Representative Anthony Jerome Griffin

Anthony Jerome Griffin (April 1, 1866 – January 13, 1935) was an American lawyer, war veteran, author, and Democratic politician from New York who served as a Representative from New York in the United States Congress from 1917 to 1937, and, more specifically, ten terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1918 to 1935. Over the course of these ten terms in office, he contributed to the legislative process during a significant period in American history, participating in the democratic process and representing the interests of his constituents during World War I, the interwar years, and the early New Deal era.

Griffin pursued his education in New York City, attending the City College of New York and Cooper Union before studying law at New York University School of Law. He was admitted to the bar in 1892 and thereafter practiced law in New York City. His legal training and early professional experience in the city’s legal community helped establish the foundation for his later public service and political career.

In addition to his legal work, Griffin had a notable record of military and civic engagement. During the Spanish–American War, he organized and commanded Company F of the Sixty-ninth Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, serving in 1898 and 1899. His leadership in this famed New York regiment underscored his commitment to national service. In civic life, he entered the field of journalism and local political discourse by founding and editing the Bronx Independent, a newspaper he directed from 1905 to 1907, which contributed to public debate and community affairs in the growing borough.

Griffin’s formal political career began in state government. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected to the New York State Senate from the 22nd District, serving from 1911 to 1914. During this period he sat in the 134th, 135th, 136th, and 137th New York State Legislatures, participating in state-level lawmaking during a time of progressive reforms and rapid urban expansion. In 1915 he further extended his influence on state governance as a delegate to the New York State Constitutional Convention, where he took part in deliberations on proposed changes to the state’s fundamental law.

Griffin entered national office when he was elected as a Democrat to the 65th United States Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Representative Henry Bruckner. He took his seat on March 5, 1918, and was subsequently re-elected to the 66th and to the eight succeeding Congresses. He thus held office continuously from March 5, 1918, until his death on January 13, 1935, in New York City. Over these ten terms in the House of Representatives, he served during World War I’s final year, the postwar adjustment period, the Roaring Twenties, the onset of the Great Depression, and the early years of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, contributing to the legislative work of the Democratic Party and the broader policymaking of the era.

Beyond law, military service, and politics, Griffin was also an amateur author. He wrote poetry, stories, and dramas, reflecting a literary inclination unusual among contemporary politicians. Among his works was an epic poem entitled Chaos, which demonstrated his interest in broader philosophical and artistic themes alongside his public responsibilities.

Anthony Jerome Griffin died in office on January 13, 1935, in New York City, bringing to a close nearly two decades of continuous congressional service. In recognition of his military service and national office, he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His memory was further honored locally when Spencer Place, located behind the Bronx Post Office, was renamed Anthony J. Griffin Place, commemorating his longstanding connection to the Bronx and his service to both New York and the nation.