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Eugene A. Philbin
New York County District Attorney
In office 1900–1901
Preceded by	John R. Fellows
Succeeded by	William T. Jerome
Personal details
Born	Eugene Ambrose Philbin (1857-07-24)July 24, 1857 Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Died	March 14, 1920(1920-03-14) (aged 62) Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democrat
Spouse	Jessie Holliday ​ (m. 1887)​
Parent(s)	Stephen Philbin Eliza McGoldrick
Education	Seton Hall College Columbia University
Signature

Eugene Ambrose Philbin (July 24, 1857 – March 14, 1920) was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was New York County District Attorney from 1900 to 1901 and later served as a justice on the New York Supreme Court.

Early life and education

Eugene Ambrose Philbin was born on July 24, 1857, in New York City to Irish immigrants Stephen Philbin (1819-1874) and Eliza McGoldrick Philbin. His father Stephen had immigrated from Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland at age nine in 1828, establishing himself in the plumbing trade in New York. Stephen Philbin became a successful businessman, operating Philbin & Quin, one of New York's premier plumbing enterprises with locations at 707 Broadway, Fourth Street, and the Astor House. He was also known for his gas fixture and French bronze showroom business. As a prominent Irish-American Catholic, Stephen Philbin was a founding director of the New York Catholic Protectory in 1863 and contributed significantly to Catholic charitable causes throughout his life.

Eugene Philbin's father, Stephen Philbin, became one of the most successful Irish-American businessmen in New York City. Above, an Ad for his father's Gas Fixture Warerooms in Trows NY Directory 1856[1]

Growing up in this environment of business success and Catholic philanthropy shaped Eugene's early years. His father's position as both a successful entrepreneur and dedicated Catholic philanthropist provided Eugene with examples of civic and religious leadership. The family resided at 82 Clinton Place, reflecting their established position in New York society. Stephen Philbin's expertise in construction and plumbing aided in the development of the Catholic Protectory's facilities, and he was praised after his death in 1874 as "one of its most zealous founders" who had contributed both financially and through his technical knowledge to the institution's growth.

The Gothic Revival Law Library on Columbia's old Madison Avenue Campus where Philbiin studied to become a lawyer.

Eugene received his early education at Xavier High School, a prestigious Jesuit institution in Manhattan. He then attended Seton Hall College (now Seton Hall University) before pursuing his legal education at Columbia Law School, where he received his LL.B. in 1885. This educational path, moving from Catholic institutions to an elite secular university, reflected both his family's commitment to Catholic education and their integration into New York's professional class. The following year, in 1886, he was admitted to the New York bar, beginning his legal career.

Early Legal Career and Public Service

After graduating from Columbia Law School in 1885, Philbin was admitted to the New York bar in 1886 and began practicing with the prestigious firm of Ogden & Beekman. His early years of practice coincided with a period of significant legal reform in New York City, as the city grappled with issues of municipal corruption and the need for improved governance. In 1894, Philbin advanced to become the senior member of the law firm Philbin, Beekman & Menken, which would later expand to become Philbin, Beekman, Menken and Griscom. The firm handled significant commercial and municipal cases, establishing a reputation for expertise in both private practice and public interest law.

New York State Board of Charities

Philbin's entry into public service came in August 1899 when Governor Theodore Roosevelt appointed him to the New York State Board of Charities to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John Vinton Dahlgren. This appointment marked the beginning of his career in public service and demonstrated Roosevelt's confidence in Philbin's integrity and legal acumen. In this role, Philbin worked to improve conditions in state charitable institutions and advocated for better oversight of public welfare programs.

District Attorney of New York County

In December 1900, Governor Theodore Roosevelt appointed Eugene A. Philbin as New York County District Attorney to succeed Asa Bird Gardiner, who had been removed from office amidst allegations of corruption and inefficiency. Philbin's appointment marked a turning point in the battle against Tammany Hall's entrenched political machine, signaling the state's commitment to reform and integrity in public office.

