Fernando Wood


Fernando Wood (14 June 1812 – 14 February, 1881) was an American politician of the Democratic Party from Pennsylvania. He served as the Mayor of New York City twice (1855 – 1857, 1860 – 1862), United States Representative three times (1841–1843, 1863–1865, and 1867–1881) and as Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in both the 45th and 46th United States Congress (1877–1881). He was head of the political machine Tammany Hall. In 1854 he was elected Mayor of New York City and took office in 1855. He ran again in 1856, but lost to Daniel F. Tiemann, who was mayor from 1857 to 1859. Wood was re-elected in 1860 and took office again that year, for the last time. After being a mayor, Wood returned to the United States Congress. He died at the age of 68.

Fernando Wood
Fernando Wood - Brady-Handy.jpg
Fernando Wood, c. 1860s
73rd and 75th Mayor of New York City
In office
January 1, 1860 – December 31, 1862
Preceded byDaniel F. Tiemann
Succeeded byGeorge Opdyke
In office
January 1, 1855 – December 31, 1858
Preceded byJacob Aaron Westervelt
Succeeded byDaniel F. Tiemann
Member of the
U.S. House of Representatives
from New York
In office
March 4, 1867 – February 14, 1881
Preceded byWilliam A. Darling
Succeeded byJohn Hardy
Constituency9th district (1867-73)
10th district (1873-75)
9th district (1875-81)
In office
March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1865
Preceded byWilliam Wall
Succeeded byNelson Taylor
Constituency5th district
In office
March 4, 1841 – March 3, 1843
Preceded byEdward Curtis
Succeeded byJonas P. Phoenix
Constituency3rd district (seat B)
Personal details
Born(1812-06-14)June 14, 1812
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedFebruary 14, 1881(1881-02-14) (aged 68)
Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic