McKeon, John - 1858

John McKeon, a distinguished “democrat” has been removed from the office of United States Attorney for New York. His offence was having voted for Tiemann, an honst <sic> Democrat, for Mayor, against Wood, a consummate rascal, as has been proved in a court of justice. This shameless interference with the elective franchise by President Buchanan, would not have been attempted by Queen Victoria, Louis Napoleon or the Czar of all the Russias. Such is modern democracy.
~ Bedford Inquirer, 01-Jan-1858, Page 2, Column 4


The son of Captain James McKeon, who fought in the War of 1812, John was born on March 9, 1808 in Albany, New York.

After attending private schools, he graduated from the law department of Columbia College in 1828, (which later became Columbia University), was admitted to the bar that same year, and commenced practice in New York City.

McKeon was a representative in the New York State Assembly from 1832 to 1834, was elected as a Jacksonian Democrat to the House of Representatives of the 24th United States Congress, serving from March 4, 1835, to March 3, 1837, but was an unsuccessful candidate for re-election in 1836 to the 25th Congress.

He returned to the House of Representatives for the 27th United States Congress, serving from March 4, 1841, to March 3, 1843, but was again defeated for re-election in 1842 to the 28th Congress.

In February of 1846, he was appointed New York County District Attorney and, when the office became elective under the State Constitution of 1846, was elected in May 1847 to succeed himself.  He remained in office until the end of 1850 when his term expired.  In this office, he secured the conviction of Madame Restell.

He was appointed by President Franklin Pierce as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and served from July 10, 1854, to January 7, 1858.  While holding this office, he prosecuted a number of important cases, including the attempt to enlist men to serve in the British Army during the Crimean War, and the seizure of the filibustering ship "Northern Light."

He was again New York County District Attorney from November 1881 until his death while in in office on November 22, 1883.

He died at his residence at 44, West 37th Street, and was buried in a family vault under the old St. Patrick's Cathedral on Mott Street in New York City.

~ Who's Who in America, Historical Volume 1607-1896, published in 1963, Pages 348 & 349.

~ Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress : John McKeon.

~ Wikipedia article for John McKeon.

 You can visit the memorial page for John McKeon.