Daniel Patrick O'Connell (November 13, 1885-Debruary 28, 1977) was the leader of the Democratic Party political machine in Albany County, New York, from about 1919 until his death. O'Connell was born in Albany, New York, and dropped out of school in the fifth grade, finding work as a bricklayer. In 1919, he was elected County Assessor, and a few years later quit to become the chairman of the County Democratic Committee. During the 50 years to come, he would remain behind the scenes, yet had undeniable power in the political life of Albany, determining patronage and essentially ruling the city.
