James E. Gaffney

James Edward Gaffney (March 7, 1868 – August 17, 1932) was the owner of the Boston Braves of the National League from 1912, when he purchased the club from the estate of William Hepburn Russell, to 1916, when he sold the franchise to Percy Haughton.

In 1890, he married Essie Smith, whose family held numerous valuable properties in Manhattan.

Gaffney made his fortune winning contracts that he'd obtained via Tammany and insider dealing.

He was one of the closest friends and advisers of Charles Francis Murphy, Tammany's boss.

Essie Gaffney was a dear friend of Murphy's wife, Margaret.