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 Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924096989177 
 
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 CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 THIS BOOK IS ONE OF A 
 COLLECTION MADE BY 
 
 BENNO LOEWy 
 
 I854-I9I9 
 
 AND BEQUEATHED TO 
 CORNELL UNIVERSITY 
 
Professional Criminals of America. 
 
Negative by Andtrson, N. Y. 
 
 J-TcIiMypc Pn'uiiijg Co., Boston. 
 
 
 ^Ut^» 
 
PROFESSIONAL 
 
 CRIMINALS OF AMERICA 
 
 BY 
 
 THOMAS BYRNES 
 
 INSPECTOR OF POLICE AND CHIEF OF DETECTIVES 
 
 NEW YORK CITY 
 
 'PRO BONO PUBLICO' 
 
 CASSELL & COMPANY, Limited 
 
 739 & 741 BROADWAY. NEW YORK 
 
Copyright, 1886, 
 By THOMAS BYRNES. 
 
 All rights reserved. 
 
 PRESS OF HUNTER & BEACH, 
 NEW YORK. 
 
^^<DOeytcr-^ /fA.Cri^i.<^Ci^ //yrcpri^t^e^ , 
 
 
 (^u^ e-^e^.y^ 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 THE volume entitled "Professional Criminals of America," now submitted to the 
 public, is not a work of fiction, but a history of the criminal classes. The writer 
 has confined himself to facts, collected by systematic investigation and verified by 
 patient research, during a continuous, active and honorable service of nearly a quarter 
 of a century in the Police Department of the City of New York. Necessarily, during 
 this long period, Inspector Thomas Byrnes has been brought into official relations with 
 professional thieves of all grades, and has had a most favorable field for investigating 
 the antecedents, history and achievements of the many dangerous criminals continually 
 preying upon the community. These opportunities have been improved to their 
 utmost extent, and the result has been the accumulation of a vast store of useful 
 knowledge, such as has never before been gathered by any other public officer or 
 private individual. 
 
 The book is complete, and, in my opinion, trustworthy in all its details, and in 
 these points consists its great value and desirability. It contains over two hundred 
 photographs of important and dangerous criminals, thus forming a public Rogues' 
 Gallery. In addition, among its pages will be found the methods and records of 
 several hundred Burglars, Bank Thieves, Forgers, Swindlers, and law-breakers of every 
 description. The book also contains valuable criminal information relative to a large 
 number of bank burglaries, notable forgeries and mysterious murders, all of which 
 have been collected from the best possible sources, together with the Prison Commu- 
 tation Laws and other interesting matter. It is not claimed that there will be found 
 in these pages an account of each particular arrest of those whose records are given. 
 This would be impossible, for a professional thief, in a locality where he is a stranger, 
 uses every means in his power to conceal his identity, and in many instances celebrated 
 robbers have been convicted and sentenced under fictitious names. 
 
 My experience as a judge in the principal criminal court of the city and county 
 of New York, has assured me of the great value of the contents of this volume, 
 and my knowledge of the writer permits me to cheerfully endorse the trustworthiness 
 of the information with which his book is replete. In my estimation the circulation of 
 the volume will tend to familiarize the public with the faces, appearance and methods 
 of the army of malefactors who, with keen eyes and active brains, are forever watching 
 and planning to their detriment. 
 
 The author has spread his vast knowledge of the criminal classes in a simple, 
 straightforward narrative of facts, and the book supplies a want long felt in the 
 community. There cannot be the slightest doubt but that it will prove an important 
 medium in the prevention and detection of crime, and I therefore cheerfully give it my 
 fullest endorsement and recommendation. 
 
 FREDERICK SMYTH, 
 
 Recorder. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 A S crimes against property are of so frequent occurrence in the cities and towns of 
 ^ this country, it was suggested to my mind that the publication of a book describing 
 thieves and their various ways of operating would be a great preventive against further 
 depredations. Aware of the fact that there is nothing that professional criminals fear so 
 much as identification and exposure, it is my belief that if men and women who make a 
 practice of preying upon society were known to others besides detectives and frequenters 
 of the courts, a check, if not a complete stop, would be put to their exploits. While 
 the photographs of burglars, forgers, sneak thieves, and robbers of lesser degree are 
 kept in police albums, many offenders are still able to operate successfully. But with 
 their likenesses within reach of all, their vocation would soon become risky and 
 unprofitable. 
 
 Experience has shown me, during the twenty-three years of my connection with 
 the Police Department of the City of New York, and especially the period in which 
 I have been in command of the Detective Bureau, that bankers, brokers, commercial 
 and business men, and the public, were strangely ignorant concerning the many and 
 ingenious methods resorted to by rogues in quest of plunder. 
 
 With the view of thwarting thieves, I have, therefore, taken this means of circulating 
 their pictures, together with accurate descriptions of them, and interesting information 
 regarding their crimes and methods, gathered from the most reliable sources. Many 
 mysterious thefts are truthfully explained, and the names of the persons credited with 
 committing them are revealed ; but as information merely, without corroborative proof, 
 is not evidence, it would be valueless in a legal prosecution. In the following pages 
 will be found a vast collection of facts illustrative of the doings of celebrated robbers, 
 and pains have been taken to secure, regardless of expense, excellent reproductions 
 of their photographs, so that the law-breakers can be recognized at a glance. By 
 consulting this book prosecuting officers and other officials will be able to save much 
 time and expense in the identification of criminals who may fall into their hands. 
 In the compilation of this work, information obtained from newspapers and police 
 officials of other cities was of great assistance to me, but all the matter and data were 
 verified before being used. 
 
 Hoping that this volume will serve as a medium in the prevention and detection 
 of crime, I remain, respectfully, 
 
 THOMAS BYRNES. 
 
 New York, September, 1886. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Methods of Professional Criminals of America : ^^*^^ 
 
 Bank Burglars, ........ i 
 
 Bank Sneak Thieves, ....... 7 
 
 Forgers, . . . . . . . . ,12 
 
 Hotel and Boarding-House Thieves, . . . . -19 
 
 Sneak and House Thieves, ..... ,22 
 
 Store and Safe Burglars, . . , , . . .26 
 
 Shoplifters and Pickpockets, ...... 30 
 
 Confidence and Banco Men, . . . . , .40 
 
 Recelvers of Stolen Goods, ...... 44 
 
 Tricks of Sawdust Men, . , . . . . -47 
 
 Frauds in Horse Sales, ....... 50 
 
 Why Thieves are Photographed, ... . . . -52 
 
 Descriptions and Records of Professional Criminals, . . . 57 
 
 Several Notable Forgers, ...... 285 
 
 International Forgers — Secret History of the Wilkes, Hamilton, Becker 
 
 AND Engles Gang of Forgers — Their Chief's Confession, . . 295 
 
 Other Noted Criminals, ....... 308 
 
 Bank Robberies, ........ 337 
 
 Miscellaneous Robberies, ....... 339 
 
 Mysterious Murders, ........ 341 
 
 Executions in the Tombs Prison, New York City, from 185 i to 1886, 368 
 
 Adventurers and Adventuresses, . . . . . .374 
 
 Opium Habit and Its Consequences, ..... 381 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Prison Commutation Laws: ^^^^ 
 
 Expiration of Sentence, ...... 389 
 
 New York State, ....... . 389 
 
 Tables of Commutation on Sentences for Good Behavior, New York 
 
 State, ......... 394 
 
 Fugitives from Justice, ..... 397 
 
 Arkansas, 
 California, 
 Colorado, 
 Connecticut, 
 
 Illinois, 
 
 Indiana, , . 
 
 Kentucky . . 
 
 Louisiana, . , 
 
 Maine, 
 
 Maryland, 
 
 Massachusetts, 
 
 Michigan, 
 
 Minnesota, 
 
 New Hampshire, 
 
 New Jersey, 
 
 North Carolina, 
 
 Ohio, 
 
 Pennsylvania, 
 
 Rhode Island, . 
 
 Tennessee, 
 
 Virginia, 
 
 Canada Commutation Law, ...... 
 
 List of State Prisons, Penitentiaries, and Reformatories in the States 
 
 AND Territories, . , . . . . _ .411 
 
 Addenda, ......... 413 
 
 Index, .......... 415 
 
 399 
 
 399 
 400 
 
 400 
 400 
 401 
 401 
 402 
 402 
 403 
 403 
 403 
 404 
 
 405 
 405 
 406 
 406 
 406 
 408 
 408 
 408 
 409 
 409 
 
METHODS 
 
 OF 
 
 Professional Criminals of America. 
 
 BANK BURGLARS. 
 
 THE ways of making a livelihood by crime are many, and the number of men and 
 women who live by their wits in all large cities reaches into the thousands. Some 
 of the criminals are really very clever in their own peculiar line, and are constantly 
 turning their thieving qualities to the utmost pecuniary account. Robbery is now 
 classed as a profession, and in the place of the awkward and hang-dog looking thief we 
 have to-day the intelligent and thoughtful rogue. There seems to be a strange 
 fascination about crime that draws men of brains, and with their eyes wide open, into 
 its meshes. Many people, and especially those whose knowledge of criminal life is 
 purely theoretical, or derived from novels, imagine that persons entering criminal 
 pursuits are governed by what they have been previously, and that a criminal pursuit 
 once adopted is, as a rule, adhered to ; or, in other words, a man once a pickpocket is 
 always a pickpocket ; or another, once a burglar is always a burglar. Hardly any 
 supposition could be more erroneous. Primarily there are, of course, predisposing 
 influences which have a certain effect in governing choice. 
 
 A man of education, refined habits, and possibly a minimum of courage, would not 
 be likely to adopt the criminal walks requiring brute force and nerve. Such a one 
 would be far more likely to become a forger or counterfeiter than a highway robber. 
 Still, under certain circumstances — opportunity and the particular mode of working of 
 those who were his tutors in crime — he might be either, foreign as they would be to his 
 nature. Criminal occupation, however, is, like everything else, progressive. Two 
 things stand in the way of the beginner in crime attaching himself to what he may 
 view — taking them in the criminal's own light — as the higher walks of predatory 
 industry, the top rungs of the criminal ladder. The first is, naturally, lack of experience 
 and skill ; the second, lack of confidence in him or knowledge of him by the older and 
 more practiced hands, whose co-operation would be necessary. 
 
2 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Hence, if he cannot strike out for himself by the force of his own genius some new 
 Hne of forgery, confidence operations, embezzlements, or others of the class of crimes 
 dependent upon brains, adroitness, and address for their success, he must enter on the 
 broad level as a general thief— one of the class who will steal anything that they can 
 get away with, from a needle to a ship's anchor. From that level he may rise, partly 
 by the force of his own increased knowledge of the practice of crime, partly by his 
 natural adaptability for especial methods of preying upon the community, partly by the 
 advice and co-operation of older criminals with whom he comes in contact, whether at 
 liberty or doing time in a prison. From a petty general sneak thief he may become 
 one of a gang of pickpockets, and from a pickpocket, in course of time, may suddenly 
 come to the front with distinction even as a first-class bank burglar. 
 
 Cracksmen of this class head the list of mechanical thieves. It requires rare 
 qualities in a criminal to become an expert bank-safe robber. Thieves of this high 
 grade stand unrivaled among their kind. The professional bank burglar must have 
 patience, intelligence, mechanical knowledge, industry, determination, fertility of 
 resources, and courage — all in high degree. But, even if he possess all these, they 
 cannot be utilized unless he can find suitable associates or gain admission to one of the 
 already organized gangs. Sometimes the arrest of a single man out of a gang will put 
 a stop to the operations of the remainder for a long time, simply because they need 
 another man, and can find nobody they can trust. Bank burglars have been known to 
 spend years in preparation — gleaning necessary information of the habits of bank 
 officials, forming advantageous acquaintances, and making approaches to the coveted 
 treasure all the time, but with the patience to wait until the iron is fully hot before 
 striking a blow. 
 
 The construction of a massive bank safe, provided, as they now are, with electric 
 alarms, combination and time locks, and other protective appliances, is such, that none 
 but a mechanical genius can discover its weak points and attack it successfully. There 
 is not a safe in use to-day that is absolutely burglar-proof, notwithstanding the fact 
 that many manufacturers advertise and guarantee those of their build as such. Every 
 now and then safe makers quietly alter the internal construction of their vaults, and 
 these changes are brought about by the doings of some scientific robber. Just as soon 
 as the safe builder becomes aware of the fact that burglars have unearthed a defect in 
 vaults of his make, he sets his mechanics at work upon some new design, in the hope 
 . of thwarting thieves and making his vaults the more secure. 
 
 The wrecking of every safe, therefore, reveals a blemish, and necessitates altera- 
 tions, which, of course, later on, make the work of the vault-opener more difficult. 
 Hundreds of safes are turned out of the factories in the several cities weekly, and a 
 calculating burglar, when he has discovered a defect in a certain pattern, will delay 
 exposing his secret to the manufacturer until thousands of the seemingly strong, yet 
 frail, vaults have been made and are in use. That insures him something to operate 
 upon, for he well knows that after his first success, and the fact is reported at the safe 
 factory, improvements will be in order. 
 
 The proficiency attained by our bank burglars, and the apparently comparative 
 ease with which they secure the contents of massive vaults, is the result of constant and 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 3 
 
 careful study of the subject. All the resources, ingenuity and cunning of the cracksman 
 who makes bank-wrecking a specialty are put to the test in an undertaking of that sort, 
 and plans follow plans until one is matured which circumstances may warrant as safe, 
 feasible, and profitable. Then the accomplishment of the nefarious scheme only 
 depends upon nerve, daring, and mechanical tools. 
 
 Some burglars make their own outfit, but almost any blacksmith will make any tool 
 he is called upon for, if its construction is within his capacity, without asking any 
 questions about the uses to which it is to be put, provided he gets his price for it. It 
 is, of course, more than probable that he guesses the use for which it is intended, but 
 that, he thinks, is not his business. The making of such implements is, as a rule, 
 confined to those mechanics who are actually in league with the criminals who expect 
 to use them. The heavy and unwieldy tools of years ago have been abandoned by the 
 modern bank robber, with his new inventions. While some bank thieves use the spirit 
 lamp and blow-pipe to soften the hardened metals and take the temper out of the 
 steel vault doors or cases, others use only a small diamond-pointed drill. Then again, 
 others, who do not care to spend time manipulating the intricate combination, use 
 simple sort of machines, technically called the "drag" and " jackscrew." The former, 
 simple as it looks, is extremely powerful — and so quiet. By means of a bit a hole is 
 bored through a safe door ; a nut is set " inside ;" the point of the screw passes through 
 the nut, which rests inside the surface that has been bored ; then the screw is turned 
 by a long handle, which two men can operate. As the screw turns, the nut is forced 
 forward, farther "and farther. It is a power that hardly any construction of a safe can 
 resist. Either the back or the front must give way. 
 
 The " jackscrew " is rigged so that by turning it will noiselessly force into the crack 
 of a safe door a succession of steel wedges ; first, one as thin as a knife-blade ; soon, 
 one as thick as your hand ; and they increase in size until the hinges give way. Where 
 the size or location of the safe or vault to be forced precludes the use of these machines, 
 and an explosion becomes necessary, dynamite and nitro-glycerine are used with the 
 greatest skill, and with such art in the deadening of sound that sometimes an explosion 
 which rends asunder a huge safe cannot be heard twenty yards away from the room in 
 which it takes place. 
 
 The patient safe robber is aware of several ingenious ways of picking combination 
 locks. In following their nefarious calling these men attain a delicacy of feeling by 
 which they are able to determine to a nicety the exact distance necessary to raise each 
 tumbler of the lock. The burglar masters a combination with almost mathematical 
 accuracy, and manipulates its complex machinery with the same dexterity and precision 
 that a music-teacher touches the keys of a piano. He is trained to detect one false 
 note in a swelling chorus produced by the click of reverberating ratchets within the 
 lock, and marks the period and duration of the drops. When they come across some 
 new kind of lock, they will manage to get possession of one, whatever its cost, and 
 whatever roundabout means may be necessary to get hold of it, and, taking it apart, 
 will study its construction until they know its strong and weak points, and how to master 
 it, just as well as its inventor or maker could. They are always on the alert to utilize 
 for their purposes every new appliance of power. 
 
4 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 The combination-safe picker is the cleverest of all the fraternity of lock workers. 
 His is a life of study and careful experimenting. He proceeds to fathom the mystery 
 of a new and intricate piece of mechanism with the same enthusiastic, yet patient, 
 attention and study that actuates a scientist in search of more useful knowledge. 
 Having acquired mastery over any combination, the burglar guards his secret jealously. 
 Gaining access to the bank or building, he can tell at once the character of the combi- 
 nation he has to deal with, and that with him is tantamount to opening the safe or 
 vault. Having rifled the safe of its contents, he closes the door, and begins to make 
 arrangements to deceive the officials of the institution and the detectives. The crevices 
 of the door are closed with putty, with the exception of a small orifice in the upper or 
 horizontal crevice, through which powder is blown into the safe by means of a small 
 bellows. The hole is then closed, a slow fuse which is inserted into the crack is set fire 
 to, and the building is vacated. Half an hour or so later the fuse ignites the powder, 
 and the safe door is shattered from its strong fastenings. 
 
 For fifteen years the manner in which a celebrated combination lock was picked by 
 thieves was involved in mystery, during which time many honest bank employes, 
 suffered in reputation, and not a few were unjustly incarcerated. The criminals who 
 operated so mysteriously upon the safes never took all the money or valuables. In 
 many cases they helped themselves to but a small percentage of the proceeds, and it 
 was this ruse that threw the officials off their guard and brought the employes into, 
 disrepute. The burglars familiarized themselves with the make and patterns of the 
 locks, and then bored a hole within a short distance of where a Spindle held the 
 tumblers. With the use of a common knitting-needle the tumblers were dropped and 
 the safe door opened. 
 
 The secret of another ingenious method of opening safes at last leaked out. The 
 paying teller of an Eastern bank having been absent at lunch, returned earlier than was 
 his wont, and discovered a strange man on his knees tampering with the dial of the 
 combination. The man turned out to be "Shell" Hamilton, one of the Mark 
 Shinburn gang. His arrest was the means of leading to the knowledge of the fact 
 that the gang had been systematically picking a patent combination lock by removing 
 the dial and placing a piece of paper behind it, so that when the safe was opened the 
 combination registered its secret upon the paper. The thieves next watched their 
 opportunity to gain possession of the paper, and the difficulty was at once overcome of 
 opening the safe and gaining possession of its valuable contents. 
 
 Every gang of bank burglars has its recognized leader, whose word is law. He is 
 a man of brains, possessed of some executive ability, sleek and crafty. The care with 
 which, perhaps for years before the consummation of a crime, he arranges the plans for 
 getting at the vault, illustrates the keenness of his perception and his depth of thought. 
 Every little detail is considered and followed, so as to allay suspicion and permit him 
 to get the closer to his prize. Bank burglaries invariably date back, and in some cases 
 it has been known that the interior drawings of the building and plans of the vaults 
 made at the time of their erection have for twenty years passed through the hands of 
 several gangs as the sole legacy of some crafty leader. If provided with such important 
 information, when, at last, the plundering of some institution is intended, the standing 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 5 
 
 of the concern and the value of the securities kept in the vault must first be ascertained. 
 Should these prove satisfactory, the conspiracy gets under way. Next, some inquiries 
 are necessary as to the mechanical part of the work to be done. The name of the 
 maker of the vault, the size of the lock by which it is protected, and if electric appliances 
 guard it, must all be known, and are very easily learned. 
 
 The burglars generally hire a store adjoining the institution, from which they 
 can operate the better, and in some instances they have gone so far as to rent the 
 basement of the bank, or rooms overhead. They may fit up the place as an oyster 
 saloon, billiard room, shoemaker's, barber's or tailor's shop, or start a dental establish- 
 ment. The leader of the gang will for a long time employ none but the best workmen, 
 sell A I goods, pay his rent regularly, seem anxious for custom, be pleasant to all, and 
 make himself a most desirable tenant ; and his landlord has in several instances been 
 the very president of the bank that this bland and good-natured tenant was secretly 
 plotting against. 
 
 The leader of the burglars, after a few weeks' steady attention to business, will pass 
 much of his spare time in conversation with the bank clerks, and thereby manages to 
 gain their confidence. Being a rather good judge of human nature, he is thus able to 
 survey the institution, secure all the inside information he desires, and probably gain 
 an important ally in his nefarious undertaking. If he can tamper with or corrupt one 
 of the clerks or watchmen, then the job is plain sailing. As soon, however, as the 
 scheme becomes known to an outsider, the leader, fearing treachery, hastens matters as 
 rapidly as possible. Should the mechanical part of the work have been figured down, 
 and the combination be at the mercy of the robbers, the final work is generally com- 
 pleted between Saturday night and Sunday morning. 
 
 By cutting through the dividing partition wall, ceiling, or floor, the bank burglar 
 and his assistants find no difficulty in getting into the bank. Then the wrecking of the 
 vault begins, and in a short time the treasure that it contains is in the possession of the 
 cracksmen. The task complete, the burglars carry their booty into the adjoining store, 
 or perhaps the basement below the ransacked institution, and at the proper time remove 
 it to a much safer place. When it is discovered that the bank vault was really not as 
 secure as it was supposed to be, the affable business man who ran the oyster saloon or 
 billiard room next door, or made change in the barber's or shoemaker's shop in the 
 basement, or superintended the drawing of teeth overhead, has suddenly abandoned his 
 expensive fixtures and light stock, and has left for parts unknown. He has realized 
 thousands for every dollar that he invested, and in most cases he leaves in the lurch the 
 mean tool who betrayed his trust in the hope that he would reap a rich reward by 
 revealing to a professional robber the secrets of the institution where he was employed. 
 
