Printed in the April 25, 1878 Pilot, Blair, Nebraska

Wm. M. Tweed died in the Ludlow Street jail, New York, April 12. At the time of his death there was no struggle. He passed away in sleep with his head lying upon his arms. The last words he uttered were: “I have tried to do some good. If I have not had good luck, I am not afraid to die. I believe the guardian angels will protect me.” He was conscious until within a few minutes before his death.

At the time of Tweed’s death petitions were in circulation throughout the state of New York, asking the Governor for his release. They were being numerously signed and it was intended that they should be sent to Albany next week.

Note: William Magear Tweed (1823-1878), more commonly known in American history as “Boss Tweed,” was an object of scathing criticism by Thomas Nast. Tweed was a New York City politician who led a group of corrupt politicians who gained power in the Democratic party in 1863, when Tweed was elected “Grand Sachem” of Tammany Hall.

William M. Tweed --Wikipedia

Former Grand Sachem of Tammany Hall

William Magear Tweed, often erroneously referred to as "William Marcy Tweed", and widely known as "Boss" Tweed, was an American politician most notable for being the "boss" of Tammany Hall, the Democratic Party political machine that played a major role in the politics of 19th-century New York City and State. At the height of his influence, Tweed was the third-largest landowner in New York City, a director of the Erie Railroad, a director of the Tenth National Bank, a director of the New-York Printing Company, the proprietor of the Metropolitan Hotel, a significant stockholder in iron mines and gas companies, a board member of the Harlem Gas Light Company, a board member of the Third Avenue Railway Company, a board member of the Brooklyn Bridge Company, and the president of the Guardian Savings Bank.

Lived: Apr 03, 1823 - Apr 12, 1878 (age 55)

Note: he was a famous criminal—see photo and bio on FindaGrave

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~

Find A Grave #1049