the age of sixty years. Mr. O’Brien passed away in 1886. He was a Democrat in his political views and an active worker in the ranks of his party. He belonged to.a family numbering eight children—seven sons and a daughter. The surviving members of the family are James, of Union county, Ohio;

and Mrs. Eliza Hackett. One brother, Richard, now deceased, was a soldier of the Civil war. The marriage of John and Dora (McAvoy) O'Brien was blessed with seven children—four daughters and three sons: Mary is the wife of Adam Peifer, of Springfield, by whom she has three children; Eliza is the wife of William Moore, and has one son; Richard E. is the next of the family; Annie is the wife of P. Lawler, and they have one daughter; Patrick is married and has a son and a daughter and is connected with the A. C. Evans Manufacturing Company; Jennie is the wife of B. Sheveland and they have one daughter; William resides at home with his mother and is employed as stationary engineer by the Evans Manufacturing Company. The children were all born in this city and pursued their _ education in the public schools.

Like the other members of the family Richard E. O'Brien entered the public schools when about six years of age. When a young man he learned the painter's trade and did job work as well as contracting, following that pursuit for eight years. In 1881 he entered into the saloon business, which occupation he followed until December, 1889. In May, 1890, he was made patrol driver of the police force. He acted in that capacity for two years and was then promoted to patrolman and afterward to special officer and detective, serving thus for two years. In 1899 he was made chief of police and has since continued in this responsible position, being appointed by the police commission of Springfield.

On the 16th of May, 1886, Mr. O'Brien was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Burns, who was born, reared and educated in this city and is. a daughter of Edwin Burns, now deceased. Four daughters and.

two sons have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Burns, and the living are Mary, the widow of Charles Creager, who was an architect of Springfield; and Edwin, of this city. The children born unto Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien— two sons and two daughters—are as follows: Gretta, William E., Walter and Dora, who are students in the public schools here.

In his political views our subject has always been a Democrat and has been a delegate to city and county conventions. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His advancement in life came to him in recognition of his fidelity to duty. He has been most efficient as a public officer and his success as a detective was notable. These qualities therefore have led to his advancement to the position which he now occupies, which he is filling in a most creditable and capable manner.

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.