The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-10
CAPT. FRANK P. 0'BRlEN PASSES AWAY AFTER A
 LIFE OF RARE USEFULNESS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5)


 year The future mayor opened store for the sale of building material Tn h1- tie frame house where the Webp pooK store now stands In April of 1872 he re- moved to the coroner opposite the Jef- ferson County Savings bank, and he also conducted a door and blind factory where the Alabama Great Southern freight de- pot now stands.
 "In 1873. with Eugene McGaw and Frank A. Duval, he started the Dali, Item. Birmingham's first paper and con ducted if through the cholera plague which devastated the little town. In lSS Captain OBrien, W. c. Garrett franp V. Evans and others organized the Daiil Age He did not, however. nave any active part in the publishing of these neners as he continued to enlarge a grow ing contracting business until lSs'. II 1sS6 he assisted R. N. Rhodes Tn startlns the Evening News. and in 1887, with w P. Pinkhard and R. N. Rhodes lanneneo the Herald another morning paper. IT December of the next year the Age ano the Herald were merged, becoming The Aee-Herald. with Captain O'Brien as president and manager, and he conducted the naper until in 1894, he became sole owner and editor. In the panic o the winter of 1895 he was obliged to sell inc purchasers being J. H. Johnson John w. Tonllinson. Louis V. Clarke, Nal l.. Miller Charles Greer and Hugh VII son. Before ending his newspaper career however, Captain O'Brien entered actively into politics. L.
 He had always taken an interest II state politics, having been a member ot every constitutional convention, save one s,nce the war. but in 1892 he was elected to the house of representatives. serving two terms. In 1896 he engaged in warn contest for sheriff and defeated B. A ,rhomnson. Andrew Burgin, William Nahn Tames Estes, A. B. Jones, w. J. Prowel and T. S. Smith in one or the sreates ephts ever pulled off in the county Tht Ia sit year of his term he was returned t' the house by the county convention though not candidate.
 .Though growing old in years nls grea' vitality held him through another grea' zee in 1904. when he lost to George Warc far r,avor by a narrow margin, and las fall his highest ambition was accom- nI,sbed-heing elected without opposition
 "cantain O'Brien has been successful |, four nrofessions-scenic painting anc fresco decorating, contracting, pontic' and theatrical business. Ills building III cIuded the Birmingham rolling mill. the Alice furnace, the first county courtnoust and others of like nature.
 "In 1882 he built the oBrlen opera house and conducted 1t for a number ol years acting as vice presioeht ol 'ht southern theatrical circuit
 oHe married Canny Mcbride. daughter of Dr Andrew Mcbride of Montgomery on october Il. 1865. and has been blessed with five children.
 sThere are few people in the com rnunitv who have taken such persistent active uniting interest in the public af- fairs of every nature and whose influence for good has been so widely felt"
 Shock at City Hall
 The news of Captain OBrien's death struck the city hall yesterday morning startling blow. Captain O'Brien was loved bv every one of his men. They gathered in his office and talked in subdued tones of his life All were deeply affected.
 The Mayors private secretary, scud' der Rvall. immediately ordered all busi ness in the city hall discontinued fol the day, and the door of the Mayors office was draped in mourning.
 This morning the city haii Will DC draned on the exterior, as will every city building. including all the fire stations the citv buildings in the suburbs and al other buildings, while flags will be sci at half-mast.
 ~-v rvm,0 D AYn