Maloney, Francis Thomas, 1894-1945

Reporter, insurance agent, mayor, and U.S. representative (1933-1934) and senator (1934-1945), of Meriden, Conn.

From the description of Francis T. Maloney papers, 1931-1959. (University of Connecticut). WorldCat record id: 28418037

Francis Thomas Maloney, son of Patrick and Grace (Hickey) Maloney, was born in Meriden, Connecticut, on 31 March 1894 . After attending public and parochial schools in Meriden, he became a reporter for The Meriden Morning Record (1914-1921). During World War I, Maloney was a member of the United States Naval Reserve Force as a seaman first class.

In 1918, Maloney married Martha Herzig of Wallingford. They had a son, Robert, and three daughters, Marilyn, Grace, and Ann. Maloney sold real estate and fire insurance from 1921 until 1929 when he was elected mayor of Meriden. He served for two terms.

He was elected as a Democratic member to the 73rd Congress in 1933, and in 1934 was elected to the United States Senate . While in the Senate he chaired the Special Committee Investigating Gasoline and Fuel Shortages . He also was chairman of the Special Committee to Study International Petroleum Production and Distribution . Maloney was reelected to the Senate in 1940. While in the Senate, Maloney supported the social reforms of the New Deal. He opposed President Roosevelt's plan to reorganize the Supreme Court in 1937.

Maloney held membership in many organizations, including the American Legion, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Knights of Columbus, Loyal Order of Moose, Meriden Turner Society, Sons of Union Veterans, and Young Men's Temperance and Benevolence Society.

While working on a proposal to modernize Congressional procedure in December 1944, Maloney became ill from exhaustion. He died in Meriden, Connecticut, on 16 January 1945 .

From the guide to the Francis T. Maloney Papers., undated, 1931-1959., (Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center .)