Michael H. Hirschberg

Michael Henry Hirschberg (April 12, 1847 – March 17, 1929) was a Jewish-American lawyer and judge from New York.

Life Hirschberg was born on April 12, 1847, in Newburgh, New York, the son of Henry Michael Hirschberg and Frances Frank. His father was from Prussia (later part of Germany), worked as a merchant, and served as town supervisor, commissioner of excise, and president of Congregation Beth Jacob. His mother was from Newcastle-under-Lyme, England.

When Hirschberg was 10, he was sent to Cincinnati, Ohio, and spent a year at a public school there. This was followed by two years at a private institution in New York City. He then returned to Newburgh and went to the Academy there, graduating in 1862. After spending a year studying the classics under Hugh S. Banks, he worked as a dry goods salesman in Marion, Indiana, for three years. In 1866, he returned to Newburgh and began studying law in the office of Stephen W. Fullerton. He was admitted to the bar in 1868, and in 1869 he formed a partnership with David A. Scott, who recently retired as Surrogate. The firm lasted over twenty years, ending with Scott's death. He was first elected to the board of education when he was 23, and he served as president of the board for several years. A Republican, he declined nominations for Mayor and Congress.

Hirschberg served as Special County Judge of Orange County from 1876 to 1879. In 1889, he was elected District Attorney of Orange County, an office he held until 1895.

Hirschberg was a trustee of George Washington's Headquarters and a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Freemasons. In 1878, he married Elizabeth McAlles of Newburgh. Their children were Henry, Stuart McAlles, Mary Frances, and David Scott.

Hirschberg died at his home in Balmville, New York on March 17, 1929. He was buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery.