Charles H. Tuttle

Charles H. Tuttle

Tuttle as U.S. Attorney shortly before resigning to run for Governor of New York in 1930.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York
In office
April 6, 1927 – September 29, 1930
Appointed by Calvin Coolidge
Preceded by Emory Buckner
Succeeded by Robert E. Manley (Acting)
Republican nominee for Governor of New York
In office
September 28, 1930 – November 4, 1930
Preceded by Albert Ottinger
Succeeded by William J. Donovan
Personal details
Born (1879-04-21)April 21, 1879
New York City, New York
Died January 26, 1971(1971-01-26) (aged 91)
New York City, New York
Resting place Evergreen Cemetery, Lake George, New York
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Helene L. Wheeler (m. 1907)
Children 4
Alma mater Columbia University
Columbia Law School
Religion Episcopal

Charles Henry Tuttle (April 21, 1879 – January 26, 1971) was an American lawyer, politician and civic activist. He was the 1930 Republican nominee for Governor of New York in the election against Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Early life and education

Born in New York City on April 21, 1879, he was raised by his mother and his grandfather Isaac H. Tuttle following the death of his father H. Croswell Tuttle.[1][2]

Tuttle received a bachelor's degree from Columbia University in 1899. He received his law degree from Columbia Law School in 1902, passed the bar and became an attorney.[3]

Start of career

From 1902 to 1927 Tuttle was a lawyer with the New York City firm of Davies, Stone and Auerbach.[4][5] He also became active in the New York City Republican party.[6][7][8]

Service as U.S. Attorney

In 1927, President Calvin Coolidge appointed Tuttle as United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.[9][10][11]

During his three years as a prosecutor Tuttle earned a reputation as an anticorruption crusader, winning convictions of numerous public officials, including Federal Judge Francis A. Winslow and Kings County Judge W. Bernard Vause.[12][13][14][15]

In 1927 Tuttle led an investigation into price gouging by Broadway ticket agencies.[16][17][18][19][20]

During his term as U.S. Attorney Tuttle also successfully prosecuted several crooked bail bondsmen.[21][22][23]

Tuttle also successfully prosecuted the Moscahlades and Dachis Brothers arson rings, organizations responsible for several for profit fires in New York City.[24][25][26][27]

In 1928 the British cruise ship Vestris sank and 111 passengers and crew were killed, including American tourists.[28][29][30] Tuttle investigated, and his work led to major reforms in international maritime safety.[31][32][33]

In 1930 Tuttle sent Albany's Democratic political boss Daniel P. O'Connell to jail in New York City for contempt of court. Tuttle was investigating illegal activities in Albany, including gambling, and O'Connell refused to answer his questions.[34][35][36]

1930 campaign for New York Governor

Tuttle's high profile as U.S. Attorney made him a likely candidate for political office, and on September 17, 1930 he resigned as U.S. Attorney in anticipation of running for governor. He won the Republican nomination at the state party's September 26 convention.[37][38][39][40][41][42]

Although he described himself personally as "dry" on the issue of Prohibition (in favor of keeping alcohol production and consumption illegal), Tuttle favored repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment and argued that individual states, not the federal government, should be free to regulate alcohol as they saw fit. He hoped to campaign on an anticorruption platform, but his opposition to federal prohibition drew fierce criticism from rural Drys. Deciding that he was not sufficiently in favor of Prohibition, the Drys fielded a third party candidate.[43][44][45][46][47][48]

While the Drys argued that Tuttle wasn't strong enough in favor of prohibition, New York Democrats argued that Tuttle was a "Wet" (in favor of allowing alcohol production and consumption) because he favored repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment. During the campaign, Democrats mocked the Republican ticket of Tuttle (an alleged Wet) and lieutenant governor nominee Caleb Baumes (a prominent Dry who supported the Eighteenth Amendment) as asking for votes by trying to please all sides on the Prohibition issue.[49][50][51]

On November 4 Tuttle lost to Roosevelt by what was then the largest plurality in New York State history. Roosevelt's victory was attributed to Tuttle's position on Prohibition, as well as the hard economic times of the Great Depression, for which voters blamed Republicans. As a result of his landslide, Roosevelt became the front runner for the presidency in 1932.[52][53][54][55]

Later career and civic activism

After losing the race for governor, Tuttle returned to practicing law as senior partner in the firm of Breed, Abbott and Morgan.[56][57][58] He also served on the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Commission and maintained an active role in the Republican party.[59][60][61][62]

