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Eugene A. Philbin
New York County
District Attorney
In office
1900–1901
Preceded byJohn R. Fellows
Succeeded byWilliam T. Jerome
Personal details
Born
Eugene Ambrose Philbin

(1857-07-24)July 24, 1857
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
DiedMarch 14, 1920(1920-03-14) (aged 62)
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Political partyDemocrat
Spouse
Jessie Holliday
​
(m. 1887)​
Parent(s)Stephen Philbin
Eliza McGoldrick
EducationSeton 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.[1]

Early life and education

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Eugene A. Philbin was born in New York City on July 24, 1857, the son of Stephen Philbin and Eliza (McGoldrick) Philbin.[1] His parents were Irish immigrants, reflecting the large influx of Irish Catholics to New York City in the mid-19th century.[2] He attended Xavier High School, a Jesuit institution in Manhattan, and graduated from Seton Hall College in New Jersey. In 1883, he entered Columbia Law School, graduating in 1885 and being admitted to the New York bar in 1886.[1]

Career

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After graduating from law school, Philbin began practicing with the firm of Ogden & Beekman. In 1894, he became the senior member of the law firm Philbin, Beekman & Menken.[1]

Philbin's political career began in August 1899 when Governor Theodore Roosevelt appointed him to the New York State Board of Charities to fill a vacancy.[3]

District Attorney of New York County

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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.[4]

 
NY District Attorney Eugene Philbin's first day in office, Dec. 26, 1900

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.[5]

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.[6]

 
(cropped) A Gambling-House Raid in the Year 1901 NYC New York Vigilant Leaflet No. 12

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.[7]

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.[8]

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.[9] 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.[10]

 
Philbin Lashes Tiger - headline New York Tribune p.2 Oct. 17. 1903

Political career after serving as District Attorney

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Philbin's political involvement continued after his term as District Attorney. In 1904, he became a member of the New York State Board of Regents, serving until 1913.[11] 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.[12]

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. [13]

The Philbin Committee and Central Park

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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.

 
Many of the proposed developments that the Philbin Committee opposed involved the Central Park Arsenal

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.[14] .[15]

Key Battles to Preserve Central Park

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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.'[16][17]

 
Eugene Philbin Lauds the Parks as a Moral Force - NYT May 9 1909 p.20

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>[18]

Philbin’s Vision for Public Parks

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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.[19] 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.[20]

Judicial career

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Philbin's transition to the judiciary came in April 1913 when Governor William Sulzer appointed him to the New York Supreme Court (1st D.) to fill a vacancy.[21] In November 1913, Philbin was elected to a full 14-year term on the Supreme Court.[22] Philbin's judicial career reached its pinnacle in May 1919 when Governor Alfred E. Smith designated him to serve on the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, First Department.[1]

Civic and charitable activities

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Philbin served as president of the Parks and Playground Association of New York City until 1913, advocating for the preservation of public parks and opposing efforts to alter Central Park.[1] 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.[23] In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed Philbin to a citizens' group investigating conditions at Ellis Island.[1]

Personal life

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On June 28, 1887, Philbin married Jessie Holliday, and they had five children together, including:

Jesse Holliday Philbin (d. 1978)[24]

A devout Catholic, Philbin was active in church affairs. In 1908, Pope Pius X made him a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great in recognition of his service.[1] 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.[1] His funeral was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral and was attended by many prominent legal and political figures.[25]

Descendants

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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.[26][27]

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

Legacy

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Philbin was remembered as a reform-minded lawyer and judge who worked to improve New York City government and the state's legal system. The American Irish Historical Society praised him, 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."[28] His efforts to combat police corruption as District Attorney, his advocacy for public parks, and his service on the bench left a lasting impact on New York City and State.[29]

