Phelan, James

Phelan, James (Duval)

(1861–1930) mayor; born in San Francisco. He studied law at the University of California, but never became a lawyer. A three-term mayor of San Francisco (1896–1902), he attacked the board of supervisors and helped create a new city charter. He worked to beautify the city and to secure an improved water supply. He served one term in the U.S. Senate (Dem., Calif.; 1915–21).