O'BRIEN, THOMAS F., a prominent and successful builder and contractor of Springfield, is a native of that city, Born February 8, 1864. He is a son of Timothy and Mary (Moore) O'Brien, the former a native of Ireland. The father came to the United States as a young man and located in Springfield. He was a carpenter by trade and worked many years as journeyman, later taking up contracting on his own account. He has achieved a gratifying degree of success and is the owner of many houses and other property in the city.
Thomas F. O'Brien spent his boyhood in Springfield and was educated at St. Mary's School in that city. He has always been fond of hunting, fishing and other outdoor sports. After leaving school he learned the trade of carpenter, and has since worked at it. His entire life has been spent in Springfield and he has assisted materially in its growth and progress since engaging in business on his own account. For the last six years he has been taking contracts for the erection of houses and other buildings, and has been able to build up a good business. He is an expert carpenter and possesses considerable executive ability, being quick to see the best way of doing a thing and equally quick to apply the knowledge. He has shown intelligence and enterprise in establishing himself in his present line of work, for which he is well fitted, and has an excellent reputation in business circles.
Mr. O'Brien was married in Springfield, April 26, 1897, to Miss Bridget A. Murray, born September 21, 1865, daughter of William and Catherine D. Murray, who spent their entire married lives on a farm until 1909, since which they have lived in Springfield. Mr. Murray was born December 10, 1843, and his wife November 28, 1846. Four children were born to Mr. O'Brien and his wife, namely: Ethel R., born March 10, 1898; Timothy M., April 10, 1902; William M., May 26, 1905; Cyril P., May 17, 1910. Mr. O'Brien owns the comfortable family residence at 1049 North Fourteenth Street. He is a member of the Catholic Church, a Democrat in politics, and fraternally has been a member of the Order of Yeomen since 1901.