San Francisco County
Biographies
HON. DANIEL
C. DEASY
A distinguished member of the San Francisco judiciary is the Hon. Daniel C. Deasy, who is now serving his third term as a judge of the superior court, and whose long and continuous record upon the bench has been one of brilliant achievement and masterly decision.
Judge Deasy was born in San Francisco, on Perry street “south of the slot,” October 1, 1876, and is a son of Jeremiah and Bridget (Brennan) Deasy. The father was a native of Ireland, but when he was eight years of age his family located in Quincy, Massachusetts, whence he came to California. He had an uncle, Cornelius Deasy, who was a prominent California miner in the gold rush days. For many years, Jeremiah Deasy was in the mercantile business with his brother, Cornelius, and in the later years of his life he was an insurance broker. His death occurred in November, 1928, his wife having preceded him in death in June, 1928. Seven children were born to their union, all of whom are living.
Daniel C. Deasy attended the Sacred Heart College, and then the Hastings College of Law, from which he graduated. He began the practice of law in San Francisco in the year 1897; also in 1898 he commenced to teach in the city night schools. He continued along these lines until 1904, in which year he became deputy superintendent of the San Francisco public schools under William H. Langdon. During 1906 he served as chief bond and warrant clerk, and in January, 1907, he was appointed assistant district attorney by his former chief, William H. Langdon, who was then district attorney. Judge Deasy filled this position for two years. In December, 1908, he was appointed judge of the police court to fill out an unexpired term, and in November, 1911, he was regularly elected to this place on the bench. His services in this capacity were conspicuous for their fairness and intelligence, and on November 3, 1914, the voters of the municipality gave expression to their confidence in him by electing him judge in the superior court. Twice he has been successful at the polls since this first election, and he is now in his third term. His record upon the bench has been unassailable throughout the years, and his decisions have been based upon a comprehensive understanding of human nature and a thorough knowledge of the statutes.
On September 12, 1905, Judge Deasy was united in marriage to Miss Isabel J. Murphy, who was born in San Francisco and who died March 8, 1927. To this union there were born three children, whose names are Daniel, Jr., John G., and Richard I. Judge Deasy’s residence is situated at 955 Ashbury street in San Francisco.
The Judge is affiliated with the democratic party, and he is a devout communicant of the Roman Catholic Church. He is a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, having joined this order in 1905. He is a member of Lodge No. 64 of the Woodmen of the World, and is past great sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men. He is also a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. Walking tours and automobile trips have been his chief recreational activities. Judge Deasy has won hosts of friends who hold for him sincere respect and affection, and in the public eye he is one of the city’s most popular figures. He has fulfilled his responsibilities of citizenship even beyond the call of duty.
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 40-42.
© 2007 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
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