 Some bank burglars devote most of their time and attention to the cashier of the 
 bank that they have made up their minds to rob. They track him to his home, gain 
 access to his sleeping-room at night, either by collusion with one of the servants, 
 picking the door-locks or springing a window and gaining the keys, and take impres- 
 sions in wax. Duplicates are easily made from these casts, and at the first 
 opportunity the bank can be safely plundered. Should, however, the cashier be 
 disturbed by the intrusion of the cracksmen into his apartment, the burglars would 
 
6 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 be forced to make an attempt upon the bank that night. Securing possession of 
 the keys by threats, a couple of men would be left to guard the cashier while the other 
 members of the band would proceed to the bank and- rob it. In several instances the 
 desperate robbers, under threats of instant, death, have compelled the cashier whom 
 they have surprised to accompany them to the bank and open the vault, so that they 
 could rifle it. 
 
 The names of many expert bank burglars who have gained much notoriety by their 
 criminal deeds will be found in the annexed list : 
 
 Charley Adams, alias Langdon W. Moore (22). — Jim Burns, alias Big Jim Burns 
 (165). — George Bliss (see records of Nos. 20, 70, 80, 89, no, 176). — Tom Biglow (see 
 records of Nos. 20, 131). — Charles Bullard, alias Piano Charley (see records of Nos. 22, 
 176). — William Robinson, alias Gopher Bill (see record of No. 89). — George Havill, 
 alias Joe Cook, alias Harry Thorn (15). — John Hope, alias Young Hope (19). — James 
 Hope, alias Old Man Hope (20). — Harry Howard, alias English Harry (see record 
 of No. 22). — Ed. Johnson (see record of No. 50). — William Kelly (see records of Nos. 
 19, 90). — Mike Kerrigan, alias Johnny Dobbs (64). — Mike Kerwin, alias Barney Oats 
 (see record of No. 68). — Ira Kingsland (see record of No. 70). — Peter Emmerson, 
 alias Pete Luthy, alias Banjo Pete (90). — Ned Lyons (70). — John Larney, alias Mollie 
 Matches (n). — George Leslie, alias George Howard (see records of Nos. 50, 74, 80). 
 — Charles Lowery (see record of No. 68). — John Leary, alias Red Leary (see record 
 of No. no). — Frank McCoy, alias Big Frank (89). — George Mason, alias George 
 Gordon (24). — Joe Moran (see record of No. 8). — Ike Marsh (see records of -Nos. 
 21, 22, 50, 89). — William Morgan, alias Bunker (see record of No. 21). — Frank 
 McCrann, alias Big Frank (see record of No. 68). — Tom McCormack (201). — Sam 
 Perris, alias Worcester Sam (199). — Jack Rand (see record of No. 22). — Patrick 
 Shevlin (see records of Nos. 19, 28, 90). — James Simpson (see record of No. 21). — 
 Charles Sanborn (see record of No. 21). — Mark Shinburn (176). — Robert S. Scott 
 (see record of No. 50). — Mose Vogel (see records of Nos. 24, 50). — Gilbert Yost 
 (see record of No. 74). — Adam Worth. — Joe Killoran, alias Joe Howard. — Daniel 
 Dyson, alias Dan Noble. — Jim Brady, alias Big Jim. 
 
 See general index for further information. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 BANK SNEAK THIEVES. 
 
 POR many years bank sneak thieving flourished to an alarming extent in New 
 ••■ York City, and under the old detective systems it seemed impossible to put 
 a stop to that form of robbery. Notorious thieves in those days were permitted to 
 loiter about the street, and on more than one occasion it was alleged that well filled 
 cash boxes disappeared from bankers' safes while detectives were on watch outside. 
 It was also openly insinuated that there was collusion between the police and the 
 rogues, and numerous changes were made, but it was afterwards discovered that the 
 accusations were groundless. While it may have been true that the detectives in some 
 cases were not as vigilant as they might have been, subsequent developments have 
 demonstrated that the financial quarter of the city was in the past but poorly protected. 
 Well known thieves no longer haunt that prescribed locality, and since the establish- ' 
 ment of a sub-detective bureau in Wall Street, six years ago, not a dollar has been 
 stolen from any of the wealthy concerns in the great money centre by professional 
 criminals. The inauguration also of a patrol service by experienced detectives during 
 business hours, and the connecting by telephone of all the banking institutions have 
 been the means of putting a stop to the operations of that particular class of rogues 
 known as bank sneak thieves. Still, in the other cities of the country, where these 
 precautions which have proved such a great preventive against the perpetration of 
 crime have not been adopted, these thieves succeed in carrying on their depredations 
 and reap rich rewards. Bank sneak thieves are all men of education, pleasing address, 
 good personal appearance, and are faultless in their attire. With astonishing coolness 
 these determined fellows commit the most daring thefts. The handful of successful 
 rogues who have attained such exalted rank in the criminal profession despise the 
 thousands of other robbers who live by the commission of small crimes. Aware of 
 their superiority, these men are overbearing when chance brings them in contact with 
 thieves of a lower degree. This is most noticeable in their manner of conducting 
 themselves while serving out sentence in prison. As their exploits must necessarily 
 occur in daylight and in public places, these robbers are really more daring than the 
 bank burglar, who prefers to work under cover of night. The bank sneak is not an 
 adept with the pick-lock, but great presence of mind, a quick eye, and wonderful nerve 
 are the essentials he must possess to become a success. 
 
 Generally not more than three or four of these thieves are engaged in any robbery, 
 and each of them has his allotted part to perform in the conspiracy. One may be a 
 careful lookout, another must be an interesting conversationalist, and the third, generally 
 
8 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 a small-sized man, is the sneak, who stealthily steals behind the counter and captures 
 the cash box or a bundle of bonds. While some robberies are carried out in a few minutes 
 after the conception of the scheme, others have been planned months beforehand. The 
 rogues who prowl about bankers' and brokers' offices day after day are ever on the watch 
 for an opportunity to make a daring dash for plunder. Their appearance is so like that of 
 the honest merchant or stock speculator that they have no difficulty in deceiving those 
 who have no suspicion as to their real character or calling. They have also a faculty 
 of worming themselves into the best society, and they spend their evenings in the 
 lobbies of the leading hotels or other places where those foremost in financial circles are 
 in the habit of assembling to discuss the events of the day. Information gathered in 
 chance chats afterwards proves of valuable assistance to the cunning sneak thief in the 
 carrying out of his operations. It is during those brief conversations that the robbers 
 ascertain the topic that will most interest their intended victim. All men have their 
 hobbies, and just as soon as the bank thief becomes aware of the fact that a certain 
 banker, broker, paying teller or cashier has a failing for discussing any one thing in 
 particular, they devote considerable time studying the subject until they are able to talk 
 upon it properly and interestingly. This is one of the preliminary steps in a planned 
 robbery. Next the thieves make themselves familiar with the manner in which business 
 is conducted in the bank or office they are plotting to pillage. They never neglect any 
 point, no matter how small it may be. The exact time that the clerks are in the habit of 
 leaving their desks for dinner, the restaurants they dine at, and the time they are allowed 
 for meals, are all noted. These are necessary for the success of the undertaking, and when 
 at last all the plans have been perfected, the prize is captured at a time when there are 
 but few persons in the banking institution. There have been exceptions to this rule, 
 however, and cash boxes have been successfully spirited away just at the moment of the 
 receipt of some astounding financial intelligence, and while the office was thronged with 
 merchants and brokers discussing the startling news. Thefts of that sort require but a 
 moment, and have been executed as rapidly as the occasion presents itself. 
 
 Here is a genuine instance of the great presence of mind of these criminals, from 
 the record of one of the leading and most successful sneak thieves : There was a heated 
 discussion in a broker's office one day about the location of a town in Ohio. The noted 
 robber slipped into the place just in time to overhear several of the gentlemen declaring 
 that the town was in different counties in that State. While the. argument progressed 
 the thief hit upon a plan that would enable him to capture the cash box, which 
 temptingly rested in the safe, the door of which was open. He left as quickly as 
 possible, and, meeting his confederate outside, sent him to a stationery store, telling 
 him to buy several maps, and one especially showing the counties and towns in Ohio. 
 Then the rogue returned to the broker's office to await his opportunity. A few minutes 
 later he was followed by his companion in the rdle of a map peddler. Being at first 
 told that no maps were wanted, the cunning accomplice, in a loud voice, said : 
 
 "Can I show you a new map, giving the boundaries of all the towns and counties 
 in Ohio ?" 
 
 The appeal was overheard by one of the men who had been involved in the recent 
 discussion. He told the peddler to stop, at the same time saying, " Now, boys, I'll bet 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 9 
 
 whatever you like that the town is in the county I said, and as chance has brought us 
 a map, the bets can be settled without delay," Several bets were made, and for a few 
 minutes the broker's office was in a much greater state of excitement than it ever had 
 been before, even in panic days. As the peddler slowly unrolled his bundle of maps the 
 brokers and the clerks gathered about him, anxious to learn the result. The sneak 
 took advantage of the excitement and made his way, unnoticed, to the safe. He cap- 
 tured the cash box, containing $20,000, and escaped with it while his confederate was 
 selling the map. 
 
 Another professional sneak, known as a man of great coolness and determination, 
 and possessed of no small degree of courage, is credited with having entered a bank 
 early in the morning and going behind the desk, divested himself of his coat, and, 
 donning a duster, installed himself as clerk. He coolly waited there some time watch- 
 ing for a chance to seize a roll of greenbacks, bonds, or anything valuable that he could 
 lay his hands on. One of the clerks requested the intruder to leave, but the wily thief 
 retorted by telling the former to mind his own business, and also intimating that as 
 soon as his friend, the president, arrived, he would have what he pleased to call a med- 
 dlesome fellow punished. The clerk, however, insisted upon the rogue's vacating the 
 •desk, and he finally did so under protest. In a seemingly high state of indignation the 
 robber left the place, and later on the cashier, to his surprise, discovered that he had 
 suddenly and mysteriously become $15,000 short. Of course the thief never called a 
 second time to explain the mystery. 
 
 A bundle of bonds vanished from one of the rooms in a Safe Deposit vault in an 
 Eastern city, recently, and the theft was not discovered until three months after the 
 robbery had been committed. One of the depositors had called at the place for the 
 purpose of clipping off his coupons. He had taken his box out of the compartment 
 in which it was kept, and had gone into a side room with a table to do the coupon 
 cutting. There was no one in the apartment excepting himself, but just as he had fin- 
 ished a man whom he believed to be one of the clerks entered the chamber for a second. 
 The visitor tapped the old gentleman on the shoulder and instantly said, " Excuse 
 me, sir, I have made a mistake," and passed out again. While the aged depositor had 
 turned to see who it was had tapped him on the left shoulder, the supposed clerk, who 
 was a professional sneak, picked up the bundle of bonds, which lay near the former's 
 right hand. It happened that the lid of the tin box was down, and having no suspicion, 
 and supposing that he had replaced the bonds, the old man returned the empty box to 
 his compartment. Three months later, when the depositor again called at the Safe 
 Deposit vaults to clip another set of coupons, he discovered that his bonds were miss- 
 ing and no one was able to account for their disappearance. 
 
 The robbery, it has been asserted, was effected in this way. In the Safe Deposit 
 vaults was employed a clerk who was in the habit of wearing a buff-colored duster, 
 much bedabbled with ink. On the day of the robbery the clerk was sent out on an 
 errand and was away from his desk for nearly half an hour. During his absence a sneak 
 thief of his build, and somewhat like him in appearance, and wearing an ink-stained 
 duster, ran quickly down the steps, and without exciting any suspicion passed the 
 watchman on guard at the entrance to the Safe Deposit vaults. No one paid any 
 
lO PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 particular attention to the robber as he passed through the several rooms, supposing 
 him to be the clerk. After he had captured the roll of bonds from which the coupons 
 had been freshly cut, the man in the buff duster, unnoticed, passed out with the booty. 
 
 In robbing country banks, where the clerks are few, and generally during the 
 dinner hour the cashier or paying teller is the only man left in the institution, sneaks 
 have a simple and easy scheme for plundering. One first enters the bank and 
 engages the cashier or teller in conversation, upon a subject in which the latter 
 becomes deeply interested. While this is going on a carriage halts at the door, and the 
 driver is sent in to tell the official inside that a gentleman who has hurt his leg and is 
 unable to walk, desires to speak to him outside. The unsuspecting cashier or teller 
 excuses himself to his first visitor and goes out to speak to the injured man, and in 
 his absence the bank is ransacked. Robberies of this kind are committed quite fre- 
 quently, and gangs of sneaks travel all over the country with a circus or wild beast 
 show. In the towns and small cities the parade of the performers creates considerable 
 excitement, and when the cavalcade happens to pass a bank the clerks, cashiers and 
 paying tellers seem to forget themselves and run to the windows to look out. The 
 sneak thieves take advantage of the opportunity and quietly slip into the institution. 
 In a twinkling their work is complete, and before the procession has passed they have 
 escaped with whatever they could lay hands on. 
 
 If, while watching about a bank a large check is cashed and the customer turns 
 aside to a desk to count the money, the rogues generally succeed in getting a portion 
 of the cash. The thief will drop a bill upon the floor, and just as the man has arranged 
 his pile of notes the criminal will politely tell him that he has dropped some of his 
 money. When the former stoops down to pick up the greenback, the sneak will steal 
 a portion of the cash upon the desk, and walk off unquestioned. They are not greedy 
 in ventures of that sort, but they secure enough, with almost comparative safety, and 
 are content. Heated arguments invariably follow thefts of this sort. After counting 
 his money, the depositor goes back to the teller and insists that he is short. The teller 
 is equally positive that he paid out the proper amount, and in most cases a disruption 
 of commercial relations is the culmination of the dispute. 
 
 Bank sneak thieves are not, however, confined to these systems. They are men of 
 adaptability, and act at all times according to circumstances. They have been known 
 to rob messengers in the street while on their way to bank to make a deposit. Some 
 messengers always carry the bank book in their hand, with the bills folded between the 
 covers. The ends of the greenbacks may extend beyond the length of the book, and 
 these will instantly catch the quick eye of an experienced rogue. While the messenger 
 is passing through a crowd, he will be thrown off his guard by a start of surprise, or a 
 laughable remark. During that moment the entire amount in the book has been 
 abstracted, and when the man reaches the bank and finds the cash gone, he cannot 
 imagine how it was that he lost it. 
 
 The best safeguard against the bank-sneak thief is to be able to recognize him at 
 sight, and be sure of his real character. The annexed list contains many of the names 
 of the leading rogues' who operate in that line, and whose photographs are to be found 
 in the book : 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. II 
 
 Frank Buck, alias Bucky Taylor (27). — Jim Burns, alias Big Jim Burns (165). — Billy 
 Burke, alias Billy the Kid (162). — Bill Bartlett (see records of No. 71 and George 
 Wilkes). — Bill Baker (165). — George Carson, alias Heywood (3). — William Coleman, 
 alias Billy Coleman (g). — John Curtin (169). — John Carroll, aHas The Kid (192). — 
 Charlotte Dougherty, stall for bank sneaks (see records of Nos. 25, i, 179). — John 
 Duffy (see record of No. 50). — Charles Fisher, alias Purdy (41). — Billy Forrester 
 (76). — Billy Flynn (see records of Nos. 3, 50, 95, 165). — Eddie Guerin (see 
 records of Nos. 11, 187). — Horace Hovan, alias Little Horace (25). — Robert Hovan 
 (179). — Charley Hicks (see record of No. 8). — John Jourdan (83). — Thomas Leary, 
 alias Kid Leary (6). — Ned Lyons (70). — Rufe Minor, alias Pine (i). — Emanuel Marks, 
 alias Minnie Marks (187). — John O'Brien, alias The Kid (see record of No. 22). — 
 Phillip Phearson, alias Philly Pearson (5). — C. J. Everhardt, alias Marsh Market 
 Jake (38). — Joe Parish (84). — John Price (see records of Nos. i, 9, 54). — Bill 
 Vosburg (4). — Joe McClusky (see records of Nos. 8, 50). — Walter Sheridan (8). — 
 Jim Brady, alias Big Jim. 
 
 See regular index for further information. 
 
12 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 FORGERS. 
 
 A DISTINGUISHED and learned criminal jurist tersely described forgery as "the 
 false making or materially altering, with intent to defraud, any writing which, if 
 genuine, might apparently be of legal efficacy in the foundation of a legal liability." 
 The crime, in a general sense, is the illegal falsification or counterfeiting of a writing, 
 bill, bond, will, or other document, and the statutes generally make the uttering or using 
 the forged instrument essential to the offense. The uttering is complete, however, if 
 an attempt is made to use the fraudulent paper as intended, though the forgery be 
 discovered in season to defeat the fraud designed. The intent to deceive and defraud 
 is often conclusively presumed from the forgery itself. If one forge a note, or name, 
 word or even figure upon a note, and cause it to be discounted, it is no defense 
 whatever to the charge of forgery that he intended to pay the note himself, and had 
 actually made provisions that no person should be injured. Forgery, attended as it is 
 with such ruinous consequences, is easily perpetrated, and detected with much difficulty. 
 It was one of the capital offenses years ago, and at the present time the punishment is 
 severe, the Penal Code of the State of New York making the sentence, upon a second 
 conviction for forgery in the first degree, imprisonment for life. 
 
 As compared with the other criminal classes the number of professional forgers in 
 the United States is very small. All told there are not more than two dozen expert 
 penmen and engravers who prostitute their talents by imitating the handwriting and 
 workmanship of others. Few as are these swindlers, occasionally they suddenly launch 
 forth some gigantic scheme, flooding the principal cities with their spurious and 
 worthless paper. The operations of the forger are not by any means confined to this 
 country and Canada. The bankers of Europe have been fleeced by them, and conspir- 
 acies hatched here have almost caused financial panics in England and on the Continent. 
 But little was really known about the ingenious plottings and secret schemes of forgers 
 and counterfeiters until the celebrated international criminal, Wilkes, made a confession 
 of his doings. The statement made by the shrewd rascal while in prison in Italy, a few 
 years since, is the most interesting document of its kind in existence. It covers a long 
 period — nearly twenty years — and tells the inner history of one of the greatest bands 
 of forgers that has ever been organized. The notorious penman's confession is given 
 in full in another part of this book. 
 
 The professional forger is a man of great ability, and naturally a cunning and 
 suspicious sort of an individual. Cautious in the extreme, he prefers to work in secret, 
 and probably never more than two of his most intimate companions know what he is 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 13 
 
 about until the counterfeits he has produced are ready to be put in circulation. So 
 guarded is he, in fact, that while imitating the signature of a banking firm, duplicating 
 the bonds or securities of a large corporation, or printing the delicately executed notes 
 and currency of a country, he never permits any of his friends to enter his secret 
 workshop. It is the proud boast of one of the most notorious of these swindlers, that 
 while at his nefarious work no man, woman, or child ever saw him with a pen in his 
 hand. 
 
 Some of the most prominent forgers are chemists, and by the aid of a secret 
 mixture of acids, they are able to erase figures in ink from the face of notes 
 without destroying or damaging the paper. Thus genuine orders upon banks or 
 brokers for a few dollars are easily raised up into the thousands. Others, having a 
 talent for imitating handwriting, especially autographs, fill out blank checks and notes 
 to suit themselves. Photography has also recently been successfully applied as a 
 means for transferring fine tracing, delicate engravings, and even signatures. 
 
 Away in the background, although plotting and planning daring work for others 
 to execute, the forger runs but few risks by following a system calculated to protect 
 himself against the annoyance of arrest or the danger of conviction. He keeps aloof 
 from the several members of his band, and in most cases is only known to his manager, 
 the go-between and guiding spirit of the gang. This is one of his best safeguards, 
 and no matter what slip there may afterwards be in the effort to secure money upon his 
 spurious paper, he is able to baffle all attempts to fasten the foundation of the crime 
 upon himself. He employs as his manager only a man in whom he has the utmost 
 confidence to conduct the negotiations, and the latter is generally a person of such 
 notoriously bad character, that no jury would accept his uncorroborated testimony 
 should he prove unfaithful. There have been instances, however, in which the manager 
 has also been the capitalist and leading plotter. Such men are to be found in the best 
 walks of life, and although having a good social standing their means of existence is a 
 mystery to many. These are the most careful go-betweens, and they also have guarded 
 ways of putting the forged notes into the hands of the agents of the "layers down," 
 the title by which those who finally dispose of the fraudulent paper are known. 
 
 The organization of a forger's gang is unlike that of any other class of thieves. 
 It has many subdivisions, all working in concert, and still but few of the operators have 
 any acquaintance with the leading spirits in the vast conspiracy. The poor tools who 
 risk their liberty never know the penman or engraver whose work they handle, and the 
 forger, on the other hand, does not wish an acquaintance with them. He knows them 
 simply by reputation as a good or ordinary " layer down," just as their standing may 
 be. Then there are the quiet agents, who gather information and rarely appear in any 
 criminal proceeding. These have a wide circle of acquaintances, many of whom are 
 reputable merchants and brokers. During pleasant chats in the bar and reading rooms 
 of hotels and at fashionable resorts, much useful information necessary for the carrying 
 out of large plans is gleaned. 
 
 A banker's clerk, fond of billiards or horse-racing, and living above his salary, 
 while in bad luck meets an agreeable friend at the track or around the green baize 
 table. The forger's secret and most dangerous agents grasp the situation at a glance, 
 
14 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 and hidden behind their apparent good-nature is a plot for plunder. The clerk's losses 
 make him desperate, and he never declines the proffered loan. It may be only a small 
 sum, but it is the first step towards his downfall. He has become entangled in the 
 clutches of a sharper, and at short acquaintance stands ready to follow the advice of his 
 generous friend. When it is suggested that blank checks, or better still, ones filled out 
 if procured by him, no matter the means he resorts to to get them, will bring him in a 
 supply of ready cash, he grasps the opportunity. Rarely does the firm suspect, when 
 at last the forgeries are scattered broadcast, that their fast-living clerk is really respon- 
 sible for the counterfeits. The reckless young man, tainted by the success of others, 
 will in a short time attempt to imitate signatures himself. Not having served a proper 
 apprenticeship in ways that are wicked, the forgery is apparent. Caught in the act, he 
 is sent to prison, and forever afterwards is an outcast from society. 
 
