Tweed, William Marcy

William Marcy (1823-1878), a New York politician. His father, whose trade he learned, was a chairmaker. Tweed became influential in local politics through popularity as a fireman. He served as an alderman and as a congressman, as deputy street commissioner, and as commissioner of public works. He became "boss" of Tammany. He was noted for letting corrupt contracts for paving and other city improvements. He began a courthouse to cost $250,000 and spent $8,000,000 long before it was completed. The New York police service became affiliated with crime in every form. Thieves and gamblers were protected. Tweed and his ring stole enormous sums from the public treasury. He was pushed hard by such papers as the Times, and Harper's Weekly. In 1873 he was convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary, but was set free by the higher courts. Civil suits were then instituted to recover the sums taken from the treasury. He was held in jail because unable to furnish $3,000,000 bail. Before the suit was concluded, he escaped to Cuba but was arrested and brought back. Pending his trial he died in Ludlow Street jail. Tweed's name is synonymous for dishonesty in public affairs. See Tammany; Nast, etc.