Benjamin Thompson O'Brien
Benjamin Thompson O'Brien (1856-1934) M.I.Mech.E., Man. Dir., Thomas O'Brien, Ltd., Liverpool
1856 Born son of Thos. O'Brien.
Ed. Soc. of Friends' Sch., Lisburn, Co. Antrim.
Training: John Musgrave and Sons, Ltd., Bolton.
First Engineer's Cert., B.O.T.
App. with and in Drawing Office, John Musgrave and Sons
Engr. with the Ulster Steamship Co., Belfast for 4 years
1892-1922 Manager, Engr. and Man. Dir., Thomas O'Brien Ltd. Address: 30, Slater Street, Liverpool.
1896 of 34 Catharine Street, Liverpool
1934 Obituary [1]
BENJAMIN THOMPSON O'BRIEN had been a Member of the Institution for forty-seven years, having been elected in 1887.
He was born in 1856 and served his apprenticeship from 1872 to 1877 with Messrs. John Musgrave and Company, engineers, of Bolton, Lancs. In 1878 he became a draughtsman and remained with the firm until the following year, when he went to sea as engineer on the vessels of the Ulster Steam Ship Company, of Belfast.
Four years later he was appointed representative to Messrs. E. Lofts, machinery manufacturers, of Cambridge, and in 1885 he became engineer and representative in the Lancashire district for the Blackman Air Propeller Ventilating Company.
He went to sea again in 1887 and in the same year obtained the Board of Trade first class engineer's certificate.
In 1890 he went into partnership with his father, Mr. Thomas O'Brien, a manufacturer of check tills. Subsequently he became managing director, and held this position until his death, which occurred in Liverpool on 17th May 1934.