The New York Times/1895/5/23/John J. Gorman

John J. Gorman

In the death of ex-Sheriff John J. Gorman, at his home, 140 East Seventy-second Street, on Tuesday, Tammany Hall lost one of its oldest and most prominent leaders. Mr. Gorman joined the society when a young man, and was prominently identified with it until the time of his death. As a Tammany candidate he held a number of offices. He was a member of the old Fire Board, served as Fire Commissioner; was appointed twice a Police Justice, and was finally elected Sheriff. He had a reputation of being a conservative politician.

Mr. Gorman was born in Hester Street, of Irish parents, Oct. 5, 1828, and for many years was a resident of the old Ninth Ward. He attended the public school at Grove and Hudson Streets, but left school to enter a dry goods store. He afterward became and apprentice in the plumbing trade. He was taught by his father, who was a practical man, to look out for himself, and he was a self-made man in the truest sense of the word. In his early youth he was an enthusiastic member of the Volunteer Fire Department, and ran with the "machine" at every opportunity. He afterward became a member of the old Fire Board, and after the force was reorganised was elected Fire Commissioner. He served as President of the Board of Commissioners for several years. Meanwhile he had taken an active part in politics, and in 1872 was one of the Committee on Reorganization of Tammany Hall. In 1877 he was elected a Sachem, which office he held until the recent election.

While serving as Fire Commissioner, in 1883, Mr. Gorman was appointed Police Justice by Mayor Edson. He was reappointed Police Justice by Mayor Grant. In 1890 he was elected Sheriff of the City and County of New-York, and served a full term.

Mr. Gorman was prominent among Free Masons. He was honored with the thirty-third degree, and in 1892 the Supreme Council of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-Third and Last Degree, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for America, elected him Sovereign Grand Commander.

Both Mr. Gorman and Mrs. Gorman were prominent members of the Rev. Dr. John Hall's church. On account of the temporary absence of Dr. Hall, arrangements for the funeral have not been completed. It is expected, however, that the services will be held on Saturday morning.

At a meeting of the Commissioners of the Fire Department yesterday the following resolutions were passed:

Resolved, That the Board of Fire Commissions learns with regret of the death of John J. Gorman, at the one time Commissioner of the department, and desires to convey to the family of the deceased ex-Commissioner its sincere sympathy.

Resolved, That the flags of the department be placed at half-mast on the day of the funeral.