Benjamin Gladstone

Benjamin Gladstone (December 14, 1896[1] – December 13, 1935[2]) was a representative in the New York State Assembly, serving in the 157th and 158th State Legislatures in 1934 and 1935, respectively.[3]

Benjamin Gladstone
Member of the New York State Assembly
from the 5th district
In office
January 3, 1934 – December 13, 1935 (death)
GovernorHerbert H. Lehman
Preceded byHarry A. Samberg
Succeeded byJulius J. Gans
Personal details
Born(1896-12-14)December 14, 1896
Lower East Side, Manhattan, New York
DiedDecember 13, 1935(1935-12-13) (aged 38)
The Bronx, New York
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Florence
ChildrenMildred
Alma materFordham University School of Law
Professionlawyer
Benjamin Gladstone Square, a vest pocket park bounded by West Farms Road, Westchester Avenue, and Hoe Avenue, in The Bronx, New York

Early life

Gladstone was born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, to Samuel Gladstone and the former Minnie Klein, in a house on Cherry Street. His family moved to Harlem, where he started his schooling at P.S. 83 on East 110th Street near Second Avenue, and later graduated from Harlem Evening High School and Fordham University School of Law. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Engineer Corps, but World War I ended before he was sent overseas.[3]

Career

Gladstone set up a private law practice in Manhattan and was active in the Bronx County Democratic organization, serving as secretary of his district's county committee, as a delegate to judicial conventions, and on the law and speakers' committees.[3]

Gladstone was also active in a variety of fraternal, civic, religious, and political circles. He was chairman of the board of directors of the Hunts Point Hebrew Association, President of the Onward Lodge of the Independent Order of Brith Abraham, and a member the American Legion, the Elks, and the Bronx County Bar Association.[3]

He was elected to the Assembly on the Democratic Party and Recovery Party lines in November 1933[4] and re-elected November 1934.[5] He devoted his legislative career to improving educational standards and conditions in the public schools. He was also chairman of the 1934 Emergency Unemployment Relief drive in the Bronx.[3]

On April 2, 1935, Gladstone collapsed from a heart attack in the Assembly and rushed by ambulance to Albany Hospital.[6] He had appeared to recover and was in apparent good health when he was re-elected to a third term in November 1935. However, on December 13, 1935, after leaving a meeting at the local Democratic Club and returning home, he suddenly collapsed and died.[3]

He was succeeded by Julius J. Gans, who won a special election held on January 22, 1936.[7]

Legacy

Gladstone was survived by his wife, Florence, and three-year-old daughter, Mildred.[3]

Benjamin Gladstone Square, surrounded by Westchester Avenue, Hoe Avenue, and West Farms Road, a block away from Gladstone's residence at 1106 West Farms Road and formerly called Fox Square, was named after him in 1937.[8][9]

References
  1. New York City Births, 1846-1909," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2WSY-7T5 : 20 March 2015), Glatstein, 14 Dec 1896; citing Manhattan, New York, New York, United States, reference cn 54905 New York Municipal Archives, New York; FHL microfilm 1,322,346.
  2. New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949," FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2WGX-VY4 : 20 March 2015), Benjamin Gladstone, 13 Dec 1935; citing Death, Bronx, New York, New York, United States, New York Municipal Archives, New York; FHL microfilm 2,156,400.
  3. "Gladstone is Dead; Legislator Was 39 — Assemblyman From the Bronx Suffers Heart Attack After Political Meeting — Worked to Aid Education — Maintained Law Office Here and Was Active in Welfare and Religious Fields". New York Times. December 14, 1935. p. 35. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  4. "Mayoralty Race Reduced to Nine — But They Represent Twelve Tickets — Others Seeking Office Are Listed — Voting Machines Likely — More Eliminations Expected So That A Paper Ballot Will Be Unnecessary — List of Candidates Who Will Be On Ballots in Municipal Election Nov. 7". New York Times (Second News ed.). October 15, 1933. p. 2. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  5. "Full State Ticket Will Be Elected — 3 Judges of Court of Appeals and Congress Members Also to Be Chosen Tuesday — Polls Open Till 6 P.M. — Upward of 1,700,000 Voters in the City Are Expected to Cast Ballots". New York Times (Second News Section ed.). November 4, 1934. p. 3. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  6. "Gladstone Slightly Improved". New York Times. Associated Press. April 4, 1935. p. 4. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  7. "Assembly Seat Won By Bronx Democrat — Gans Is Victor in Special Vote — Communist Runs Second, Republican Fourth". New York Times. January 22, 1936. p. 2. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  8. "Bronx Square Dedicated — Memory of Assemblyman Gladstone Honored by Service". New York Times. June 13, 1937. p. 24. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  9. "Benjamin Gladstone Square — History". nycgovparks.org. New York City Department of Parks. Retrieved 18 April 2017.

Benjamin Gladstone at Find a Grave

New York State Assembly
Preceded by
Harry A. Samberg		 New York State Assembly
Bronx County, 5th District
1934–1935		 Succeeded by
Julius J. Gans
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