Christopher Columbus McGrath

Christopher Columbus McGrath (May 15, 1902 – July 7, 1986) was an American lawyer, jurist, and Democratic politician from New York who served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949 to 1953. He was born in New York City, New York, where he spent virtually his entire life and career. Raised in the Bronx, he attended local schools and pursued a course of study that prepared him for both military-style discipline and the legal profession.

McGrath graduated from Clason Military Academy in the Bronx in 1921. He then enrolled at Fordham University School of Law, an institution with which he would maintain a long association, and received his law degree in 1924. After completing his legal studies, he was admitted to the bar in 1927 and commenced the practice of law in New York City. His early legal career, rooted in the Bronx, provided the foundation for his entry into public service and elective office.

McGrath’s political career began in the New York State Assembly, where he represented the 6th District of Bronx County. He served in the Assembly from 1928 through 1935, participating in state legislative affairs during a period of economic upheaval and the early years of the New Deal. His work in the Assembly helped establish his reputation as a capable Democratic legislator and positioned him for subsequent judicial responsibilities. In 1935, he was elected a municipal judge of New York City, reflecting both his legal expertise and his standing within the local Democratic Party. He was re-elected to the municipal bench in 1945 and remained in that judicial post until his resignation on December 31, 1948, in anticipation of his transition to federal office.

As a member of the Democratic Party representing New York, McGrath advanced to national office when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He won election to the Eighty-first and Eighty-second Congresses and served from January 3, 1949, to January 3, 1953. His two terms in Congress coincided with a significant period in American history, encompassing the early Cold War, the post–World War II economic adjustment, and the beginning of the Korean War. During these years, McGrath contributed to the legislative process, participating in the democratic governance of the nation and representing the interests of his New York constituents in the House of Representatives.

After concluding his congressional service in 1953, McGrath returned to judicial and legal responsibilities in New York. In 1952, while still serving in Congress, he had been elected Surrogate of Bronx County, an office responsible for matters of probate, estates, and guardianships. He assumed this role following his congressional tenure and was re-elected as Surrogate in 1966, underscoring the confidence placed in him by the electorate and the legal community. In addition to his judicial duties, McGrath maintained his connection to legal education as a member of the faculty of Fordham University School of Law, contributing to the training of future lawyers and sharing the insights gained from his extensive experience in both legislative and judicial roles.

McGrath remained a resident of New York City throughout his later life. He continued his professional and civic activities there until his death on July 7, 1986. He died in New York City and was buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York. His career spanned nearly six decades of public service as a legislator, judge, congressman, and surrogate, reflecting a sustained commitment to the law and to the people of New York.