Charles J. McCormack (1865 – July 11, 1915) was an American businessman who was a New York City politician in the early part of the 20th century.

Early life and career

McCormack was born in Manhattan in 1865, and attended local public schools. He started his working career at the real estate concern of Hugh Grant before the latter became Mayor of New York City. In 1895, McCormack moved to

Staten Island Staten Island ( ) is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Richmond County, in the U.S. state of New York. Located in the city's southwest portion, the borough is separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull an ...

, where he worked for lawyers as a searcher of title deeds.

Political career

McCormack became active in local politics, and was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1902, representing Richmond County in the

126th New York State Legislature The 126th New York State Legislature, consisting of the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly, met from January 7 to April 23, 1903, during the third year of Benjamin B. Odell, Jr.'s governorship, in Albany. Background Under th ...

. From 1904 to 1907 he was Sheriff of Richmond County, and in 1907, with the backing of Mayor George McClellan, he became the leader of the Democratic Party on Staten Island, replacing long-time local Democratic boss Nicholas Muller. In 1908, McClellan removed Muller as Commissioner of Taxes and Assessments because of the latter's own large tax delinquency and appoint McCormack in his place. McCormack also served as a deputy water commissioner. In November 1913 he was elected to the Staten Island borough presidency, and served until his death in 1915.

Death

In early 1915 McCormack became ill with Bright's disease. His case was not curable, and he died early in the morning of July 11, 1915, a
Mount Manresa
a retreat for Catholic laymen, at Rosebank, on Staten Island. He was survived by his wife, his son Vincent, and his daughter May. McCormack was very popular as borough president, and his funeral was described at that time as the largest throng ever on Staten Island. After lying in state at Staten Island Borough Hall, his body was taken to St. Peter's Church for the funeral service, and then to St. Peter's Cemetery on Staten Island for burial.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:McCormack, Charles 1865 births 1915 deaths Politicians from Manhattan Democratic Party members of the New York State Assembly 20th-century American legislators Staten Island borough presidents Politicians from Staten Island