Robert J. O'Brien | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | June 5, 1858 New York City, US |
| Died | May 9, 1948 (aged 89) Cincinnati, Ohio, US |
| Burial place | New St. Joseph Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio, US |
| Alma mater | Manhattan College |
| Occupation(s) | City alderman for Cincinnati Ohio State Senator Real estate developer Philanthropist |
Robert J. O'Brien (June 5, 1858 – May 9, 1948) was an Americanreal estate developer, politician, and philanthropist. He served on theCincinnati City Council and in theOhio Senate.
Robert J. O'Brien was born inNew York City on June 5, 1858, to Robert O'Brien and Mary Dwyer, who had emigrated to the United States from Ireland six years earlier. O'Brien attendedManhattan College and then served as alaw clerk toGeorge P. Wetmore from 1873 to 1877.[1][2]
In 1880, O'Brien moved toCincinnati, Ohio to open a hotel, eventually owning several, in addition to residential dwellings, cafes, and saloons.[3][4][5] This is despite the fact that O'Brien stated hedid not drink alcohol.[6] By 1888, he became active in local politics, running foralderman as a Democrat.[7]
By 1902, he was councilman for the Sixth Ward of Cincinnati, a position he would be re-elected to six times, twice without opposition.[1][8] This territory had over 250 saloons within it.[6] He was an advocate for aunified intercity railroad terminal for the city of Cincinnati, as the city had five different stations at the time, all prone to flooding.[9][10] He also recommended the acquisition of theCincinnati Zoo by the city government during a time of financial trouble for the zoo.[11]
In 1916, O'Brien won a seat in the Ohio Senate as a Republican representing Hamilton County, promising to "go up toColumbus to work for Cincinnati".[12][13] He was re-elected in 1918, and retired from politics in 1920.[1]Prohibition forced the closure of his saloon businesses, allowing O'Brien to travel the world in his retirement.[14]
O'Brien was a major donor to many Cincinnati religious institutions, including toGood Samaritan Hospital andSaint Gregory Seminary.[3][15] He also was a spokesman for the well-beings of orphans in the city of Cincinnati, advocating for the reform of orphanage conditions and establishing a fund for the use of orphanages in Hamilton County.[3]
Robert J. O'Brien died on May 9, 1948, at the age of 89, at Good Samaritan Hospital. Hisrequiem mass was said atSt. Francis Xavier Church, and he was buried in his private mausoleum atNew St. Joseph Cemetery.[3][14]
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