William O'Dwyer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William O'Dwyer
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O'Dwyer in 1943
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| 100th Mayor of New York City | |
| In office January 1, 1946 – August 31, 1950 |
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| Preceded by | Fiorello H. La Guardia |
| Succeeded by | Vincent R. Impellitteri |
| Kings County District Attorney | |
| In office January 1, 1940 – August 1, 1945 |
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| Preceded by | William F.X. Geoghan |
| Succeeded by | George J. Beldock |
| United States Ambassador to Mexico | |
| In office November 23, 1950 – December 6, 1952 |
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| Appointed by | Harry S. Truman |
| Preceded by | Walter C. Thurston |
| Succeeded by | Francis White |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 11, 1890 Bohola, County Mayo, Ireland |
| Died | November 24, 1964 (aged 74) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
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| Relations | Paul O'Dwyer (brother) Brian O'Dwyer (nephew) |
| Alma mater | Fordham University Law School |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Legion of Merit |
William O'Dwyer (born July 11, 1890 – died November 24, 1964) was an important Irish-American politician. He served as the 100th Mayor of New York City from 1946 to 1950. After being mayor, he became the United States Ambassador to Mexico for President Harry S. Truman from 1950 to 1952. Before these big roles, O'Dwyer was the District Attorney for Kings County (Brooklyn) from 1940 to 1945. His family also had a history in politics; his brother Paul O'Dwyer was President of the City Council, and his nephew Brian O'Dwyer became the Chair of the New York State Gaming Commission.
Contents
William O'Dwyer's Early Life and Career
William O'Dwyer was born in Bohola, County Mayo, Ireland. He studied at St. Nathys College in Ballaghaderreen. In 1907, he started studying to become a priest in Spain. There, he learned to speak Spanish very well. However, he decided not to become a priest.
In 1910, he moved to the United States. He arrived in New York by ship and was checked at Ellis Island. He first worked as a laborer. Later, he became a New York City police officer. While working, he studied law at night at Fordham University Law School. He finished his law degree in 1923. After that, he became a successful lawyer. He then served as a judge in Kings County (Brooklyn).
Becoming a District Attorney
In November 1939, O'Dwyer was elected as the Kings County District Attorney. In this role, he led the prosecution of a well-known organized crime group called Murder, Inc.. This work made him famous across the country.
Service During World War II
In 1941, O'Dwyer ran for mayor but lost to Fiorello La Guardia. After this, he joined the United States Army during World War II. He rose to the rank of brigadier general. He worked with the Allied Commission for Italy. He also served as the executive director of the War Refugee Board. For his service, he received the Legion of Merit award. During his time in the army, he was on leave from his job as district attorney. He was re-elected to that position in November 1943.
William O'Dwyer as Mayor of New York City
In 1945, O'Dwyer received strong political support. He won the Democratic nomination for mayor. He then easily won the mayoral election. At his inauguration, he celebrated with the song "It's a Great Day for the Irish." He told the people gathered that he would use all his time and energy to do good work for the city.
Key Achievements as Mayor
As mayor, O'Dwyer did many important things for New York City:
- He created the Office of City Construction Coordinator. He appointed Robert Moses, a famous city planner, to lead it.
- He worked to make Manhattan the permanent home of the United Nations.
- He oversaw the city's first budget that was over a billion dollars.
- He created a new traffic department to help with city traffic.
- He raised the subway fare from five cents to ten cents.
In 1948, O'Dwyer received a Gold Medal Award. This award recognized his great contributions to New York City. During his time as mayor, a political opponent gave him the nicknames "Whirling Willie" and "Flip-Flop Willie."
Resignation and Later Role
After being re-elected mayor in 1949, O'Dwyer faced questions about city operations. He resigned from his role on August 31, 1950. After his resignation, he received a special parade up Broadway. President Harry S. Truman then appointed him as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.
He returned to New York City in 1951 to answer more questions about how things were run in the city. These questions stayed with him for the rest of his life. He resigned as ambassador on December 6, 1952. However, he continued to live in Mexico until 1960. He also helped organize the first Israel Day Parade with New York's Jewish community.
Death
William O'Dwyer passed away in New York City on November 24, 1964. He was 74 years old and died from heart failure at Beth Israel Hospital. His funeral was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Family Life
In 1916, William O'Dwyer married Catherine Lenihan. They met when he was working as a bartender and she was a telephone operator. They did not have any children. Catherine was ill for many years before she died in 1946. Her funeral was a large event, moved to St. Patrick's Cathedral because so many people attended.
On December 20, 1949, O'Dwyer married Elizabeth Sloan Simpson. They divorced in 1953. However, they remained friends. Elizabeth even attended O'Dwyer's funeral in 1964.
See also
- List of mayors of New York City
- New York City tugboat strike of 1946
