Daniel Needham

Daniel Needham (May 2, 1891 – June 20, 1971) was an American attorney, political figure, and Massachusetts National Guard officer who served as commander of the Yankee Division and Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Safety.

Early life Needham was born on May 2, 1891, in Groton, Massachusetts. He attended Phillips Academy and graduated from Harvard College in 1913. While at Harvard, Needham played goalkeeper for the Harvard Crimson men's soccer team. There, he was named an All-American in 1912. In 1916 he graduated from Harvard Law School. He was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1917, but was unable to practice for many years due to military service. In 1919 he founded the firm of Sherburne, Powers and Needham. In April 1921 he married Frances Sarah Topping. They had two children, Daniel Jr. and Natalie.

Military career In 1912, Needham enlisted the Battery A. By 1916 he was a sergeant. Three weeks after graduating from Harvard Law School, Needham's battery was sent to the Mexican border as part of the Border War. His unit returned home in October 1916. He retired from the National Guard on November 16, 1939.

Public Safety Commissioner On March 16, 1933, Needham left his law practice to become Public Safety Commissioner. He accepted the position on a temporary basis at the behest of Governor Joseph Ely, who wanted to restore public confidence in the department after charges were brought against the head of the Massachusetts State Police, Captain James T. Beaupre. As Public Safety Commissioner, Needham reorganized the state police and instituted a number of personnel changes. He also presided over the department during the investigation into the kidnapping of Peggy McMath.

Later life In 1934, Needham returned to his law practice, where he remained until June 1971.

From 1938 to 1941 he served on the state probation board. From 1956 to 1958 he was a member of the Massachusetts crime commission.

Needham died on June 20, 1971, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. At the time of his death he was a resident of West Newton, Massachusetts.