Robert T. Bushnell

Robert T. Bushnell
Massachusetts Attorney General
In office 1941–1945
Preceded by	Paul A. Dever
Succeeded by	Clarence A. Barnes
Middlesex County District Attorney
In office 1927–1931
Preceded by	Arthur K. Reading
Succeeded by	Warren L. Bishop
Personal details
Born	January 9, 1896 [1] New York City [2]
Died	October 23, 1949 (aged 53)[3] Manhattan [4]
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Sylvia P. Folsom (1924-1949) [5]
Residence	West Newton, Massachusetts New York City [6]
Alma mater	Harvard University Harvard Law School [7]
Profession	Lawyer

Robert Tyng Bushnell ^[8] (born January 9, 1896 in New York City,^[9] died October 23, 1949 in Manhattan ^[10]) was an American politician who served as Massachusetts Attorney General from 1941-1945.

A Boston lawyer, Bushnell served as District Attorney of Middlesex County,^[11] President of the Republican Club of Massachusetts,^[12] and chairman of the Boston chapter of the Motion Picture Research Council ^[13] before being elected Attorney General.

As Attorney General, Bushnell lead the investigation into the Cocoanut Grove fire.^[14] Bushnell's investigation resulted a reform of fire codes and club owner Barney Welansky being convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

In 1942, Bushnell tried to have fascist leader Edward Holton James committed to a psychiatric state hospital after he was indicted on charges of criminal libel.^[15] In 1943, he indicted Boston Police Commissioner Joseph F. Timilty and six of his subordinates on charges of conspiracy to permit the operation of gambling houses and the registration of bets.^[16]

Bushnell died on October 23, 1949 in his suite at the Royalton Hotel from a heart attack.^[17]

References

1. Richard T. Howard. Public Officials of Massachusetts 1941-42. Richard T. Howard.
2. Richard T. Howard. Public Officials of Massachusetts 1941-42. Richard T. Howard.
3. "Bushnell, Robert Tyng (1896-1949)". Retrieved 2010-02-13.
4. "Bushnell, Robert Tyng (1896-1949)". Retrieved 2010-02-13.
5. Richard T. Howard. Public Officials of Massachusetts 1941-42. Richard T. Howard.
6. Richard T. Howard. Public Officials of Massachusetts 1941-42. Richard T. Howard.
7. Richard T. Howard. Public Officials of Massachusetts 1941-42. Richard T. Howard.
8. "Bushnell, Robert Tyng (1896-1949)". Retrieved 2010-02-13.
9. Richard T. Howard. Public Officials of Massachusetts 1941-42. Richard T. Howard.
10. "Bushnell, Robert Tyng (1896-1949)". Retrieved 2010-02-13.
11. "Bushnell, Robert Tyng (1896-1949)". Retrieved 2010-02-13.
12. "CURLEYISM' DOOMED, REPUBLICAN ASSERTS; Dog Racing in Massachusetts Will Also Go, R.T. Bushnell Declares at Wayland.". New York Times. August 25, 1935.
13. "Block Booking System Flayed". Los Angeles Times. April 6, 1939.
14. FRANK S. ADAMS (December 2, 1942). "BOSTON SHUTS CLUBS AND BEGINS INQUIRY; Suspends Licenses and Halts Entertainment at 1,161 Other Establishments DOORS LOCKED, MANY SAY Witnesses Tell of Cocoanut Grove Flight -- Death List Is Revised Down to 474". New York Times.
15. "James, Leader of Harvard Fascists, Called Sane In New Trial Deferment". The Harvard Crimson. July 6, 1942. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
16. "Heads of Boston Police Indicted In Plot to Permit Gaming Houses; HEADS OF POLICE INDICTED IN BOSTON". New York Times. March 28, 1943.
17. "Bushnell, Robert Tyng (1896-1949)". Retrieved 2010-02-13.