Matthew Vincent O'Malley
Matthew Vincent O'Malley was a U.S. Representative from New York in 1931. He died after winning election, but before formally taking his seat.Biography
Matthew V. O'Malley was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 26, 1878. He attended both parochial and public schools in Brooklyn, and worked as secretary to Brooklyn's public health officer.
O'Malley later became involved in the real estate, insurance and surety bond businesses, and was active in civic and business organizations including the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
In November 1930 Congressman John Quayle of New York's 7th congressional district died shortly after winning reelection to a fifth term, which was scheduled to begin on March 4, 1931. O'Malley ran as a Democrat and won the February 1931 special election held to select Quayle's replacement.
O'Malley died at his Brooklyn home on May 26, 1931. Because Congress was not in session at the time of his death, O'Malley never took his oath of office or exercised any of the duties of a Congressman. He was, nevertheless, serving in office from the beginning of his term on March 4, 1931. In 1932 Congress voted to pay the salaries of several deceased House members to their next of kin. O'Malley was included, and his mother received $10,000.
He was buried in Brooklyn's Holy Cross Cemetery.
