William Marcy Tweed: 'Boss' of New York

William Marcy Tweed was a big man at 300 pounds, a charming, garrulous man whose personality matched his girth. He could disarm the most disagreeable person; few could resist his charms. And like most big men, Tweed had a big appetite, but his craving was not just for food; it was for money and power. In a span of just five years, Tweed amassed both and became the "boss" of New York. However, he gained his wealth through graft, greed and corruption, at times unfortunate staples of American ...