2.  Elected to the US House of Representatives in 1852 at the age of 28.  He served 2 years there.

3.  In 1858 he was appointed to the New York board of supervisors.  He was one of 12 members.  The supervisors forced vendors to pay a 15% overcharge to their “ring” in order to do business with the city.

4.  He was certified as an attorney by his friend George Barnard (he never legally completed law school).  Tweed opened a law office on Duane Street.

5.  He ran for Sheriff in 1861, but was defeated.  Shortly after, he became the chairman of the Democratic General Committee.  He became known as “the Boss.”

6.  He used his law firm to extort money and disguise this as legal services.  Appointed himself as deputy street commissioner, which gave him access to city contractors and funding.

7.  He bought the New York Printing Company, which became the city’s official printer.

8.  He also purchased the Manufacturing Stationers Company, the city’s stationery supplier.

9.  In doing so, he created a monopoly on paper, and was able to overcharge for goods and services provided by both companies.

10.  He appointed his friends into political offices:  George Barnard – Recorder  Peter B. Sweeny – District Attorney  Richard Connolly – County Clerk

11.  He ranked among the biggest landowners in New York City.

12.  In 1867, he was elected to the new York State Senate.  Tweed had now successfully gained most of the power in the New York government.

13.  Tweed had now become the foremost power in New York and one of the most powerful and wealthy men in the United States.

14.  Corruption and scandal brought his corrupt New York down.  Embezzlement charges as well as others were brought against him and he was never able to stay out of the iron pen.  He died in 1878.