Tuttle was also active in numerous charities and civic causes. From 1913 to 1966 he was a member of the City College of New York board of trustees.[63] He chaired his local Selective Service Board during both World War I and World War II.[64][65] An advocate of racial integration, Tuttle helped draft New York State's law against discriminatory hiring.[66][67] Active in the Episcopal church, he worked to advance tolerance and ecumenical unity with Catholic and Jewish leaders as a leader of the Greater New York Federation of Churches.[68][69][70][71][72]

In 1945 Tuttle received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre from the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem. Through the 1940s, Tuttle was one of only four Americans to have received the award, with the other three being Presidents Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman.[73]

Retirement and death

After retiring from practicing law Tuttle was counsel emeritus at Breed, Abbott and Morgan. He also maintained a summer home in Lake George and served for many years as counsel for the Lake George Association. Tuttle died in New York City on January 26, 1971 and was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Lake George, New York.[74][75][76][77][78]

Personal

In 1907 Tuttle married Helene L. Wheeler of Oswego, New York.[79] Mrs. Tuttle was born on November 12, 1881 and died on October 6, 1968.[80][81] They had four children, son H. Croswell Tuttle, and three daughters, Evelyn, Charlotte and Helene Jasmine.[82][83][84][85][86][87][88]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Branch Rickey, by Jimmy Breslin, 2011, Chapter 6
  2. ↑ The City College Quarterly, published by College of the City of New York, Volume 9, 1913, page 143
  3. ↑ Catalogue of officers and graduates of Columbia University, published by the university, 1916, page 182
  4. ↑ Newspaper article, Two men a Day Hurt in Blasting?, New York Times, February 17, 1907
  5. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle as Student Excelled in Debate, New York Times, October 5, 1930
  6. ↑ Newspaper article, Hylan Gives Advice to the Republicans; Tells C.H. Tuttle They Should Stop Finding Fault and Support His Program, New York Times, March 28, 1925
  7. ↑ Newspaper article, Asks Central Rule for Republicans; Tuttle Says Party Should Have Organization Like Tammany for City Politics, New York Times, November 24, 1925
  8. ↑ Newspaper article, Young Republican Dinner; Charles H. Tuttle Will Speak Tonight on Organization Work, New York Times, July 18, 1926
  9. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle is favored for Buckner Post, New York Times, March 10, 1927
  10. ↑ Hilles for Tuttle in Buckner's Post, New York Times, March 29, 1927
  11. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle is Appointed to Succeed Buckner, New York Times, March 30, 1927
  12. ↑ Newspaper article, Accused Judge Resigns, by Associated press, published in Rochester Evening Journal, April 1, 1929
  13. ↑ Newspaper article, obituary, ex-Judge Winslow, New York Times, March 30, 1932
  14. ↑ Newspaper article, Jurist is Accused of Accepting Fees, Baltimore Sun, May 11, 1930
  15. ↑ Newspaper article, Vause Loses Plea to Escape Jail, New York Times, December 22, 1931
  16. ↑ Newspaper article, Ticket Speculators Are Gouging Public, Prescott Evening Courier, July 20, 1927
  17. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle Acts to Stop Fight Ticket Gouge, New York Times, July 20, 1927
  18. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle Ready to Act in New Ticket Gouge, New York Times, August 27, 1927
  19. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle is Defied by Ticket Agency, New York Times, November 5, 1927
  20. ↑ Newspaper article, Scores Ticket Gouging; Producer Says Not Any Show Is Worth $6.60 an Admission, New York Times, March 23, 1928
  21. ↑ Newspaper article, Whalen Demands Data on Bail Graft; Tells Tuttle It Is His "Duty" to Turn Over Grand Jury's Charges Against Police, New York Times, January 26, 1930
  22. ↑ Newspaper article, 300 Brokers Face Bail Bond Inquiry, New York Times, February 2, 1930
