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Michael Ambrose Tierney, A.M., LL.D. City of Troy |
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Michael Ambrose Tierney, A.M., LL.D. City of Troy |
MICHAEL AMBROSE TIERNEY, A. M., LL. D.—One of theprominent figures in the legal profession of his county, Judge Tierney's
record at the bar and on the bench has given to the profession an example
of probity and faithfulness to duty which may well be emulated by those taking up the responsibilities of legal practice, while his activities in charitable and educational affairs, fraternal organizations, and in
citizenship generally, give him a helpful influence in present day affairs.
Judge Tierney is a son of Michael and Bridget (Dowdell) Tierney, his
father for many years a farmer of Washington County, New York, and
from 1888 until 1902 postmaster of Salem in that county.
Michael Ambrose Tierney was born in the village of Salem, Washington
County, New York, March 11, 1869. His early education was obtained
in the public schools of his birthplace and in Washington Academy at Salem. He then entered Villanova College, at Villanova, Pennsylvania, from which college he was graduated in 1893, as valedictorian of his class, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Two years later he received his Master's degree in the arts from the same institution, and from alma mater he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in 1908. He began the study of law in the office of Townsend, Roche & Nason in November, 1893, and was admitted to practice in June, 1896, practicing law from 1896 to April, 1903, when he was appointed Rensselaer County judge by former Governor Odell to succeed Judge Henry T. Neson. He was elected Rensselaer County judge in 1903 for a sixyear term, and reelected in 1908, serving twelve years and eight months.
In January, 1915, Judge Tierney resumed practice of law, forming a co-
partnership with his former preceptor, Hon. William J. Roche, under the firm name of Roche, Tierney & Roche, the firm consisting of William
J. Roche, Judge Tierney and William C. Roche. This co-partnership still
continues. During the twelve years and nearly nine months of service on the bench Judge Tierney did much for the promotion of law and order, and while the bar welcomed him back, his departure from the bench was regretted. A member of one of the leading law firms in this part of the
State, he is counted among the progressive and noteworthy figures in
legal circles in Rensselaer County. A Republican by political affiliation,
he has never accepted public honors except in the capacity above outlined,
though his influence is strongly felt in the party. Fraternally, Judge
Tierney was for many years a prominent member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, serving as exalted ruler of Troy Lodge in 1904-
1905, and filling the office of district deputy of the North-East District of
the State of New York in 1905-1907. Judge Tierney is a member of the
Rensselaer County, State and American Bar associations; past president
of the Rensselaer County Bar Association; member of the Elks' Club,
Troy Club and Troy Chamber of Commerce; director of the Troy Boys'
Club; trustee of the Supreme Court Library at Troy; and a member of
the board of trustees of the Troy Public Library. Taking a deep interest
in all benevolent and civic progress, he devotes much of his time to the
aid of worthy movements along various lines. A logical, persuasive and
forceful speaker, he is sought for many occasions, and is a valued ally in
any good cause. His religious affiliation is with the Roman Catholic
church.
Judge Tierney married, in Troy, New York, on March 3, 1908, Bessie
M. Carpenter, daughter of Beecher E. and Julia E. (Clark) Carpenter and they have one daughter, Catherine C., born December 6, 1910.