 The clerk's experience demonstrates but one of the insidious methods of the crafty 
 forger and his agents. He has other schemes, most prominent among which is using 
 the dishonest broker. Under cover of a legitimate business they dispose of considerable 
 worthless bonds and securities. It often happens that stolen, forged, and counterfeit 
 bonds are hypothecated for loans by some tottering firm, and are never redeemed. 
 Bankers duped in that way, rather than make public the fact that they have been taken 
 in, prefer to bear their losses and make no effort to prosecute the swindler. 
 
 The men who for a small percentage dispose of forged paper or handle counter- 
 feits are mostly ex-convicts or novices in crime. Some of the check passers operate 
 according to system and others depend upon circumstances. Several of the principal 
 means taken by those who utter the spurious paper can be briefly explained. A forger, 
 only one of whose notes was ever refused, always furnished his operators with duplicate 
 drafts. One of these simply endorsed upon the back would at first be presented at the 
 bank by the "layer down." The latter being a stranger, the teller would naturally 
 decline to honor the note without proper identification. Then the "layer down," after 
 remarking that he was not well acquainted with financial matters, would take the check 
 and leave the institution. The second note, properly certified and endorsed with the 
 signature of the firm whose genuine check had been imitated, would be handed to the 
 operator by an accomplice on the street. After a brief absence the man would return 
 to the bank and get the money, the teller supposing the identification to be freshly 
 written. The presentation of the identified check first would not have been regular, 
 and the wily leader never permitted any of his tools to run such risks. 
 
 The forger has another plan for depleting the bank account of a firm whose name 
 he is using without authorization. It is to have at least three layers down. The rule 
 is, if the first man comes out all right a second is sent in, and if he succeeds the third 
 follows. Here the operations end for the day, and afterwards a watch is kept upon the 
 bank until it is closed, and also upon the broker's office, the signature of which firm is 
 being forged. Should no unusual commotion be observed at either place, it is taken 
 for granted that the victim's account is large enough to be drawn from still further A 
 day or two later other checks previously prepared are presented in the same way. 
 Upon the slightest sign of discovery the "layer down" and his lookouts disappear as 
 quickly as possible, one covering the escape of the other. In the selection of the men 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 1 5 
 
 who cash the notes old favorites are sent in first, as the chances of detection are then 
 at a minimum. As the account drawn upon may give out at any moment, and then 
 there would be questions to answer, the last men are required to possess plenty of 
 nerve. The amount of a firm's account in bank is always a matter of guess-work, and 
 therefore risky, though the forger's rule is to select wealthy concerns, leave a wide 
 margin and work up gradually. 
 
 The forger has but little trouble getting the numbers for the checks he intends 
 using. Just before the close of business on a Saturday afternoon one of his agents 
 calls at the broker's office and sells some genuine bonds, and in payment asks that he 
 be given at least two checks, explaining that he desires to send them by letter into the 
 country or some other place. They are never refused, and therefore the forger thus 
 manages to get the last numbers of the checks issued by the firm. This gives him all 
 day Sunday to fix the figures on the forgeries, and he is ready to operate without fear 
 of detection from that source first thing on Monday morning. The genuine checks 
 several days later reach the bank through some reputable business firm, but in the 
 meantime they have passed through so many hands that it is next to an impossibility 
 to trace them. 
 
 A common, yet dangerous scheme, which has been carried out many times with 
 success by check raisers, is like this : A member of the gang is first sent to purchase 
 two drafts payable at a bank in another city. One is made out for a small amount and 
 the other for a considerable sum. In a few days the purchaser returns the large check 
 to the bank saying that he was unable to use it as he had intended. The amount It 
 calls for is refunded to him and the redeemed check in. most instances destroyed. 
 Then, having a clear field before him, the forger forwards the small draft raised to 
 correspond in number, date and amount to the large one to some distant city for 
 collection. As the genuine draft has in the meantime been torn up, there is rarely any 
 difficulty in getting the raised one cashed, and sometimes the deceit is not discov- 
 ered at the bank of issue. Many cashiers have spent hours going over their books 
 on account of a shortage, and all the trouble and annoyance was due to a raised 
 check. 
 
 The photo-lithographic process of check counterfeiting first came to light in this 
 city a few years ago. The checks were presented by a smart lad who invariably 
 succeeded in cashing them. He was caught at last laying down one of the worthless 
 notes, and had it not been for an accident he might then have escaped. The cashier 
 to whom it was presented, while examining the draft, noticed that it was blurred, and 
 on submitting it to experts, his suspicions were confirmed. It had been prepared with 
 such accuracy that the stamp on it could not be distinguished from an authentic one. 
 The forger, however, had not been satisfied with his work, and essayed an improve- 
 ment by the use of chemicals, which in the warmth of the carrier's hand, had blurred 
 and discolored the paper. The lad when cornered made a clean breast of it, and said 
 that his brother-in-law had employed him to procure genuine checks and carry forged 
 paper to the bank. 
 
 A man who appeared to be prudent, careful, conducting his transactions after the 
 best methods, and on the strictest business principles, opened an account, a few years 
 
1 6 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 back, with one of the city banks under the name of Clarke. He soon won the confi- 
 dence of the bank authorities. At first depositing moderate sums of money he created 
 the belief that he was engaged in legitimate commerce, and he only called in his 
 deposits as might any ordinary merchant. He always kept a balance in the bank and 
 seemed in no hurry to push his affairs to extremities. The money on deposit was in 
 certified checks of another bank, and Clarke and his credit was established, to all 
 appearances, on a very comfortable basis. Suddenly the notes began to assume an 
 alarming magnitude. They came, too, in unusually rounded figures, $4,500 and $6,500 
 looming up on their faces. The suspicion of the cashier was aroused and an inquiry 
 was set on foot. Clarke's dealings were discovered to have jumped to such an altitude 
 that it was at once decided that something must be wrong. 
 
 The authorities at the second bank were consulted, the checks were examined and 
 at once their real nature became apparent, and they were pronounced forgeries. Both 
 banks were amazed. Their consternation increased the more closely they tested the 
 checks. Each additional discrepancy discovered proved that the forgeries were not 
 ordinary ones, and it was more than likely that they were being perpetrated on other 
 institutions and probably for large amounts. These checks, so many of which had 
 passed current at the bank of certification, had been printed and stamped on specially 
 manufactured paper and signed with a regularly prepared ink. The writing was done 
 in a bold, free hand that challenged detection by its freedom and similarity to that of 
 the treasurer of the Western Union Telegraph Company. They were lithographed 
 imitations of the genuine checks of the bank, with a slight difference in the safety test, 
 the numbering and the ink, but in rush of business these trifling defects could not be 
 remarked. The forgeries were admitted clever beyond all experience, and no fault was 
 found with the teller for certifying them as genuine. In those cases the layer down 
 was a poor youth the bogus merchant had employed in his sham office at a salary of a 
 few dollars per week. 
 
 Forgers who make a practice of defrauding the banks of the smaller cities, first 
 establish confidence with the officials of the institution they intend to plunder. This 
 is done in a very simple manner, but one that generally proves successful. Several 
 weeks before the forgery is attempted the advance agent of the gang hires and opens 
 an insurance or real estate office in the vicinity of the bank. At the latter place he 
 makes a number of bona fide deposits and has some business transactions, which are 
 simply the transfer of money from one city to another. Then when he is beyond sus- 
 picion he lays down for collection a draft for a large sum, which bears the forged signa- 
 ture of a genuine depositor at a bank in a distant city. Upon the presentation of the 
 paper the officials telegraph to the bank it is drawn upon, inquiring if the person or 
 firm whose forged signature it bears is a depositor in good standing there. The answer 
 being satisfactory, at least three-fourths of the amount called for by the check is will- 
 ingly advanced by the bank of deposit, to the forger's trusted agent. In due time the 
 counterfeit is forwarded for collection through the regular business channels, and when 
 it finally reaches its destination its character is discovered. The insurance or real 
 estate office has in the meantime collapsed, and the forger and his tools have vanished. 
 A smart gang, with a dozen or more advance agents, have been known to dupe in a 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 1 7 
 
 single year over forty banks throughout the country, netting, with a small outlay, about 
 $160,000 by their operations. 
 
 Storekeepers and business firms have been swindled time and again by a peculiar 
 class of forgers who seem to be satisfied with a few hundred dollars, and sometimes 
 less. In all large cities these men succeed in operating extensively with raised or 
 worthless checks. After a small purchase the forger presents the draft in payment, and 
 should he be questioned, generally gives some ready reference. In his off-hand way of 
 dealing with his victims the layer down is careful not to give an inkling of his true 
 character till they have fallen a prey to his deceptions. When one of these criminals 
 is run down as many as one hundred and fifty complainants appear to prosecute him. 
 
 Sometimes it happens in altering checks that the chemicals leave a blur upon the 
 paper that cannot be erased. As the notes, although for small amounts, are genuine, 
 the forger not willing to lose money even in experimenting, has been known to burn 
 off the portion of the paper that he had unsuccessfully tampered with. Then one of 
 his friends writes to the bank by which the draft was issued, stating that it had acci- 
 dentally been partially burned, giving the date of issue and the amount it called for, 
 and requesting that a duplicate be forwarded to the writer. To confirm the accident 
 story, the fragments of the check are enclosed in the envelope. The duplicate asked 
 for is generally received by return mail. 
 
 The craftiness and audacity of the professional forger may be better understood 
 by the recital of the following actual occurrence : 
 
 Six years ago a band of international criminals left this city for the purpose 
 of robbing foreign bankers with the aid of a large supply of well-executed coun- 
 terfeit circular notes. The men were scarcely upon the high seas before the conspiracy 
 became known here. Without delay cablegrams were flashed across the ocean warning 
 the European authorities of the entire plot, and giving the names and accurate descrip- 
 tions of all the operators. Notwithstanding the warning, the forger and his assistants 
 landed without detection, and made their headquarters in one of the largest cities. In 
 the course of a few days after his arrival the chief conspirator, who was traveling as an 
 American tourist, desirous of becoming familiar with the faces and workings of the 
 detectives, secured a letter of introduction to the Chief of the Bureau or Department 
 of Criminal Investigations. He was well received, ah the workings of that branch of 
 the police service were explained to him, and he was pleasantly entertained for half an 
 hour or more by the head of the force himself. During the chat the conversation 
 turned apparently incidentally to forgers and counterfeiters. The detective, thrown 
 completely off his guard, unbosomed himself to the bogus tourist. On the desk before 
 the former lay the important message sent from New York concerning the band of 
 forgers. It was an official secret, but the detective had no scruples in confiding it to 
 his visitor. Telling the latter that his department was in communication with similar 
 institutions in the United States, the Chief of one of the largest detective forces in 
 Europe picked up the message and read it from beginning to end to the sham tourist. 
 It was startling and unexpected news to the forger, but he controlled his alarm and 
 resumed the conversation. At its close the noted criminal shook the hand of the 
 poHce official who had unconsciously and gratuitously furnished him with so much 
 
1 8 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 information, and drove back to his hotel. The forger and his band disappeared from 
 the city that night. 
 
 The counterfeiting of bonds and securities, for some unaccountable reason, seems 
 to be at a standstill at present, and there is no likelihood that it will be resumed for 
 some time to come. It is also a significant fact that all the leading spirits in that line 
 in this country now devote their time and talents defrauding banks and brokers by 
 forged drafts. They have tired most probably of the stupendous schemes which took 
 years of constant study to perfect. It is well to remember, too, that all the recent 
 attempts to flood the foreign market with forged paper have proved disastrous failures, 
 in consequence of the timely warnings sent abroad from this city. The fabrication of 
 the Brazilian and French bank-notes, the Missouri State Soldiers' pay securities, the 
 Central Pacific and Morris & Essex Railroad bonds, are the latest conspiracies frus- 
 trated. Spurious greenbacks are not as numerous now as they were a few years ago, 
 and coin counterfeiting has entirely passed out of the hands of the professional coiner. 
 
 The genuine and false names of the forgers who occupy a high rank in that illicit 
 calling will be found in the annexed list : 
 
 Charles O. Brockway, alias Vanderpool (14). — Charles Becker (18). — William E. 
 Brockway (32). — R. S. Ballard, alias Bullard (35). — Robert Bowman, alias Hogan (39). 
 — Colonel A. C. Branscom (97). — George Bell (193). — Lester Beach (17). — George 
 Havill, alias Joe Cook (15).- — Edward Condit (42). — Hugh L. Courtenay, alias Lord 
 Courtenay (58). — Joe Chapman (see records of Nos. 16, 18, 202, and George Wilkes). 
 — Henry Cleary (see records of Nos. ^il^ i93> 3-"^ George Wilkes). — Isaac Hooper 
 (see record of No. 172). — Edward Darlington (36). — J. B. Doyle (see records of 
 Nos. 31, 32). — Charles Denken (see records of Nos. 38, 41). — C. J. Everhardt, alias 
 Marsh Market Jake (38). — Joe EUiott, alias Joe Reilly (16). — George Engles (see 
 records of No. 18 and George Wilkes). — Charles Fisher, alias Purdy (41). — Charles 
 Farren (see records of Nos. 13, 193.) — Robert Fox (see record of No. T)!)- — Val- 
 entine Gleason (see records of Nos. 8, 55, and George Wilkes). — Andy Gilligan 
 (see record of No. 13). — Bertha Heyman (122). — John Hughes, alias John O'Neil, 
 alias Jason Smith (60). — Charles Ward, alias Hall (104). — James Lee (108). — George 
 Little, alias Tip Little (172). — Luther R. Martin, alias Martin Luther (31). — William 
 H. Lyman (see record of No. 39). — Franklin J. Moses, alias ex-Governor Moses (98). 
 ^-Steve Raymond, alias Marsha'l (55). — John Pettengill (198). — Charles Williamson, 
 alias Perrine (202). — Walter Pierce, alias Porter (see records of Nos. 38, 41). — 
 Augustus Raymond, alias Gus Raymond (26). — Walter Sheridan, alias Ralston (8). — 
 Andrew L. Roberts (see records of Nos. 8, 55, and George Wilkes). — Freddie 
 Reeves (see record of No. 1 12).— Charles Smyth, alias Doc. Smyth (112). — Charles 
 R. Titus, alias Dr. Thompson (40). — Albert Wilson, alias Al. Wilson (37). — D. S. 
 Ward, alias Capt. Ward (57). — George Edwards, alias Lynch (see record of No. 16), 
 —Nathan B. Foster. — William E. Grey.— Clement Herring, alias Old Man Herring. — 
 Louis Siscovitch. — Ivan, alias Carlo Siscovitch, alias Adams. — Elijah Alliger. — Susan 
 R. Buck. — Charles B. Orvis. — G. W. Pontez. — George Wilkes. 
 
 See regular index for further particulars. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 19 
 
 HOTEL AND BOARDING-HOUSE THIEVES. 
 
 THE class of thieves devoting themselves to robbing rooms in hotels and in fashion- 
 able boarding-houses operate according to circumstances and always have their 
 wits about them for any unexpected emergency. The successful ones are men of 
 respectable appearance, good address, and cool and daring fellows. Some follow their 
 nefarious vocation only in the morning, others in the afternoon, and still others operate 
 at night. In their methods of procedure each of these subdivisions has other dis- 
 tinguishing peculiarities. A great deal of ingenuity in getting into rooms is not 
 infrequently shown by these men who in working run all sorts of risks and take 
 desperate chances. 
 
 Until he has accomplished his purpose the hotel thief pursues his prey from one 
 ■establishment to another with a persistency that knows no faltering. He makes it a 
 specialty to scan the newspapers carefully, and keeps himself posted on the latest 
 arrivals, the rooms they occupy and other data of interest. The coming and going of 
 professionals, particularly female theatrical stars, salesmen, bankers, and bridal parties, 
 and all persons likely to carry valuable jewelry and trinkets or a large amount of 
 money, in this way are noted and are objects of special importance and solicitude. 
 
 When the unsuspecting prey fatigued by travel gives proof of his unconsciousness 
 by deep, stertorous breathing, the hotel thief steals silently from his hiding-place. A 
 slight push may let him enter the apartment, or it may be necessary to use a gimlet and 
 a small piece of crooked wire to slide back the bolt, or a pair of nippers to turn the key 
 left on the inside in the lock, from the corridor. Sometimes as many as a dozen rooms 
 in the same hotel have been plundered in one night and none of the watchmen saw or 
 heard the thief. The old style of climbing through transoms or unkeyed windows 
 is at present not much in vogue. The hotel thief can carry his entire outfit in his 
 vest pocket and can laugh in his sleeve at the common bolts and bars. The much 
 boasted of chain-bolt can now be drawn back from the outside with only a piece of 
 silk thread having a match tied to one end of it. 
 
 The shooting back of the old-fashioned slide-bolt from the outside of the apart- 
 ment was for many years a bewildering mystery. As there were no marks to be found 
 on the door in most cases when a robbery was reported, the hotel proprietor would 
 frown and the clerk leer ; both facial contortions being meant to express suspicion and 
 incredulity. Many times the unfortunate victim has been turned away as a cheat and 
 a fraud, who wanted to swindle the hotel out of his board bill or else to bring a suit for 
 damages on a trumped up charge. The result has been that strangers who had also 
 
20 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 been robbed under such conditions were afraid to report the case lest they too should be 
 regarded with suspicion and treated with insult. In all of these robberies the bolt 
 which had been shot back so mysteriously was located either above or underneath the 
 common key-lock. A piece of crooked wire inserted through the keyhole by the nimble 
 rogue made the bolt worthless, and a turn of the knob was all that was required to open 
 the door. 
 
 It does not take over a few minutes for an expert hotel thief to enter a room. 
 After he has reached the door of the apartment in which the weary traveler is sleeping 
 soundly, he takes from his pocket a small nippers, a bent piece of wire, and a piece of 
 silk thread. These are the only tools some men use. Inserting the nippers in the 
 keyhole, he catches the end of the key. Then a twist shoots back the lock bolt, and 
 another leaves the key in a position from which it can easily be displaced. Should the 
 slumber of the occupant of the room be disturbed by the falling of the key on the 
 carpet or floor, time is given him to fall asleep again. By pressing on the door the 
 thief next locates the bolt. A piece of thread is attached to the bent point of the wire, 
 making a sort of bow ; and after crooking the wire to suit, it is pushed through the 
 keyhole and carried up or down to the bolt. The looped head throws the pin of the 
 bolt into place ; the string is moved sideways until it grapples the pin, and then the 
 bolt is slid back out of the nosing. The door yields to a slight pressure, and the 
 completion of the task is deftly and expeditiously performed. Some thieves always 
 stop to lock the room door behind them. 
 
 At their leisure these thieves spend their time "fixing" rooms in hotels. This is 
 necessary in first-class establishments, where the room doors are protected by improved 
 locks. One of these, known as the "thumb bolt," requires to be tampered with before- 
 hand. While the shrewd robber occupies the room which, it may not be until months 
 afterward, he intends to rob, he prepares the lock so that it will aid him in his future 
 operations. Removing the screws, he takes off the thumb-plate and iiles a slot in the 
 spring-bar. Then he replaces the plate and screws, and marks on the outside of the 
 door by a slight indentation in the woodwork, or by a raising made by a brad-awl 
 from the inside, the exact point at which to strike the filed slot when the door is locked. 
 Returning on the night of the robbery with the only tools necessary — a common brad- 
 awl and a pair of nippers — he pierces the soft wood at the proper point, and then by 
 pushing the awl further in strikes the slot, and is able to noiselessly turn the bolt ; he 
 then uses his nippers to unlock the door. As many as a dozen rooms in a single hotel 
 are " fixed " in this way, and the thief, by occasionally keeping his eye upon the register, 
 awaits his prey. If some well known character in the habit of wearing costly jewels is 
 registered as the tenant in one of the " fixed " rooms, then the thief engages an apartment 
 on the same floor, and during the night-time consummates the long planned crime. 
 
 Another plan, and the one that is generally adopted by rogues who prowl about 
 hotel corridors in the daytime, is to draw the screws of the nosing of the bolt and lock. 
 By boring the screw-holes larger and moistening the screws, the latter are replaced and 
 maintain a sufficient grip not to be displaced by the ordinary jar. As the wood 
 becomes dry the door at the proper time can without trouble or danger from noise be 
 easily forced in. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 21 
 
 The boarding-house thief, always a smooth and entertaining talker, makes acquaint- 
 ances in new quarters in short order. Generally in a pleasant sort of a chat with the 
 inquisitive landlady, before he has been many hours there, he succeeds in gleaning all 
 the information about the other guests in the house that he desires to know. Most 
 women have the foolish fondness of making a display of their jewels and valuables in 
 the parlor or dining-room of the fashionable boarding-house. While amusing his 
 newly-made acquaintances with his laughable stories, the astute robber is at the same 
 time making a thorough survey. His covetous eyes never miss the flash of diamonds, 
 and should he be in doubt as to the genuineness of the sparklers, he has only to speak 
 of them to one of the friends of the wearer, and he will be told when and where they 
 were bought and the price paid for them. 
 
 After the cunning rogue has secured a full inventory of the jewels and valuable 
 trinkets kept in the several rooms of the house he is ready for business. While the 
 ■other guests are at breakfast or dinner the thief remains up-stairs, and the thorough 
 manner in which he rummages the several apartments in such short time is really sur- 
 prising. Before his victims have finished their morning or evening chat the thief's work 
 is complete, and with well filled valise, unnoticed he slips out of the house. Probably 
 before the robbery is discovered, the professional criminal is aboard of a train and on 
 his way to some other city to dispose of his plunder and resume his profitable exploits. 
 Thieves of this class are troublesome to track, but when run down at last there is no 
 end to the number of complainants that come forward to prosecute them. 
 
