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Wood (FERNANDO an American)

FERNANDO, an American politician; born in Philadelphia, June 14, 1812. In 1820 he removed to New York City and entered business as a shipping merchant. He became identified with political organizations, being elected to Congress in 1841 on the Democratic ticket, serving one term. In 1850 he retired from business and in 1854 was elected Mayor of New York; introduced various reforms and was re-elected almost without opposition. The riot WOOD troubles of 1857 prejudiced many citizens against the municipal administration and he was defeated for re-election, but was again Mayor in 1859. In 1861, when secession was under discussion, he recommended that New York should secede and become independent. He was elected to Congress in 1863 and 1867. He died in Washington, D. C., Feb. 14, 1881.