Further Reading

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

Sources

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Judge Philbin Dies; His Illness Brief – End Comes at His City Home After Being Stricken with Pneumonia Tuesday – Was Born Here in 1857 – Justice's Life Marked by Public Service, Especially in Protecting Parks" (PDF). The New York Times. March 15, 1920. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  2. ^ Bayor, Ronald H. and Timothy J. Meagher, eds. The New York Irish. JHU Press, 1997.
  3. ^ "Eugene A. Philbin Appointed – He Succeeds J.V. Dahlgren on State Board of Charities" (PDF). The New York Times. August 23, 1899. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  4. ^ "GARDNER'S PLACE FILLED; Eugene A. Philbin Appointed District Attorney of New York" (PDF). The New York Times. December 24, 1900. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  5. ^ "A GIFT FOR MR. PHILBIN: Members of His Staff Present a Loving Cup" (PDF). The New York Times. December 25, 1901. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  6. ^ "RAIDING NEW YORK CITY: Stories by the Committee's Detectives" (PDF). Collier's Weekly. May 25, 1901. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  7. ^ "PHILBIN LASHES TIGER: Graft in Tenderloin Under Tammany Quarter Million a Year". New York Tribune. October 17, 1903. p. 2.
  8. ^ "August Grand Jury Enjoined to Secrecy". New York Times. August 6, 1901.
  9. ^ "A Gift for Mr. Philbin: Members of His Staff Present a Loving Cup". New York Times. December 25, 1901.
  10. ^ "Philbin Appointed as District Attorney". New York Tribune. December 23, 1900.
  11. ^ "Mrs. Fairchild Loses Case – Court Rules That $250,000 of Father's Estate Is Principal, Not Income" (PDF). The New York Times. April 29, 1913. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  12. ^ "M'Clellan Chosen; Unpledged, He Says – Accepts Mayoralty Nomination, Declaring Himself Unfettered – Metz and McGowan Named – For Controller and Aldermanic President - Covention [sic] Praises Roosevelt for Making Peace" (PDF). The New York Times. October 6, 1905. p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  13. ^ "Philbin Lashes Tiger". New York Herald. October 17, 1903.
  14. ^ "Judge Philbin Dies; His Illness Brief – End Comes at His City Home After Being Stricken with Pneumonia Tuesday" (PDF). The New York Times. March 15, 1920. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  15. ^ "Choose Delegates to Fight Park Grab: An Executive Committee of 25 to Represent Central Park’s Defenders." New York Times, April 7, 1909, p. 6.
  16. ^ "Oppose Art Building on Arsenal Site: Parks Advocates Warn Against Private Projects in Central Park" (PDF). The New York Times. March 11, 1909. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  17. ^ "Recreation League Fights to Save Park: Issues a Circular Calling on Public to Oppose Academy's Building Proposal" (PDF). The New York Times. March 21, 1909. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  18. ^ "Who Picked Park for Lenox Library? Invasion Plan Not Frick's" (PDF). The New York Times. June 22, 1912. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  19. ^ "Lauds the Parks as a Moral Force: Fresh Air and Recreation Develop Good Qualities in Children" (PDF). The New York Times. May 9, 1909. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  20. ^ "Academy Bill Doomed: Buried in Committee." New York Tribune, April 11, 1909, p. 6.
  21. ^ "Sulzer Nominees In; Truce with Murphy – John H. Delaney as Economy Commissioner Is Satisfactory to Tammany" (PDF). The New York Times. April 22, 1913. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  22. ^ "Tammany Ticket Includes Whitman – Dr. Darlington for Borough President – Philbin and Weeks for Supreme Court" (PDF). The New York Times. August 27, 1913. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  23. ^ The Catholic Encyclopedia and its Makers. The Encyclopedia Press. 1917. p. 136.
  24. ^ "Jesse Holladay Philbin, 78, Former Bank Official Here". The New York Times. March 18, 1969. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  25. ^ "JUDICIARY AT BIER OF JUSTICE PHILBIN; 300 Court Attaches Lead Cortege to Funeral Mass in St. Patrick's Cathedral". The New York Times. March 17, 1920.
  26. ^ "Jessie Philbin to Wed Blair Clark Thursday; She Will Have 3 Attendants at Marriage in Boston Chapel". The New York Times. May 25, 1941. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  27. ^ "Miss Jessie Philbin Married in Boston To L. Blair Clark, Son of Federal Judge". The New York Times. May 30, 1941. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  28. ^ The Journal of the American-Irish Historical Society, American-Irish Historical Society, v. 19-20, 1921.
  29. ^ "Eugene A. Philbin". Historical Society of the New York Courts. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
Legal offices
Preceded by New York County District Attorney
1900–1901 		Succeeded by
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