William J. Foley

William J. Foley (March 2, 1887 – December 1, 1952) was an American attorney and politician who served as District Attorney of Suffolk County, Massachusetts from 1927 until his death 1952.

Early life and educati9n Foley was born on March 2, 1887, in South Boston, to Patrick A. Foley and Julia (née Hayes) Foley. He attended South Boston High School and The English High School. He graduated from the Boston University School of Law in 1908 and began practicing law that year.

Career A Democrat, Foley was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1915 to 1919. He then served in the Massachusetts Senate from 1919 to 1921 and on the Massachusetts Governor's Council from 1921 to 1923. In 1927, he defeated incumbent Thomas C. O'Brien to become District Attorney of Suffolk County. He ran again in 1937 and finished fourth behind Maurice J. Tobin, James Michael Curley, and Nichols.

Personal life and death Foley was Catholic. In 1922, he married Theresa Liston;