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.

After graduating public school, he became a horseshoer. Over time, he became shops foreman of the Brooklyn City Railroad Company, president of the Journeymen Horseshoers' National Union of the United States of America, a delegate to the Brooklyn Central Labor Union, and a delegate to the District Assembly No. 75, Knights of Labor.[2]

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[3]

After he left the Assembly, Thomas worked as a contractor for several years, but remained active in local politics.[2] He was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Water Supply, Gas, and Electricity in January 1904,[4] and shortly after being removed from the position in May he was appointed Collector of City Revenue and Superintendent of Markets.[5] In 1906, he was appointed real estate appraiser for the Finance Department.[6] In 1911, New York governor John Alden Dix appointed him Tax Commissioner of New York.[7] In December 1915, Thomas was made under sheriff, a position he held for the remainder of his life.[8] Thomas also served as a delegate to the 1912[9] and 1916 Democratic National Conventions.[10]

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.[2]

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

References

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