Edward V. Loughlin

Loughlin, Edward V. (1894-1969)

Edward V Loughlin was a veteran, educator, lawyer, politician and advisor to U.S. Presidents.

Biography

Edward V. Loughlin served in the United States Army during World War I. He was a prominent figure in the educational landscape from 1914 to 1925. He wore many hats during his career, serving as a teacher, principal, and even a guidance counselor. While teaching he attended and graduated from Fordham University in 1918. Mr. Loughlin then attended Columbia University Law School, where he graduated with his Law Degree in 1921. Mr. Loughlin was involved in politics early. He was affiliated with Tammany Hall as a Committeeman in his local district as well as the local New York County Democrat organization. That involvement helped position him for his next political step. In 1925 he was appointed Manhattan Assistant District Attorney. He held that position until he was elected to the 156th New York State Legislature as Assemblyman from the 14th district in 1933. He was also Secretary to Supreme Court Justice, Ferdinand Pecora. Mr. Loughlin was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention from New York in 1936 (alternate), 1944, as well as 1964. Mr. Loughlin was the Manhattan Democrat Leader from January 1944 to March 1947.

On January 29,1944 Edward V Loughlin was elected Tammany Hall Leader. Tammany Hall was the political machine of the Democratic Party and played a major role in controlling New York City and New York State politics, and helped immigrants, most notably the Irish, rise in American politics from the 1850s into the 1960s.

Mr. Loughlin became Leader of Tammany Hall, when he and a group of district leaders revolted against the leadership of the current Leader, Michael J. Kennedy. Mr. Loughlin formally took over the leadership of Tammany Hall on Feb. 1, 1944. Mr. Loughlin was quoted in his acceptance speech saying, "No act of mine, as Leader or otherwise, will cause anyone to regret the honor conferred upon me." All of the Tammany district leaders, as well as a large number of other Democrats visited Mr. Loughlin at Tammany headquarters, at 331 Madison Avenue, to pledge their support and cooperation. When elected Tammany Hall Leader, Mr. Loughlin was Tammany district leader in the 14th Assembly district, which covered Yorkville and the Upper East Side area of Manhattan.

At the height of his influence in the mid 1940's, Mr. Loughlin was credited with handpicking William O’Dwyer as the 100^th mayor of New York City. On December 5th, 1944, Mr. Loughlin indicated that Tammany Hall would choose next year's Democratic nomination for Mayor of New York City. He did so with the backing of Edward Flyn, Democratic Leader of the Bronx and Frank Kelly, Democratic Leader from Brooklyn. In 1945, William O'Dwyer received the indorsement of Tammany Hall Leader Edward V. Loughlin. O’Dwyer won the Democratic nomination, and then easily defeated the 3-term incumbent mayor, Fiorello La Guardia.

Growing up in New York City, as well as his steeped understanding of New York politics, gave Mr. Loughlin a valued perspective of the social and political landscape that other leaders from around the country sought. On August 17th, 1944, Chicago Mayor Edward J Kelly flew to New York to confer with Mr. Loughlin at Tammany headquarters at 331 Madison Ave to discuss current political and social issues.

During Mr. Loughlin's Legal and political assent, he and Franklin Delano Roosevelt became friends and confidants. Both attended Columbia Law School and had law firms close to each other in New York City. Mr. Loughlin's Law firm was located at 295 Madison Ave. New York, NY. FDR's law firm was located at 120 Broadway New York, NY. While Mr. Loughlin represented the 14th District in the N.Y.S. Assembly, FDR was the Govenor of New York. Mr. Loughlin and FDR's relationship followed FDR to the White House where FDR was elected 32nd President of the United States. FDR maintained his connection to his home state through the advice of Tammany Leader Ed Loughlin.

Mr. Loughlin wrote the letter drafting President Roosevelt to his unprecedented 4th term as President. Tammany Leader Loughlin and his choices for Delegates to attend the Democratic National Convention were unanimous in the renomination of President Roosevelt. While in Washington DC Mr. Loughlin met with Democratic leaders from around the country, where he called for the drafting of President Roosevelt to a 4th term.

Mr. Loughlin was quoted as saying "We Democrats in New York support without reservation President Roosevelt and his policies. We believe he must run regardless of his personal wishes because the people need him, the soldiers, sailors and marines need him as Commander in Chief and a gravely troubled world needs his wisdom and expertise in the planning of an enduring peace." "It is appropriate that New York, the Presidents home state, should take the lead in the movement to draft Franklin D Roosevelt. This is a responsibility which the Democrats of New York City and New York State gladly assume." Franklin D. Roosevelt won his fourth term as President of the United States on November 7, 1944.

After FDR's death on April 12, 1945, President Harry S Truman maintained the advisory connection with Mr. Loughlin. President Truman frequented New York City to seek the advice of Mr. Loughlin's perspective regarding New York State and national politics. President Truman routinely requested Mr. Loughlin's company at the White House for advice on a myriad of social and political issues.

Edward V Loughlin stepped down as Tammany Hall Leader in March of 1947. He then devoted the majority of his time to his law firm located at 295 Madison Avenue in New York City. Mr. Loughlin remained politically active until his passing in 1969.

Family History

Edward V Loughlin was born in Yorkville New York, son to Mr. and Mrs. John Loughlin of New York City and Westhampton, Long Island of Catholic and Irish decent.

He married Madge Beatrice Lessing, daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Lessing of New York City and Bayport, Long Island. The Lessing's hosted a formal dinner at the Canoe Place Inn in Shinnecock Hills, Long Island July 16, 1932, to announce the engagement of their daughter, Madge Lessing to Assistant District Attorney Edward V Loughlin of New York City. Miss Lessing graduated from the Academy of St. Joseph in Brentwood, N.Y., and attended Miss Finch's School in New York City. On the maternal side Miss Lessing is a descendant of Colonel John Nielson, an officer in the Revolutionary War, and the niece of Sir Herbert Graves, past Chief Justice of the British West Indies.

The Loughlin's resided at 242 E 72nd St on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. In June of 1941 the Loughlin family were selected as Manhattan's "Typical American Family" by the Merchants Association of the Upper East Side.

The Loughlin's had eight children, Edward Loughlin Jr., Madge Hubbard, Mary Lee Dombrowski, Mona Kerins, Maureen Smith, Thomas Loughlin, Lawrence Loughlin and Melinda Loughlin.

Mr. Loughlin was a member of the America Legion, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Order of Hibernians, the National Democratic Club, the Manhattan Club, the New York Athletic Club and the Swordfish Club of Westhampton.

In Mr. Loughlin's later years, he enjoyed spending time at his family home in Bellport, Long Island with his children and many grandchildren. Summers were spent at the Swordfish Club in Westhampton where his grandchildren learned how to swim, dive and frolic in the Atlantic Ocean.

Edward V Loughlin died at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital, East Patchogue, Long Island, New York November 18, 1969, at the age 75 years old. Interment is at Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, Queens, N.Y.