the political boss of new york city in the early 1870s was
William M. Tweed William Magear Tweed (April 3, 1823 – April 12, 1878)—often erroneously referred to as "William Marcy Tweed" (see below),[1] 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.[2]
William Hale Thompson William Hale Thompson (May 14, 1869 â€“ March 19, 1944) was an American politician, mayor of Chicago for three terms, from 1915 to 1923 and again from 1927 to 1931. Known as "Big Bill" Thompson,[2] he is the last Republican to have served as mayor of Chicago to date. Historians rank Thompson among the most unethical mayors in American history, mainly for his open alliance with Al Capone.[3] However, others recognize the effectiveness of his political methods and publicity-oriented campaigning, acknowledging him as a "Political Chameleon" and an effective political machine.[4] TIME magazine said in 1931, "chief credit for creating 20th Century Politics Chicago Style" should go to William Thompson.[5]