Michael Hubert O'Brien, son of Michael Wand Martha (Watson) O'Brien, was born in Detroit, Apr. 25, 1878; received an A.B. from Detroit College, 1895, an A.M. in 1902, an LL.B. from Detroit College of Law, 1897, and an LL.B. from the University of Michigan, 1898. On Jun. 15,1912, he married Mrs. Zula Vail (Cheney) Shirts. Entered firm of Keena & Lightner; organized May & O'Brien, 1900, which became May, Denby, & O'Brien; has been associated with William G. Fitzpatrick, Frank E. Doremus,and Charles E. Duffy from 1909 to 1927. Was a member of the firm of Atkinson, O'Brien & Ortman, 1927-?. Was Marshal of the U.S. Court for China, 1907-1909. Served in Michigan State Naval Brigade. In 1929 he was appointed a commissioner of the Detroit Public Library and served until his death in March, 1943. He was interested in prison reform and helped to inaugurate the probation system in Detroit Recorder's Court. In 1913 he joined the faculty of the University of Michigan Law School; in 1915 he became instructor in international law at the University of Detroit. O'Brien served as assistant director of the State Bureau of Pardons and Paroles and chairman of the State Parole Board. He was active in the work of the Catholic Church. (from Reading Rm. biog.card file and clipping file) (blue index cards)
From the description of Michael Hubert O'Brien papers, 1942. (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 423587810
