D.
J. Toohy is one of the many sons of the “Emerald Isle,” whom America numbers
among her most loyal citizens. He
attended the common schools of his native country, but during his boyhood he emigrated
from Ireland to America, and settled in Hartford, Connecticut, where he
completed his literary education. After
leaving school he went to Chicago, and thence to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he
studied law, and was graduated in this profession from the Cincinnati Law
School. He was admitted to the bar in
May, 1858. After the breaking out of
the Rebellion he enlisted, and remained until peace was declared, serving a
greater portion of the time on staff duty.
At
the close of the war he went to Chicago, and for several years was engaged in
the practice of his profession. On
account of ill health he was obliged to relinquish his prospects in this city,
and removed to a more congenial clime.
He came West as far as Salt Lake City, opened an office there, and was
finally appointed Court Commissioner.
He was also interested in journalism, and was connected as editor with
the Corinne Daily Reporter, and with the Salt Lake Tribune. In 1875 he removed to San Francisco, and at
once entered actively into the practice of his profession. In 1882 he received the nomination, and was
afterwards elected Judge of the Superior Court of San Francisco, holding the
position for six years.
Judge
Toohy is a strong Democrat, with decided protective views. When a young man living in Cincinnati he was
elected a member of the Common Council of that city, and occupied that position
for four years, being the youngest member of the Board. He was intimately acquainted with
ex-President Hayes, and he, with several other friends, was instrumental in
electing the ex-President to his first official position.
Transcribed by
Donna L. Becker
Source: "The
Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 1, pages 618-619, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.
©
2004 Donna L. Becker.