Tweed, William Marcy (‘Boss’) (1823-1878)

US politician. He held office in the US House of Representatives 1853-55. In various municipal offices, and from 1867 in New York state senate, he controlled government spending and accumulated a fortune estimated at somewhere between $45 million and $200 million. He was convicted of forgery and larceny and sent to jail 1873-75, when he escaped to Spain.

Born in New York City, USA, Tweed worked briefly as a clerk in his father's factory. Becoming involved in municipal politics, he served as an alderman 1852-56 and emerged as the leader of Tammany Hall (a New York City Democratic club, founded 1789). Escaping to Spain via Cuba 1875, his anonymity was subverted by a Thomas Nast cartoon, from which Tweed was recognized and sent back to New York. He died in prison.