Tweed, William Marcy

William Marcy Tweed (1823–1878), an American political figure of mid-19th-century New York City, is noted for his activity in machine politics and city development. William Marcy Tweed was born on the Lower East Side of New York City in 1823 to Richard and Eliza Tweed. He received a basic education until age 11, leaving school to apprentice in his father's profession as a chair maker.

Tweed's rise to prominence started when he became foreman in the newly established local fire company (Americus Engine Company Number 6), and on this popularity, he entered politics as an alderman on the Tammany Democratic ticket in 1852. Tweed had no illusion about the political corruption that came to symbolize his era, embracing it as a necessity for success. Whether it was public property, urban projects, or city celebrations, Tweed and other politicians allocated vast amounts of public funds for each venture, keeping many thousands of dollars of the excess monies for their own political needs.

During the 1850s, New York became inundated with many thousands of European immigrants. Tweed masterfully attracted the bulk of immigrant votes by spearheading major public building and renewal projects after becoming a member of the Board of Supervisors. Following the draft riots of July 1863, Tweed gained more support with the working class by offering alternatives to conscription into the Union Army. The Board of Supervisors [Page 813]put forth a plan, much due to Tweed's direction, of offering those that volunteered for military service a large cash bonus.

During the post–Civil War period, Tweed was able to place many loyal Tammany members into positions of authority throughout New York City. Tweed himself would further his career by becoming New York state senator in 1867. Using bribes to curry favor, “Boss” Tweed's career would eventually expand to include congressional representative, school commissioner, and commissioner of Parks and Public Works. By 1870, the “Tammany Ring” or “Tweed Ring” had embezzled millions in public funds, bought the loyalty of city officials, and fixed elections. Tweed had even gained the support of many wealthy investors, such as Jay Gould and Cornelius Vanderbilt.

However, in 1871 a disgruntled minor official named James O'Brien gave the New York Times secret ledgers displaying the inner workings of Tweed's political machine. Many articles were soon published in the New York Times, showing the discrepancies in public projects and allocated funds. Likewise, Harper's Weekly political cartoonist Thomas Nast ran a series of cartoons that illustrated the audacity of Tweed and his cronies. As a result of these publications, New York suffered financially and was unable to secure further loans. Former New York Governor Samuel J. Tilden, along with other reformers, pressed for Tweed's prosecution.

Tweed's first trial started on January 7, 1873, and ended 23 days later with a hung jury (there is evidence that some of the jury had been bribed). A second trial ensued in November, and this time the jury had been properly screened. Finding Tweed guilty, he was sentenced to pay more than $12,000 in fines and to serve 12 years imprisonment. Yet, Tweed's lawyers secured his release from the Court of Appeals within a year. Immediately a civil suit was brought against him. It is at this point on December 4, 1875, that Tweed escaped captivity and fled the country after he was found guilty and ordered to pay back $6 million. It has been estimated that by the time of Tweed's final incarceration, some $200 million of public funds had been stolen. Tweed was later caught in Spain, working as a seaman aboard a Spanish vessel. Extradited to New York, Tweed died in debtor's prison in 1878.

...