 The names of several first-class hotel and boarding-house thieves, and of a number 
 •of rogues who have plundered the residences of physicians, will be found in the following 
 list : 
 
 William Connelly, alias Old Bill (51). — Frank Auburn (46). — William Brooks, 
 alias Fale (43). — Jim Blake (see record of No. 50). — Dave Cummings, alias Little 
 Dave (50). — Albert Cropsey, alias Williams (54). — William Carter, alias Three- 
 Fingered Jack (see record of No. 44). — Edward Fairbrother, alias Dr. West (48). — 
 George W. Gamphor (49). — Charles Hylebert, alias Cincinnati Red, alias Red Hyle 
 (44). — Edward Hyatt, alias Sturgess (45). — Doctor Long, alias Pop White (94). — 
 William Miller, alias Billy Miller (53). — Charles McLaughlin, alias McClain (59). — 
 Billy Pease (52). — Edward Rice, ahas Big Rice (12). — Emile Voegtlin (47). — Charles 
 Williams, alias Williams, alias Hoyt (194). — John Cannon, alias Old Jack (loi). — 
 Thomas White, alias Montreal Tom (see record of No. 101). — George Stacy, alias The 
 Peoria Kid (see record of No. loi). — John B. Towle (106). 
 
 See regular index for further information. 
 
22 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 SNEAK AND HOUSE THIEVES. 
 
 THE housebreaker and sneak are the most numerous of the thieving fraternity. It 
 is from the slums that the lower grade are recruited, but the successful robber 
 must combine superior qualifications to make him an adept at the business. Still the 
 former are not devoid of ingenuity. Locks and bolts cannot be relied upon as a ram- 
 part against these men. There are but few dwellings in this city or country that are 
 proof against the assaults of the burglar and sneak thief. Some people believe their 
 homes secure when they have fastened the doors and windows. The average sneak 
 thief laughs at the flimsy barriers, and can undo every one of them with a few simple 
 instruments which he carries in his vest pocket. Even the chain-bolt, which has been 
 considered so formidable, is of no protection at all when pitted against the skill and 
 science of this class of rogues. When the massive bank vault offers no serious obstacles 
 that the trained and experienced burglar cannot overcome, how can it be expected that 
 the ordinary contrivances should be effectual. While the operations of the former class 
 of criminals are comparatively few and infrequent, on account of the multiplied risks 
 and difficulties to be encountered, the well organized army of sneak thieves and house- 
 breakers carry on their operations with a confidence born of repeated success. 
 
 Some housebreakers are daring and desperate rascals. These are the ones that 
 enter dwellings in the night-time in search of plunder and with masks on their faces 
 and murder in their heart. Sometimes night robberies are planned beforehand, but 
 many have been committed at hap-hazard. From servants or others employed in or 
 about a residence, confederates of these thieves collect the information they desire. 
 The manner of entering the premises depends upon its Internal arrangements. In 
 some cases the front basement door is entered by a false key, in others the rogues 
 climb up the front of the house and enter the second -story window, and still in 
 others an entrance is effected from the rear. Once Inside, the burglar ransacks the 
 apartments in which he expects to obtain the most booty. He works expeditiously,, 
 going through an occupied chamber as carefully as he would an unoccupied one. 
 Often these criminals disturb the sleeper, but the latter is so frightened at the 
 presence of the robber that he lies still and offers no resistance. Naturally house- 
 breakers are not brave, and it is only when cornered they become bold and desperate 
 in their anxiety to evade a long sentence. The noise made by rats has on more than 
 one occasion scared burglars away from silverware worth hundreds and thousands of 
 dollars, which they abandoned after collecting and packing up for removal. 
 
 Three or four of these men have been known to band themselves together, but a 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 25 
 
 desperate man would rather work on his own hook. " Long John " Garvey, who was 
 killed by falling through a house in Brooklyn, a few years since, for years before his 
 death took no one into his confidence, but planned and executed his own robberies. He 
 gathered all the information that he desired from the columns of the morning news- 
 papers. He made a specialty of robbing young married couples of their jewels and 
 wedding presents. A marriage notice or a report of a wedding was the only news that 
 Garvey wished to read, and he gloated over the announcement that the pair had received 
 costly presents from their friends. When the robber ascertained where the pair had 
 taken up house, either while they were off on their wedding trip or had returned to 
 housekeeping, Garvey, by hiring an attic room on the same block, would pay them a 
 midnight visit. He invariably secured the prize he was in quest of, but after a long 
 career of thievery he died as most thieves do, a violent death. Becoming reckless at 
 his successes, he undertook to ransack a house while in a state of intoxication. He 
 secured property worth several thousand dollars, and as he was carrying it over the 
 roof-tops he fell through a new building into the cellar. The groans of the thief 
 attracted attention, and Garvey was found with the stolen jewelry in his possession. 
 He was seriously injured and was removed to an hospital, where he died next day. 
 
 Another well known housebreaker was in the habit of attending all the fashionable 
 balls. He never went there for pleasure, but always on business. The rogue, with 
 envious eyes, watched the ladies bedecked with expensive jewelry and wearing necklaces 
 and pins set with brilliants. He had but little difficulty ascertaining the names and 
 addresses of the wearers of the diamonds. When the ball was over he would, with the 
 assistance of a companion, dog his intended victim to their homes. He would keep a 
 constant watch upon the house or its inmates for several days, and if in the meantime the 
 jewels had not been taken to a Safe Deposit vault, the robber would conclude that the 
 lady was in the habit of keeping her valuables in the house. When the opportunity 
 offered, the thief, under some pretext or other, would make his way into the premises 
 in search of the diamonds or jewelry he had first seen in the ballroom, and he generally 
 succeeded in getting them. 
 
 The men who make it a business ransacking flats, first watch the occupants, and 
 learning that a certain suite of rooms is rented by two or three persons reputed to be 
 wealthy, they ascertain and note their habits. Should several of them pass the 
 day at business, when the lady goes out shopping and the rooms are locked up, the 
 thieves boldly enter the house, and, with the aid of a pick-lock, make their way into the 
 apartments, which they ransack in the absence of the tenants. " Second-story " thieves, 
 after locating a house that they intend to rob in the early evening, watch until the 
 tenants in a private residence are down stairs at dinner. Then a young man, with the 
 agility of a cat, crawls up the front of the dwelling, and enters the second-story window. 
 He rifles all the rooms in the upper part of the house in a few minutes, and with the 
 booty noiselessly descends the stairs and leaves the house by the front door. In several 
 cases, however, the robber has been known to drop the property out of a front window 
 to his confederates on the street. This is only done when he has become alarmed by 
 hearing footsteps on the stairs, and is forced to retreat in the same manner that he had 
 entered the premises. 
 
24 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Other thieves, who also pillage houses during the supper hour, pick the lock of the 
 front door and steal in without making any noise. They wear rubbers or woolen shoes, 
 and succeed at intervals in making large hauls. Private residences are easily plundered 
 by these rogues during the summer months, while the occupants are in the country. 
 Then there are the several types of sneaks who, under all sorts of pretexts, manage 
 to get inside of a dwelling for a few minutes without attracting any attention, and 
 remain just long enough to steal whatever they can lay their hands upon. Some of 
 these go about as pedlers, piano tuners, health and building inspectors, book can- 
 vassers, sewing machine, life and fire insurance agents, and in various other roles. 
 They do not confine their operations to apartment houses or dwellings, but also rob 
 business buildings in the daytime. Cash, jewelry, and valuables is the plunder most 
 sought by the leading professional rogues of this class, but those of the lower grades 
 seem to be satisfied with more bulky plunder. Young men make the most daring 
 house thieves, but in the ranks may be found old criminals, who have passed the 
 best years of their life operating in that way. 
 
 The names of a number of those who are classed as the most expert sneaks and 
 house workers will be found in the following list : 
 
 David C. BHss, alias Doctor Bliss (2). — B. B. Bagley (163). — Jim Burns, alias Big 
 Jim (165). — William Wright, alias Roaring Bill (174). — Charley Bennett (188). — 
 George Bell, alias Williams (193). — Tom Biglow (see records of Nos. 20, 131). — 
 Bill Bartlett (see records of No. 71 and George Wilkes). — Dan Hunt, alias George 
 Carter (71). — John Curtin, alias Reynolds (169). — Henry Cline, alias Weston (177). — 
 Joe Colon (178). — Tommy Connors (61). — Dave Goldstein, alias Sheeny Dave (30). 
 — Dave Mooney, alias Little Dave (173). — Joe Dubuque (see records of Nos. 74, 12, 
 and Sam Perry). — John Duffy (see record of No. 50). — Stephen Dowd (see record of 
 No. 190). — C. J. Everhardt, alias Marsh Market Jake (38). — Charles Fisher, alias 
 Purdy (41). — Billy Forrester (76). — Billy Flynn (see records of Nos. 3, 50, 95, 165). — 
 Eddie Guerin (see records of Nos. 11, 187). — Andy Gilligan (see record of No. 13). — 
 Tom Gorman (see record of No. 146). — Horace Hovan, alias Little Horace (25). — 
 Robert Hovan (179). — William Hague, alias Curly Harris (196). — Charles Williams, 
 alias Woodward, alias Hoyt (194). — John Jourdan (83). — Thomas Leary, alias Kid 
 Leary (6). — Ned Lyman (102). — Sophie Lyons, alias Levy (128). — Freddie Louther 
 (161). — Tip Little (172). — Matthew Lane (see record of No. 2). — Rufus Minor, alias 
 Rufe Pine (i). — John Mahaney, alias Mahoney, alias Jack Shepperd (62). — Billy 
 Morgan (72). — Tilly Martin, alias Pheiffer (125). — John McGuire, alias Shinny 
 McGuire (155). — John Murphy, alias Riley (166). — Emanuel Marks, alias Minnie 
 Marks (187). — Tommy Mulligan (see record of No. 8). — Joe McCluskey (see records 
 of Nos. 8, 50). — Eddie McGee (see record of No. 169). — Joe Otterberg, alias Oatsey, 
 alias Stern (69). — Tim Oats (136). — Johnny O'Brien, alias The Kid (see record of 
 No. 22). — Phillip Phearson, alias Philly Phearson (5). — Joe Parish (84). — Paul Wilson, 
 alias Little Paul (29). — John Price (see records of Nos. i, 9, 154). — Augustus Ray- 
 mond, alias Gus Raymond (26). — Joe Real, alias Hoggy Real (67). — Ed. Rice, alias 
 Big Rice (12). — Walter Sheridan, alias Ralston (8). — Frank Shortell (168). — Frank 
 Stewart (see record of No. 12). — Christopher Spencer (see record of No. 69). — 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 25 
 
 Charles H. Dorauss, alias Jack Strauss (see records of No. 92 and Sam Perry). — William 
 Russell, alias The Student (see records of Nos. 136, 171). — John T. Sullivan (see 
 records of Nos. 163, 168). — John Tracy, alias Big Tracy (28). — John B. Towle (106). 
 — Bill Vosburg, alias Old Bill (4). — Joe Whalen, alias Wilson (65). — William Ogle, 
 alias Billy Ogle (13). — Westley Allen, alias Wess. Allen (164). — Albert Wise, alias 
 Jake Sondheim, alias Al. Wilson (203). — Theodore Wildey, alias The. Wiley (171). 
 — John Larney, alias Mollie Matches (11). — Jim Brady, alias Big Jim. — James Hoey, 
 alias Orr. 
 
 See regular index for further information. 
 
26 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 STORE AND SAFE BURGLARS. 
 
 A MAJORITY of the heavy store and safe burglaries perpetrated in this country- 
 have been committed between Saturday night and Monday morning. Thus the 
 cracksmen had plenty of time, a day and two nights, to wrestle with the intricate com- 
 bination of a strong vault, or select, gather and pack up for removal the most costly 
 goods. These rogues are but a grade below the bank burglar, and an expert store-safe 
 robber is always looked upon as a most important acquisition by those men who band 
 themselves together for the purpose of plundering the coffers of moneyed institutions. 
 Some store burglars are men of fair education, but those who spend their lifetime 
 operating in the lower degrees in that line are coarse and dull, still in planning and 
 executing a theft they display.considerable shrewdness. Thieving to this class seems 
 to be simply a natural trait, and they are not at all anxious to rise to the higher grades 
 of crime. 
 
 When the store-safe burglar ascertains that a certain business firm is in the habit 
 of keeping a large sum of money in their safe he determines to rifle it. Before the 
 establishment closes on Saturday, one or two members of the band manage to conceal 
 themselves in an empty room or packing-box on the premises, and when the building 
 has been closed for the night the men leave their hiding-place and admit their con- 
 federates. The door is locked again and the cracksmen lose no time getting to work 
 upon the stock or safe. These robbers vary in their manner of operating. Some 
 prefer to steal silks or velvets, others have a fondness for silverware, jewelry and 
 diamonds, and still others have a preference for only coin or greenbacks. The sort of 
 plunder taken indicates the standing of the thieves. In the carrying off of bulky booty 
 great risks are run, but the men who steal cash have but little to fear except discovery 
 just as they are leaving the scene of their crime. This rarely happens, and should they 
 be afterwards arrested for the burglary there is but little chance of ever legally fastening 
 the offense upon them. The most reckless of the safe robbers use explosives, but the 
 patient and careful operator either manipulates the combination or noiselessly wrecks 
 the vault by leverage. The men who resort to explosives are known to their associ- 
 ates as "blowers." They are daring and desperate fellows and acquainted with the use 
 of the drill and high explosives. It is a hazardous undertaking to shatter a safe in a 
 large city, for the noise which follows an explosion makes the " blower's " chances of 
 success slim and detection many. In sleepy country towns, where there is no police 
 patrol system, these men still manage, however, to make an occasional haul. 
 
 The rattle made by a train on the Third Avenue Elevated railroad one nighty 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 27 
 
 seven years ago, deadened the noise made by the blowing off the doors of two safes in 
 a post-office station along that line. The noise made by the jolting of empty milk- 
 cans on a cart, which was purposely driven through a down-town street, led to like 
 results. In a neighboring city, but a few years ago, on a Fourth of July, a gang of 
 "blowers" undertook to shatter a safe in a jewelry store, while a confederate was 
 exploding several packs of large fire-crackers for the amusement of a number of 
 children who had assembled in front of the place. Too large a charge of powder had 
 been placed in the safe, and when the fuse had been ignited a tremendous explosion 
 followed. The panes of glass were blown out of the front windows and the vault was 
 badly wrecked. The explosion, which was louder than expected, instantly attracted 
 attention, and the robbers ran away in the hope of escape. They were pursued and 
 captured. 
 
 The "breaker" requires in his work a number of tools, and as they are all made 
 of the hardest steel, a complete outfit is quite expensive. He is generally a cool, 
 calculating criminal, who quietly and deliberately perfects his plans, and, after securing 
 the booty, takes great pains to destroy all evidence that might lead to his detection. 
 With the aid of diamond-pointed drills he is able to bore holes into the hardest known 
 metals. Through these small openings he inserts the pick, but if the lock cannot be 
 sprung in that way, the cutter or crook of a ponderous jimmy is next inserted. Then 
 the tearing begins, and the leverage being immense, the safe is unable to stand the 
 strain and finally yields. Some of the leading store-safe burglars use tools known as 
 the "puller" and the "hydraulic jack." A gang of "breakers" made many thousand 
 dollars last winter robbing post-office and store safes in all parts of the country. Their 
 manner of operating demonstrated that they were expert cracksmen. In all their 
 robberies they drilled a small hole through the door of the safe near the combination, 
 and through the narrow opening they inserted some instrument which never failed to 
 slide the bolts back. The entire operation was marvelous for its neatness and dispatch. 
 
 Concerning the doings of that class of criminals who make a business of manipu- 
 lating combinations, this has been said of a successful offender at present serving out a 
 term of imprisonment in an Eastern prison : " Give him but twenty minutes alone with 
 a safe and he can open the most intricate lock that ever was devised, and if you will 
 tell him merely the name of the safe maker, he will tell you instantly all the parts in 
 the lock and give you a diagram of its mechanism. He never breaks a lock ; he simply 
 finds out inside of twenty minutes the combination in which it sits, opens the safe, and 
 takes out what he wants and relocks it, and when the owner returns he finds the safe 
 apparently just as he left it. To accomplish his work he needs, in addition to his quick 
 wit and mechanical knowledge, three ordinary wires, which he forces into the lock 
 about the handle in such a way that the number of the combination is reduced to 
 twenty-four. He reasons that all persons in locking a safe make a certain number of 
 moves, and a knowledge of this fact enables him to further reduce its probable com- 
 binations to two or three movements. These two or three movements he finds out by 
 actual trial, which consumes the greater part of his twenty minutes. In the case when 
 the safe is in an apartment that is in full view of the street, he drops a little quicklime 
 on the floor, pours water on it, and the steam that arises effectually cloaks the windows. 
 
28 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 In three instances he unlocked safes, abstracted the contents, relocked them, and made 
 off in the time that the men who were in charge of them were at their dinner," 
 
 In several of the principal cities of this country there are old offenders who have 
 tired of operating and occupy their time experimenting and teaching young thieves the 
 art of safe robbing. These men are practical machinists who have learned the mysteries 
 of the craft and the weak points of safes while in the employ of money-vault manufac- 
 turers. They plan many, if not all, of the out-of-town jobs, sometimes months before 
 they are executed. Upon a percentage of the proceeds of the nefarious work they are 
 able to live well and keep beyond the reach of the law. They never permit any of their 
 pupils to operate in the city in which they dwell, but direct their movements throughout 
 the surrounding country. Whatever plunder the young rogues secure has to be con- 
 verted into cold cash before they are allowed to return to their old haunts. There are 
 other men who spend their time taking impressions of store locks, and for a duplicate 
 key to a business establishment demand a percentage of the plunder. One of these 
 men in a simple sort of a way, some years ago, made the robbing of a broker's safe 
 quite an easy matter, and yet a deep mystery. He learned that the confidential clerk 
 employed in the place was infatuated with gambling, and made his acquaintance at the 
 green baize table. One night the crafty rascal said that he had forgotten his keys and 
 was anxious to unlock the drawer of a desk in the place. On the top of the desk lay a 
 sheet of blotting paper that had been saturated with water. He borrowed the bunch 
 of keys from the unsuspecting clerk, and while the latter was interested in the deal the 
 fellow pressed the flat part of the key into the blotting paper, and also pressed it side- 
 ways. In that manner he secured a perfect impression of the key and also its thick- 
 ness. Then he handed the keys back to the clerk, who thought no more of the matter. 
 From the impression thus secured a duplicate key to the safe was manufactured, and 
 with it, a month or so later on, the vault was easily plundered. A large haul was 
 secured in that case, and for years suspicion pointed to the gambling confidential clerk 
 as the thief. He was not arrested, however, and it was not until years after that the 
 robber, while boasting about the theft, revealed the manner in which the duplicate key 
 had been obtained. The clerk was then questioned, and he recalled the incident of 
 loaning his keys to open a drawer in a desk in the gambling saloon. 
 
 The burglars who steal velvets, silks and silverware, take considerable time plan- 
 ning the robberies before they undertake the task of plundering the establishment. In 
 some cases they scrape up an acquaintance with an employe, or send a confederate to 
 price the most costly goods in stock. In that way they learn the shelf or shelves upon 
 which the articles they are in search of are kept, and when at last they feloniously 
 enter the premises they know just the place where they will find the most valuable 
 goods. 
 
 The names and aliases of a number of the most expert store and safe thieves will 
 be found in the following list : 
 
 John Anderson, alias Little Andy (see record of No. 63). — Martin Allen (see 
 record of No. 164). — Thomas Kelly, alias Blink (66). — Fred. Benner, alias Dutch 
 Fred (81). — Wm. Beatty, alias Burke (85). — James Burns, alias Big Jim (165). — Joe 
 Rickerman, alias Nigger Baker (195). — Louis Brown, alias French Louie (204). — Oscar 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 29 
 
 Burns (151). — Jimmy Brown (see record of No. 4). — Brummagen Bill (see record of 
 No. 196). — Dave Cummings, alias Little Dave (50). — George Lockwood, alias Cully 
 (75). — John Curtin (169). — Patsey Carroll (see record of No. 66). — James Campbell, 
 alias Shang (107). — John Connors, alias Liverpool Jack (see record of No. 86). — Denny 
 Carroll, alias Big Slim (147). — Jack Cannon (loi). — Daniel Watson, alias Dutch Dan 
 (23). — Dave Mooney, alias Little Dave (173). — Pete Emmerson, alias Banjo Pete 
 (90). — Charles Fisher, alias Purdy (41). — Billy Forrester (76). — Frank Russell, alias 
 Little Frank (see record of No. 75). — Gustave Kindt, alias Marechal, alias French Gus 
 iji). — John Green (see record of No. 80). — Fred. P. Grey (73). — Geo. Havill, alias 
 Cook (15). — Robert Hovan (179). — Wm. Hague, alias Curly Harris (196). — Frank 
 Reilly, alias Harrison (79). — Michael Hurley, alias Pugsey (88). — Geo. Hall, alias 
 Porter (see record of No. 23). — Andy Hess (see record of No. 85). — John T. Irving, 
 alias Old Jack (86). — Michael Kurtz, alias Sheeny Mike (80). — John Love, alias 
 Wells (68). — Ned Lyons, (70). — Andrew McGuire, alias Fairy McGuire (78). — Thos. 
 McCarty, alias Tommy Moore (87).— Eddie McGee (167).— John McMahon (170).— 
 Bill Morris, alias Gilmore (see record of No. 23). — John McKeon, alias Kid McKeon 
 (see record of No. 61). — Milkey McDonald (see record of No. 61). — Wm. Ogle, alias 
 Billy Ogle (13).— Wm. O'Brien, alias Billy Porter (74).— Pete Lamb, alias Dutch Pete 
 (181). — August Palmer (63). — Joe Parish (84). — Herman Palmer, alias Dutch Herman 
 (189). — John Pettengill (198). — Wm. Pettibone (see record of No. 61).— Michael 
 Quinn, alias Shang (82).— Joe Real, alias Hoggy Real (67).— Joe Otterberg, alias 
 Oatsey (69).— John Tracy, alias Big Tracy (28).— John Talbot, alias The Hatter (see 
 record of No. 66). — Joe Whalen, alias Wilson (65).— John Williams (see record of No. 
 (24).— John Wilson, alias Dutch Chris, (see record of No. 80).— James Wilmont (see 
 record of No. 80).— Gilbert Yost (see record of No. 74).— Westley Allen, alias Wess. 
 Allen (164). 
 
