Frederick Smyth (New York politician) facts for kids
Frederick Smyth (born in Galway, Ireland, in 1832 – died August 18, 1900, in Atlantic City, New Jersey) was an American lawyer and politician. He was an important figure in New York politics during the late 1800s.
Early Life and Law Career
Frederick Smyth was the son of Matthew Thomas Smyth, who served as a sheriff in Galway, Ireland. After his father passed away, Frederick moved to New York City in 1849. He began studying law and later became a lawyer in 1855.
Frederick Smyth worked with John McKeon, a well-known lawyer who became the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. This role meant McKeon was the top federal prosecutor in that area. Smyth served as one of his assistants. After McKeon's term ended, Smyth and McKeon started their own law firm together. This partnership lasted for many years, until 1878.
Political Journey
Frederick Smyth was involved in public service early on. From 1863 to 1865, he worked as a school commissioner, helping to oversee the city's schools.
He was a member of Tammany Hall, a powerful political organization in New York City. Smyth ran for several important political jobs. In 1875, he ran to become the Recorder of New York City. The Recorder was a judge who also handled some administrative tasks for the city. Smyth lost this election.
In 1876, Smyth was chosen as a delegate to the 1876 Democratic National Convention. This was a big meeting where the Democratic Party chose its candidate for president. Later that year, he was a presidential elector. This meant he was one of the people who officially cast a vote for president and vice president after the public election. He voted for Samuel J. Tilden and Thomas A. Hendricks.
Smyth ran for other positions too. In 1878, he tried to become the New York County District Attorney, who is the chief prosecutor for the county. He lost this election. In 1879, he ran for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas but was also defeated.
Serving as Recorder and Judge
Even though he lost some elections, Frederick Smyth was eventually chosen to be the Recorder of New York City in December 1879. He filled a sudden opening for the job. In November 1880, he was elected by voters to keep the position for a 14-year term.
However, when he ran for re-election in 1894, he was defeated by John W. Goff. Goff was supported by many different political groups who were not part of Tammany Hall.
After his time as Recorder, Smyth continued his political work. In May 1895, he was elected Grand Sachem of the Tammany Society, a high leadership role within Tammany Hall. In November 1895, he was elected to serve a 14-year term as a Justice on the New York Supreme Court. This is a high-level court in New York State.
Later Life
Frederick Smyth lived at 15 West Forty-sixth Street in New York City. He passed away on August 18, 1900, from pneumonia while on vacation in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery.
Smyth was married to Anna Augusta Findlay. They had one child who lived to adulthood, also named Anna Augusta Smyth, who passed away in 1924.
