William Magear Tweed (April 3, 1823 -- April 12, 1878) -- often erroneously referred to as "William Marcy Tweed '' (see below), and widely known as "Boss '' Tweed -- was an American politician most notable for being the "boss '' of Tammany Hall, the Democratic Party political machine that played a major role in the politics of 19th century New York City and State. At the height of his influence, Tweed was the third - largest landowner in New York City and a director of the Erie Railroad, the Tenth National Bank, and the New - York Printing Company, as well as proprietor of the Metropolitan Hotel.
the political boss of new york city in the early 1870s was
William Magear Tweed