NY District Attorney Eugene Philbin's first day in office, New York Tribune Dec. 26, 1900[2]

Investigating the corruption of Tammany Hall

Upon assuming office, Philbin pledged not to purge the staff wholesale but instead evaluated individuals based on competence and integrity. Despite the resistance from Gardiner's loyalists, he established a professional, bipartisan team and gained the trust of both reform advocates and moderate Tammany supporters.

Cracking down on gambling, prostitution, and graft

Philbin prioritized the prosecution of corruption and vice, taking on entrenched networks of gambling, prostitution, and graft. In collaboration with civic reformers and the Committee of Fifteen, he ordered raids on gambling dens and houses of ill repute, particularly in the notorious Tenderloin District. These efforts culminated in high-profile prosecutions that targeted both operators and complicit officials in the New York City Police Department.

Part of a cartoon showing a 1901 gambling-house raid conducted by the Committee of Fifteen, Justice William Travers Jerome, District Attorney Eugene Philbin, and the Society for the Prevention of Crime (SPC). The four raiders (identified by the names on their hats) are trying to break in using a battering ram. Behind the door, a corrupt police officer is trying to hold them back. For full cartoon see /here

Philbin's tenure also saw the release of a landmark report estimating that police graft linked to illegal activities amounted to over $1 million annually. His forthright criticism of corruption within Tammany Hall's police-controlled districts drew both praise and ire. Philbin described systemic failures that allowed crime bosses to thrive with impunity, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in law enforcement oversight.

Philbin's participation in a gambling raid highlighted in Raiding New York City Collier's Weekly May 25, 1901 p.27

A grand jury convened under Philbin’s leadership was instructed by Recorder John W. Goff to investigate vice operations and police corruption. Goff emphasized the importance of secrecy and vigilance in handling these cases, a reflection of the pervasive influence of criminal enterprises at the time. The investigations demonstrated the extent of police complicity in protecting illegal gambling houses and brothels, leading to heightened public demands for reform.

The Tong Wars

By the time Philbin concluded his service at the end of 1901, his administration had significantly reduced a backlog of over 10,000 untried indictments. His efficient handling of cases earned widespread praise, even from political adversaries. At the conclusion of his term, members of his office presented him with a commemorative silver cup as a token of their esteem. Although his tenure as District Attorney was brief, Philbin’s reforms laid the groundwork for continued anti-corruption efforts under his successor, William Travers Jerome.

Philbin Lashes Tiger New York Tribune p.2 Oct. 17. 1903[3]

Political career after serving as District Attorney

Philbin's political involvement continued after his term as District Attorney.

New York State Board of Regents

In 1904, he became a member of the New York State Board of Regents, serving until 1913. In October 1905, Philbin played a prominent role in the Democratic city convention, where he made the nominating speech for Mayor George B. McClellan Jr.'s re-election.

After serving as District Attorney, Eugene A. Philbin became a prominent voice against political corruption, particularly targeting Tammany Hall. In a passionate speech at a Citizens Union mass meeting in 1903, Philbin denounced Tammany’s systemic corruption, highlighting collusion between the police and political leaders, especially in New York City's Tenderloin district, where illegal gambling and vice operations paid substantial bribes. He condemned the "cadet system," which exploited young women, and criticized Tammany's exploitation of working-class voters, who were coerced into supporting the machine in exchange for patronage jobs. Philbin defended the reform administration of Mayor Seth Low against allegations of extravagance, emphasizing its moral benefits and financial oversight. He urged voters to reject Tammany's mayoral candidate, George B. McClellan, accusing him of failing to commit to fair law enforcement, and instead support the fusion reform ticket as a safeguard for justice and good governance.

Facts for Parents

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Facts_for_New_York_Parents:_Conditions_that_are_Not_to_be_Endured

Facts for Parents- Conditions that are not to be endured 1901 published by the Women's Municipal League

Ellis Island Commission Investigation

https://www.loc.gov/item/08028558/

In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed Philbin to a citizens' group investigating conditions at Ellis Island.