 See regular index for others. 
 
30 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 SHOPLIFTERS AND PICKPOCKETS. 
 
 HOLIDAY week is the shoplifters' harvest. The ladyHke and gentlemanly pilferers 
 of the city know this. They feel that Christmas comes but once a year, and 
 before and after opportunities for spoliation are most abundant. So the shoplifter 
 sallies forth and the pickpocket wends his way with keen eyes and ready hand among 
 the throng — wends her way perhaps it should be put, for of the shoplifters who infest 
 the city the large majority are females. There are various reasons for this. The work 
 of shoplifting is comparatively easy, it is sometimes remunerative, and above all it is 
 congenial. There are few ladies to whom the visitation of the shops and the handling 
 of the wares are not joys which transcend all others on earth. And the female shop- 
 lifter has that touch of nature left in her which makes a clothing store, variety bazaar 
 or jewelry establishment the most delightful spot to exercise her cunning. 
 
 In the last few years professionals of this order have wonderfully multiplied in this 
 city, but their increase has been no more than commensurate with that of the metro- 
 politan bazaars. That tells its own story. It is these very places which are most 
 preyed upon and in which the temptation to larceny is most freely offered. The 
 general exposure of the goods of the house on counter or on floor, the throng which is 
 ever stirring about, the constant diversion for the eye or ear of watchers — all serve to 
 prepare an easy way for the shoplifter. 
 
 The clerk's duties are generally manifold. He has to take down and sort his wares 
 for customers ; he has to answer a thousand idle queries ; he has to puff up the goods, 
 summon the cash boy and see to the account and change, while all that time the 
 throng are whirling past him, and he has no eyes for an individual lounger. Women 
 who, above all others, infest these places cannot but see how ample are the chances 
 offered them, and such as are of the light-fingered community, and even some who are 
 simply not strong in resisting the temptations to which their sex are most subject, are 
 only too liable to pick up some stray trinket or bundle they have been handling and 
 walk away with it. During the holidays many a jacket and dolman, and many a 
 sealskin sack as well, could tell a curious tale of the odds and ends that were huddled 
 beneath it. 
 
 It is true that articles of value are seldom captured by the shoplifter. It is 
 generally pieces of dry goods, lingerie or cheap jewelry that are collected. But it is in 
 the number of such petty larcenies that the losses to shopkeepers chiefly lie. Only 
 recently a woman was arrested on whose person were found articles from nearly all of 
 the variety stores on Broadway and Sixth Avenue. The ordinary female dress may be 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 31 
 
 skilfully constructed so as to be an expansive receptacle for loot of all kinds, and the 
 regular professional takes care that she is prepared for her trip with just such available 
 provisions. That is how some of the stores where floor-walkers are employed are some- 
 times boldly plundered. The shoplifter gathers in her booty, safely stores it, and if 
 detected in picking it up she becomes indignant, boldly subjects herself to an immediate 
 search and nine times out of ten the employ^, who is not familiar with criminal methods, 
 misses the false pockets and is forced to admit the offender's innocence in spite of the 
 evidence of his own senses. The cloak is also a useful article of attire for the shop- 
 lifter, and record is kept of women who have concealed inconceivable quantities of 
 goods under a sweeping outer garment. Large rolls of cloth, costly dresses and 
 sealskin sacques have been withdrawn from such repositories, and it is remembered at 
 the Central Office that one clever professional carried under her arms a number of 
 articles of various sizes which it would puzzle a man to bear about with his outstretched 
 arms. A woman was noticed on Fourteenth Street leaving one of the bazaars with 
 a big dolman on her, and a moment later a clerk came out saying that a number of 
 valuable bonnets were missing. A detective elbowed his way through the crowd and 
 overtook the amply clad woman. He feared to make a mistake and subject himself to 
 merited censure by making an improper arrest, so he conceived the ruse of stumbling, 
 apparently accidentally, and raising up one of the suspected stranger's arms. The 
 trick worked admirably. The arm went up like a flash, and the ground forthwith was 
 strewn with bonnets. She had nearly $200 worth in the collection. 
 
 Of course there are occasions when the shoplifter need not convert herself into a 
 migratory storehouse. She sometimes has a confederate. She of the ready fingers and 
 fluent tongue makes the circuit of the counters. The other presses along after her, 
 gazing vacantly around and keeping severely distant from any of the wares exposed. 
 When her confederate has slipped something out of sight she conveys it adroitly to the 
 other, and the pair go on again. If the more clever operator be detected, no more than 
 a single article will be found on her, and she can generally brazen her way out of its 
 possession by alleging an absent mind or some distraction elsewhere in the store. 
 
 There are generally but two classes of shoplifters — the regular criminal profes- 
 sional and the kleptomaniac. The very poor classes seldom take a hand in it. Poverty 
 is held by the world to be the badge of crime, and the poor slattern who enters a store 
 is sure to be so carefully watched that larceny is next to impossible. The shoplifter is 
 always a person of fair apparel and she generally has a comfortable home. If she be a 
 professional she may be one of a criminal community and her home may be shared by 
 some other engaged in equally evil ways. If she be a kleptomaniac — and in shop- 
 lifting the word has peculiar significance — she is possibly a woman whose life in other 
 respects is exemplary. It does seem strange that a wife and mother whose home is an 
 honest one, who attends religious service regularly, and who seems far removed from 
 the world of crime, should be so carried away by her admiration of some trinket or knick- 
 knack as to risk home, honor, everything to secure it. But the annals of metropolitan 
 offenses are full of instances of just this kind. It is the sex's fondness for finery that 
 nine times out of ten gets them into trouble. A woman who has left a home happy and 
 well provided for goes shopping. She buys the necessary article she first started to 
 
32 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 procure after a good deal of selecting and chaffering. Then she has time to look about 
 her and goes counter-gazing. That is the fatal moment. Some taking article — it may 
 only be a trifle — catches her eye and absorbs her. She has already spent the contents- 
 of her purse, and she cannot honestly possess it. But the object every moment gains, 
 new fascination. She must have it. Then comes the temptation. It is so exposed. 
 There is no one about. It would be such a simple thing to take it and conceal it. 
 Conscience stifled by cupidity is dormant, and the lust of possession is all that pos- 
 sesses her. A moment more and the article is under her cloak, and all of a tremble 
 she is edging away, half frightened, half regretful, yet wholly swayed by the securing- 
 of the moment's idol. Then comes detection. Everything about her rises to betray 
 her — her frightened glance, her sneaking attitude, the closer clutch she has upon her 
 cloak. She is accosted, questioned, and then every thought of home, family and the 
 disgrace that threatens rises before her, and she summons all the pluck there is in her 
 poor, fluttering heart, and denies. 
 
 Fatuous soul ! She forgets that the sanctity which a moment since surrounded 
 her as an honest woman is now stripped from her. She is searched. The stolen article 
 is found upon her, and she stands there drooping and despairing — a proven thief. 
 
 Every year, repeated over and over again, is this sad scene produced. Kleptoma- 
 nia is a by-word applied to Heaven knows how many forms of crime. But among the 
 shoppers of New York there are more women who have had a passion for larceny bred 
 in them than perhaps anywhere else in the world. 
 
 Of the real criminal set of shoplifters there are some who extend their operations 
 and embrace picking pockets in the part they play. They are a dangerous class, for at 
 no place are opportunities for plying their arts more frequent than in a shopping 
 bazaar. Attention is engaged by articles that have a greater lure for female eyes than 
 anything else in the world. There is a constant excitement and ripple of conversation. 
 Minds are full of purchases and heedless of pockets. Satchels and purses are laid care- 
 lessly upon the counter. The shoplifter sees all this and is ready to act upon it. Not 
 long since a lady placed on a counter beside her a well filled purse. A moment after 
 she mechanically picked it up again and prepared to pay for a purchase. She opened 
 it. There was a bundle of paper in it. She looked at it again. It was not her own, 
 but one that had been adroitly substituted for it. 
 
 An unusually cunning shoplifter successfully operated for several years by means 
 of a scheme that he had devised himself. He traveled through England, France, and 
 other European countries, leaving a trail of mysterious thefts behind him. Upon his 
 return to the United States he was detected in the act of committing a robbery, and 
 his plan was exposed. Cloth and silk houses were the scenes of his crimes. The fellow 
 was aided in his thieving by a large-sized valise. The bottom of the bag, which parted 
 in the middle, was hinged to the sides. Near the handle was a spring arrangement 
 which connected with the movable bottom. The shoplifter was in the habit of entering 
 a store while the clerks were engaged in the rear. Going boldly up to a counter he 
 would seemingly carelessly set down his valise upon a pile of goods. As he did so he 
 would spring the bottom, and thus bag a roll of silk or fine cloth. That done he might 
 make a small purchase, or ask one of the clerks for the address of another firm in the 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. ^ 
 
 same line of business. His appearance was such that it would not cause the slightest 
 suspicion, and the thief, until his way of working was discovered, always managed to 
 leave the store with his gripsack full of plunder. 
 
 Two or three shoplifters have been known to enter large cloth dry goods or 
 ostrich feather establishments in the morning just before business opening time, and 
 while the porter or clerk was sweeping out. On some pretext or another one of the 
 rogues engages the single guardian of the store in conversation, and invariably succeeds 
 in luring the unsuspecting man to the rear of the place. This is the thieves' oppor- 
 tunity, and when the porter's or clerk's back is turned to them the shoplifter's 
 confederates are busy. In a twinkling they conceal whatever goods they are able to 
 capture in false pockets upon their person. Then the first man tells his dupe that he 
 will call again, and leaves the store after his associates. 
 
 By what is known as " substitution," a few skillful male and female shoplifters 
 occasionally succeed in making rich hauls. They operate solely in jewelry stores, and 
 have a fondness for handling and pricing diamond rings and pins. A lapidary who 
 manufactures paste rings and pins is next visited. He is employed to make a substitute 
 for the piece of jewelry which the shoplifter intends stealing. A good description of 
 the article wanted is furnished him, and it is soon finished. When the duplicate has 
 been secured, two or three of the shoplifters acting in concert call at the jewelry store. 
 While the diamonds are again being examined, the spurious article is deftly substituted 
 for the genuine one. After an extended examination the supposed purchase is deferred, 
 the case is returned to the safe, and it is often days before the fact is discovered that a 
 costly ring or pin has been stolen and a paste one left in its place. The shoplifters 
 who make a practice of stealing uncut diamonds sometimes substitute spurious stones 
 to cover the theft. They have been known to swallow the gems, and when arrested on 
 suspicion were able to escape conviction on account of the clever manner in which the 
 trick was performed. This class of thieves are not numerous, and but few have operated 
 in the metropolis within the last ten years. Of late they have plied their vocation 
 with considerable success in several European cities ; and it is a well known fact that an 
 ex-official of New York City went to Europe in connection with two of this class of 
 thieves, and he is credited with receiving the proceeds of their plunder and shipping it 
 to this country. 
 
 But while the shoplifter's depredations have made people wary and led to consid- 
 erable losses to the storekeepers — not so much from very costly articles, but from a 
 quantity whose number aggregates a goodly sum — their practices have frequently led 
 to the injuring of clear reputations and the subjecting of tender feelings to great suffer- 
 ing. Most of the large jewelry establishments and great bazaars employ detectives, 
 the rest floor-walkers. Many of these do not possess the intelligence and cunning they 
 require, and deplorable mistakes occur. Ladies of position have time and again been 
 accused of larcenies of which they were guiltless. And some really absent minded have 
 carried some article away from the counter utterly unconscious of it. Of course it would 
 require an adept in psychological arts to tell the really absent minded woman from the 
 one who pleads it in extenuation of an actual crime, and that makes shoplifting and its 
 consequences all the more deplorable. The guilty have again and again secured 
 
34 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 immunity from punishment by a well concocted story of forgetfulness. And, perhaps as 
 often, the truly innocent has suffered for the guilty. 
 
 There seems no immediate relief for this. But the employment of intelligent and 
 discriminating watchers, and the painstaking investigation of cases of shoplifting are all 
 that can be done to facilitate an apportioning of punishment to the offender, and the 
 saving of the unintentional transgressor from the unhappy consequences of a moment's 
 distraction. 
 
 PICKPOCKETS. 
 
 Pickpockets are an interesting class of thieves, and among the men and women who 
 pursue that particular phase of crime there is much diversity of standing. The male 
 operators all dress well and display considerable jewelry, but the females, while pillaging, 
 generally appear in humble attire. Professional pickpockets are naturally great rovers 
 and are continually traveling over the country to attend large gatherings. It is in 
 crowds that these dexterous rascals successfully practice their nefarious calling. They 
 are to be found one day among, the assemblage present at the inauguration of the Presi- 
 dent of the United States, another at the funeral obsequies of some distinguished person, 
 and the next at a country fair. A year ago members of the light-fingered fraternity 
 flocked from all parts of the country to New York City, expecting to reap a rich harvest 
 among the immense gathering at the funeral of ex-President Ulysses S. Grant. The 
 perfect police arrangements, however, frustrated tlie plans of these rogues, and notwith- 
 standing the fact that there were hundreds of thousands of people that day along the route 
 of the funeral procession, not a single watch or pocket-book was stolen. Never before 
 in the history of the Police Department had there been such a clean record. The day 
 before the funeral all the professional pickpockets then in the city were arrested upon 
 suspicion, and the police magistrates, when the precautionary scheme was explained 
 to them, concurred in the flank movement against the rogues and held the prisoners. 
 The alarm was then raised, and just as soon as the news had spread beyond the limits 
 of the city, the hundreds of criminals on their way to New York gave up the project, 
 left the trains and scattered in another direction. A few, however, who were 
 reckless enough to attempt to reach the metropolis, found detectives awaiting them at 
 the several depots. They were taken in charge and were kept safely housed at 
 the Police Central Office, the various precinct station-houses and the Tombs prison 
 until the funeral was over and all the strangers had departed for their homes. When 
 there was no one to prey upon the disgusted rogues were liberated. The effort made 
 to thwart the many bands of pickpockets upon that occasion was truly a bold one, but 
 the end certainly justified the means. 
 
 Of professional pickpockets there are several types, and their peculiarities and 
 characteristics are imperfectly understood by the general public. Odd are the notions 
 that some people entertain of the personal appearance of criminals of that class. Some 
 believe them to be a forbidding and suspicious-looking set, but the photographs in this 
 book will convince them that they are not unlike ordinary individuals, and that unless 
 their faces are known, their appearance or dress would not excite curiosity. Still 
 between the several classes of operators there is a vast and striking difference. The 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 35 
 
 pickpocket, either male or female, who dexterously abstracts a purse or captures a 
 watch or diamond pin on any of the principal thoroughfares, in a street car, train or 
 church, does not in any way resemble the person who will perform the same operation 
 in a side street or at an enthusiastic gathering. Various as are the dispositions of these 
 robbers also are their methods in getting possession of a pocket-book or valuables. 
 Those who seek only large plunder are entertaining conversationalists and easy in their 
 manners. They are generally self-possessed fellows, and are dexterous and cautious 
 operators. Women make the most patient and dangerous pickpockets. Humble in 
 their attire, and seemingly unassuming in their demeanor, without attracting any notice 
 or particular attention, they slip into an excited crowd in a store or in front of a shop- 
 window. A quick eye or a delicate touch will locate for them without difficulty the 
 resting-place of a well filled purse. That discovered, they follow the victim about 
 until the proper opportunity presents itself and they capture the prize. Some- 
 times they go off on thieving excursions in pairs, but an expert female pickpocket 
 invariably prefers to work alone. The latter class are difficult to run down because of 
 their craftiness and closeness. Men, after committing a large theft, are in nearly all 
 instances extravagant . and reckless, but women have no such reputation. On the 
 contrary, they are careful of the money they have stolen, and have been known to 
 remain concealed for a long time. 
 
 There is on record the case of a female pickpocket who after capturing a wallet 
 containing many thousand dollars in greenbacks, aware that she was suspected, 
 succeeded in eluding arrest until the only witness against her had died. The day 
 following the robbery the woman, who was well advanced in years and was possessed 
 of an excellent education, under an assumed name entered a religious institution. 
 Being an apparently genial and good-natured person, and after telling a plausible and 
 sad story of her unhappy marriage to a drunkard, she had no trouble in gaining admis- 
 sion to the home. Her conduct there was exemplary, and in the course of a short while 
 she was given an easy position. There she remained for months and years, but when 
 at last she read of the death of the wealthy lady whose pocket-book she had stolen, the 
 cunning pickpocket, aware that the danger of conviction for the larceny had passed, 
 soon vanished from the home and returned to her old trade. There are other instances 
 illustrative of the care with which women avoid detection that are on a par with the one 
 mentioned. 
 
 The pickpockets who pursue their calling under the cover of a shawl or overcoat 
 carried carelessly over one arm, invariably the left one, take a seat in the car on the 
 right side of the person they intend robbing, and operate under the coat, shawl, or 
 newspaper. In case the pocket is high or too small to admit the hand freely, a sharp 
 knife is used to cut the side of the dress or pantaloons of the victim. Others of the 
 light-fingered fraternity wear light overcoats with the large pockets removed. Entering 
 a crowded car, the thief, while standing up, selects a woman who, while paying her fare, 
 has displayed a well filled purse. The man, when the opportunity occurs, carelessly 
 laps his coat over her dress. Then by inserting his hand through the outside opening of 
 his false pocket, quietly proceeds to do his work. Female pickpockets who operate in 
 cars, stages and boats invariably use cloaks, which shield them while stealing. They press 
 
36 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 against the person whose pockets they are rifling, and the cloak completely hides the 
 movements of their hands. 
 
 Some expert pickpockets ply their vocation alone. One of this class succeeded in 
 stealing a valuable timepiece from the vest pocket of a distinguished jurist some time 
 since while the latter was viewing a procession from in front of a leadmg hotel. 
 Another class of pickpockets are to be found in churches and at funerals. Women 
 generally do the stealing, and they pass the plunder to their male confederates, who^ 
 disappear with the watch or pocket-book the moment it has been captured. The men 
 as a rule are old thieves who have lost their nerve and are unable to work themselves. 
 Those that operate in conjunction with an assistant always require the latter to do the 
 pressing or engage the attention of the intended victim while his pocket is being plun- 
 dered. A " mob " is always composed of not less than three men working in harmony.. 
 Just as soon as a watch or pocket-book has been stolen by one of these men the thief 
 hands the plunder to his accomplices, who passes it to the third or fourth man, as the case 
 may be. This style of thieving is to protect the rogue, and only yields small profits ort 
 account of the number engaged in the crime. Should the victim discover on the spot that 
 his pocket had been picked and cause the arrest of the robber standing alongside or in 
 front of him, the failure to find the plunder upon the prisoner would create a serious 
 doubt as to his guilt. Cunning old professionals, veritable Fagins, are the brains of 
 these "mobs." They delegate a daring young man with quick hands to do the stealing, 
 and the instant the purse, timepiece or jewel has been passed to them they disappear. If 
 it is a purse that has been taken, it is promptly rifled and the " leather " thrown into an 
 ash-barrel or sewer. The veteran first divides with himself the lion's share of the booty, 
 and afterwards splits up the remainder with the other members of the gang. Serious, 
 trouble resulting in bloodshed at intervals occur over quarrels concerning the spoils. 
 Should a newspaper item announce that the stolen pocket-book contained a large sum 
 of money when the leader of the gang had said he found but a few dollars in it, co- 
 partnership would be dissolved by a sanguinary affray, the cause of which, for the 
 protection of the others, would not be revealed. 
 
 " Sidewalk committees " at the time of military parades or political processions 
 have a couple of young men who are known as pushers. These go in advance of the 
 thief and locate the whereabouts of the plunder for him. They rush and push to and 
 fro in the crowd, or at a street crossing, jostling against every one they come in contact 
 with advancing in an opposite direction. When the pusher discovers the pocket that 
 plunder is sure to be found in, the fellow signals to the pickpocket indicating the victim 
 and just where the purse or wallet is carried. Then the robbery follows. Some 
 nervous people, while carrying large sums, betray themselves to a shrewd thief by their 
 actions, and afterwards think it strange that the rogue should have known the very 
 pocket that they had the roll of greenbacks in. If they had remained cool while riding 
 in a car or passing through a crowd, and had not clapped their hand every few minutes 
 on the outside of the pocket in which they carried the money, to feel if it was still 
 there, they would doubtless have avoided their loss. Pickpockets, like other individ- 
 uals, are not gifted with second sight, and watch for signs to guide them in their 
 operations. If their mode of working was better understood by the public and 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. • ^-J 
 
 properly guarded against, the vocation of the pickpocket would in a short time become 
 unprofitable. 
 
