Daniel P. O'Connell

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.

Sources

• Faber, Lo. "A Brief Look at Albany: Politics". Accessed July 24, 2005.