Frank Moss (lawyer)
| Frank Moss | |
|---|---|
Moss c. 1915
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| Born |
March 16, 1860 Cold Spring, New York, United States |
| Died | June 5, 1920 (aged 60) Manhattan, New York |
| Cause of death | Heart disease |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | New York City College |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Known for | Political activist and social reformer who served as assistant to District Attorney Charles Whitman during the Rosenthal murder trial. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Elva E. Bruce |
| Children | Arthur Moss Elizabeth Moss |
Frank Moss (March 16, 1860 – June 5, 1920) was an American lawyer, reformer and author. He was involved in many of the reform movements in New York City shortly before the start of the 20th century up until his death. As a longtime assistant to District Attorney Charles S. Whitman, he was involved in several high-profile criminal cases such as the Rosenthal murder trial in which police detective Charles Becker was found guilty of murder and executed.
Frank Moss was born in Cold Spring, New York in 1860 and moved to New York City as a child. Attending New York City College, he became involved in "vice crusades" and other reform movements while studying to pass the bar. Early in his legal career, he held important positions such as president of the City Vigilance League and president of the Society for the Prevention of Crime. He was also a member of the Union League Club and Republican Club.
While council for Dr. Charles H. Parkhurst, Moss helped police in closing down gambling dens belonging to the On Leong Tong in Chinatown. Much of the information was supplied by Mock Duck, a rival underworld figure of Tom Lee and the On Leongs, and who quickly assumed control of these establishments after they were closed. In appreciation, Mock Duck replaced the traditional joss in the Hip Sing Tong House with a crayon portrait of Moss.
Moss first came to prominence during the Lexow and Mazet investigations, as an associate and chief council respectively, where he established himself as an aggressive prosecutor and investigator. While cross-examining Tammany Hall leader Richard Croker during the Mazet inquiry, Moss was able to provoke him into stating the now famous statement admitting his corruption "I am working for my pocket all the time, just like you, Mr. Moss".
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