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Lot Essay
John McKeon was born in Albany in 1808, and began his law practice in New York City after graduating from the law department of Columbia University in 1828. He served as a state assemblyman, district attorney for New York county, United States district attorney for the southern district of New York and United States Senator.
As state assemblyman, McKeon strengthened New York institutions, helping to establish a committee for review and improvement of education in the state of New York. As a member of Congress, McKeon helped to pass a bill that opened the port of New York to New Jersey pilots, creating a more competitive piloting industry, a lucrative adjustment for the city. He also secured funds for furnishing the port with buoys and lighthouses, and drew several million dollars in support following the Great Fire of 1839.
McKeon was a great advocate for the New York Irish. He was among the leaders of the Irish Emigrant Society, created in 1841, and fought in the Civil War as part of the "Fighting 69th" Irish brigade.
The United States Democratic Review, May 1850, records the gift of this presentation cup, "by his fellow citizens, as a token of their regard for a faithful public servant." (p. 456) McKeon's service for New York and for Irish Americans is manifested in the imagery of this cup.
Joseph Bilby, The Irish Brigade in the Civil War: the 69th New York and other Irish Regiments of the Army of the Potomac, 1995, p. 9
Robert Ernst, Immigrant Life in New York City, 1825-1863, 1994, p. 35
As state assemblyman, McKeon strengthened New York institutions, helping to establish a committee for review and improvement of education in the state of New York. As a member of Congress, McKeon helped to pass a bill that opened the port of New York to New Jersey pilots, creating a more competitive piloting industry, a lucrative adjustment for the city. He also secured funds for furnishing the port with buoys and lighthouses, and drew several million dollars in support following the Great Fire of 1839.
McKeon was a great advocate for the New York Irish. He was among the leaders of the Irish Emigrant Society, created in 1841, and fought in the Civil War as part of the "Fighting 69th" Irish brigade.
The United States Democratic Review, May 1850, records the gift of this presentation cup, "by his fellow citizens, as a token of their regard for a faithful public servant." (p. 456) McKeon's service for New York and for Irish Americans is manifested in the imagery of this cup.
Joseph Bilby, The Irish Brigade in the Civil War: the 69th New York and other Irish Regiments of the Army of the Potomac, 1995, p. 9
Robert Ernst, Immigrant Life in New York City, 1825-1863, 1994, p. 35