School History

 

 

Bernard F. Gaffney
(1861-1936)

Bernard F. Gaffney was born in New Britain on June 23, 1861. A lifelong resident of that city, Bernard Gaffney is known for his prominent legal and judicial career, as well as, his outstanding commitment to his community.

 He grew up in New Britain, and attended New Britain public schools. He graduated valedictorian of NBHS in 1878. He saved enough money to attend college at Yale. At Yale, he was known for spending most of his time in the library and graduated in 1887. After college, Gaffney began his law career by studying under Attorney Philip Markley. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1889.

 Bernard Gaffney was married to Alice Lee Sherlock, and together they had three sons and one daughter. All three sons became attorneys in New Britain, and all eventually practiced with their father, who began as a solo practitioner.

Early in his career, he served as New Britain Corporation Counsel. In 1904, he was the Democratic candidate for the District of Berlin Judge of Probate. He won the election, and was re-elected to the position every two years until his retirement in 1931, at the age of seventy. During his judgeship, Gaffney served as President of the Hartford County Bar Association form 1928 to 1930.

 Judge Gaffney was known for his devotion to the citizens of New Britain. He was a member of the New Britain Board of Education for 20 years. He was also a member of the City Finance Board, a member of the Commission on the City Charter and the City Zoning Commission, and Chairman of the New Britain Draft Board during World War I.