Wood, Fernando (1812–1881)

US representative, mayor, and businessman. His political career was noted for widespread accusations of corruption as part of the Tammany Hall system.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a Tammany Hall Democrat, he served New York, New York, in the US House of Representatives (1841–43). He then made a fortune as a merchant from the California gold rush of 1849. Again as a Tammany candidate, he served as mayor of New York (1855–59) and although he achieved some good things – notably in helping to create Central Park – his administration was marked by widespread graft and crime. Tammany Hall rejected him so he formed his own ticket, which he called Mozart Hall, and was elected for a third term (1859–61). Opposed to the American Civil War, he joined with CL Vallandigham to form the Peace Democrats in 1863. He went on to serve in the US House of Representatives for New York (1863–65, 1867–81), and although he often opposed his own party, he managed to gain leadership roles and overcome the dubious associations of his past.