Biography:

Peter B. Sweeney was known as the "Brains" of New York City's infamous "Tweed Ring." He was appointed city chamberlain (treasurer) in 1866 and was instrumental in nominating and securing the election of Mayor A. Oakey Hall, a Tweed ally, in 1868. Sweeny was named director of the city's parks department in 1870. In 1871, as the corruption of the Tweed Ring was exposed, Sweeney resigned his municipal positions and fled to France. He paid a $400,000 settlement to avoid prosecution and retired permanently from public life.