Hon. John J. McMullen, who is making an excellent record on the bench as county judge of Schenectady county, was born in the city of Schenectady, New York, on the 15th of January, 1877. His more specifically literary education was obtained in the Union Classical Institute of Schenectady, while his professional training was received in the Albany Law School, which he attended to the time of his graduation. Before his elevation to the county bench Judge McMullen served for several years as police justice of Schenectady, in which capacity he became widely known for his spirit of humanitarianism as well as for the legal soundness of his rulings.
While on the police bench Judge McMullen was an independent for nomination for the supreme court bench on the republican ticket, and although he was not successful in the general result, he carried his home county by an overwhelming plurality. He won the county judgeship nomination without the support of the republican organization and was elected by a flattering lead. His decisions indicate strong mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased judgment. The judge on the bench fails more frequently, perhaps, from a deficiency in that broadmindedness which not only comprehends the details of a situation quickly and that insures a complete self-control under even the most exasperating conditions than from any other cause; and the judge who makes a success in the discharge of his multitudinous delicate duties is a man of well-rounded character, finely balanced mind and of splendid intellectual attainments. That Judge McMullen is regarded as such a jurist is a uniformly accepted fact.
Mr. McMullen was married to Leah B. Campbell of Schenectady, New York, on August 19, 1903. They have three children: Marjory C., Douglas C., and Charles G. (II).
Fraternally Judge McMullen is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. In Schenectady he is known as an enthusiastic and helpful champion of the boys, is particularly interested in the Boy Scouts and is a firm friend and adviser of the newsboys of the city and a bulwark of their very active association. His military record covers service in the Spanish-American war and he is prominent in the organization known as the Spanish-American War Veterans. The city of Schenectady is proud to number this able jurist among her native sons.