Fernando Wood ( 14 June 1812 -- 14 February , 1881 ) was an American politician of the Democratic Party from Pennsylvania . He served as the Mayor of New York City twice ( 1855 -- 1857 , 1860 -- 1862 ) , United States Representative three times ( 1841 â `` 1843 , 1863 â `` 1865 , and 1867 â `` 1881 ) and as Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in both the 45th and 46th United States Congress ( 1877 â `` 1881 ) . Fernando Wood ( June 14 , 1812 - February 14 , 1881 ) was an American politician of the Democratic Party who is known for being one of the most colorful mayors in the history of New York City ; he also served as a United States Representative ( 1841 â `` 1843 , 1863 â `` 1865 , and 1867 â `` 1881 ) and as Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in both the 45th and 46th Congress ( 1877 â `` 1881 ) .