Daniel P. O'Connell
Encyclopedia
Daniel Patrick O'Connell (November 13, 1885 – February 28, 1977) was the leader of the Democratic Party political machine
in Albany County
, New York
, from about 1919 until his death.
O'Connell was born in Albany, New York
, and dropped out of school in the fifth grade, finding work as a bricklayer
. In 1919, he was elected County Assessor, and a few years later quit to become the chairman of the County Democratic Committee. In 1921, O’Connell was instrumental in the Democratic victory over the Republican political machine which had been in power in Albany. During the 56 years to come, he would remain behind the scenes, yet had undeniable power in the political life of Albany, determining patronage
and essentially ruling the city during the administrations of mayors William Hackett, John Boyd Thacher II
and most notably Erastus Corning 2nd
.
Political machine
A political machine is a political organization in which an authoritative boss or small group commands the support of a corps of supporters and businesses , who receive rewards for their efforts...
in Albany County
Albany County, New York
Albany County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York, and is part of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area. The name is from the title of the Duke of York and Albany, who became James II of England . As of the 2010 census, the population was 304,204...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, from about 1919 until his death.
O'Connell was born in Albany, New York
Albany, New York
Albany is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York, the seat of Albany County, and the central city of New York's Capital District. Roughly north of New York City, Albany sits on the west bank of the Hudson River, about south of its confluence with the Mohawk River...
, and dropped out of school in the fifth grade, finding work as a bricklayer
Bricklayer
A bricklayer or mason is a craftsman who lays bricks to construct brickwork. The term also refers to personnel who use blocks to construct blockwork walls and other forms of masonry. In British and Australian English, a bricklayer is colloquially known as a "brickie".The training of a trade in...
. In 1919, he was elected County Assessor, and a few years later quit to become the chairman of the County Democratic Committee. In 1921, O’Connell was instrumental in the Democratic victory over the Republican political machine which had been in power in Albany. During the 56 years to come, he would remain behind the scenes, yet had undeniable power in the political life of Albany, determining patronage
Patronage
Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings or popes have provided to musicians, painters, and sculptors...
and essentially ruling the city during the administrations of mayors William Hackett, John Boyd Thacher II
John Boyd Thacher II
John Boyd Thacher II was the Mayor of Albany, New York from 1926 to 1941. He was the nephew of Albany mayor John Boyd Thacher and grandson of another Albany mayor, George H. Thacher....
and most notably Erastus Corning 2nd
Erastus Corning 2nd
Erastus Corning 2nd was an American politician. He was Mayor of Albany, New York for more than 40 years, from 1942 to 1983, when Albany County was controlled by one of the last two classic urban political machines in the United States. Albany's longest serving mayor, the Democrat died in office in...
.