John McCunn

John H. McCunn (November 2, 1820 – July 6, 1872) was an Irish-born American judge, lawyer, and military officer who played a significant role during the American Civil War. He later became embroiled in political corruption and was impeached and removed from office.

McCunn was born in Burnally, Limavady, County Londonderry, Ireland on 2 November 1820 son of William McCunn and Martha [Matty] McKinley.^[1] He belonged to a poor Irish immigrant family who arrived in New York City in the 19th century. He worked as a dockhand before training as a lawyer, and eventually becoming a judge.

When the American Civil War began in 1861 he joined the Union Army as a Captain in the 69th New York Infantry Regiment before he recruited the 37th New York Infantry which he commanded as colonel. At war's end he was brevetted Brigadier General.

McCunn was a member of the infamous Tweed Ring, which he aided by naturalizing new citizens to boost his election rolls. On one day alone, he naturalized over 2,000 new voters. However, when the scandal was uncovered, he was impeached and removed from his judicial office.

• “Making An Example of Two Naughty Boys” at Harpweek May 25, 1872 Frank Bellew
• (page 269) Boss Tweed: The Rise and Fall of the Corrupt Pol Who Conceived the Soul of Modern New York By Kenneth D. Ackerman Published 2005 Carroll & Graf