Immigrant children being examined by city health officer upon arrival at the battery from Ellis Island during Typhus Scare

The Founding of Greenwich House

Greenwich House,

President of the Parks and Playground Association

Philbin’s Vision for Public Parks

Philbin’s commitment to protecting Central Park stemmed from his belief that parks were essential to the mental and physical health of city residents. He argued that green spaces provided an essential escape from urban congestion, particularly benefiting the working class. In a 1909 address to the Parks and Playgrounds Association, Philbin described Central Park as "a sacred trust," underscoring his conviction that it should be preserved exclusively for recreational and aesthetic purposes. Through Philbin’s leadership, the committee successfully blocked various development proposals and reinforced the principle that Central Park should remain an inviolate public space. His legacy contributed to establishing long-lasting policies for the preservation of urban green spaces in New York City.

The Philbin Committee and Central Park

In the early 20th century, New York's Central Park faced significant threats from commercial and institutional interests seeking to develop sections of the park for private use. Eugene A. Philbin, as president of the Parks and Playgrounds Association of New York City, led efforts to preserve the park’s public status, emphasizing its importance to New Yorkers—particularly for the working class, children, and the general public. Under Philbin's leadership, the association opposed projects that would commercialize parkland or alter its natural landscape, positioning Central Park as an essential public resource.

April 8, 1909 New York Tribune Park Fight Active, E.A. Philbin in Charge[4]

The Philbin Committee, formed in response to these concerns, took up the task of investigating and countering attempts to encroach on the park’s grounds. This committee, led by Philbin, became a prominent force in New York’s Progressive Era battle to protect public resources from private encroachment and preserve them for communal benefit. .

Key Battles to Preserve Central Park

The committee faced notable challenges, including high-profile confrontations over proposals by the National Academy of Design and the industrialist Henry Clay Frick. The Academy sought to construct a new building on the historic Arsenal site within Central Park, a move that Philbin’s committee opposed on the grounds that public parkland should not be transferred to private entities, even for cultural purposes. Public opinion grew increasingly vocal, and Philbin successfully garnered support from prominent citizens, reform organizations, and newspapers in opposition to the Academy's plans.'

Many of the proposed developments in Central Park that the Philbin Committee opposed involved the Arsenal (above).

Another significant campaign centered around Frick’s proposal to establish the Lenox Library within park boundaries. Frick argued that the library would serve a public cultural purpose, but Philbin and his allies countered that Central Park should remain an open, accessible space for all New Yorkers, particularly families who could not afford country retreats. The Philbin Committee maintained that such private projects, regardless of their merit, had no place within the city’s limited green spaces. </ref>

Relationship with Theodore Roosevelt

NYS Governor Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt's relationship with Eugene A. Philbin began during Roosevelt's tenure as Governor of New York, when he appointed Philbin as New York County District Attorney in December 1900 to replace the corrupt Asa Bird Gardiner. Roosevelt's choice of Philbin reflected his broader strategy of appointing reform-minded officials to combat Tammany Hall's influence over New York City's institutions. Philbin's reputation for integrity and his independence from Tammany made him an ideal candidate for Roosevelt's anti-corruption agenda.

Col. Roosevelt Visits District Attorney Philbin NYT Feb 24, 1901[5]

In implementing Roosevelt's reform agenda, Philbin proved particularly effective at the local level. During his tenure as District Attorney, he launched several high-profile investigations into police corruption and gambling operations that had previously operated under Tammany Hall's protection, estimating that police graft alone amounted to approximately $1 million annually. His success in these investigations validated Roosevelt's choice and demonstrated the effectiveness of their shared vision for municipal reform.

Their collaboration continued after Roosevelt became President, when he appointed Philbin to a citizens' committee investigating conditions at Ellis Island in 1904. This appointment demonstrated Roosevelt's continued trust in Philbin's judgment and reform capabilities, particularly in matters requiring both legal expertise and sensitivity to immigrant concerns. During Roosevelt's presidency and William Howard Taft's tenure as Secretary of War (1905-1908), Philbin represented the Catholic Church in several critical negotiations, most notably regarding the Church's extensive property holdings in the Philippine Islands following the Spanish-American War. The controversy was resolved through the Philippine Courts under an Act of Congress, with similar questions addressed in Cuba involving the Treaty of Paris between the United States and Spain. In recognition of his diplomatic work, Pope Pius X made Philbin a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great in 1908.

