Flynn, Edward Joseph

(1891-1953)

   Born in New York City, Edward Flynn became a major political figure in the city. After graduating from Fordham University Law School in 1912, he was admitted to the bar and practiced law for five years. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1918 and in 1921 was elected sheriff of Bronx County. Flynn was also chair of the Bronx County Democratic Committee. In 1926, he was elected chamberlain of New York City, and in 1929 he became secretary of New York. As a major political boss, Flynn had considerable influence. He was also a personal friend of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and a supporter of the New Deal. Roosevelt appointed Flynn as regional administrator to the National Recovery Administration. From 1940 to 1942, Flynn was chair of the Democratic National Committee, replacing James A. Farley. In 1943, Roosevelt nominated Flynn as minister to Australia, but charges of corruption over a minor issue forced him to withdraw and resign. Nonetheless, he accompanied the president to the Yalta Conference in 1945, and he continued to be influential during the administration of Harry S. Truman.