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James O'Brien

1841 – 1907

Irish-born American congressman for New York

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About James O'Brien

Lived 1841 – 1907 (aged 65). James O'Brien was an American politician.

James O'Brien (March 13, 1841 – March 5, 1907) was an Irish-American politician and U.S. Representative from New York, serving from 1879 to 1881. He was a key figure in exposing the corruption of the Tweed Ring of Tammany Hall.

Early life O'Brien was born on March 13, 1841, in King's County (now County Offaly), Ireland. He attended the common schools and then immigrated to the United States in 1861.

State Senate O'Brien served in the New York State Senate (7th District) in 1872 and 1873, during which time he founded the Apollo Hall Democracy.

U.S. Congress O'Brien was elected as an Independent Democrat to the Forty-sixth Congress (March 4, 1879 – March 3, 1881). He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1880.

Later career After leaving Congress, O'Brien worked as a stock broker until his death.

Death O'Brien died on March 5, 1907, in Manhattan at the age of 65. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Queens.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Positions held
United States representative, Member of the State Senate of New York, Sheriff of New York County, New York

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped James O'Brien's

Frequently asked questions

Who was James O'Brien?

Irish-born American congressman for New York (1841-1907)

When was James O'Brien born?

James O'Brien was born on 13 March 1841 in Ireland.

When did James O'Brien die?

James O'Brien died on 5 March 1907 in Manhattan.

What was James O'Brien's occupation?

James O'Brien was a politician.

What nationality was James O'Brien?

James O'Brien was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: James O'Brien

· Wikidata: Q1765843

· DBpedia: James O'Brien (U.S. congressman)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James O'Brien. https://biography.guide/james-o-brien-politician-1841/

MLA: "James O'Brien." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-o-brien-politician-1841/.

Chicago: "James O'Brien." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-o-brien-politician-1841/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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