Daniel A. Driscoll

Daniel Angelus Driscoll (March 6, 1875 – June 5, 1955) was an American businessman and politician from Buffalo, New York. A partner in a successful family-owned funeral home, Driscoll later became involved in other business ventures including a brewery. A Democrat, Driscoll served four terms as a U.S. Representative from 1909 to 1917. In 1934, he was appointed as postmaster of Buffalo, and he served until 1947.

Early life Daniel A. Driscoll was born in Buffalo, New York on March 6, 1875, a son of Timothy Driscoll and Catherine Blanche Driscoll. He completed his elementary education at School 35 in 1891 and later graduated from Central High School. Driscoll was active in the funeral home begun by his father, Timothy Driscoll & Sons, which was later operated by Driscoll and his brothers as Timothy Driscoll's Sons.

Driscoll was also active in several civic and fraternal organizations, including leadership roles with the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In addition, he took part in many Catholic church activities, including taking on leadership positions on various charity committees.

Early career Driscoll was active in politics as a Democrat from an early age; in June 1898, he was elected secretary of local party meeting that chose delegates to that year's state party convention. In September 1899, he was a candidate for the New York State Assembly nomination at the Erie County 4th district Democratic convention. In November 1900, he was one of the organizers of the Jefferson Club of Erie County, which was formed by Democrats who desired to promote the party's ideals while avoiding the internal strife taking place among the party's various factions.

In 1903, Driscoll's supporters formed an organization to promote his political prospects, the Daniel A. Driscoll Association. In 1904, his supporters again campaigned unsuccessfully to obtain him the state assembly nomination at that year's Democratic district convention, an effort that ceased when Driscoll publicly disclaimed any interest.

Congress In 1906, Driscoll was a candidate for the Democratic nomination to represent New York's 35th congressional district; he withdrew in favor of incumbent William H. Ryan, who went on to win the general election.

In August 1908, Driscoll was again a candidate for the U.S. House; when it became clear that Driscoll had enough convention votes to obtain the nomination, Ryan withdrew. Driscoll won the November general election, defeating Republican L. Bradley Dorr and three minor party candidates. He succeeded Ryan on March 4, 1909.

Driscoll was reelected in 1910, 1912, and 1914. In 1916, he was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection. He used this post to secure funding for numerous improvements to New York's ports and waterways, including expansion and maintenance of the Port of Buffalo, as well as deepening shipping channels in the Hudson River and Lake Champlain.

Later life After leaving Congress, Driscoll resumed his rile with the Driscoll family funeral business. In addition, he became active in other ventures, including organizing and serving as president of Buffalo's Phoenix Brewery.

Daniel A. Driscoll, Democratic/Independence League: 21,727 Patrick J. Keeler, Republican: 14,605 Samuel F. Leary, Socialist: 1,713 Josph A. Dixon, Prohibition: 128

U.S. House of Representatives, New York's 42nd congressional district, 1912

Daniel A. Driscoll, Democratic: 14,851 Willard H. Ticknor, Republican: 8.613 L. Bradley Dorr, National Progressive: 7,161 Samuel Leary, Socialist: 1,613 Vernon M. Stone, Prohibition: 259

U.S. House of Representatives, New York's 42nd congressional district, 1914

Daniel A. Driscoll, Democratic: 13,081 Willard H. Ticknor, Republican: 12,633 John J. Smith, Progressive:1,265 Adam Sebenck, Socialist: 688

U.S. House of Representatives, New York's 42nd congressional district, 1916

William F. Waldow, Republican/National Progressive: 16,623 Daniel A. Driscoll, Democratic: 15,411 Samuel Fawkes, Socialist: 580 Blank, scattering, void: 4,484