James A. Torrey (September 27, 1868 – August 14, 1954) was a Canadian-born American politician who served as Mayor of Beverly, Massachusetts, and as a member of the Massachusetts General Court.
James A. Torrey | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mayor of Beverly, Massachusetts | |
| In office 1935–1936 | |
| Preceded by | Paul S. Eaton |
| Succeeded by | Daniel E. McLean |
| In office 1931–1932 | |
| Preceded by | Roy Patch |
| Succeeded by | Paul S. Eaton |
| Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 2nd Essex district | |
| In office 1929–1930 | |
| Preceded by | George B. Farrington |
| Succeeded by | Malcolm L. Bell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 27, 1868 Nova Scotia |
| Died | August 14, 1954 (aged 85) Beverly, Massachusetts |
| Political party | Republican |
Early life
editTorrey was born on September 27, 1868, in Nova Scotia.[1] He moved to the United States as a young man and settled in Beverly, Massachusetts, around 1891.[2]
Political career
editTorrey was a member of the Beverly City Council for seven years and the Board of Alderman for three. From 1919 to 1928 he was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. From 1929 to 1930 he represented the 2nd Essex District in the Massachusetts Senate.[1]
In 1930, Torrey was elected Mayor of Beverly. He defeated Matthew S. Heaphy with a plurality of 261 votes in one of the closest elections in the city's history.[3] In 1932, Torrey was defeated in his reelection bid by former Alderman Paul S. Eaton by 649 votes.[4] Two years later, Torrey won a three-way race for mayor, defeating Eaton and Daniel E. McLean with 4185 votes to McLane's 2863 and Eaton's 2419.[5] McLane defeated Torrey in the next election 5493 votes to 4493.[6]
Later life and death
editA blacksmith by trade, Torrey also worked in auto repair, was treasurer of Cabot Welding Co. and the Lite-Rite Manufacturing Co., and a vice president and trustee of the Beverly Savings Bank.[1][2][7] After leaving politics, Torrey continued to operate blacksmith a shop until his death on August 14, 1954, at the age of 85.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Public Officials of Massachusetts 1929-30.
- ^ a b c "James A. Torrey Twice Beverly Mayor, Legislator; Dies at 85". The Boston Daily Globe. August 15, 1954.
- ^ "Torrey Elected Mayor of Beverly Over Heaphy". The Boston Daily Globe. December 10, 1930.
- ^ "Paul F. Eaton (sic) Elected Mayor of Beverly". The Boston Daily Globe. December 14, 1932.
- ^ "Torrey, Elected Mayor, Wins Easily in Beverly". The Boston Daily Globe. December 12, 1934.
- ^ "McLean Beats Mayor Torrey". The Boston Daily Globe. December 16, 1936.
- ^ Public Officials of Massachusetts 1927-28.