 The favorite method of robbery by the men who operate upon trains has been 
 described in this way. When a mob of pickpockets start out to "work a crowd" on a 
 train they break into twos. The part of one is to ascertain the location of his victim's 
 money. He gets alongside the man whose pocket is to be picked, and with rapid 
 movement he dexterously passes his fingers over every pocket. His touch is so deli- 
 cate that it enables him to locate the prize, and to ascertain its character, whether a 
 roll, a purse, or a pocket-book. The surging of the crowd, especially on a railroad 
 train, accounts to the suspicious traveler for the occasional jostling he receives. It is 
 found that the most common receptacle for the pocket-book is the left trousers pocket. 
 When the victim is selected, the second man plants himself squarely in front of him, 
 while the other crowds up behind him on the right side. The operator in front, under 
 cover of a newspaper or coat thrown over his arm, feels the pocket, and if the victim is 
 a straight-backed man, in standing position, he finds the lips of the pocket drawn close 
 together. In such a case it is dangerous to attempt the insertion of the hand. A very 
 low-toned clearing of the throat, followed by a gutteral noise, is the signal for his con- 
 federate to exert a gentle pressure upon the victim's right shoulder. This is so gradu- 
 ally extended that the traveler yields to the pressure without knowing it, and without 
 changing the position of his feet. This throws the lips of the pocket conveniently open 
 for the operator in front, who does not insert his hands to draw the book out, but 
 works upon the lining. He draws it out a little at a time, without inserting 
 his fingers more than half way. Should this process of drawing the contents of the 
 pocket to its mouth be felt by the victim, another low clearing of the throat gives the 
 sign to the confederate, and the game is dropped. If the victim's suspicions are not 
 aroused, the pickpocket continues at his work of drawing the lining out until the roll of 
 bills or pocket-book is within reach of his deft fingers. The successful completion of 
 the undertaking is indicated by a gentle chirrup, and the precious pair separate from 
 their victim to ply the same tricks upon the next one. 
 
 The stealing of watches and pins is made a specialty of by the gangs of pickpockets 
 who ride in street cars. In the taking of a timepiece the system of jostling and crowd- 
 ing is resorted to while the " wire " (one who actually does the work) is stealing the 
 watch. He raises the timepiece out of the pocket by means of the chain with his left 
 hand, which is concealed by a coat or shawl. After the watch has been taken from the 
 pocket the thief drops it into the palm of his right hand, and by a quick turn of the 
 wrist the ring is twisted off. Another method is to resort to the usual jostling, and the 
 man who actually does the stealing, when the opportunity presents itself, raises his left 
 arm, which is generally covered by a coat or shawl, about as high as the victim's 
 shoulders, while with the right hand he deftly abstracts the watch, letting it drop into 
 palm of his hand. Then, with the use of the thumb and forefinger, he twists the ring 
 from the watch. The chain, which is seldom taken, is quietly allowed to drop down, 
 and usually the first intimation a person has that his watch is gone, is when the thief's 
 victim's attention is called to his dangling chain. The moment that the timepiece has 
 been stolen the man who takes it passes it to an associate, who leaves the car at once, 
 

 
 8 • PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 and the others comprising the gang ride a square or two before getting out. Some 
 people wonder how the pickpockets succeed in stealing a watch without first unscrewing 
 the snap at the end of the chain, not knowing that the ring has been twisted out. 
 To capture a diamond pin the method is slightly different. Rogues of that class 
 while at work, it has been said, generally lift one arm above the height of the pin, and 
 while the owner's attention is attracted by something started for the purpose, the jewel 
 is abstracted by an exceedingly quick and clever movement of the thumb and forefinger 
 of the other hand. As the pin starts from its place it is caught in the palm of the 
 thief's hand, and before the owner has discovered his loss the jewel has passed out of 
 the possession of the man who stole it. Persons carrying large sums of money or 
 valuables should not allow their attention to be diverted by seeming disturbances 
 or other distractions, as these occurrences are gotten up for the purpose of robbing 
 them. 
 
 The annexed list gives the names and aliases of a number of the leading profes- 
 sional shoplifters and pickpockets whose records will be found in the book : 
 
 Shoplifters. — Kate Armstrong, alias Mary Ann Dowd (132). — Annie Mack, 
 alias Brockie Annie (130). — Jake Sondheim, alias Al. Wilson, alias Al. Wise (203). — 
 Margaret Brown, alias Old Mother Hubbard (i 1 7). — Mary Busby (126). — Harry Busby 
 (135). — Mary Ann Connelly, alias Irving (120). — Eddie Miller, alias Dinkleman (7). 
 — Dave Goldstein, alias Sheeny Dave (30). — Sophie Elkins (see record of No. 128). — 
 Eddie Kelly, alias Little Eddie (see record of No. 184). — Sheeny Erwin (182). — 
 Louise Jourdan, alias Little Louise (131). — Julius Klein, alias Young Julius (191). — 
 Lena Kleinschmidt (119). — Sophie Levy, alias Lyons (128). — Peter Lamb, alias Dutch 
 Pete (181). — Rudolph Lewis, alias Young Rudolph (184). — George Levy, alias Lee 
 (185). — Kate Leary, alias Red Kate (see record of No. 128). — Bell Little (see record 
 of No. 172). — Eddie McGee (167). — Johnny Curtin, alias Reynolds (169). — Anna B. 
 Miller (see record of No. 7). — Tilly Miller (see record of No. 38). — Andy McAllier (see 
 record of No. 75). — Jack McCormack, alias Big Mack (see record of No. 184). — Billy 
 Perry (175). — Walter Price (197). — Frank Watson, alias Big Patsey (see records of 
 Nos. 184, 190, 191). — Christene Mayer, alias Kid Glove Rosey (118). — Nellie Barns, 
 alias Bondy (see record of No. 130). — Grace Daly, alias Big Grace (see record of 
 No. 130). 
 
 See regular index for others. 
 
 Pickpockets. — Jimmy Anderson, alias "Jimmy the Kid" (142). — Westley Allen, 
 alias Wess. Allen (164). — Kate Armstrong, alias Mary Ann Dowd (132). — John 
 Anderson (see record of No. 135). — Fred Benner, alias Dutch Fred (81). — Margaret 
 Brown, alias Old Mother Hubbard (117).— Mary Busby (126).— Harry Busby (135).— 
 George Harrison, alias Boston (144). — Thomas Burns, alias Combo (148). — Joe Rick- 
 erman, alias Nigger Baker (195). — Oscar Burns, alias Harley (151). — George Bell, alias 
 Williams (193). — William Brown, alias Burton (see record of No. 164). — Brummagen 
 Bill (see record of No. 196).— Mary Ann Connelly, alias Irving (120). — Joe Gorman 
 
 (146). — Jim Casey, alias Big Jim (91). — Mary Connors (see record of No. 139). 
 
 Samuel Casper (see records of Nos. 152, 153). — Eddie Miller, alias Dinkleman (7). 
 
 Dick Morris, alias Big Dick (141). — Thomas Price, alias Deafy Price (158). — Billy 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 39 
 
 Darrigan (i8o). — William Dougherty, alias Big Dock (i86). — Joe Dubuque (see records 
 of Nos. 12, 80, and Sam Perry). — William Davis (see record of No. 157). — Alex- 
 ander Evans, alias Aleck the Milkman (160). — Tom Fitzgerald, alias Phair 
 (139). — Bridget Fitzgerald, alias Phair (see record of No. 139). — Abe Greenthal, 
 alias The General (152). — Herman Greenthal (153). — John Gantz (see record of No. 
 81). — Molly Holbrook, alias Hoey (116). — Frank Reilly, alias Harrison (79). — James 
 Johnson, alias Jersey Jimmie (145). — James Wilson, alias Pretty Jimmie (143). — William 
 Kennedy (see records of Nos. 161, 194). — Louise Jourdan, alias Little Louise (131). — 
 Sophie Levy, alias Lyons (128). — Terrence Murphy, alias Poodle (134). — George 
 Milliard (138). — John McGuire, alias Shinny McGuire (155). — John Riley, alias Murphy 
 (166). — Patrick Martin, alias English Paddy (133). — Frank Mitchell (see record of No. 
 133). — Tommy Matthews (156). — Jimmy Murphy (see record of No. 150). — James 
 Lawson, alias Nibbs (137). — Freddie Louther (161). — Timothy Oats, alias Tim Oats 
 (136). — James Price, alias Jimmy Price (154). — Billy Peck (157). — William Perry (175). 
 — Walter Price (197). — Kate Ryan (129). — Annie Riley (see records of Nos. 166, 171). 
 — James Campbell, alias Shang Campbell (107). — William Scott, alias Scotty (183). — 
 Bill Sturgess, alias Old Bill (see record of No. 22). — Edward TuUy, alias Broken Nose 
 TuUy (140). — James Wells, alias Funeral Wells (150).— Alonzo Henn, alias Alonzo. 
 — Charley Allen.— Charley Douglass, alias Curley Charley.— James Wilson, alias The 
 Bald Face Kid. — James McKitterick, alias Oyster Jim. 
 See regular index for further information. 
 
40 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 CONFIDENCE AND BANCO MEN. 
 
 A 
 
 GRASPING nature is a serious blemish that many men of standing and 
 respectability unfortunately possess. The temptation to take a chance in a 
 seemingly innocent lottery is one that can scarcely be resisted by people with the failing 
 mentioned, and therefore the names of authors, politicians, divines, and even famous 
 generals of America and Europe are to be found on the list of those who have been 
 fleeced by confidence and banco operators. It is an innate desire on the part of the 
 stranger to beat the sharper at his own game that leads the former on to his ruin. 
 The accomplished operator hunts his dupe among those of high life, while an inferior 
 set of these criminals select the ignorant and especially the gullible countryman for 
 their victims. While the rustic may be a trifle suspicious in his dealings with thieves, 
 men of culture and long experience, on the other hand, are easily taken in by the glib- 
 tongued, nattily dressed young man, who shakes hands with them effusively on the 
 street corners. The leading confidence and banco operators are an industrious set. 
 They are also men of education, possessed of plenty of assurance, gifted with a 
 good knowledge of human nature and a fair amount of ingenuity. The few who 
 are proficient in all these attainments find no difficulty in helping themselves to other 
 people's money. 
 
 Their form of roguery has been said to be the safest, pleasantest, and most amus- 
 ing way for a shrewd thief to make his livmg. There certainly must be a strange 
 fascination about these methods of swindling, for in the ranks of the sharpers has been 
 discovered an ex-Governor and many others, who have at one time figured in good 
 society. These nefarious professions are divided up into specialties. Some ply their 
 vocation in the vicinity of hotels and railroad depots, and others along the river front, 
 particular attention being paid to steamers about departing for Europe. Of all the 
 different types of rogues a successful confidence or banco man is the most accomplished ; 
 they are really criminal callings that an unpolished man cannot attempt to follow. 
 The success of the confidence game entirely depends upon the skill with which it is 
 played, and in the selection of a victim all the powers of penetration of the cunning 
 operator are brought into play. Few of the gangs of these men exceed four in number, 
 and the majority of them do not exceed three. The operators are very careful in their 
 personal appearance, and avoid anything remarkable in their dress, and endeavor to 
 attain an easy respectability in effect, rather than the assumption of a man of fashion. 
 Professional confidence men have more than once declared that a tinge of gray in their 
 side whiskers would be a great advantage to them, and a bald head a fortune. The 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 4 1 
 
 man who loiters about the offices and corridors of the principal hotels awaiting his 
 
 prey, appears as the best-natured person in the world. He is invariably to be found 
 
 with a smile on his face, and in moving out of the way of the guests and porters passing 
 
 to and fro, politely bows at every turn. Eagerly he scans the freshly written name in 
 
 the register, and when that has been secured he awaits the chance to practice his 
 
 threadbare tricks upon the new arrival. He greets the latter in the street and in a few 
 
 minutes gains his confidence. Then at a preconcerted signal a confederate appears 
 
 upon the scene, who is either collecting or anxious to settle a bill. The first confidence 
 
 man will then ask his newly-made friend to advance him the sum demanded for a few 
 
 minutes, or else favor him for cash in lieu of a check. In ninety-nine out of every one 
 
 hundred cases the stranger is anxious and happy to accommodate the confidence man. 
 
 The money is handed over to the second operator and he quickly vanishes. Not long 
 
 afterwards the affable hand-shaker disappears, and then the stranger discovers that 
 
 the check he cashed is worthless, or that the money he loaned has gone forever. 
 
 Those who operate on the river fronts or at railroad depots are invariably in search of 
 
 a man to take charge of their stock farm, etc. ; the method of obtaining the victim's 
 
 money varies as the circumstances require. These are a few of the numerous 
 
 ways that the confidence man has of defrauding his victims. Their varied 
 
 schemes have been exposed by the newspapers, and it seems strange that these 
 
 men on that account should be able at all to eke out a livelihood. But it must 
 
 be admitted that they do, and a good one too, and these rogues have been often heard 
 
 to boast that a fool is born every minute, and that they are able to find more subjects 
 
 than they can safely operate upon. A veteran confidence man who died recently in an 
 
 Eastern prison, was credited with having made during his long career of swindling over 
 
 a million dollars. His wonderful cheek and coolness may be best illustrated by the 
 
 mention of the manner in which he twice succeeded in robbing the same man. Early 
 
 in his criminal life the confidence man realized $30,000 upon some worthless notes 
 
 which he induced a wealthy and casual acquaintance to cash. Thirty years later the 
 
 sharper returned in the role of a penitent, and promised to make restitution to his old 
 
 victim for his past misdeeds. So well did he manage to gain the confidence of his old 
 
 friend anew, that in the course of a few days he again borrowed $3,000 on another set 
 
 of worthless notes. 
 
 It is in an out-of-the-way street that the banco men have the rooms where they 
 practice their nefarious tricks. They generally hire a furnished apartment on a lower 
 floor, and in nearly all cases there is no question as to the nature of the business they 
 intend to carry on in the place. The payment of a week's rent in advance seems to 
 satisfy the average landlord, and for the first week, at least, everything is all right. 
 Probably the operators will only occupy the room for a day or two, having in the mean- 
 time managed to fleece some one. When a suitable apartment and location has been 
 secured the criminals are ready for business. The hand-shaker then sallies forth, and 
 at the first opportunity grasps a prosperous looking stranger by the hand and exclaims : 
 "Well, Mr. Brown, how are all my friends in Greenville?" The stranger, surprised 
 with the good nature and unexpected friendliness of the reception, invariably responds: 
 "You've made a mistake, sir. I'm Mr. Jones, of Austin, Texas." Then the roper-in 
 
42 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 apologizes, hurries off and reports to the steerer, who pulls a book out of his pocket 
 and hunts up Austin. The book is what is known as a bank-note reporter, and gives a 
 complete list of all the banks in the country. From the list the banco man finds that 
 Mr. Thomas is the president of the Austin bank, and that Messrs. Black and White 
 are among its directors. Then he follows Mr. Jones, accosts him in the street, shakes 
 hands with him, calls him by name, and saying he is Mr. Thomas's nephew, asks about 
 the health of the Blacks, Whites and other prominent people. The stranger is flat- 
 tered by the attentions of the bank president's stylish nephew, and it does not take long 
 to decoy him into the room where the boss banco man is waiting to play his part. 
 There are desks and maps in the apartment which, to all appearances, is the ofifice of 
 some commercial concern. The dupe is lured to the banco men's shop by the usual story 
 about a book or a painting drawn in a lottery, then the cash prize and the rest of it. 
 The stranger usually bites in a few minutes ; he is anxious to get $500 for $100; puts 
 down his wad of bills, and the operators capture it, and he walks out in a brown study, 
 not knowing exactly how he was done up, but quite sure he has been swindled. The 
 banco men leave their office a minute or two after. The victim does not complain 
 to the police, because he is ashamed to tell how green he was, and fears that if he 
 makes any complaint the newspapers will learn of the robbery and then all his friends 
 will hear of his experience in the metropolis. 
 
 With a few slight changes " banco " is the old English game of " eight dice cloth," 
 It was introduced into this country some thirty years ago by a noted sharper who oper- 
 ated throughout the West. He re-christened the game lottery, notwithstanding 
 the fact that there is no vestige of lottery about it at all. The old game with the new 
 name is so simple, and apparently honest, that even the shrewdest are readily induced 
 to take a hand, and are thus fleeced. There are forty-three spaces upon a banco 
 lay-out ; forty-two are numbered, and thirteen contain stars also (no prizes) ; one is 
 blank, and the remaining twenty-nine represent prizes ranging from two to five thousand 
 dollars. The game can be played with dice or cards. The latter are numbered with a 
 series of small numbers ranging from one to six, eight of which are drawn and counted, 
 the total representing the number of the prize drawn. Should the victim draw a star 
 number he is allowed the privilege of drawing again by putting up a small amount of 
 money. He is generally allowed to win at first, and later on the game owes him from 
 one to five thousand dollars. This is when he draws the conditional prize. No. 27. 
 The conditions are that he must put up five hundred dollars, or as much as the dealer 
 thinks he will stand. This is explained to him as necessary to save what he has 
 already won, and entitle him to another drawing. He draws again, and by skillful 
 counting on the part of the dealer he draws the " blank," and loses all. Sharp 
 as was Oscar Wilde when he reaped a harvest of American dollars with his 
 curls, sun-flowers, and knee-breeches, he could not refrain from investing in a spec- 
 ulation against which he was "steered" by the notorious Hungry Joe. The latter 
 boasted that his plunder amounted to thousands of dollars, and Oscar, when asked 
 about it, maintained a painful silence. Another equally notorious character succeeded 
 in swindling an Episcopal clergyman. The banco man handed the Rev. Mr. Blank a 
 forged letter of introduction from another minister in Cleveland, whose name he had 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 43 
 
 discovered in a church almanac. Mr. Blank said that he was glad to meet the Rev, Mr. 
 Watts's brother. The letter read : " My brother is buying books for me. Please honor 
 his draft for $ioo, and thereby do me a great favor." The preacher thought it was all 
 right, and put up his check for $75 when it was asked for. 
 
 Banco men seem to take a fiendish delight in outwitting men illustrious in all the 
 walks of life. One of them, in conversation recently with a reporter, smilingly said : 
 " The prettiest banco is when we land a big fish. Talk about trout-fishing ! Just think 
 of the fun hooking a man that's worth anywhere from $500 to $5,000 ! Of course, it 
 takes a man of education and refinement to do this sort of business, but there are 
 several college graduates among our fellows." 
 
 Many confidence and banco men who have been found loitering about the hotels 
 and streets, waiting for victims, have been arrested as vagrants. When, however, a 
 complainant comes forward, these offenders are vigorously prosecuted. The gold-brick 
 swindle, which is fully described elsewhere, is really a part of the confidence game. 
 
 The names of a number of the men foremost in the line of confidence and banco 
 operators will be found in this list : 
 
 Joe Bond, alias Paper Collar Joe (200). — Hod Bacon (see record of No. 94). — 
 Charles Mason, alias Boston Charley (92). — Dr. J. E. Coons (see record of No. 122), 
 — James Fitzgerald, alias Red Fitz (113). — Frank Hammond, alias Western Frank (see 
 record of No. 91). — Tip Farrell (see record of No. 93). — George Gifford (see record 
 of No. 99). — Bertha Heyman (122). — Charles Ward, alias Hall (104). — George Hall, 
 alias Porter (23). — Joe Howe (see record of No. 91). — Joe Lewis, alias Hungry Joe 
 (95). — Peter Lake, alias Grand Central Pete (93).— Edward Lillie (100).— Edward 
 Lyman (102). — George, alias Tip Little (172). — Doctor Long, alias Pop White (94). — 
 Edward Rice, alias Big Ed. Rice (12).— Dave Swain, alias Old Dave (99). — Ike Vail, 
 alias Old Ike (10).— Jim Casey, alias Big Jim (91).— Joe Eaton (Gold Brick).— Nathan 
 White, alias Nat White (Gold Brick).— Ellen Peck. 
 
 See regular index for others. * 
 
44 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 RECEIVERS OF STOLEN GOODS. 
 
 WITHOUT a safe market for his ill-gotten property the avocation of the rogue 
 would be unprofitable. The buying of stolen goods is therefore not a crime of 
 recent origin, but dates back to the very beginning of thievery. It is really the root 
 of the evil, but the suppression of receivers of stolen goods in the State of New York, 
 owing to existing laws, has been made almost an impossibility. Receivers have their 
 grades and classes. Some make it a business to purchase bonds, securities, diamonds 
 or silks. The receiver in the habit of handling stolen paper, could not be induced to 
 risk a speculation in bulky plunder. These offenders are extremely careful in their 
 negotiations with professional rogues. They seem to place but little faith in the word 
 of a thief, and are naturally suspicious of all persons with whom they have any dealings. 
 After a large robbery the burglars do not, as is generally supposed, cart the plunder 
 to the house or store of the receiver. Instead, they quietly remove it to a safe place 
 of storage in some neighboring city or town. The wives of criminals undergoing 
 imprisonment are invariably the custodians of loot. The burglars have confidence in 
 these women, and so have the receivers. The booty is conveyed to their apartments 
 in trunks and does not attract any attention. When it has been placed in charge 
 of the wife of an imprisoned confederate, the " fence " is notified and samples 
 of the goods furnished. • Should the receiver desire an examination of the property he 
 sends his trusted appraiser to look it over, and should it prove to be as represented, 
 a settlement is effected and the trunks are reshipped to the rooms of another thief's 
 wife. The latter's unlucky husband was perhaps a favorite with the receiver, and the 
 woman is always a willing party to transactions of this sort. Receivers, while they 
 rarely pay more than one-quarter of the value of the stolen article, run no risks. They 
 never make a settlement with the thieves until the proceeds of the robbery have been 
 removed a second time, and to a place the location of which the gang they are dealing 
 with knows nothing about. There are two reasons why the purchaser is so careful. 
 One is because he fears treachery at the hands of the robbers, and the other because 
 he does not desire to incur any loss. In event of the stolen goods being seized in 
 transit from the storage place of the thieves to that of the receiver, the loss falls upon 
 the former. The reason why the rogues are kept in ignorance of the final hiding-place 
 is to prevent them, should there be any bickering as to the price, from betraying the 
 buyer. The simple testimony of the self-confessed thief that he sold the stolen goods 
 to a certain person, would be of no value in a legal sense without the corroborative 
 proof of the seizure of the plunder. On account of the receiver's guarded manner of 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 45 
 
 doing business this is never possible, and the moment that the goods come into his 
 possession all tags and marks that would lead to their identification are removed and 
 destroyed. 
 
