Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-05-08
Death of Hon. Edward O'Brien of
ThOmastOn.

Hon. Edward O'Brlen, Thomaston's fore
most business man and most distinguished
citizen, died at his residence on West Main
street, on Saturday, May 9th, at $50
o'clock.
Mr. O'Brien was born in Warren. Maine,
July 18th, 1898, and consequently would be
80 years old next July. At the time of his
death he probably was the oldest ship build
er engaged in the actual building of ships in
the United States, he having the timber in
part in his shipyard to build ship this year.
He early in life went to work in the shipyard
and became master builder in 1928, build
ing in Warren until lS47. which year he
moved to Thomaston, where he has continued
shipbuilding ever since. He has amassed
a large fortune in this industry, and is prob
ably the largest single ship owner in this
country. He owns the whole Of ten ships,
besides parts of some others. In CONNER
cial circles he was known the world over,
and his word of command was respected in
each hemisphere. His wife was Mary Star
rett of Warren to whom he was married in
1920. She survives him, as do two out of
their three children. His son Edward Ellis
O'Brien is president of the Georges Nat.
Bank, and his daughter Mary is the wife of
William A. Campbell of Thomaston. Mr..
O'Brien was of fine physique, a tall, ro-
bust man and must have been powerful in
early life. He was genial, kind and pleasant
to all, and fond of social conversation. His
faculties remained good throughout his old
age and his fund of knowledge, both by ac-
quirement and observation, was extensive.
He kept his own books and attended to all his
business matters. lie was an upright, honor
able. square minded man in all his business
relations, and as a citizen he was benevolent
and kind to the poor and needy. Besides
thousands of gifts which he. year after year,
has conferred upon the poor, he in 1876
gave ten thousand dollars to the town of
Warren the income of which is to be dis
triouted among the deserving poor of that
town, and in 1873 he bestowed similar gift
in amount to the poor of Thomaston. No
man in Thomaston was more respected than
Mr. O'Brien. He was the friend of the
poor; he was one of the people and met
them in all the walks of life. He lived a
quiet, unobtrusive life, vet he had a world
wide reputation in commercial circles. In
religious belief Mr.. O'Brien was a Unita-
rian. In politics, a lite long democrat. He
has been honored with places of political
trust. He has served as representative in
the Legislature from both Warren and Thorn
aston, and some three terms in the State
Senate. He was the first president of the
Georges National Bank, and held the position
until he resigned in 1879. He was one of
the first directors in the Maine Telegraph
Company and has held many other position.
of honor and trust. He is a large owner of
real estate in Boston, Brooklyn, New York
and the Territory of Dakota.
Fire in Roekland.
RocKLANp, May Z.
At 2.3o-this morning a double tenement
house on Leslie street, occupied by w. Hask-
ell and Keep, was destroyed by fire, together
with the new stable and shed. The furni-
ture was saved. The loss is estimated at
$1,000; insured for $1,000 Four cows and a
horse in the stable were rescued. The ad-
joining double tenement, owned by Bushrod
Clay, and occupied by B. whitehouse and
Capt. Rehoades, damaged. Insured for $780,
which covers the loss. The fire originated in
the shed. Cause unknown
C0r0ner's Verdict.
PORTLAND, May 6.
The coroner's jury in the case of conductor
O'Brien at 5.l5 returned verdict that death
was caused by carelessly attempting to get on
the train while in motion.
Death of an Old Ship Builder.
BATH, May 6.
Warren Hathorn, a prominent ship build
er and owner. died here this afternoon; aged
munity.
Death from a Shock.
wALDoBoRo, May 6.
Elijah Morse, while working on H. Ken
nedy Co.'S vessel at Waldoboro, Thursday,
had an apopletic shock, from the effect of
which he died Friday evening.
Discharged.
PORTLAND, May 6.
Jones and Ryan, the Montreal drovers, ar
rested for disturbance on the Boston boat
appeared before the L. S. Commissioners
Court at four o'clock this afternoon and we're
discharged for want of Jurisdiction.
WEATHER REPORr.