O'Brien, Hugh, 1827-1895
Biography
Hugh O'Brien served four terms as mayor, from 1885 to 1888. He was born in Ireland, July 13, 1827, and came to this country while a child. He went to the public schools, but left at the age of twelve to earn his living in newspaper work and publishing, and later entered politics, where he served almost continuously from 1875 to 1883 on the Board of Aldermen. He was a strong advocate of public parks, and a powerful argument of his caused the city to acquire the Franklin Park land in West Roxbury, the Back Bay land, and the large tract at City Point. Always a champion of the laboring classes, he was most potent in passing ordinances regulating the pay of men working for city contractors. He endeavored to limit the municipal expenditures, so that the amount to be raised by taxes would be greatly decreased. During his four terms as mayor, he showed great concern in making the necessary changes in offices and in controlling the expenses made by changes in business methods. After retiring from the mayoralty, he was appointed by Mayor Matthews to the Board of Survey for planning streets. He died August 1, 1895.
Taken from "Boston's 45 Mayors from John Phillips to Kevin H. White," City Record, Boston, 1979.
Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:
Mayor Hugh O'Brien, 1885-1888, undated
Photographs and other images collected by the Boston Landmarks Commission for reference use and for publications as well as photographs taken by the Landmarks Commission documenting their work and city neighborhoods.
Mayoral addresses
Includes two compilation volumes of addresses from 1822-1867 and printed copies of annual and inaugural addresses of the Mayor from 1824-1980 with gaps.