Dec. 30, 1901 Letter from President Theodore Roosevelt to Eugene Philbin praising him for his service as District Attorney, saying that "every man whose opinion is worth having regards you as the type of an honest, fearless, and efficient public official. If ever we can get your standard of public service general in our city offices, the whole problem of municipal government will be solved."

Judicial career

Statue of Wisdom by Ruckstuhl at the Appellate courthouse in Manhattan where Justice Philbin served.

In April 1913, Governor William Sulzer appointed Philbin to the New York Supreme Court (1st D.) to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Edward E. McCall. In November 1913, having been nominated by both the Republican and Democratic parties, he was elected to a full fourteen-year term on the Supreme Court. In May 1919, at the instance of the Presiding Justice, John Proctor Clarke, and other Justices of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, First Department, Philbin was designated to sit in that court by Governor Alfred E. Smith. He served there until his death from pneumonia on March 14, 1920. The American Irish Historical Society praised his judicial work, stating he had "by his opinions and work as a judge, erected a monument to himself in the jurisprudence of this State more enduring than bronze."

Philbin and the Irish American Community

115TH ANNUAL DINNER (held by) FRIENDLY SONS OF ST.PATRICK (at) "DELMONICO'S, NEW YORK, NY" (REST;) (NYPL Hades-271530-467690)

Philbin and the Catholic Church

Beyond his legal and reform work, Philbin was a devout Roman Catholic who played a significant role in church affairs. In 1908, Pope Pius X recognized his service to the Church by making him a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great. He served as a trustee of the Catholic University of America and was a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.

Order of Saint Gregory the Great knight military division badge (Vatican) - Tallinn Museum of Orders

During his legal career, Philbin represented the Catholic Church in several significant matters, particularly during the years 1905 to 1908, while Theodore Roosevelt was President and William Howard Taft was Secretary of War. His most notable work involved handling complex negotiations regarding the Catholic Church's vast property holdings in the Philippine Islands, a matter ultimately resolved through the Philippine Courts under an Act of Congress. He also worked on similar questions in Cuba, where issues involving the Treaty of Paris between the United States and Spain, the Treaty between the United States and Cuba, and the Cuban Constitution required careful legal consideration.

While serving in his various public roles, Philbin maintained active involvement in Catholic charitable organizations, including membership in the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Upon his death in 1920, his funeral was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral and attended by many prominent legal and political figures, reflecting his standing in both religious and civic circles. From 1904 to 1919, Philbin was an active and influential member of the Marquette League, a New York City-based organization that raised funds for Catholic missions among Native Americans in western states.

Personal Life

Eugene Ambrose Philbin was born in New York City to Stephen Philbin, an immigrant from County Mayo, Ireland, and Eliza McGoldrick. Raised in a family that valued education and public service, Eugene pursued a career in law, eventually becoming a distinguished judge on the New York Supreme Court. In 1887, he married Marie Jessie Holliday, whose social and cultural contributions complemented Eugene's professional achievements. Together, they resided in Manhattan, where they maintained an active presence in New York society.

Eugene A. Philbin with wife Jesse Holladay Philbin and their four children, Stephen, Jesse, Ewing, and Eugenie. Circa 1898

The couple had five children. Their eldest son, Stephen Holladay Philbin (1888–1973), became a prominent lawyer and partner at a prestigious law firm, marrying Florence B. Burton and later Elizabeth Hoyt. Ewing Reginald Philbin (1889–1957), led a private career and married Harriet M.W. Woodward. [[Jesse Holliday 1890–1969) maintained a relatively quiet life , while their daughter Eugenie Philbin (1893–1931) resided in Saranac Lake, New York, and remained unmarried . The youngest child, [[Gerald Gliffith(1898–1959), managed administrative roles within family businesses, contributing to their ongoing success

