Charles Murphy Case

There have been many people throughout American history that have had a positive impact on shaping America into what it is today. Within this diverse group of influential people is one group in particular, the Irish Americans, who did all they could to not only make a name for themselves, but also for their country. Charles Francis Murphy, a dedicated Irish American, was one of the most prominent Irishmen of his time who not only had an incredible impact on Tammany Hall, one of the biggest political machines starting as early as the eighteenth century, but also acted as a mentor to some even greater politicians such as Al Smith.

During the nineteenth century when the Potato Famine struck Ireland many Irish were left with no choice but to immigrate to America to try to support their families by doing whatever they could. Though they migrated to different states throughout America, they were all discriminated against and treated very poorly. Being as driven and hard working as they were, the Irish never gave up hope in overcoming all the negativity they were faced with. They strived to become known by others, not just recognized as poor unworthy Irish. As the Irish spent years working hard and doing what they could to be seen as equal in comparison to the Americans, it wasn't until the twentieth century that their image began to slowly change. Their American spirit grew stronger as they moved up to white-collar jobs and adopted middle-class lifestyles. All their hard work slowly began to pay off in defining who they were.

In striving to make a name for themselves, the Irish Americans always worked hard which later led to many becoming successful politicians. Although Charles Murphy was not as well known as some other famous politicians, like Andrew Jackson and John F. Kennedy, the impact he had on his society was just as big of a factor as some others had made. His influence on not only Tammany Hall but also Alfred E. Smith helped define who he was.

Charles Francis Murphy, born on June 20, 1958, to two Irish immigrants in New York City, became a hard working, dedicated politician. Murphy quit school when he was 14 years old and then later held a succession of unskilled jobs. As a young boy Murphy had to fight his way among young youths, he developed both physical prowess and a sort of domineering ascendency that gave him marked leadership qualities among the youths overrunning what was then a district noted for its gangs. It has been said that when Murphy was very young he helped organize the Sylvan Social Club, a species of Tammany Hall juvenile auxiliary, in which he was the recognized leader. Not only was Murphy a manly youth but he was also the main support of his family noted for his filial care, a solicitous son, turning in most of his earnings to his mother.

By 1880 Murphy had saved up enough money to buy his first small saloon, which he named Charlie's Place. Murphy transformed it into the base