Ashbel P. Fitch: Champion of Old New York

The concept of an "honest Tammany man" sounds like an oxymoron, but it became a reality in the curious career of Ashbel P. Fitch, who served New York City as a four-term congressman and a one-term city comptroller during the late nineteenth century. Although little known today, Fitch was well respected in his own day and played a pivotal role on both national and local stages.

In the U.S. Congress, Fitch was a passionate advocate of New York City. His support of tariff reform and his effo...