Richard
Croker was born in County Cork, Ireland,
in 1841. His family emigrated to the United States and settled in
New York City.
Croker, a member of the Tammary Society,
became involved in politics and with the support of John
Kelly, and the large Irish immigrant population in New York, gained
control of the city.
Croker was soon involved in taking bribes from the owners of brothels,
saloons and illegal gambling dens. Charles
Parkhurst, the president of the Society for the Prevention of
Crime, led the campaign against city corruption. In February, 1892,
Parkhurst made a tremendous impact on the people of the city with
a powerful sermon attacking Tammany Hall
corruption but Croker remained in power until 1901 when he was defeated
by Seith Low.
Croker's political dealings had made him a wealthy man, and in 1903
he purchased a large estate in Ireland where he bred racehorses. In
1907 he won the Derby with his horse, Orby. Richard Croker
died in 1922.
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