Martin F. Tanahey

Martin F. Tanahey (1874[1] – May 20,[2] 1930) was an American politician who served as alderman of New York City's first district from 1922 to his death in 1930.[1][2] In that capacity he served much of the Lower East Side and the Financial District. A Democrat, he served as a lieutenant of Tammany Hall boss Thomas "Big Tom" Foley.[1][2] After Foley's death he was a candidate for Tammany Hall leader of the first Assembly District but ultimately moved to have such position taken up by Assemblyman Peter J. Hamill.[3] Martin F. Tanahey Playground in the Two Bridges neighborhood was named in his honor in 1952.[1] Tanahey had previously broken ground for a new playground on Cherry Street in 1925.[4]

Born in the Lower East Side,[1] he had previously served as chief clerk of the New York State Labor Department and later as assistant appraiser of the Port of New York.[1] He had also served as an assistant government appraiser in President Wilson's administration.[1] He died of pneumonia in his home in 1930.[1] On May 27 the remainder of the Board of Aldermen elected David A. Mahoney to fill his vacancy.[5]