John Cashmore
Borough President of Brooklyn
In office
1940–1961
Member of the New York State Democratic Committee
In office
1938–1944
Member of the New York State Assembly for the 5th district
In office
1923–1923
Personal details
Born(1895-06-07)June 7, 1895
DiedMay 7, 1961(1961-05-07) (aged 65)
SpouseEdythe Tenney
ChildrenJames John Cashmore
Known forInspiration for Cat's in the Cradle

John Cashmore (June 7, 1895 – May 7, 1961) was an American politician from New York City who served as Borough President of Brooklyn from 1940 until his death in 1961.

Career

Business

Cashmore was an aide to the general manager of the New York Edison Company and a furniture manufacturer.

Politics

Cashmore was a member of the New York State Assembly (Kings Co., 5th D.) in 1923. He was a member of the New York State Democratic Committee from 1938 to 1944. He was the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senator from New York in 1952, but was defeated by the incumbent Republican Irving M. Ives. He was a delegate to the 1948, 1952, 1956 and 1960 Democratic National Conventions.

Personal life

Cashmore married Edythe Tenney (1898–1972). They had one son, James John Cashmore (1931–1977).

In popular culture

The 1974 Harry Chapin song "Cat's in the Cradle" was based in part on John Cashmore's relationship with his son James, to whom Chapin's wife had been previously married.

Sources

Party political offices Preceded byHerbert H. Lehman Democratic Nominee for the U.S. Senate from New York (Class 1) 1952 Succeeded byFrank Hogan New York State Assembly Preceded byJames H. Caulfield, Jr. New York State Assembly Kings County, 5th District 1923 Succeeded byJoseph C. H. Flynn Political offices Preceded byRaymond V. Ingersoll Borough President of Brooklyn 1940 – 1961 Succeeded byJohn F. Hayes