Diplomat. The grandson of famed New York City civic reformer James W. Gerard, he graduated from Columbia University and its law school, becoming an attorney in 1902. He also served as a Major in the National Guard. From 1908 to 1911 he was a Judge on the state Supreme Court. In 1913 he was appointed Ambassador to Germany. Gerard defeated Franklin Roosevelt for the Democratic United States Senate nomination in 1914, but lost the general election to James Wadsworth. Resuming his duties as Ambassador, he served until the United States declaration of war in 1917. Having witnessed first hand German mobilization for war, Gerard gave numerous speeches in the United States advocating preparedness and warning of the dangers of German imperialism. At the 1920 Democratic national convention he received several votes for president, even though he was not an active candidate. After returning from Germany he resumed the practice of law in New York City, served as Treasurer of the state Democratic party, and was also a delegate to numerous Democratic conventions.
Diplomat. The grandson of famed New York City civic reformer James W. Gerard, he graduated from Columbia University and its law school, becoming an attorney in 1902. He also served as a Major in the National Guard. From 1908 to 1911 he was a Judge on the state Supreme Court. In 1913 he was appointed Ambassador to Germany. Gerard defeated Franklin Roosevelt for the Democratic United States Senate nomination in 1914, but lost the general election to James Wadsworth. Resuming his duties as Ambassador, he served until the United States declaration of war in 1917. Having witnessed first hand German mobilization for war, Gerard gave numerous speeches in the United States advocating preparedness and warning of the dangers of German imperialism. At the 1920 Democratic national convention he received several votes for president, even though he was not an active candidate. After returning from Germany he resumed the practice of law in New York City, served as Treasurer of the state Democratic party, and was also a delegate to numerous Democratic conventions.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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