McMahon, Martin Thomas, 1838-1906

Martin Thomas McMahon was born 21 March 1838 in Laprairie County, Quebec, Canada. He came to New York for his education and received his bachelor's degree from St. John's College Fordham in 1855, his M.A. in 1857, and his doctor of laws degree in 1866. McMahon served in the Union army during the Civil War, eventually being brevetted a major-general of volunteers due to his conspicuous service. After the Civil War, he returned to New York City to begin his career as corporation counsel in 1866. McMahon then served as minister to Paraguay, before returning to New York to become receiver of taxes from 1873 to 1885. In 1885 he was appointed a United States Marshall and served four years. In 1890 he was elected to the New York General Assembly and the next year became a state senator and served until 1895. In 1896 he was appointed a judge on the general sessions bench and was serving at the time of his death. McMahon had been involved with the National Soldiers Home since 1870 and served as its president. He died in New York City 21 April 1906.