William V. Brady

William Vermilye Brady (July 24, 1811– March 31, 1870) was the 68th Mayor of New York City from 1847 to 1848.

William V. Brady was born in New York City on July 24, 1811. Before becoming active in politics he was a silversmith and jeweler.

A fiscally conservative Whig, Brady entered politics as an opponent of the Tammany Hall Democratic organization. From 1842 to 1847 he served as Assistant Alderman and then Alderman.

In 1847 he was a successful candidate for Mayor, capitalizing on a rift in Tammany and the third party candidacy of an anti-immigration nominee to score a narrow victory, and serving until 1849.

A supporter of Zachary Taylor's winning campaign for President in 1848.

Brady was rewarded in 1849 with appointment as Postmaster of New York City serving until 1853.

After Franklin Pierce became President in 1853, Brady was replaced as Postmaster and went into the insurance business as a founder of the Continental Insurance Company in 1853, serving until 1857 as its first president. He was also a board of directors member for the Mutual Life Insurance Company. He was also a founder of the Widows and Orphans Benefit Life Insurance Company, of which he was president.

Brady died in New York City on March 31, 1870. He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.

Brady Avenue in the Bronx was named after him.