Charles J. McCormack

Charles J. McCormack (1865 – July 11, 1915) was a New York City politician in the early part of the 20th century.[1]

Charles F. McCormack
2nd Borough President of Staten Island
In office
January 1, 1914  July 11, 1915
Preceded byGeorge Cromwell
Succeeded bySpire Pitou, Jr. (acting)
New York State Assemblyman from Richmond County
In office
1903–1903
Preceded byFerdinand C. Townsend
Succeeded byGeorge Bechtel
ConstituencyRichmond County
Personal details
Born1865
New York City, New York (state)
DiedJuly 11, 1915
Cause of deathBright's disease
NationalityAmerican
Political partyDemocratic
ChildrenVincent (son), May (daughter)
ResidenceNew Brighton, Staten Island

Early life and career

McCormack was born in Manhattan in 1865, and attended local public schools. He started his working career at the real estate concern of Hugh Grant before the latter became Mayor of New York City. In 1895, McCormack moved to Staten Island, where he worked for lawyers as a searcher of title deeds.

Political career

McCormack became active in local politics, and was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1902, representing Richmond County in the 126th New York State Legislature. From 1904 to 1907 he was Sheriff of Richmond County, and in 1907, with the backing of Mayor George McClellan, he became the leader of the Democratic Party on Staten Island, replacing long-time local Democratic boss Nicholas Muller.[1][2] In 1908, McClellan removed Muller as Commissioner of Taxes and Assessments because of the latter's own large tax delinquency and appoint McCormack in his place. McCormack was also a deputy water commissioner. In November 1913 he was elected to the Staten Island borough presidency, and served until his death in 1915.[1][3][4]

Death

In early 1915 McCormack became ill with Bright's disease. His case was not curable, and he died early in the morning of July 11, 1915, at Mount Minersa, a retreat for Catholic laymen, at Rosebank, on Staten Island. He was survived by his wife, his son Vincent, and his daughter May.[1] McCormack was very popular as borough president, and his funeral was described at that time as the largest throng ever on Staten Island.[5] After lying in state at Staten Island Borough Hall, his body was taken to St. Peter's Church for the funeral service, and then to St. Peter's Cemetery on Staten Island for burial.[5]

References

  1. "C. J. M'Cormack Dies After Long Illness – Borough President of Richmond Expires in a Catholic Retreat on Staten Island – Once With Mayor Grant – Defeated Nicholas Muller as Leader, Later Elected Sheriff – Stire Pitou, Jr., May Succeed Him". New York Times. July 12, 1915. p. 7. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
  2. "Democratic League After Nick Muller – Staten Islanders to Run Sheriff McCormack Against Him – Want a Leader, Not a Boss – The League's Platform Calls for a Candidate Who, If Elected, Will Distribute Patronage Equitably". New York Times. August 21, 1906. p. 4. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
  3. "Tammany's Rout Made Complete in City and State — New York City Gave Mitchel a Plurality of 121,209 Over McCall — One Lone Office Saved — Wigwam May Get a Vote in the Board of Estimate from McCormack — Werner's Fate Is in Doubt — With Returns from 4 Counties Incomplete He May Have Lost Chief Judgeship — Hiscock, Associate, Wins — 29 Out of 46 Assemblymen Who Impeached Sulzer Are Beaten — Cardozo Wins in the City — Heavy Fusion Vote in the Bronx Deprives Tammany of a Supreme Court Judgeship". New York Times. November 6, 1913. p. 1. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  4. Murlin, Edgar (1908). The New York Red Book. Albany, N.Y.: J.B. Lyon Company. p. 151. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  5. "Throng Pays Honor to C. J. M'Cormack – Body of the President of the Borough of Richmond Is Viewed by Thousands – Noted Men at the Funeral – Mayor Mitchel and Other City Officials Honorary Pallbearers for Former Colleague". New York Times. July 15, 1915. p. 9. Retrieved March 1, 2019.


Political offices
Preceded by
Ferdinand C. Townsend
New York State Assembly
Richmond County

1903
Succeeded by
George Bechtel
Preceded by
George Cromwell
Staten Island Borough President
1914–1915
Succeeded by
Spire Pitou, Jr.
(acting)


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