Buffalo-based NFB Publishing recently released The Redemption of Uncle Richard “Boss” Croker, The Lion of Manhattan: From Irish Immigrant to Tammany Boss, by author Kathy P. Caton.
The book is, in part, an overview of Caton’s family lineage that focuses on the history of this intriguing and colorful individual.
After decades of working on her family genealogy, Caton discovered that Richard Croker, Tammany Boss, was indeed her great, great, grand uncle, immigrating to the United States from Ireland. She also found, during her extensive research, many redemptive qualities of this so-called “crime boss.” While many historical summaries depict him for his negative influence and corruption of New York politics, this book investigates and illustrates his character in depth, and ultimately finds him to have some significant endearing attributes while also diving head-on into his personal life and political career.
This biography begins in Ireland, way before Richard and his parents immigrated to the United States, and continues throughout his tragedies and triumphs both in and out of the spotlight.
Receiving her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Fredonia State University and her Master’s in Arts Education from Stony Brook University, Caton has been recognized as an innovative creator-educator and now a composer and writer. She holds active teaching certifications from a medley of states in both theatre and music education. Caton also has had the pleasure of studying as well as working alongside notables such as Harry Chapin, Peter Perret, Sir David Willcocks, Paul Leddington Wright and Ted Vigil.
The author is a new resident of central Connecticut and is presently employed as Director of Music for Hazardville United Methodist Church in Enfield. She also teaches music to elementary students in Colombia, CT. She balances these efforts with spending time with her family and her yellow lab rescue, her work as a virtual studio music teacher, music composition and her new passion, research and writing. You can learn more about her on her website, www.musicandmasque.com.
Caton published her first book, Da Capo – From the Beginning, in 2014 while recovering from a life-altering accident. In that book she tells her story while paying homage to the many students that made a difference in her life.
For more information on NFB Publishing, please visit nfbpublishing.com.
