Henry W. Genet

Henry Webb Genet (February 27, 1828 Wethersfield, Hartford County, Connecticut – September 6, 1889 New York City) was an American lawyer and politician from New York.

He was the son of John M. Genet, a French immigrant. The family removed to Albany, New York, when Henry was still an infant. He attended school in Albany, Glens Falls Academy, and New York University. Then he studied law, was admitted to the bar, and practiced in New York City.

He was a Councilman of New York (7th D.) in 1858; an Alderman (17th D.) from 1859 to 1863; and President of the Board of Aldermen in 1861. He was Clerk of New York County from 1862 to 1864.

He was a member of the New York State Assembly (New York Co., 21st D.) in 1867.

He was a member of the New York State Senate (8th D.) from 1868 to 1871, sitting in the 91st, 92nd, 93rd and 94th New York State Legislatures.

Genet was a member of the Tweed Ring, and was convicted in December 1873 for "having, by false and fraudulent means, obtained the signature of Mayor A. Oakey Hall to a warrant for $4,802 for the payment of iron-work alleged to have been supplied by J. McBride Davidson for the Harlem Courthouse." Sheriff Matthew T. Brennan let Genet escape, and spent 30 days in jail himself. Genet had been elected to the State Assembly of 1874, but could not take office after his conviction. A special election to fill the vacancy was held on January 20, 1874.

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