Frank J. Taylor
Frank J. Taylor | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 15, 1884 Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 8, 1958 (aged 74) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years active | 1913–1952 |
| Known for | New York State Assembly member; Kings County Sheriff; New York City Comptroller; Commissioner of the Port of New York Authority |
Frank J. Taylor (March 15, 1884 – May 8, 1958) was a prominent political figure from New York.
Life
Born on March 15, 1884, in Manhattan's Lower West Side to Irish-American parents, Taylor was orphaned at an early age. He was subsequently adopted by James and Jane Taylor and relocated to Brooklyn when he was ten years old. Raised in the Red Hook neighborhood, he left formal education at twelve to assist in a grocery store before working at Robins Dry Dock and Repair Company. Over time, he advanced to become the principal aide to William H. Todd, proprietor of a shipyard enterprise.
Taylor entered politics as a Democrat, winning election to the New York State Assembly for Kings County's 3rd District in 1912. He held this position uninterruptedly from 1913 until 1925. Following this tenure, he was elected Sheriff of Kings County, serving from 1926 through 1927. In 1928, he was appointed Commissioner of Records.
During the onset of the Great Depression in 1930, Taylor was appointed New York City's Commissioner of Public Welfare. In this role, he launched a municipal employment bureau, accelerated the provision of old-age benefits, and introduced a home relief program. By 1933, he chaired the city's work and relief administration, receiving commendations from leading social reform advocates. After Mayor Fiorello La Guardia assumed office in 1934, Taylor resigned and took on the role of assistant to the president at Todd Shipyards.
In the same year, Taylor secured election as New York City Comptroller. By 1935, he reported enhancements in the city's credit standing and attributed the financial turnaround in 1937 to his efforts. After an unsuccessful re-election bid, he was named Commissioner of the Port of New York Authority in 1938, a capacity in which he served for ten years. Additionally, he presided over the American Merchant Marine Institute and acted as chief negotiator for Eastern shipping companies with maritime unions until his retirement in 1952. Throughout his political career, Taylor participated as an alternate delegate at multiple Democratic National Conventions between 1928 and 1956 and served as a delegate in 1940.
Taylor married Gertrude M. Carmody in 1909 and later wed Josephine McCarthy. His family included sons George—who became an assistant United States Attorney—and William. He was affiliated with numerous organizations such as the Montauk Club, Elks, Emerald Society, Catholic Club of New York, Grand Street Boys, and National Democratic Club.
He passed away due to heart disease at his residence on May 8, 1958, and was interred at Holy Cross Cemetery.
External links
- 1884 births
- 1958 deaths
- American people of Irish descent
- People from Tribeca
- People from Red Hook, Brooklyn
- New York City comptrollers
- Sheriffs of Kings County, New York
- Democratic Party members of the New York State Assembly
- Catholics from New York (state)
- Commissioners in New York City
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey people
- Burials at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn
- 20th-century members of the New York State Legislature