New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-12-18
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.

Justice Beekman's ancestors were Dutch. lie
was born in this city in 1S45. and was educated at
Columbia College being graduated in 1860 He then
entered the Law School OF that institution, and on
completing that course admitted TO the bar, In
1861 From that time he continued in the active
practice of his profession until his elevation to the
bench in 1894
He was appointed Park Commissioner by Mayor
Grace in 1884, serving for time president of the
Department of Parks. In 1886 he was elected prest-
dent Of the Board Of Aldermen, and served for one
year at the expiration of which Mayor Hewitt
appointed him Counsel to the Corporate ii. This
office he held until Mayor Grant appointed his sue
cessor In 1883 Governor Hill named him as one Of
the Commissioners for the promotion of uniform
ty of legislation in the United States with re-
spect to marriage divorce and other subjects, and
he took active part in the work of that body
until his election Judge. In November, 1894, Mr.
Beekman was elected Judge of the Superior Court
of the city of NewYork on the union ticket headed
by Mayor Strong, and upon the consolidation of
the courts under the new Constitution, on January
/, 1885, he became justice Of the Supreme Court
in the First District.
TRIBUTES OF ASSOCIATES
Ex-Judge William N Cohen who was associated
with Justice Beekman on the bench for some time,
said yesterday:
Justice Beekman was recognized almost from
the very beginning of his legal career as a high
authority real estate law. OF it he made a spe-
cial study. He was thoroughly conscientious
man and judge. 1t characteristic of him 70
go into details in all matters that occupied his at
tent1on on the bench. If there is any criticism to
make of the Justice it could only be that he was
overconscientious. and that he did net dispatch
his business as quickly as others less conscientious
or less careful would have done. During my as
ISOLATION with him the bench in 1897 and 1898
could not fail to observe this trait in the Justice.
He a most interchangeable worker. and l have
often met him at night in the rooms of the Bar
Association and at other places engrossed in his
work
n daHob+frI cor,oan;o- 49,, 90 stropg
social attributes. and his loss will be sincerely
mourned by a wide circle of acquaintance and
friends. He was active member Of the st.
Nicholas Society, and of numerous other clubs and
club which he most frequented and in which he
took the greatest interest the University Club
Justice OGorman, who was member Of the
Appellate Term OF the Supreme Court with Justice
Beekman. said:
Justice Beekman most conscientious hard
working and painstakinS judge. 1 attribute his
say that IL was Justice Beekman who first called
the attention of the civic authorities to the UNI
sanitary condition OF the courthouse, and il was
his action that led to the measures taken for
its Improvement. His death is deeply regretted by
all OF his colleagues
Two suits were filed in the Supreme court yes
terday In which Justice Beekman was plaintiff.
Both suits for foreclosures of MORTGAGES. and
were filed shortly before the reached the
courthouse of Justice Beekman's sudden death.
The actions brought by Justice Beekman as
trustee under the will of Charles H. Nelson
against Hannah NJ Halpin. and were for the fore
closure of mortgages on the property at One-hun-
third SITS and the Boulevard for nOn-payment OF
interest The attorneys for the plaintiff are Phil
bin. Beekman & Menken. A curious fact in rela-
ton TO the suits is that this property was sold by
the late Supreme Court Justice Frederick Smyth
10 Mrs Halpn November 90 1883. Justice
Smyth died in August last.