A portrait of the Fitzgerald family in 1900 showcases John Francis Fitzgerald with his parents and siblings, highlighting his early family life and background in Boston.
At the dawn of the 20th century, Boston’s political landscape was structured around wards, akin to modern districts or neighborhoods. These wards were governed by ward bosses, each controlling their own political machine. Unlike the unified political machines seen in cities like Chicago, Boston’s machines were decentralized, operating independently within each ward. These ward bosses wielded considerable influence, offering jobs and assistance to local constituents in return for unwavering voting loyalty. For Irish-Americans in Boston, often marginalized by the prevailing anti-Irish and anti-Catholic sentiments within the city government, the ward boss served as a more reliable source of support and patronage.
Following his father’s passing, John Francis Fitzgerald sought assistance from his local ward boss, Matthew Keany. Recognizing Fitzgerald’s potential, Keany employed him as a personal assistant. Displaying remarkable drive and diligence, Fitzgerald rapidly ascended through the ward’s political ranks. During his time working for Keany, he entered into matrimony with Mary Josephine Hannon. Within a year, their first child, Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald (later known as Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, the mother of President John F. Kennedy), was born, marking the beginning of their family. Upon Keany’s death in 1892, John Francis Fitzgerald, through his accumulated support and political acumen, successfully stepped into the role of ward boss, inheriting Keany’s political machine.
Securing control of the ward, Fitzgerald immediately set his sights on higher office, launching a campaign for the State Senate. To bolster his chances, he strategically garnered the support of Martin Lomasney, the most influential ward boss in Boston. Leveraging Lomasney’s extensive political network and machine, Fitzgerald secured a decisive victory. Building on this momentum, just two years later, John Francis Fitzgerald was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 9th district. This victory was a testament to his energetic campaigning style and the invaluable backing of Lomasney’s political machine, solidifying his position as a rising force in Boston and national politics.
