Jimmy Walker was considered to be liked by everyone and was the mayor of New York City. Had he been not in this position, he was sure to be branded a scoundrel. It was on 19th June 1881 that he3 was born in Greenwich Village, New York City. He was an Irish immigrant’s son, who went on to become political mover and shaker in Tammany Hall. He attended Manhattan’s Military school named Xavier High School and Law School of New York.
Music was his first love was music. He was charmed by the bohemian crowd of the Village and wrote songs, rather than practicing law. One of his songs had become an overnight sensation due to its melodious refrains.
His entering the political arena
With prodding from his father and being influenced from mentor, Al Smith, the Tammany Hall titan in 1910 he got elected to Assembly of New York State and served till 1914. He became ambitious and got elected in 1914 to become Senate of New York State until 1925. He was quite popular within the Senate and got elected President-pro-tempore for 1923 and 1924 of Senate of New York State.
Becoming the Mayor
Al in 1925 had become the New York’s Governor found the perfect mayor in Walker for the city, which was reeling under the mafia and criminal activities. John Harlan, the present mayor was unseated and in his place came Walker. However, his biggest roadblock proved to be his being a party animal rather than being a wily politician. The press called him as ‘Beau James’. He got elected as the Mayor of the city and in the initial four years in power, was loved by the citizens. In 1928, he got close to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the new Governor and the latter’s coming to power helped Walker immensely.
His criminal activities
He became a part time mayor and gave huge favors to friends. But in 1929, his luck ran out, with the crash of stock market. He got caught by the police at a gambling house with his gal-pal, which had a scar on his reputation. With people out of job and starving, denied shelter and food, Walker was still enjoying himself. Cardinal Hayes, New York’s Archbishop was dead against Walker and few of his unwanted acts reached the ears of Roosevelt, who at that time was preparing for President Election. On 25th May 1932, his numerous illegal activities came to light when he had to approach the bench and he got relieved from his post.