  23. ↑ Newspaper article, Grand Jury Indicts 2 Bronx Bondsmen, New York Times, March 1, 1930
  24. ↑ Newspaper article, Six Plead Guilty in Warehouse Fire, New York Times, November 10, 1927
  25. ↑ Newspaper article, Eight in Arson Gang Get Prison Terms, New York Times, November 12, 1927
  26. ↑ Newspaper article, Face Arson Charges: Furriers Accused of Hiring Man to Fire Shops, Reading Eagle, March 18, 1930
  27. ↑ Newspaper article, Fur Incendiaries Enter Guilty Plea, New York Times, April 17, 1930
  28. ↑ Newspaper article, 339 Take to Lifeboats as Liner Vestris Sinks, New York Times, November 13, 1928
  29. ↑ newspaper article, Survivors Relate Tales Of Heroism As Vestris Sinks, Owosso Argus-Press, November 16, 1928
  30. ↑ Newspaper article, Vestris Disaster A Mystery, Testifies Her Former Skipper, Baltimore Sun, November 22, 1928
  31. ↑ Newspaper article, Ship Engineer Says Crew Quit, Toledo News-Bee, November 23, 1928
  32. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle Wants Aids to More Safety at Sea, Baltimore Sun, November 24, 1928
  33. ↑ Newspaper article, Ship Disaster Laid to Federal Laxity; Tuttle Declares Government Failed to Adopt Devices Urged After Vestris Inquiry, New York Times, October 2, 1934
  34. ↑ Newspaper article, Albany Politician Sent to Jail for Court Contempt, by Associated Press, published in Meriden Record, August 2, 1929
  35. ↑ Newspaper article, O'Connell Gives Up; Bail Set at $30,000; Politician Sought on Perjury Charge in Baseball Pool Surrenders in Albany, New York Times, January 8, 1930
  36. ↑ Newspaper article, O'Connell in Court, Fights Coming Here, New York Times, January 23, 1930
  37. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle Boom Gains, New York Times, August 10, 1930
  38. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle Demands Dry Repeal, by Associated Press, published in Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, September 17, 1930
  39. ↑ Newspaper article, Newburgher on State Ticket, Newburgh News, September 27, 1930
  40. ↑ Newspaper article, Charles Tuttle is Party Leader, Gettysburg Times, September 27, 1930
  41. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle's Resignation Accepted By Hoover, Hartford Courant, September 28, 1930
  42. ↑ Newspaper article, Hoover Sends Tuttle Thank You Note, But no Hint of Support, Chicago Tribune, October 1, 1930
  43. ↑ Newspaper article, State Drys Move to Name Candidate; Charles H. Tuttle Consults the Oracle, New York Times, September 26, 1930
  44. ↑ Newspaper article, New York Drys Will Put Third Party In Field, Meriden Daily Journal, September 27, 1930
  45. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle Won't Sign a State Dry Law Like Volstead Act; In Reply to Roosevelt, He Pledges Dry Enforcement Under Nuisance Statute, New York Times, October 3, 1930
  46. ↑ Newspaper article, Baumes Shuns Stand of Tuttle on Repeal; Says He Will Back Running Mate Fully, But Is Not Ready to Give His Prohibition Views, New York Times, October 4, 1930
  47. ↑ Newspaper article, Drys to Nominate Dr. Carroll Today, New York Times, October 7, 1930
  48. ↑ Newspaper column, Why I cannot support Mr. Tuttle, by S.E. Nicholson, The Canaseraga Times, October 16, 1930
  49. ↑ Newspaper article, Lehman Attacks Baumes as Dry-Wet, New York Times, October 16, 1930
  50. ↑ Newspaper article, Smith Ridicules Republican Wets; They Illustrate Latest "Duck and Dodge" of Party on Prohibition, He Says New York Times, October 31, 1930
  51. ↑ Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Champion of Freedom, by Conrad Black, 2005, page 206
  52. ↑ Newspaper column, Daily Washington Letter, by Rodney Dutcher, Southeast Missourian, August 12, 1930
  53. ↑ Newspaper article, Roosevelt Reelected Governor of New York; Democratic Executive Carries Entire Ticket With Him in Statewide Sweep; Plurality Sets Record, Reading Eagle, November 5, 1930
  54. ↑ Newspaper article, Latest Election Returns, by Associated Press, published in Lincoln Telegraph-Herald, November 6, 1930
  55. ↑ Newspaper article, Cox Praises Roosevelt; Suggests Governor Is "Logical" 1932 Candidate, New York Times, October 2, 1930
