Frederick G. Katzmann

Frederick G. Katzmann (September 12, 1875 – October 15, 1953) was an American attorney and politician from Massachusetts who served as district attorney for Norfolk and Plymouth counties. He prosecuted Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti for armed robbery and murder in a case that drew worldwide attention.

Frederick G. Katzmann
District Attorney for the Southeastern District
In office
1917–1923
Preceded byAlbert F. Barker
Succeeded byHarold P. Williams
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 3rd Norfolk District
In office
1907–1908
Personal details
Born(1875-09-12)September 12, 1875
Roxbury
DiedOctober 15, 1953(1953-10-15) (aged 78)
Roslindale
NationalityAmerican
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Grace L. Brown (1904–1924; her death)[1][2]
Alma materHarvard College
Boston University Law School
OccupationAttorney

Early life

Katzmann was born on September 12, 1875 in Roxbury. He graduated from Boston Latin School in 1892 and Harvard College in 1896.[3] From 1896 to 1902 he worked as an assistant superintendent of the Hyde Park, Denham and Milton Light and Power Company.[3][4] In 1902 he graduated from the Boston University School of Law.[3]

Political career

From 1907 to 1908, Katzmann represented the 3rd Norfolk District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He also served as chairman of the Hyde Park Republican committee.[3]

Katzmann began his legal career in the office of Richard S. Dow. He later opened his office with his brother Percy A. Katzmann in Hyde Park. The two opened a second office in Boston and in 1905 former district attorney Thomas E. Grover joined the firm. In December 20, 1909 he was appointed as an assistant district attorney for the southeastern district (Norfolk and Plymouth counties).[1]

On January 3, 1917 Katzmann was sworn in as district attorney.[5] In 1921 he prosecuted Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti for armed robbery and the murder of a security guard and paymaster during an armed robbery. Sacco and Vanzetti were found guilty and executed.[6] Katzmann left office in 1923 and returned to private practice. However, he remained involved in later phases the Sacco and Vanzetti case by representing the government as a special assistant to the district attorney.[4]

Banking

In addition to his work as an attorney, Katzmann was also the longtime president of the Hyde Park Savings Bank as well as a trustee of the International Trust Company.[4]

Death

On October 15, 1953, Katzmann collapsed during a civil trial in Norfolk Superior Court. He died that night in Roslindale General Hospital.[4]

References
  1. "F. G. Katzmann Appointed". The Boston Daily Globe. December 21, 1909.
  2. "Mrs. Grace L. Katzmann Dies at Hyde Park Home". The Boston Daily Globe. June 3, 1924.
  3. Legislative Souvenir. 1908. p. 161.
  4. "F. G. Katzmann: Noted District Attorney, Prosecuted Saco (sic), Vanzetti". The Boston Daily Globe. October 16, 1953.
  5. "Takes Oath of Office". The Boston Daily Globe. January 4, 1917.
  6. Watson, Bruce (2007). Sacco and Vanzetti: The Men, the Murders, and the Judgment of Mankind. Viking Press.
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