John Ferguson (New York politician)

John Ferguson
From Manual of the Corporation of the City of New York for 1864, by D. T. Valentine.
52nd Mayor of New York City
In office March 6,1815 – July 9, 1815
Preceded by	DeWitt Clinton
Succeeded by	Jacob Radcliff
Naval Officer of the Port of New York
In office 1813–1832
Preceded by	Samuel Osgood
Succeeded by	Enos T. Throop
Personal details
Born	Circa 1777 New York City
Died	September 5, 1832 (aged 54–55) New York City
Political party	Democratic-Republican Democratic
Alma mater	Columbia College
Profession	Attorney

John Ferguson (c. 1777—September 5, 1832) was an American attorney and politician from New York City. A Democratic-Republican, and later a Democrat, he was most notable for his service as the 52nd Mayor of New York City from March to June 1815, Grand Sachem of Tammany Hall, and Naval Officer of the Port of New York.

Biography

Ferguson was born in XXX in 1777.

Ferguson graduated from Columbia University in 1795, studied law, and became an attorney. He was active in politics as a Democratic-Republican, and became a political opponent of Dewitt Clinton.

He worked his way through the ranks to become leader, or Grand Sachem, of Tammany Hall. In 1813, he was appointed Naval Officer of the Port of New York, a lucrative federal position, in which he served until his death.

In March, 1815 he was appointed mayor of New York City. President James Monroe requested that Ferguson choose which office he preferred to hold, and resign the other. Ferguson resigned as mayor in June 1815, enabling Radcliff to become mayor. From 1830 to 1832, Ferguson was a trustee of Columbia College.

Ferguson died in New York City on September 5, 1832.

Family

Ferguson's daughter Louisa (1807-1845) was the wife of Robert Walter Weir. He was the grandfather of John Ferguson Weir, son of Robert and Louisa (Ferguson) Weir.

References

• James Grant Wilson, The Memorial History of the City of New-York: From Its First Settlement to the Year 1892, New York History Co., 1893 (Google Books), from Stanford University Library, p. 208 and p. 298 (footnote)