William O'Dwyer

William O'Dwyer (July 11, 1890 – November 24, 1964) was born in County Mayo, Ireland and immigrated into the United States in 1910.

Related Topics:
July 11 - 1890 - November 24 - 1964 - County Mayo, Ireland - United States - 1910

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He moved to the United States after abandoning his studies for the priesthood. He worked as a laborer, then as a New York City policeman. He studied law at night at Fordham University Law School, receiving his degree in 1923. O'Dwyer built up a successful law practice and served as a Kings County, New York Court judge. He won election as the Kings County District Attorney in 1939 and his prosecution of the organized crime syndicate, Murder, Inc., made him a national celebrity as a tough crime fighter.

Related Topics:
United States - New York City - Fordham University - Kings County, New York - Murder, Inc.

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After losing the election to Fiorello LaGuardia in 1941, O'Dwyer enlisted in the Army, achieving the rank of Brigadier-General. In 1945, O'Dwyer received the nomination of the Tammany Democrats and easily won the mayoral election. At his inauguration, O'Dwyer celebrated to the song, "It's a Great Day for the Irish," and addressed the 700 people gathered in Council Chambers at City Hall: "It is our high purpose to devote our whole time, our whole energy to do good work..."

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O'Dwyer established the Office of City Construction Coordinator, appointing Robert Moses to the post, worked to have the permanent home of the United Nations located in Manhattan, presided over the first billion dollar New York City budget, created a traffic department and raised the subway fare from five cents to ten.

Related Topics:
Robert Moses - United Nations

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Shortly after his re-election, O'Dwyer was confronted with a police scandal uncovered, ironically, by the Kings County District Attorney. He served as Mayor of New York from 1946 until he resigned September 2, 1950. President Harry Truman appointed him U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. He returned to New York City in 1951 to answer questions concerning his association with organized crime figures. The accusations followed him for the rest of his life. O'Dwyer resigned as Ambassador on December 6, 1952, but remained in Mexico until 1960.

Related Topics:
Mayor of New York - 1946 - September 2 - 1950 - Harry Truman - New York City

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He died in New York City on November 24, 1964 at the age of 74, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

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(Source: The Official New York City Web Site; http://www.nyc.gov/html/nyc100/html/classroom/hist_info/mayors.html#o'dwyer)

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