Murphy, Charles Francis

Murphy, Charles Francis, 1858–1924, American political boss, b. New York City. He was the owner of many saloons in New York City and took a keen interest in Democratic politics. His services to Tammany Hall brought him a job as dock commissioner. After the retirement of Richard Croker, Murphy became (1902) boss of Tammany. He held control until his death, continued to build his political machine, and brought about the election of three New York City mayors—George B. McClellan, William Jay Gaynor, and John Francis Hylan—as well as three state governors. Extending his influence to state and national politics, he was instrumental in furthering the careers of Alfred E. Smith and Robert F. Wagner, Sr.

Bibliography

See study by N. J. Weiss (1968).