 Under the cover of some legitimate business, receivers in the large cities are able 
 to conduct their nefarious transactions without much danger of detection. To conceal 
 their shady speculations they run a fancy goods or jewelry store, on apparently a square 
 basis and in a business district. These are the class that purchase from shoplifters, 
 pickpockets, and dishonest employes. To watch their patrons would be a task that 
 would bear but little results. Persons known as professional criminals shun these places, 
 and the men and women who sell the proceeds of their pilferings there are only petty 
 thieves. .While seemingly purchasing some article, they are really making a bargain 
 for Its sale, and never carry on their negotiations In the presence of a stranger. The 
 goods bought under such conditions are never offered for sale In these places, but are 
 disposed of to unscrupulous shopkeepers who delight in peddling them, and are all the 
 time boasting of their honesty and, perhaps, quoting Scripture. 
 
 There are many people to be found In cities who are constantly on the lookout 
 for bargains, and possess a fondness for other people's property. To this class of 
 receivers pickpockets and sneak thieves safely dispose of stolen watches and trinkets. 
 The establishments of pawnbrokers, who advance loans on jewelry and clothing, are 
 the places patronized by young rogues. Old rogues, by melting watch-cases, run but 
 little chance of detection, and net quite a large profit by the sale of the metal to reputable 
 firms. A smart receiver, who deals in stolen jewelry, as a rule makes it a habit after a 
 purchase to reduce all small articles Into metal, just as soon as bought. The most 
 annoying class are the second-hand dealers, who buy and sell stolen wearing apparel. 
 They invariably have friends in another city, so that as soon as plunder has been 
 bought it is shipped away to be disposed of elsewhere. 
 
 All phases of crime excepting this one — the worst of all — are, in the State of New 
 York, amply and clearly covered by the statutes. On more than one occasion the guilt 
 of several persons, notorious as purchasers of the proceeds of robberies to the police 
 and the public, has been morally certain ; still, in a legal sense. It was impossible to 
 secure their conviction, because the law seemed to especially protect them from 
 punishment. Among the many things to make out a case upon which a 
 conviction might be expected, it is necessary to establish the fact that the receiver 
 knew that the property he had bought had been stolen or appropriated wrongfully. 
 This clause is therefore a serious stumbling-block in the way of prosecution, and serves 
 as a shield for the buyer of booty, no matter how notorious he or she may be. All 
 Indictments and trials In this section of the country must be framed and conducted in 
 accordance with the provisions and requirements of the Penal Code. Chapter 550 
 applies to receivers of stolen goods, and this section of the law was doubtless intended 
 to put a stop to the buying of what thieves call " swag ; " but the peculiar construction 
 of the statute has completely upset the intention of the law makers. The chapter 
 mentioned Is as follows : 
 
 " A person who buys or receives any stolen property or any property which has been wrongfully appro- 
 priated in such a manner as to constitute larceny according to this chapter, knowing the same to have been 
 
46 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 stolen or so dealt with, or who corruptly, for any money, property, reward or promise or agreement for the 
 same conceals, withholds or aids in concealing or withholding any property, knowing the same to have been 
 stolen or appropriated wrongfully in such a manner as to constitute larceny under the provisions of this 
 chapter, if such misappropriation had been committed within the State, whether such property were so stolen 
 or misappropriated within or without the State, is guilty of criminally receiving such property, and is 
 punishable by imprisonment in a State prison for not more than five years or in a county jail for not more 
 than six months, or by a fine of not more than two hundred and fifty dollars, or by both such fine and 
 imprisonment." 
 
 The opinion of one of the leading prosecuting officers of New York City shows 
 how difficult it is under the present law to establish the guilt of a receiver of stolen 
 goods. What he has said on the subject, and the suggestions he has made, are inter- 
 esting and important. They are as follows : 
 
 "The law requires proof of guilty knowledge — that is, it must be proven to the satisfaction of a jury 
 that the party receiving the goods knew at the time of their receipt that they were stolen. Such guilty 
 knowledge must be proved by facts and circumstances, and it is difficult to collect such facts and circum- 
 stances as will satisfy the jury beyond reasonable doubt of the defendant's guilt. 
 
 " Even where the thief himself becomes a witness for the State, it is the practice of the courts to warn 
 the jury that it is unsafe to deprive a man of his liberty upon the unsupported testimony of either a confessed 
 or a convicted criminal. 
 
 " I am of the opinion that the law on this subject should be more stringent. It might, for instance, 
 make it presumptive proof of guilt, sufficient, in the absence of explanation, to convict the defendant, that 
 the goods were immediately after the theft found in his possession. There is, of course, a presumption to 
 that effect as the law now stands, but it is only a presumption and is not sufficient to found a conviction upon 
 unless the jury are satisfied from all the evidence beyond all reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty." 
 
 If the suggestions of the learned prosecutor were embodied in the law, I feel 
 satisfied that they would materially assist the authorities in ridding the community of 
 this class of offenders. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 47 
 
 TRICKS OF SAWDUST MEN. 
 
 THE murder recently of a well-known sawdust swindler has had a detrimental effect 
 upon the other men who made their living in the same way. The old methods 
 had to be abandoned, but recent reports from all parts of the West show that they 
 have flooded a good many towns with new circulars. The popular form of swindle, up to 
 last August, was by working the " panel game." The first move of sawdust men is to 
 secure the list of the names of people who were regular subscribers to lotteries and 
 various gift-book concerns. People who go into those things will be pretty sure to 
 bite on another scheme. When the list has been duly studied, agents are sent out all 
 over the country to look up the history of the most promising ones. This done, a 
 circular is mailed to each man, which runs something as follows : 
 
 Mr. . 
 
 Dear Sir : I will confide to you through this circular a secret by which you can make a speedy 
 fortune. I have on hand a large amount of counterfeit notes of the following denominations : $1, $2, $5, 
 $10 and $20. I guarantee every note to be perfect, as it is examined carefully by me as soon as finished, 
 and if not strictly perfect is immediately destroyed. Of course it would be perfectly foolish to send out 
 poor work, and it would not only get my customers into trouble, but would break up my business and ruin 
 me. So, for personal safety, I am compelled to issue nothing that will not compare with the genuine. I 
 furnish you with my goods at the following low price, which will be found as reasonable as the nature of 
 my business will allow : ■* 
 
 For $r,2oo in my goods (assorted) I charge f 100 
 
 For 2,500 in my goods (assorted) I charge 200 
 
 For 5,000 in my goods (assorted) I charge 350 
 
 For ro,ooo in my goods (assorted) I charge 600 
 
 Then follows advice to the verdant reader, impressing upon his mind that the 
 gates of State prison are yawning for him, and that he must be very careful. He must 
 send word two days before his expected arrival in this city, go to a hotel which is 
 named and remain in his room until the manufacturer called upon him. This done, an 
 agent sends up his card and devotes an hour to sounding the man, to see if he is fair 
 game or an emissary from the police in disguise. If all promises well the man leaves, 
 appointing the next day as the time for the bargain. On the day appointed the first 
 caller drops in to the hotel and leads the stranger to the "factory." 
 
 In a roughly furnished office, before a high desk at the wall, sits the principal 
 operator, busily counting out a huge pile of crisp bills. They are fresh from the 
 Government Treasury, and of all denominations. The countryman is introduced, 
 explained the process by which the money can best be disposed of, and given general 
 
48 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 directions of how to avoid suspicion. Then the bills are exhibited. The man always 
 protests that they are poor counterfeits and would never deceive him, but on the whole 
 thinks they will do. The amount desired is carefully counted out and handed to the 
 stranger to recount. They are then nicely done up in packages, each denomination by 
 itself, and the whole carelessly tossed into a small leather gripsack. This done, the 
 bag is laid on the top of the desk, while the "manufacturer" holds the attention of the 
 stranger and lifts the lid of the desk in front of the bag. Half a dozen bonds are 
 shown as a specimen of good counterfeiting, and the suggestion is made that after the 
 money has been used the customer may take a fancy to handle some bonds also. 
 While the two men are busy looking at the bonds, a confederate in the next room 
 opens a slide or panel at the back of the desk and substitutes another satchel in the 
 place of the one with the greenbacks. The customer is then handed the bag and 
 hurries away, and the swindler closes up his office for a month or so and moves to 
 another similarly equipped establishment. 
 
 Since the panel trick became known the sawdust men have been forced to invent 
 another device. Within the past few months they have issued a long circular, which 
 contains a clipping supposed to be cut from a New York newspaper announcing that a 
 full set of dies and plates has been stolen from the Sub-Treasury. This is the basis on 
 which the circular is framed, and it claims that the writer has obtained stolen plates, 
 from which the greenbacks are being struck off. The interesting circular ends with the 
 following : " The slip will show you our officials in high standing have used them for 
 their own purpose and benefit, and why not every one in need ? Address, in confi- 
 dence," etc. 
 
 The purpose of the letter is to lead the one addressed to believe that the money 
 offered is really genuine, being printed from the plates claimed to have been stolen 
 from the Treasury. The same old scheme of conducting a man to a hotel and then to 
 the " office" is used, but the panel trick is no longer worked. Instead, the "beer" or 
 "horse-car" game is made use of. In the first case the purchaser is introduced to the 
 sawdust man on the street, and to conclude the bargain the party adjourn to the 
 nearest saloon. Stepping into a private room they take seats at a table and the money 
 is exhibited. This done, the amount demanded is paid, and as the operator rolls the 
 " goods " into a little red package and snaps an elastic band around it he calls for beer. 
 But before they are handed over the appearance of the waiter alarms the sawdust man 
 and he drops the package into his lap, with a wink at the customer. While the beer is 
 being brought another red package Is substituted from under the table, and the trick 
 has been played. If the countryman is suspicious the greenbacks are dumped into a little 
 leather satchel marked with a cut or scratch, and after being duly locked the key is 
 handed to him. The party then board a car and in a few moments a clerical- 
 looking gentleman gets on, and with a bag precisely similar in marks, etc., to the one 
 containing the "goods." Of course the bags are changed and the purchaser is 
 swindled. After the change has been made the sawdust men disappear. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 49 
 
 Another scheme is explained by the following circular : 
 
 New York, June 11, 1886. 
 
 Dear Sir ; No doubt when you receive this letter you will say it is some trap set for you to get you 
 into trouble ; but such is not the case. I promise you this, as true as there is a God in heaven, I obtained 
 your name through a friend of mine who passed through your place, as this is all I know of you ; and on 
 my solemn oath I speak the plain, candid truth ; and I swear before the Almighty God in heaven, my 
 purpose is far from harming you either in word, look or action ; and should you make up your mind to 
 answer this letter, I will give you my word and honor that no person, man, woman or child, shall ever hear 
 from my mouth the least thing that ever passed between us, and I will keep this promise as sacred as I 
 would my oath before God in heaven. 
 
 I will be plain with you. I am dealing in articles, paper goods, is, 2s, 5s, los and 20s — (do you 
 understand ?) I cannot be plainer until I know your heart is true to me, then I will send you full and plain 
 particulars that I mean you right, and will satisfy and convince you that I can furnish you with a fine, safe 
 and profitable article, that can be used in any manner and for all purposes, and no danger. Now under- 
 stand me fair and square ; I ask no money in advance nor do I want it. I want to give you plain and 
 positive proofs that, should I give you my assistance, I can and will help you out of any money or business 
 troubles you may be in, and no matter to what extent ; and no power on the face of God's earth need ever 
 be the wiser for it unless you betray me ; and as my intentions are square and upright to you, and as I 
 never have or will harm you by word, look or action, I ask you before heaven, as a man of honor and 
 principle, not to expose or betray me. And if I have made a mistake in sending you this letter, I ask you 
 to forgive me, and let the matter rest where it is, for my intentions are as upright to you as heaven itself, 
 for a man can have honor and principle no matter what his business may be in this world, so do not harm 
 me, for my motto in this life is and always has been, if you can't do a fellow-being some good, do him no 
 harm, no matter what his calling may be. 
 
 Now a word of advice in regard to this business. There are some unprincipled men in this city 
 advertising goods the same as mine. But before God and man they are far from it. They will send you 
 circulars and promise all kinds of things, and should you be foolish enough to send them money, that is the 
 last you will hear of them or your money, and there are other firms here dealing in green goods of a very 
 poor quality and not safe to handle. Now I am not writing this letter through malice or selfishness to get 
 your trade, but to warn you against them should you at any time receive their circulars (as these people 
 have their agents going from one State to another, getting storekeepers' names, and in fact names of people 
 in all kinds of business), and should make up your mind to write and place confidence in me, with a view 
 of trading with me, I will take it as matter of honor and strict friendship between us, if you will notify me 
 if these people send their circulars to you, as I will prove they are not reliable men to trade with, and this 
 is the Almighty God's honest truth, as I am the only person who can furnish you with a safe and profitable 
 article that will stand a critical test, and I will prove each and every promise I have given you before I will 
 expect or receive one dollar. 
 
 I will as a test of honor and confidence on your part request the return of this letter. I will then 
 know you mean me no harm, for I will not answer any communications unless it is returned to me. 
 
 I will not deviate from this rule, and on my sacred oath and honor, before God and man, I will return 
 
 yours. 
 
 Yours in honor and friendship. 
 
 Since 1869, the sawdust business has grown and prospered. The operators work 
 carefully, their only fear being lest some detective be entrapped. The police have 
 tried over and over again to get at the swindlers, and although they are known it is 
 next to impossible to obtain proof against them. The victims refuse to appear against 
 them, for the very fact of having had dealings with the sawdust men closes their mouths, 
 for fear the transaction would be made pubHc. In this way the sawdust business 
 goes on. 
 
50 
 
 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 FRAUDS IN HORSE SALES. 
 
 SHARPERS who sell worthless animals at fabulous prices constitute a class of 
 criminals often exposed. They keep barely within the letter of the law, and so 
 escape punishment. When some one remarked that a man would cheat in a horse trade 
 who would scorn to steal an umbrella, he showed a deep knowledge of the ethics of the 
 human family. Light and trivial though the latter offense may be, judged by the great 
 American race, it is weighty indeed when compared to that of driving a sharp bargain 
 over a roadster or racer. " Trust neither your brother nor your pastor if he is trying 
 to sell you a horse," is the wisdom of a man of experience who has learned the 
 irresistible temptation which lies in the mouth of the man with a horse to sell. 
 
 Dishonest horse dealers flourish in New York. They are the confidence operators 
 of the horse trade, and are not to be confounded with the dealers who may 
 neglect to point out some of the defects of their living stock in trade. Their purpose 
 is robbery pure and simple, with just enough tinge of trade in it to give it a color of 
 respectability and to keep out of State prison. They conduct their business much after 
 the fashion of the banco men, sending " steerers " out to the railroad stations, the 
 ferries, and the big horse sales, to bring unsuspecting countrymen to their lairs. They 
 also reach victims, like the fortune=telling cheats and many other forms of metropolitan 
 swindlers, through the advertising columns of the daily newspapers. 
 
 It is not difficult to pick out the advertisements of the skin dealers, or " gypsies," 
 from any issue of the newspapers. The favorite dodge is the " death of the owner," 
 or the "family going to Europe" pretext for selling a magnificent animal for a song. 
 Here is a sample advertisement which may be regarded with suspicion : 
 
 " A family going abroad will sacrifice immediately very speedy roadster and stylish, gentle family 
 horse ; also quiet pet horse, used by ladies ; lady's phaeton, sidebar top buggy, extension top family phaeton, 
 harness, etc., in superb order. Owner's private stable. " 
 
 The oft-repeated announcement of a firm well known to the police reads as follows : 
 " A bargain to immediate purchaser — handsome pair coach mares, tender in the feet, suitable for 
 
 country use, f6o for both ; 3 strong young horses, suitable for general business use ; price from $50 to f 100 
 
 each ; sold separately ; trial allowed. Owner's private stables. " 
 
 It will be seen that great leeway is allowed here for infirmities of almost any 
 character. 
 
 Perhaps it is a lady who has a turnout to sell, and who will conduct the negotiations 
 through a trusty " groom " in her own private stables, or a gentleman suddenly called 
 out of town. They may be expected to woo you in some such wise as these : 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 5 1 
 
 "A lady offers her turnout for sale ; handsome cob, 15 hands, seven years old, warranted sound and 
 kind ; elegant top phaeton, harness, etc.; sold separate." 
 
 "A gentleman suddenly called away must sell a beautiful brown horse, 16 1-4 hands high; fast 
 traveler ; safe and perfectly sound ; suit family, doctor, coupe or business." 
 
 There is nothing suspicious in the language of these offers, and man or woman 
 in search of a bargain will find nothing suspicious in the commodious stable to 
 which he is directed or in the glib-tongued, horsey-looking man he finds there. The 
 rascals simply use the machinery of a reputable business to carry on their nefarious 
 operations, trusting to the always good crop of credulous individuals to furnish them 
 with a supply of victims. 
 
 The confidence game, which is often worked in the "skin stables," is as old as the 
 hills. While the agent of the wealthy owner, gone to heaven or to Europe, is engaged 
 in showing off the " points " of his racer, a confederate rushes in and displays uncommon 
 anxiety to purchase the horse. 
 
 " No," says the agent, " you are a dealer and my principals will not allow me to 
 sell to a dealer. The horse is too valuable. You know very well that they do not care 
 for the money. What they wish is to be assured that the animal falls into good hands." 
 
 Pretty soon the alleged " dealer " gets an opportunity to whisper to the victim a 
 word of temptation. 
 
 " I must have that horse," he says ; " if you will buy him for me I will give you $50 
 commission ; but don't give me away to the agent." 
 
 Tickled to death over this opportunity to make money so easily, Mr. Greenhorn 
 swallows the hook, line, bob and sinker ; purchases the horse and leads him away to a 
 specified corner where he is to meet the " dealer." Needless to say, this worthy does not 
 appear, and the victim finds himself most unwillingly possessed of a piece of rope with 
 something in the shape of a horse at the other end of it. As a party to a little deception 
 he has no case against the man who sold him the worthless animal. 
 
 The police wage constant war upon these stables, and often make things very 
 uncomfortable for the owners, but the latter are so well grounded in the law and so 
 careful to keep inside the legal fence in their transactions that the police are heavily 
 handicapped in trying to deal with them. 
 
 " Horse sharps," although frequently arrested, are rarely convicted. The last 
 conviction was on May 28, 1881, when Samuel Watson was sent to Sing Sing prison 
 for two and a half years. Jeremiah W. Strong, a Justice of the Peace of Hartford, 
 Conn., bought an elegant roadster from Watson at a stable on Fifteenth Street, 
 near Sixth Avenue. Strong started to drive away, but the animal, on reaching 
 the corner of Fourteenth Street, dropped dead. Watson was convicted, but his 
 brother swindlers made up a big purse and carried the case to the Court of Appeals. 
 That court finally decided against him. 
 
52 
 
 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 WHY THIEVES ARE PHOTOGRAPHED. 
 
 WHERE, it does not matter, but in a place of amusement which blazed with light 
 and was radiant with the shimmer of silks, the flash of jewels, and the artificial 
 glories with which wealth and fashion surround themselves, a tall, well dressed man 
 was standing, with a lady on his arm, waiting till the outgoing throng gave him exit. 
 There was a judge of the Supreme Court just behind him, and he was elbowed by a 
 banker whose name is mighty on " the street." Suave manners, a face massive and 
 intelligent, apparel in unexceptionable taste — he had them all, and yet there was 
 something about the man that recalled to a reporter who saw him there, other and 
 strangely remote associations. It certainly was not the dress or attitude or air that 
 seemed familiar. Nor was it the quick, sharp eyes that lighted and seemed indeed the 
 most notable features of the countenance. Nor could it be the neatly trimmed 
 whiskers or the somewhat sallow cheeks they covered. No, it was none of these. And 
 certainly no suggestion of recognition could lie in the thin hair, carefully brushed back 
 from a forehead that bulged out into two knobs and was crossed by some deep lines. 
 But yet as that same forehead was bowed for a moment, what was there in it that 
 recalled something — a man or a statue or a picture ? Something that memory certainly 
 did not bring to mind as the seat of a living man's brain, a part of a living man's face ; 
 but something that had been seen fixed, immovable, with unchanging profile and 
 unvarying lines. 
 
 In a moment the head was erect again, the face smiling, and in the change the 
 fancied familiarity melted, but did not die away. It was still there, and for a moment 
 it was intensified as a sudden look of recognition, a look that had a flash of malice in 
 it, came into the sharp eyes. But without any salutation being given they dropped, 
 and the face was turned away. This passed almost in the fraction of a second ; but 
 the reporter noticed the look and turned to see where it was directed. What he saw 
 quickened his interest. A man was standing near the entrance watching the very face 
 which had caught his attention. And this man was a Central Office detective. 
 
 " That man's face seems familiar to me," remarked the reporter, indicating the 
 retreating figure. " You know him, do you not ?" 
 
 " I ? Yes, I know him." 
 
 " I wonder where I have seen him." 
 
 " He is seen sometimes about town." 
 
 " But I think I've seen him under some peculiar circumstances." 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 53 
 
 " He has been visible under peculiar circumstances," said the detective. " He is 
 a professional criminal, and was last sentenced for burglary." 
 
 A burglar ! This prim, genteel, thoughtful looking personage .? He would be a 
 minister or merchant or physician on the first flash to nine men out of ten. Here in 
 the flare of the gaslight, in the heart of fashion, with a judge at his back and a 
 millionaire at his elbow — a burglar ? Not low browed, sullen, with stealthy glance and 
 hunted air — not at all as fancy and romance have pictured him. But holding his head 
 as high as the next. And with that, memory, faithful to the impression that bulging 
 forehead and its deep lines had wrought, raked out of the past a wooden frame in a 
 mysterious chamber and a picture it enclosed of a bowed, distorted face, through whose 
 half closed eyelids two small specks seemed to glare maliciously, and a forehead with 
 two knobs and some black lines upon it. That was it. The picture was this man's 
 portrait, and the mysterious chamber where it hung was the Rogues' Gallery. 
 
