William M. Tweed ("Boss Tweed")

Personal Details

• Full Name: William Magear Tweed
• Born: April 3, 1823, New York City, U.S.
• Died: April 12, 1878, New York City, U.S.
• Resting Place: Green-Wood Cemetery
• Political Party: Democratic
• Spouse: Jane Skaden (m. 1844)
• Profession: Bookkeeper, businessman, political boss

Political Career

• Member of New York Senate (4th District): 1868 - 1873
  • Preceded by George Briggs
  • Succeeded by John Fox
• Grand Sachem of Tammany Hall: 1858 - 1871
  • Preceded by Fernando Wood
  • Succeeded by John Kelly and John Morrissey
• Member of the U.S. House of Representatives (5th District): 1853 - 1855
  • Preceded by George Briggs
  • Succeeded by Thomas R. Whitney

Contributions and Influence

• Political boss of Tammany Hall, a Democratic political machine
• Third-largest landowner in New York City
• Held various directorships: Erie Railroad, Tenth National Bank, New-York Printing Company
• Significant involvement in real estate and infrastructure development
• Instrumental in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge and New York County Courthouse

Political and Economic Control

• Controlled New York City politics through appointments and patronage
• Formed the "Tweed Ring" with influential political figures
• Convicted of embezzling $25 to $45 million from city taxpayers (estimates as high as $200 million)
• Was a board member of various companies including Third Avenue Railway Company and Harlem Gas Light Company

Downfall

• Exposed by The New York Times and cartoons by Thomas Nast
• Arrested and convicted on multiple counts; escaped to Spain, recaptured, and returned to the U.S.
• Died in Ludlow Street Jail due to pneumonia

Legacy

• Viewed as an archetype of corrupt political bosses
• Some historians argue he contributed to New York City's development despite his corruption
• Subject of various cultural depictions in novels, films, and television

Early Life

• Born in Lower East Side, Manhattan; son of a Scottish chair-maker
• Left school at age 11, became an apprentice and later a bookkeeper
• Became involved in firefighting and local politics through associations like the Odd Fellows and Masons

Notable Achievements

• Expanded welfare programs and public services
• Advocated for public infrastructure improvements, including the development of Manhattan's Upper East and West sides
• Instrumental in founding of the New York Public Library

Key Historical Figures Associated with Tweed:

• Fernando Wood, George G. Barnard, Peter B. Sweeny, Richard B. Connolly
• Thomas Nast, Samuel J. Tilden, Jay Gould, Cornelius Vanderbilt

Controversies and Legal Battles

• Attempted to avoid arrest by fleeing
• Legal battles included convictions, appeals, and eventual incarceration

Cultural Depictions:

• Tweed's life and influence have been portrayed in various media forms, reflecting both his infamy and his impact on New York City political history.