Thomas Coman

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Coman

Thomas Coman (1836 – October 22, 1909) was President of the New York City Board of Aldermen from 1868 to 1871.

He became Acting Mayor of New York when the resignation of Mayor John Thompson Hoffman (who had just been elected Governor of the State of New York) became effective on November 30, 1868, and he served one month as Mayor until A. Oakey Hall, elected Mayor on December 1, took office on January 4, 1869.

He emigrated from Ireland with his family when he was two years old. New York Times obituary October 24, 1909.

THOMAS COMAN was born in 1835, and in September, 1856, joined Eagle Engine Company No. 13. Almost immediately after becoming a member he was elected secretary and representative, and after serving two years in those positions, was elected foreman of No. 13 in 1859. He was re-elected in 1860-'61-'62-'63-'64, and was in command when the curtain fell on the last act of the Volunteer Department in 1865. During the draft riots in 1863 the members of No. 13, under the direction and command of Mr. Coman, performed police, military and fire duty, taking under their charge all the large storehouses in the vicinity of the engine house. This duty was performed day and night, until the riots were quelled and the city was in a peaceable condition.

Our Firemen, The History of the NY Fire Departments,Chapter 32, Part IV, by Holice and Debbie http://www.newyorkroots.org/bookarchive/historyofnyfiredepartments/...

In 1865 the people of the Second Aldermanic District, comprising the Fourth and sixth Ward, elected Mr.Coman Alderman, and re-elected him in the years 1867-'69. He was elected alderman-at-large in 1870-'71 and '72, and president of the board in 1867-'68-'69-'70, and twice in 1871. During these years he was three times legislated out of office, and on each occasion his constituency at once returned him to his position. On only one occasion was there any opposition to his election; at all other times he was indorsed by all parties. He was supervisor in 1871 and '72. When John T. Hoffman was elected governor Mr. Coman became acting mayor. In every position held by Mr. Coman he has displayed untiring energy and application. Mr. Coman is now connected with the Equitable Life Insurance Society of this city.