James A. Flaherty

James A. Flaherty was an American lawyer who served as the sixth Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus from September 1, 1909, to August 31, 1927.

Early life

Flaherty was born on July 3, 1853, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Irish immigrants. He graduated from the University of [Pennsylvania Law School] in the 1870s. Flaherty practiced law for sixty-two years in Philadelphia as a lawyer specializing in settlement cases in the Orphan Court.

In 1909 Flaherty was elected Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus and served in the position until he retired on August 31, 1927. During his term in office, the Knights of Columbus engaged in significant work helping U.S. servicemen during World War I and civilians in the aftermath of the war. He received many honors for his work and that of the Knights, including the Croix [de Guerre] from the government of France. He was also awarded the Distinguished [Service Medal |Distinguished Service Medal] by Secretary of War Newton D. Baker.

Flaherty died from pneumonia at his home on the evening of January 2, 1937. He left three children. A son, Joseph A. Flaherty O.S.A., was president of Villanova University from 1965 to 1967.