William M. “Boss” Tweed (April 3, 1823–April 12, 1878) was an American politician who, as the leader of the political organization Tammany Hall, controlled New York City politics in the years following the Civil War. Tweed leveraged his power as a landowner and corporate board member to extend his influence throughout the city. Along with other members of the “Tweed Ring,” he was suspected of siphoning untold millions from the city’s coffers before public outrage turned against him and he was finally prosecuted.
William M. Tweed was born on Cherry Street in lower Manhattan on April 3, 1823. There is a dispute about his middle name, which was often mistakenly given as Marcy, but which was actually Magear—his mother's maiden name. In newspaper accounts and official documents during his lifetime, his name is usually printed simply as William M. Tweed.
As a boy, Tweed went to a local school and received a typical education for the time, and then apprenticed as a chair maker. During his teens, he developed a reputation for street fighting. Like many youths in the area, Tweed became attached to a local volunteer fire company.