  56. ↑ Newspaper article, Chas. Tuttle to Resume Law Work in New York, Newburgh News, November 8, 1930
  57. ↑ Newspaper article, C.H. Tuttle Attacks Trust Law Methods, New York Times, May 28, 1940
  58. ↑ Newspaper article, Church Leaders Ok Funds For Ghettoes, Miami News, September 15, 1967
  59. ↑ Newspaper article, Area Study Urged on Transit Needs; Tuttle Asks Up to $1,000,000 for it -- Would Include Loop Railroad Link to Jersey, New York Times, December 8, 1954
  60. ↑ Newspaper article, Head Metropolitan Transit Agency, New York Times, September 22, 1955
  61. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle Elected Head of Republican Club, New York Times, April 25, 1951
  62. ↑ Newspaper article, Republicans Choose New York Delegates, New York Times, February 8, 1952
  63. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle, Trustee for 50 Years, To Be Honored by City College, New York Times, April 28, 1963
  64. ↑ Newspaper article, Board 145 First to Examine Men Called in Draft, New York Times, July 31, 1917
  65. ↑ Newspaper article, Oxford Group Used for Dodging Draft, by Associated Press, published in Regina Leader-Post, January 5, 1943
  66. ↑ Newspaper article, Racial Tolerance Urged by Tuttle; Former Federal Attorney Talks at Breakfast of St. George Society Group Here, New York Times, June 12, 1944
  67. ↑ Report, Matter of Board of Higher Education v. Carter, New York Court of Appeals Reports, April 2, 1964
  68. ↑ Newspaper article, Topics of Interest to the Churchgoer; District Attorney Tuttle Will Speak Tuesday at Men's Presbyterian Dinner, New York Times, January 25, 1930
  69. ↑ Newspaper article, Hearing On Cathedral Row Set Back Until Next Wednesday, Lewiston Morning Tribune, December 11, 1930
  70. ↑ Newspaper article, 6 Cited for Work for Human Rights; Charles H. Tuttle and Newton D. Baker Among Those Honored by B'nai B'rith Lodge, New York Times, November 25, 1936
  71. ↑ Newspaper article, Constitution Held 3 Faiths' Bulwark; Protestant, Catholic and Jew Speak in Fair Symposium on Religious Freedom, New York Times, May 9, 1939
  72. ↑ Newspaper article, Church Group Opposes Change, by United Press International, published in Bonham Daily Favorite, April 29, 1964
  73. ↑ Newspaper article, Grand Cross for Tuttle; Highest Honor of the Eastern Orthodox Church Conferred, New York Times, June 4, 1945
  74. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle Makes Plea for Lake George; U.S. Attorney Begins Drive to Increase Membership in the Association, New York Times, July 8, 1928
  75. ↑ Newspaper article, Meet at Lake George; Cottagers' Association Re-elects Officers--Want a Police Patrol, New York Times, August 17, 1930
  76. ↑ Newspaper article, Formal Opening of Lake George Beach, The Warrensburg News, June 14, 1951
  77. ↑ Reports, People v. System Properties, New York Court of Appeals Reports, February 28, 1957
  78. ↑ Social Security Death Index
  79. ↑ Newspaper article, Charles H. Turtle, Civic Leader Here for Many Years, Dies at 91, New York Times, January 27, 1971
  80. ↑ The Abridged Compendium of American Genealogy, published by F.A. Virkus & Co., Volume 2, 1926, page 80
  81. ↑ Newspaper article, Mrs. Charles H. Tuttle, Wife of Lawyer, is Dead, New York Times, October 7, 1968
  82. ↑ Newspaper article, Evelyn Tuttle Wed to Lieut. Horne Jr.; Daughter of U.S. Attorney Is Married by Right Rev. A.S. Lloyd, Suffragan Bishop, New York Times, May 17, 1930
  83. ↑ Newspaper article, Tuttle Family is Happy; Wife and Three Children Cheer Nomination at Albany, New York Times, September 27, 1930
  84. ↑ LaGuardia in Albany; Will Attend Charlotte Tuttle's Wedding at Lake George, New York Times, July 11, 1934
  85. ↑ Newspaper article, R.B. Bryant to Wed Helene J. Tuttle; Son of Judge to Marry Daughter of C.H. Tuttles, New York Times, March 25, 1940
  86. ↑ Newspaper article, C.H. Tuttle, Lawyer, Dies, Baltimore Sun, January 27, 1971
  87. ↑ Obituary, H. Croswell Tuttle, Glens Falls Post-Star, December 8, 2006
  88. ↑ Obituary, Jasmine Tuttle Bryant, Syracuse Post-Standard, November 30, 2008
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