John Cashmore
John Cashmore | |
|---|---|
Portrait by The New York Times, 1941 | |
| 13th Borough President of Brooklyn | |
| In office March 4, 1940 – May 7, 1961 | |
| Preceded by | Arthur R. Ebel |
| Succeeded by | John F. Hayes |
| Majority Leader of the New York City Council | |
| In office September 23, 1938 – March 4, 1940 | |
| President | Newbold Morris |
| Preceded by | Baruch Charney Vladeck |
| Succeeded by | Joseph T. Sharkey |
| Minority Leader of the New York City Council | |
| In office January 11, 1938 – September 23, 1938 | |
| President | Newbold Morris |
| Preceded by | Thomas J. Curran[a] |
| Succeeded by | Baruch Charney Vladeck |
| Member of the New York City Council from Brooklyn At-Large | |
| In office January 1, 1938 – March 4, 1940 | |
| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Multi-member district |
| Member of the New York State Democratic Committee | |
| In office 1938–1944 | |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 5th Kings district | |
| In office January 1, 1923 – December 31, 1923 | |
| Preceded by | James H. Caulfield Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Joseph C. H. Flynn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 7, 1895 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | May 7, 1961 (aged 65) New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Edythe Tenney (m. 1926) |
| Children | James John Cashmore |
| Known for | Inspiration for Cat's in the Cradle |
John Cashmore (June 7, 1895 – May 7, 1961) was an American politician from New York City who served as Borough President of Brooklyn from 1940 until his death in 1961.
Early life
Cashmore was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 7, 1895.[1]
Career
Business
Cashmore was an aide to the general manager of the New York Edison Company and a furniture manufacturer.[2]
Politics
Cashmore entered politics as a member of the New York State Assembly (Kings Co., 5th D.) in 1923.[3] He was later elected to the newly-formed New York City Council, serving as its majority leader from 1938 to 1940. He was also a member of the New York State Democratic Committee from 1938 to 1944.
Cashmore was elected Brooklyn Borough president in 1940, succeeding Raymond V. Ingersoll.[4] He held this position until 1961, though he was unsuccessfully challenged in the 1945 election by George A. Arkwright.[5] He was the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senator from New York in 1952, but was defeated by the incumbent Republican Irving M. Ives.[6] He was a delegate to the 1948, 1952, 1956 and 1960 Democratic National Conventions.
Death
Cashmore died in New York City on May 7, 1961. He had been sick for several months.[7]
Personal life
Cashmore married Edythe Tenney (1898–1972) in 1926.[8] They had one son, James John Cashmore (1931–1977).
In popular culture
The 1974 Harry Chapin song "Cat's in the Cradle" was based in part on John Cashmore's relationship with his son James, to whom Chapin's wife had been previously married.
Notes
- ^ as Minority Leader of the New York City Board of Aldermen
References
- ^ "John Cashmore". The New York Times. New York. 9 May 1961. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ^ "John Cashmore". The Tablet. May 13, 1961. p. 13.
- ^ "Democrats of 5th Name Candidates". The Standard Union. August 16, 1923. p. 3.
- ^ Heckscher, August (1978). When LaGuardia was mayor: New York's legendary years. New York: Norton. p. 291.
- ^ "Cashmore, M'Donald Win By Big Margins". The Brooklyn Citizen. November 7, 1945. p. 1.
- ^ Eisenstadt, Peter, ed. (2005). The Encyclopedia of New York State. Syracuse University Press. p. 1614. ISBN 9780815608080.
- ^ "CASHMORE DIES; BROOKLYN CHIEF; Borough President, 65, Is Stricken in Auto -- Held Position Since 1940". The New York Times. New York. 8 May 1961. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ^ "Cashmore's Secret Bared, Edythe Tenney His Bride". Times Union. February 6, 1926. p. 4.