O'Brien, William Thomas

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Master mechanic from Lynchburg, VA, hired by W. Duke and Sons in 1884 to test and perfect the Bonsack machine, which gave the Dukes competitive advantage in the production of cigarettes. O'Brien was a devoted Catholic, and donated land and money for the establishment of the Immaculate Conception Church on West Chapel Hill Street.

Related as a builder

Related as an architect

Related buildings

Immaculate Conception (first)

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church was established in its current location on Chapel Hill Street in 1905, on land donated by William T. O'Brien, the mechanic who made the Bonsack cigarette machine work for J.B. Duke, thereby creating the competitive advantage that allowed the astronomical growth of the compnay. A church school was also estabished in 1909. The congregation continued to used these structures throughout the early part of the 20th century.
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William T O'brien House

This two-story frame house is one of the oldest and most historically significant in the area, having been constructed by William Thomas O'Brien. O'Brien moved to Durham from Virginia in 1881 to operate and perfect the Bonsack cigarette rolling machine for W. Duke Sons and Co.
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