Michael F. Farley
Michael Francis Farley | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Birr, County Offaly, Ireland |
| Died | October 8, 1921 (aged 58) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician |
| Years active | 1881–1921 |
| Known for | U.S. Representative from New York (1915–1917) |
Michael Francis Farley (March 1, 1863 – October 8, 1921) was an Irish-born American entrepreneur and political figure who represented New York in the U.S. House of Representatives for a single term from 1915 until 1917.
Early life and career
Farley was born in Birr, located in County Offaly, Ireland, and emigrated to the United States in 1881. He initially settled in Brooklyn before moving to New York City. In New York City, he managed a tavern situated on West 22nd Street and held leadership roles including president of the Wine and Liquor Dealers Association of New York County as well as the Central Association of Liquor Dealers in Manhattan.
Congressional service
As a member of the Democratic Party, Farley was elected to the 64th United States Congress, serving from March 4, 1915, through March 3, 1917.
Gore–McLemore resolution
During his term, Farley endorsed the 1916 Gore–McLemore resolution, which aimed to prevent U.S. involvement in World War I by discouraging American citizens from traveling on armed merchant ships. This resolution emerged after the German Empire declared it would sink such vessels without warning. The proposal intended to limit passport issuance for Americans intending to travel on these ships. Despite Farley's support, President Woodrow Wilson opposed the resolution, perceiving it as a violation of personal freedoms. Ultimately, both chambers of Congress set aside the resolution.
Election loss to La Guardia
In the 1916 election, Farley was unseated by Fiorello H. La Guardia.
Death and interment
Farley passed away on October 8, 1921, due to anthrax infection contracted through his shaving brush. Although he received hospital care including anti-anthrax serum treatment, he did not survive. His death drew attention to public health initiatives in New York focused on preventing the importation of contaminated animal products such as shaving brushes and toothbrushes, which had been linked to several fatalities in the area.
He was laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York.
References
External links
- Short description with empty Wikidata description
- 1863 births
- 1921 deaths
- 20th-century American businesspeople
- Burials at Calvary Cemetery (Queens)
- Politicians from Brooklyn
- Irish emigrants to the United States
- Drinking establishment owners
- Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from New York (state)
- Deaths from anthrax
- Infectious disease deaths in New York (state)
- People from Birr, County Offaly
- American drink industry businesspeople
- American people of World War I
- 20th-century New York (state) politicians
- 20th-century members of the United States House of Representatives