Charles P. Daly

Charles Patrick Daly (October 13, 1816 – September 19, 1899) was a member of the New York State Assembly, Chief Justice of the New York Court of Common Pleas, president of the American Geographical Society, and an author of several books.

Early life and education

The Daly ancestors were the O'Dalys of County Galway, Ireland. In 1814, two years before Daly's birth, his parents immigrated to the U.S. from Omagh, County Tyrone, Ireland. Daly was born in New York City, New York, USA. His father, Michael, had been a master carpenter in Ireland, but in New York City, he worked as the manager of a hotel on Broadway. His mother, Elizabeth, died when Daly was age three. Michael remarried.

Daly attended private school in his early years. Upon his father's death, Daly was unwilling to rely on a widowed stepmother, leading him to leave school and earn a living.

Career

He worked first as a clerk in Savannah, Georgia, before becoming a cabin boy on a trading ship. During his three years as a sailor, he was present at the 1830 capture of Algiers. When he returned to New York in 1832, he became a mechanical trade apprentice for a quill manufacturer, and joined a literary society where he learned how to debate. This led to him becoming a law student and he was admitted to practice law in 1839.

In 1843, Daly was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing the Fourth Ward of New York City. While in office, he staunchly supported the establishment of Central Park against considerable opposition.

The following year, Judge William Inglis' term on the New York Court of Common Pleas expired. On a recommendation of Governor William Marcy, Governor William Bouck appointed Daly to the Court, beginning his term May 1844. When the position changed from an appointed one to an elected one in 1847, Daly ran for election and won, eventually becoming Chief Justice. One of his most notable cases dealt with the Astor Place Riot involving William Charles Macready at the Astor Place Theatre. He served on the court for six consecutive terms, retiring December 30, 1885 because of the constitutional age limit. Ten years later, the Court of Common Pleas was abolished, the judges becoming justices of the New York Supreme Court.