Difference between revisions of "Joseph A. Gavagan"
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Revision as of 17:52, May 19, 2023
| Joseph Andrew Gavagan | |
|---|---|
| Former U.S. Representative from New York's 21st Congressional District From: November 5, 1929 – December 30, 1943 | |
| Predecessor | Royal H. Weller |
| Successor | James H. Torrens |
| Former State Assemblyman from New York's 22nd District (New York County) From: 1923–1929 | |
| Predecessor | Michael E. Reiburn |
| Successor | Benjamin B. Mittler |
| Information | |
| Party | Democrat |
| Spouse(s) | Mae Nolan |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Military Service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Service Years | 1917–1919 (active) 1920–1925 (reserves) |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant (active) First Lieutenant (reserves) |
| Unit | Quartermaster Corps |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
Joseph Andrew Gavagan (August 20, 1892 – October 18, 1968) was a lawyer and Democratic politician from New York who represented the state's 21st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives for fourteen years, previously serving in the state assembly. He rose to prominence in the New Deal era as a crusader for the enactment of federal anti-lynching law, which never materialized due to a circle of senatorial Southern Democrats persistently blocking proposed bills.
Early life and education
Gavagan was born to a Catholic family in the "Hell's Kitchen" part of New York City on August 20, 1892. After attending both public and parochial schools, he enrolled in Fordham University, graduating from the law department in 1920 and admitted to the bar in the same year. Gavagan subsequently commenced law practice in New York City.
During World War I, Gavagan served from 1917–19, enlisting as a private and later promoted within the Quartermaster Corps to second lieutenant. In the postwar years, he was a first lieutenant in the Quartermaster Reserve Corps until 1925.
U.S. House of Representatives
Following the death of sitting congressman Royal H. Weller, Gavagan ran for the open seat in 1929 and soundly won, defeating Republican opponent Hubert T. Delaney.[1] He was subsequently reelected seven times.[2]
Gavagan Anti-Lynching Bill of 1937
- For a more detailed treatment, see Gavagan–Van Nuys–Wagner Act.
On April 13, 1937, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 281–108 to take up consideration, the following day, Gavagan's anti-lynching bill which would designate federal offenses for officers who enable mobs to injure and/or kill prisoners.[3]
Later life and death
In 1943, Gavagan, elected to the New York Supreme Court, resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives. He was reelected to another term as justice on the state Supreme Court, and later died at 1968 in Bennington, Vermont. Gavagan is interred at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York.
References
- ↑ NY District 21 Special Race - Nov 05, 1929. Our Campaigns. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
- ↑ Candidate - Joseph A. Gavagan. Our Campaigns. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
- ↑ April 13, 1937. VOTES OUT LYNCHING BILL; House Brings Gavagan Measure to Floor for Debate Today. The New York Times. Retrieved May 19, 2023.