Thomas F. Byrnes (politician)

Thomas F. Byrnes (May 2, 1859 – December 16, 1916) was an American politician from New York.

Life

Thomas was born on May 2, 1859 in Brooklyn, New York.[1] He was the son of Irish immigrants Michael Byrnes and Margaret Quigley.[2]

After graduating public school, he became a horseshoer. Over time, he became shops foreman of the Brooklyn City Railroad Company, president of the National Association of Journeymen Horseshoers union, a delegate to the Brooklyn Central Labor Union, and a delegate to the District Assembly No. 75, Knights of Labor.[3]

A Democrat, he was elected in 1889 to the New York State Assembly, representing the Kings County 10th District. He served in the Assembly in 1890, 1891, 1892,[1] and 1893[4]

After he left the Assembly, Thomas worked as a contractor for several years, but remained active in local politics.[3] He was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Water Supply, Gas, and Electricity in January 1904,[5] and shortly after being removed from the position in May he was appointed Collector of City Revenue and Superintendent of Markets.[6] In 1906, he was appointed real estate appraiser for the Finance Department.[7] In 1911, New York governor John Alden Dix appointed him Tax Commissioner of New York.[8] In December 1915, Thomas was made under sheriff, a position he held for the remainder of his life.[9] Thomas also served as a delegate to the 1912[10] and 1916 Democratic National Conventions.[11]

Thomas was married to Rose Gillen, and they had two daughters, Beatrice and Agnes. Thomas was a member of several organizations, including the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Montauk Club.[3]

Thomas died in his Brooklyn home on December 16, 1916.[3] He was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery.[2]

References

1. The New York Red Book. Williams Press. 1892. p. 111.
2. "Thomas F. Byrnes (1859-1916) - Find A Grave..." www.findagrave.com. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
3. "16 Dec 1916, 1 - Times Union at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
4. The New York Red Book. Williams Press. 1893. p. 115.
5. "22 Jan 1904, Page 12 - The Brooklyn Daily Eagle at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
6. "14 May 1904, 1 - The Standard Union at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
7. "15 Feb 1906, Page 1 - The Brooklyn Daily Eagle at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
8. "2 May 1911, 3 - Times Union at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
9. "31 Dec 1915, Page 3 - The Brooklyn Daily Eagle at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
10. Blumenberg, Milton W. (1912). Official Report of the Proceedings of the Democratic National Convention, Held in Baltimore, Maryland, June 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and July 1 and 2, 1912. Peterson linotyping Company. p. 109.
11. Granat, Louis (1916). Official Report of the Proceedings of the Democratic National Convention, Held in Saint Louis, Missouri, June 14; 15 and 16th, 1916. p. 67.

External links

• Political Graveyard
• Find a Grave