Eugene Philbin passed away on March 14, 1920, n due to bronchial pneumonia. His death was widely mourned in New York City, with obituaries highlighting his integrity, legal acumen, and contributions to public life . His funeral was held at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyok City), reflecting his devout Roman Catholic faith . The service was attended by many prominent figures from legal, polisocial circles, underscoring the high regard in which he was held. Eugene was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery (Queens), leaving behind a legacy of public service and family values that continued through his descendants. Eugene’s legacy extended through his descendants, several of whom achieved din various fields. His grandson Stephen Holliday Philbin Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps in the legal profession, while other descendants made significant contributions in academia, cultural preservation, and business . The Philbin family’s trajectory reflects the broader story of Irish-American success irly 20th centuries, marked by civic engagement, professional excellence, and social advancement. Eugene Philbin's life and the accomplishments of his descendants remain a testament to his enduring influence and the values he instilled in his family.

Funeral of Justice Philbin at St. Patricks Cathedral NYT March 17 1920[6]

Descendants

Through his son Jesse, he was the grandfather of Jessie Holladay Philbin, who married Ledyard Blair Clark (1917–2000), the son of Judge William Clark, in 1941.

Legacy

Eugene A. Philbin's impact on New York City extended across legal, civic, and religious spheres. As District Attorney and later Supreme Court Justice, he established a reputation for integrity and reform, particularly in his efforts to combat corruption and police misconduct. The American Irish Historical Society praised his judicial work, noting that he had "by his opinions and work as a judge, erected a monument to himself in the jurisprudence of this State more enduring than bronze." His work with the Parks and Playgrounds Association of New York until 1913 left a lasting impact on the city's public spaces. As president of the association, Philbin was instrumental in protecting Central Park from commercial encroachment and advocating for the preservation of public parks. His leadership in opposing various attempts to build in Central Park helped establish important precedents for protecting public spaces from private development. Philbin's representation of the Catholic Church in various legal matters during the Theodore Roosevelt administration, particularly regarding Church properties in the Philippines and Cuba, demonstrated his ability to navigate complex legal and diplomatic challenges. His service on both the New York Supreme Court and its Appellate Division further cemented his reputation as a jurist who combined legal expertise with a commitment to public service.

Philbin died of pneumonia at his home at 63 West 52nd Street in Manhattan on March 14, 1920, while still serving on the Appellate Division. His funeral, held at St. Patrick's Cathedral, was attended by many prominent legal and political figures, including the Justices of the Appellate Division and the Supreme Court. To expand this section properly, we would need additional verified sources about his family life, other children, and personal activities.

Further Reading

• "Academy Bill Doomed: Buried in Committee." *New York Tribune*, April 11, 1909, p. 6.

• "Call Out to Oust Park Department: With Frick Gift Plan Beaten, the Fight Continues." *New York Times*, June 21, 1912, p. 24. [7]

• "Calls on the State to Safeguard Park: Playgrounds Counsel Demands." *New York Times*, March 16, 1924, p. E2. [8]

• "Deplores Our Lack of Playgrounds: Eugene A. Philbin Stresses the Need for More Open Spaces for Children." *New York Times*, May 7, 1909, p. 9.

• "Every Foot of Park Open Space Needed: And the Lenox Library Building Should Not Encroach on Central Park." *New York Times*, June 16, 1912, p. 8.

• "Fear 'Snap' Action by Park Invaders: Citizens' Committee to Organize to Counter Sudden Legislative Moves." *New York Times*, April 4, 1909, p. 20.

• "In Park Fight to Stay: Plan to Make Philbin Committee Permanent Organization." *New York Tribune*, April 12, 1909, p. 2.

• "Mass Meeting Call to Defend the Park: City's Attitude Toward Proposed Arsenal Use Criticized." *New York Times*, June 14, 1912, p. 10.

• "May Fight Use of Arsenal: Park and Playground Advocates Prepare to Oppose Repurposing." *New York Times*, April 26, 1919, p. 12.

• "More Join Park Fight: Unite Against Academy of Design Plan Opposition." *New York Tribune*, April 5, 1909, p. 1.

• "Name Park Defenders: The Philbin Committee." *New York Tribune*, April 10, 1909, p. 4.

• "Oppose Park Invasion: Many Join Committee to Strengthen Sentiment Against Academy of Design’s Plan." *New York Tribune*, April 3, 1909, p. 4.