San Francisco County
Biographies
GEORGE
ALOYSIUS CONNOLLY
In the legal profession of San Francisco, one of the most able and reputable members was the late George A. Connolly, who was not only eminently successful in his local practice, but held various appointments in governmental work which attested to his recognized skill and knowledge of jurisprudence.
Mr. Connolly was born in New York city, April 18, 1873, and was a son of Peter and Anna (Blackwell) Connolly. When he was nine years of age, he came to California and here completed his education. He graduated from St. Ignatius College and prepared for the law at the Hastings College of Law, after which he was duly admitted to the bar of the state of California in 1897 and established himself in practice in San Francisco. His rise in professional ranks was rapid. He was forceful and highly intelligent in his legal methods, guided his activities along the most ethical lines, and success was inevitable. President Wilson appointed him as a judge in the joint land commission to settle the property questions between the people of Panama and the United States government. His services in this capacity were notable, and his decisions have always remained free from question or adverse criticism. President Wilson further honored him subsequently by the appointment as assistant attorney-general of the United States, and in this office he made a similar excellent record of achievement.
In the year 1906, Mr. Connolly was married to Miss Eileen Sullivan of Denver, Colorado, who survives him and resides at 3746 Jackson street in San Francisco. To their union were born two children, namely: George A. and Eileen Patricia.
Mr. Connolly was very devout in his religious faith, which was that of the Roman Catholic Church. In the words of the Rev. Richard A. Gleason, his teacher during college days, he “lived up to the ideals of a truly Christian man.” He was very prominent in the Knights of Columbus, having assisted in the organization of this order in California, and was grand knight of San Francisco. He was later state deputy of California, and twenty-five years after his first incumbency was again elected grand knight in honor of his fine services. Mayor Taylor of San Francisco appointed Mr. Connolly as a member of the city board of supervisors soon after the great fire of 1906. In all worthy civic affairs during his life he took a loyal interest and was liberal with his cooperation: Mr. Connolly likewise had unusual ability as a writer, and was the author of a short history of California for publication in the Catholic Encyclopedia.
The death of George A. Connolly occurred in San Francisco, October 11, 1928, and his loss was keenly felt in the whole community where he was known as such an exemplary and brilliant man. A brief, but pointed, summary of his life may be written again in the words of Father Gleason, who knew him from boyhood and understood his character as few other men. The pastor’s words follow: “He was proud of his faith; he knew his religion and lived up to it. In his characteristic humility and modesty he would disdain any eulogy. However, it is fitting that the lesson of a noble Christian life should be pointed out to his companions and friends. An early assumption of heavy obligations gave an unusual seriousness to the character of the boy, the youth and the man. He was gifted with a brilliant mind. He had a keen sense of justice; he was intolerant of sham and hypocrisy; he recognized his duty as a Christian lawyer, and faithfully and sympathetically served his clients. In all this work for his clients, his city, his country, the outstanding character of George A. Connolly was his faith, which enlightened and guided him.”
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Byington, Lewis Francis, “History of
San Francisco 3 Vols”, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1931. Vol. 3 Pages 400-404.
© 2008 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
GOLDEN NUGGET'S SAN
FRANCISCO BIOGRAPIES