James F. Quigley

James Francis Quigley (December 22, 1859 – November 12, 1935) was an American lawyer and politician from New York. James was born on December 22, 1859 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York.[1] He was the son of Irish immigrants Patrick B. Quigley and Elizabeth T. Culley.[2] Patrick had a stage line that ran from Greenpoint to Fulton Ferry.[3]

He attended Columbia Law School and passed the bar in 1885.[1] He developed a law firm with John R. Farrar called Quigley & Farrar, which represented some of the leading Brooklyn firms.[4]

In 1890, James was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing the Kings County 8th District. He served in the Assembly in 1891, 1892[5], and 1893.[6] In 1893, he was the Majority Leader of the Assembly and chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.[4]

In July 1894, James was appointed Police Justice to fill the deceased Robert E. Connelly's remaining term.[7] He was removed from office on March 1895 for being too sympathetic with strikers.[8]

In 1904, James was appointed Assistant Corporation Counsel and put in charge of the Bureau of Street Openings.[9] He resigned in 1910.[10]

James returned to practicing law, specializing in condemnation proceedings. He later moved from Bushwick to Merrick, Nassau County.[11]

In 1893, John married Irish immigrant Mary Theresa Davidson in a ceremony officiated by Bishop Charles Edward McDonnell.[12] Mary died in 1905.[13] He later married Linda M. Phileo.[1][14]

James died on November 12, 1935 in his Merrick home. He was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery.[1]