Henry R. Beekman

Among the large number of prominent citizens who have recently passed away was Henry R. Beekman, one of the Justices of the Supreme Court, who had filled various public offices with credit to himself and the city for many years. He came of the best Dutch stock, was a native born New Yorker, was educated at Columbia University in its academical department and in its Law School, and came to the bar in 1867. He was president of the Park Commission under Mayor Grace, president of the Board of Aldermen, and counsel to the Corporation under Mayor Hewitt.

He did much valuable work of a public character not connected with his official position, such as service on a Commission for the promotion of uniformity of legislation in the United States with respect to marriage, dower, and other subjects, and the drafting of the Rapid Transit Act, under which an indispensable undertaking is now being carried out. He was elected to the bench of the Superior Court in 1894, and, under the consolidation of the courts in 1896 became a justice of the Supreme Court in the First District. As such he achieved a most enviable reputation among his associates on the bench and the members of the bar, as an upright, conscientious, able judge, indefatigable in the discharge of his duty, whose opinions commanded the highest respect. The great interest and industry which he brought to bear were remarkable and most worthy of emulation, for he was always anxious to be right. He was a man of delightful social qualities, strong in his friendships, and has left an enduring reputation as a lawyer, a jurist and a man.

Henry E. Howland
1901 Century Association Yearbook