Wood, Fernando |
| MAYOR, MERCHANT (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) |
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BORN 14 Jun 1812, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - DIED 14 Feb 1881, Hot Springs, Arkansas GRAVE LOCATION New York City, New York: Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum, Riverside Drive 770 (Between 153th and 155th Street) |
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Fernando Wood's first name was found by his mother in the gothic novel "The Three Spaniards" by George Walker. Wood was a bar owner and then a successful shipping merchant before he entered politics. In 1841 he became a Member of Congress for the Democrats. After he made his fortune in California he retired from business and became involved in New York politics. In 1854 he was elected Mayor of New York City. In 1857 he lost his position by a narrow defeat in the elections, but in 1860 he was reelected. He was a very colourful politician and he often spoke his mind freely. In 1861, during the Civil War, he suggested that New York should declare itself an independent city. He speeched against Lincoln several times. After his term ended in 1862 he returned to Congress where he had a seat from 1863 to 1865 and from 1867 until his death. |
| Images |
 The grave of Fernando Wood at Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum, New York City. Picture by Androom (17 Apr 2010) |
Sources • Fernando Wood - Wikipedia |