 Sitting there the next day the reporter spoke of the impression made by the 
 picture, and how, amid surroundings so misleading and under appearances so altered, 
 the bowed forehead and its dark lines in the gallery of malefactors had flashed out 
 in the gay and fashionable throng, calling attention to their owner, as Cain's mark 
 had done of old. The conversation which ensued is correctly given by the reporter in 
 the following words : 
 
 " In that," said Inspector Byrnes, "does the usefulness of the Rogues' Gallery lie. 
 There are people who look at the pictures and say : — ' Of what good can these twisted 
 and unnatural faces be ? Were their owners met in the streets their countenances would 
 be composed. They would be altogether free of these distortions, by which they have 
 tried to cheat the purpose of the police in photographing them. No one would know 
 them then.' Well, that is all wrong. The very cleverest hands at preparing a false 
 physiognomy for the camera have made their grimaces in vain. The sun has been too 
 quick for them, and has imprisoned the lines of the profile and the features and caught 
 the expression before it could be disguised. There is not a portrait here but has some 
 marked characteristic by which you can identify the man who sat for it. That is what 
 has to be studied in the Rogues' Gallery — detail. A general idea of the looks of a 
 person derived from one of these pictures may be very misleading. The person himself 
 will try to make it so by altering his appearance. He can grow or shave off" a beard or 
 mustache, he can change the color of either, he may become full faced or lantern jawed 
 in time. But the skilled detective knows all this and looks for distinguishing marks 
 peculiar to his subject. You understand me. It was a forehead drew your attention. 
 The lines of the forehead would probably be a detective's study in that burglar's case. 
 It did not matter much what disguise he assumed. That feature would remain a 
 
 tell-tale." 
 
 " Have detectives frequently succeeded in singling out by their portraits men who 
 
 have tried to deceive the camera ?" 
 
 " Quite frequently. The very men who have gone to the most trouble to make 
 their pictures useless have been betrayed by them. Look at ' Pop ' Tighe, over there, 
 with his phiz screwed up like a nut-cracker ; he thought that he could play the sneak 
 without any one getting on to him from that likeness. But he made a mistake, like 
 
54 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 the rest. So did ' Bill ' Vosburgh, and even ' Jim ' Reynolds, who is grinning down 
 from the corner there, with his head away back and his features all distorted, could 
 not get the best of the sun, and the camera caught enough of him to satisfy his victims." 
 
 " Then the pictures must not be considered merely as portraits when a criminal is 
 to be identified by them ? " 
 
 " In some cases they are quite sufficient. You see there is not much of that old 
 dodge of distorting the features attempted nowadays. When we have a man with a 
 strong case against him he knows that his portrait in some shape or other must be 
 added to the gallery, and he is shown that it is absurd to try and defeat the purposes 
 of justice. That makes him resigned to his fate, and all our recent artistic acquisitions 
 are good ones. A point is made to have the best we can get, for of late photography 
 has been an invaluable aid to the police. In the Federal service and in all the big 
 cities they are following our example. But this is probably the most complete 
 criminal directory in the country. I say in some cases because there are numbers 
 of instances where a criminal appears in public under circumstances far different 
 from those under which he is brought here. You yourself have seen what a swell 
 cracksman may look like when he has the means and the taste to dress himself. 
 Well, there are scores of men and women whose appearance in the streets gives no hint 
 to their character. Deception is their business, and they have to study its arts carefully. 
 It is true there are criminals brought here who even in sitting for a photograph in the 
 Rogues' Gallery show a weakness to appear to advantage. I have seen women especially 
 whose vanity cropped out the moment the muzzle of the camera was turned on them. 
 But that is infrequent, and you must look for the faces you see here in other shapes and 
 with other accompaniments when you catch sight of them in public." 
 
 " Do the general run of offenders, then, put on style ? " 
 
 " They all have their weaknesses. Of course the lower class of them spend their 
 money in the way their instincts dictate. Some are slovenly hulks of fellows who pride 
 themselves on shabbiness. To some shabbiness is a part of their business. Then there 
 are others of the flashy order who run into extremes in dress, and copy the gamblers 
 and variety theatre performers in their attire. But there are many — and they are of 
 the higher and more dangerous order of criminals — who carry no suggestion of their 
 calling about with them. Here Is where the public err. Their idea of burglars and all 
 that have been gathered from books, and they look for Bill Sykeses and Flash Tobby 
 Crackltts, whereas the most modest and most gentlemanly people they meet may be 
 the representatives of their very characters. Remember that nearly all the great 
 criminals of the country are men who lead double lives. Strange as It may appear, it 
 is the fact that some of the most unscrupulous rascals who ever cracked a safe or 
 turned out a counterfeit were at home model husbands and fathers. In a great many 
 cases wives have aided their guilty partners in their villainy, and the children, too, have 
 taken a hand In it. But in as many all suggestion of the criminal's calling was left out- 
 side the front door. There was George Engles, the forger. His family lived 
 quietly and respectably, mingled with the best of people and were liked by all they met. 
 George Leonidas Leslie, alias Howard, who was found dead near Yonkers, probably 
 made away with by his pals, was a fine-looking man, with cultured tastes and refined 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 55 
 
 manners. ' Billy ' Porter and ' Johnny ' Irving were not so spruce, but they would pass 
 for artisans, and Irving is said, in all his villainy, to have well provided for his old 
 mother and his sisters. 'Johnny the Greek' paid for his little girls' tuition at a convent 
 in Canada, and had them brought up as ladies, without ever a suspicion of their father's 
 business reaching them. I know this same thing to be done by some of the hardest 
 cases we have to contend with. One of the most noted pickpockets in the country 
 had children whose dress and manners won them general admiration. There is nothing 
 to mark people of that stamp as a class." 
 " Is physiognomy any guide?" 
 
 " A very poor one. Judge for yourself. Look through the pictures in the 
 Rogues' Gallery and see how many rascals you find there who resemble the best people 
 in the country. Why, you can find some of them, I dare say, sufficiently like personal 
 acquaintances to admit of mistaking one for the other. By the by, that is no uncommon 
 occurrence, and the more you consider it the more readily you will come to appreciate 
 how easy it is for a detective to pick up the wrong man. Time and again I have seen 
 victims of thieves when called upon in court to identify a prisoner seated among a 
 number of on-lookers pick out his captors, or a court clerk, or a reporter as the 
 offender." 
 
 " Is it usual for criminals to be so trim ?" 
 
 " No, not many of them. You see thieves must dress up to their business. I do 
 not mean that they should indicate their business by their dress. No, no ; just the 
 opposite. They attire themselves so as to attract the least attention from the class of 
 people among whom they wish to operate. To do this they must dress like this class. 
 If they are among poor people, they dress shabbily. If among well-to-do folks, put on 
 style. If among sporting men, do the flash act. It is a great thing to escape notice, 
 and some men have a good deal of trouble to do it. There is ' Wess.' Allen. The scar 
 on his cheek and the missing eye would mark him anywhere, but he manages to be so 
 sober in his dress that no one notices him. ' Deafy ' Price, a railroad pickpocket, is a 
 capital fellow for gaining confidence and leaving scant recollection of his dress and 
 features. Kehoe, ' the Mourner,' and his wife had faces thoroughly adapted for their 
 business, which was to pick pockets at wakes and funerals. They were the most 
 solemn looking pair you ever saw." 
 
 " You then consider the popular idea of criminals' appearance is all wrong ?" 
 " I will not say that. River thieves and low burglars are as hard-looking 
 brutes as can be found. So are a good many of the more desperate fellows. ' Ned ' 
 Farrell, the butcher-cart thief, is a type of the bully — big and brawny and wicked- 
 looking. ' Big Frank' McCoy had all the inches he required, but although there was a 
 sinister flavor about him, he could look the gentleman. Nugent, the Manhattan Bank 
 burglar, carried a good deal of his old business of a butcher about with him in his 
 appearance, but there was something about him that suggested the criminal. There are 
 numbers of the confidence men, too, who in spite of their gentlemanly dress and con- 
 versational powers, look the very incarnation of sharpers. In fact, it is a bad thing to 
 judge by appearances, and it is not always safe to judge against them. Experience of 
 men is always needed to place them right." 
 
DESCRIPTIONS AND RECORDS 
 
 OF 
 
 Professional Criminals of America. 
 
 RUFUS MINOR, alias RUFE PINE. 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-eight years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. No trade. 
 Stout build. Height, 5 feet 5^ inches. Weight, 160 pounds. Brown hair, gray eyes, 
 round face, dark complexion. Very bald. Has a clerical appearance at times. Can 
 grow a heavy beard (dark brown) in a short time ; generally wears it when committing 
 crime, and removes it shortly after. Has a dot of India ink on the back of left hand. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 RuFE Minor, alias Pine, is no doubt one of the smartest bank sneaks in America. 
 His associates are Georgie Carson (3), Horace Hovan (25), Johnny Jourdan (83), Billy 
 Burke, alias " Billy The Kid" (162), Johnny Carroll, alias "The Kid" (192), Emanuel 
 Marks, alias Minnie Marks (187), Big Rice (12), Mollie Matches (11), Billy Flynn, Big 
 Jim Burns (165), Charley Cummisky, George Howard, alias Killoran and other 
 clever men. He is a very gentlemanly and intelligent man, and is known in a number of 
 the principal cities. He is no doubt one of the best generals in his line; he comes of a 
 good family, and it is a pity he is a thief. 
 
 Minor was arrested on March 23, 1878, at Petersburg, Va., in company of George 
 
58 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Carson, Horace Hovan, and Charlotte Dougherty (Horace's wife), charged with the 
 larceny of $200,000, in bonds and securities, from the office of James H. Young, No. 49 
 Nassau Street, New York City, on January 2, 1878. They were all brought north, on 
 a requisition, but no case was made out against them, and they were discharged. 
 He was arrested again in New York City on November 14, 1880, with Johnny Jourdan and 
 Georgie Carson, charged with the larceny of a tin box containing $8,500 in money and 
 $56,000 in bonds from the vault of the Middletown Savings Bank, at Middle- 
 town, Conn., on July 27, 1880. Horace Hovan, who was previously arrested in this 
 case, was taken to Connecticut. Minor, who was not identified, was held in New 
 York City, charged with being the party who stole $28,000 in bonds from a safe in 
 the office of Merritt Trimbal, in the Coal and Iron Exchange Building on Courtlandt 
 Street, New York, on October 15, 1879. The bonds were found in possession of the 
 Third National Bank of New York City, having been hypothecated by a noto- 
 rious bond negotiator and insurance agent. No case was made out against Minor, 
 and he was discharged. Rufe Minor and Billy Burke are credited with obtaining 
 $17,000 from the Commercial National Bank of Cleveland, O., in the fall of 1881. 
 Burke was arrested in this case in Buffalo, N. Y., but Minor escaped. Minor was no 
 doubt the principal man in the following robberies : the First National Bank, of De- 
 troit, Mich., $3,200; the Middletown National Bank of Connecticut, $73,500; Bank 
 of Cohoes, N. Y. (attempt), $100,000; Brooklyn (N. Y.) Post-office robbery, $3,000; 
 Providence (R. I.) Gas Company robbery, $4,000 ; Guarantee Trust and Safe Deposit 
 Company's vaults, at Philadelphia, Pa., $71,000; Rufus Rose Insurance Agent's safe, at 
 Albany, N. Y., $3,800; the Safe Deposit vaults on State Street, Boston, Mass, $25,000; 
 the Bank of Baltimore, Md. (bonds), $12,000. Minor was also credited with 
 sneaking $114,000 in bonds from the Erie County (N. Y.) Savings Bank, on April 30, 
 
 1882. The bonds were returned to the bank by a well known Baltimore lawyer, who 
 received $25,000 for them. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on June 25, 1883, and delivered to Marshal 
 Frey, of Baltimore, for the larceny of $12,000 in bonds from the Bank of Baltimore, 
 on September 25, 1882. For this he was tried and acquitted by a jury on November i, 
 
 1883. Minor and Johnny Price were arrested in Boston, Mass., on February i, 1884, 
 and given one hour to leave the city. He was arrested again in New York City on 
 June 28, 1884, for the authorities of Augusta, Ga. Minor, Price and Billy Coleman 
 sneaked a package containing $2,700 in money from a bank safe in Augusta, Ga. 
 Billy Coleman and Price were arrested two days afterward, tried, convicted, and 
 sentenced to seven years each in State prison, on May 7, 1884. Minor was taken to 
 Augusta and discharged, as he could not be identified as the third party in the robbery. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on January 12, 1886, charged with the 
 larceny of $130 from the pocket of one Samuel Henze, in the office of the "Evening 
 Journal," in Jersey City, N. J. He gave the name of William Jackson, and was taken 
 to New Jersey by requisition on January 17, 1886. In this case he was tried in the 
 Hudson County (N. J.) Court, and acquitted on April 21 1886. Minor's defense was an 
 alibi. See records of Nos. 9, 25, and 83. 
 
 Rufe Minor's picture is an excellent one. 
 
RUFUS MINOR, 
 
 ALIAS RUFE PINE, 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 DA]/ID 0. BUSS. 
 
 ALIAS DOCTOR BLISS, 
 
 SNEAK. 
 
 GEORGE CARSON. 
 
 ALIAS HEYWOOD, 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 WILL/AM VOSBURG, 
 
 ALIAS OLD BILL, 
 
 BANK SNEAK AND STALL. 
 
 PHILLIP PHEARSOIV, 
 
 ALIAS PHILLY PHERSON, 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 THOMAS LEARY. 
 
 ALIAS KID LEARY, ALIAS BRIGGS, 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 59 
 
 DAVID BLISS, alias DOCTOR BLISS. 
 
 SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-nine years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Doctor. 
 
 Slim build. Height, 5 feet 8 3^ inches. Weight, 135 pounds. Light colored hair, 
 
 turning gray. Gray eyes, long face, light complexion. Has a hole on the right side of 
 
 his forehead. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 The " Doctor " has a fine education, and is a graduate of a Cincinnati Medical 
 College. He is a southerner by birth, and at one time held a prominent government 
 position. He was caught stealing, however, and was sentenced to a long term of 
 imprisonment. Through the influence of his friends he was pardoned, but again drifted 
 back to evil ways. He is pretty well known in most of the eastern cities, and is 
 considered a very clever sneak thief. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on the arrival of the steamer Providence, of the 
 Fall River Line, from Boston, on December 21, 1880, in company of one Matthew Lane, 
 another thief. They had in their possession a trunk containing $2,500 worth of 
 silverware, etc., the proceeds of several house burglaries in Boston, Mass. They were 
 both taken to Boston by requisition on December 31, 1880, and sentenced to two 
 years each in the House of Correction there. 
 
 Bliss was arrested again in New York City on April 7, 1883, for the larceny of a 
 package containing $35,000 in bonds and stocks from a safe in an office at No. 757 
 Broadway, New York City. After securing the package of bonds he started down stairs, 
 and on his way dropped into another office, the door of which was standing open, and 
 helped himself to $100 in money that was lying on one of the desks. All of the 
 bonds and stocks were recovered, after which the " Doctor " pleaded guilty, and was 
 sentenced to two years in Sing Sing prison on April 12, 1883. His time expired on 
 January 1 1, 1885. 
 
 Bliss's picture is an excellent one. 
 
 3 
 GEORGE CARSON, alias HEYWOOD. 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-one years old in 1886. Born in United States. Clerk. Can read and 
 write. Married. Medium build. Height, 5 feet 5^ inches. Weight, 155 pounds. Hair, 
 
6o PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 brown. Eyes, hazel. Complexion, florid. Dot of India ink on right hand. Blonde 
 
 color mustache, 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Carson is a very clever bank sneak, an associate of Rufe Minor (i), Horace Hovan 
 (25), Johnny Carroll (192), Cruise Cummisky, and other first-class men. He was arrested 
 at Petersburg, Va., on March 23, 1878, in company of Rufe Minor, Horace Hovan, alias 
 Little Horace, and Charlotte Dougherty (Horace's wife), charged with the larceny of 
 $200,000 in bonds and securities from the office of James H. Young, No. 49 Nassau 
 Street, New York City. They were all brought to New York, and subsequently dis- 
 charged. 
 
 Carson was arrested in New York City on November 15, 1880, for robbing the 
 Middletown Bank of Connecticut, on July 27, 1880, of $8,500 in money and $56,000 in 
 bonds. Johnny Jourdan, Horace Hovan and Rufe Minor were also arrested for this 
 robbery, Carson was tried in Connecticut, proved an alibi, and the jury failed to agree, 
 and he was discharged on April 26, 1881. He then traveled around the country with 
 Charley Cummisky, alias Cruise, and was picked up in several cities, but was never con- 
 victed. He was again arrested in Brooklyn, N. Y., on August 2, 1883, with Billy Flynn 
 (now in jail in Europe), and committed to the penitentiary for vagrancy. He was dis- 
 charged on a writ by the Supreme Court on September 11, 1883. Carson and Flynn 
 were seen in the vicinity of Raymond Street Jail on the night of July 31, 1883, when Big 
 Jim Burns, the Brooklyn Post-office robber, escaped. This celebrated criminal has 
 been concerned in several other large robberies, and has been arrested in almost every 
 city in the United States and Canada. He is now at liberty, but may be looked for at 
 any moment. Carson's picture is a very good one, taken in 1885. 
 
 WILLIAM VOSBURG, alias OLD BILL. 
 
 SNEAK AND STALL. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Fifty-seven years old in 1886. Born in United States. Can read and write. 
 
 Married. Stout build. Height, 5 feet 10 inches. Weight, 170 pounds. Hair, dark, 
 
 mixed with gray. Gray eyes. Light complexion. Generally has a smooth-shaven 
 
 face. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 VosBURG is one of the oldest and most expert bank sneaks and "stalls" in America, 
 and has spent the best portion of his life in State prisons. He was formerly one of Dan 
 Noble's gang, and was concerned with him in the Lord bond robbery in March, 1886, 
 and the larceny of a tin box containing a large amount of bonds from the office of the 
 Royal Insurance Company in Wall Street, New York, several years ago. Vosburgwas 
 arrested in New York City on April 2, 1877, fo"" the Gracie King robbery, at the corner 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 6 1 
 
 of William and Pine streets. He had just returned from serving five years in Sing Sing 
 prison. In this case he was discharged. On April 20, 1877, he was again arrested in 
 New York City, and sent to Boston, Mass., for the larceny of $8,000 in bonds from a 
 man in that city. He obtained a writ in New York, but was finally sent to Boston, 
 where they failed to convict him. On June 10, 1878, he was arrested in New York City, 
 charged with grand larceny. On this complaint he was tried, found guilty, and sen- 
 tenced to fifteen months in the penitentiary, by Recorder Hackett, on December 28, 
 1878. He did not serve his full time, for on May 3, 1879, ^e was again arrested in New 
 York City, with one John O'Brien, alias Dempsey, for an attempt at burglary at 406 
 Sixth Avenue. In this case he was admitted to bail in $1,000 by the District Attorney, 
 on May 17, 1879. The case never was tried, for on September 23, 1879, he was again 
 arrested, with Jimmy Brown, at Brewster's Station, New York, on the Harlem Railroad, 
 for burglary of the post-office and bank. For this he was tried, convicted, and sen- 
 tenced to four years in State prison at Sing Sing, on February ig, 1880, under the name 
 of William Pond, by Judge Wright, at Carmel, New York. Brown never was tried. 
 
 After his release he claimed to be playing cards for a living, when in fact he was 
 running around the country "stalling" for thieves. He was arrested in Washington, 
 D. C, on March 4, 1885, at President Cleveland's inauguration, for picking pockets. 
 Through the influence of some friends this case never went to trial. He then started 
 through the country with Johnny Jourdan (83), Philly Phearson (5), and Johnny Car- 
 roll, alias The Kid (192). On April i, 1885, the party tried to rob a man in a bank at 
 Rochester, N. Y., but failed. They followed him to a hotel, and while he was in the 
 water-closet handled him roughly and took a pocket-book from him, but not the book 
 with the money in it. Phearson and Carroll escaped, and Vosburg and Jourdan were 
 arrested, and sentenced to two years and six months each for assault in the second 
 degree, by Judge John S. Morgan, on June 15, 1885, at Rochester, N. Y. 
 
 Vosburg's picture is a good one, taken in March, 1885. 
 
 5 
 PHILLIP PHEARSON, alias PHILLY PEARSON, 
 
 alias Peck. 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty- four years old in 1886. Height, 5 feet 5^ inches. Weight, 135 pounds. 
 Hair mixed gray. Eyes, blue. Complexion, sallow. Ink marks: Eagle wreath, Amer- 
 ican flag, square and compass, an Odd Fellow's link, also "J. Peck," with face of woman 
 underneath the name, all the above on left fore-arm ; star and bracelet on left wrist ; 
 star between thumb and forefinger of left hand ; figure of woman on right fore-arm ; 
 above the elbow is a heart, with "J. P." in it; shield and bracelet with letters " W. D." 
 on same arm. 
 
62 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Phearson, or Peck (which is his right name), is one of the oldest and smartest 
 sneak thieves in this country. He has obtained a good deal of money in his time, for 
 which he has done considerable service in State prisons. He comes from a respectable 
 Quaker family of Philadelphia. 
 
 Phearson, Chas. Everhardt, alias Marsh Market Jake (38), and George Williams, 
 alias Woodward (194,) were arrested in Montreal, Canada, in 1876, for sneaking a 
 package containing $800 in money from a safe in that city. Williams gave bail and 
 jumped it, and Phearson and Everhardt stood trial, and were sentenced to three years 
 and six months in prison. On June 16, 1879, shortly after his release in Canada, he 
 was arrested in New York City for the larceny of a $1,000 4-per-cent bond from a clerk 
 of Kountze Brothers, bankers, in the general Post-office building. To this offense he 
 pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three years and six months in State prison, on 
 June 26, 1879, under the name of George W. Clark. Phearson was again arrested in 
 New York City in October, 1885, for the larceny of $85, on the till-tapping game. 
 He claimed to be a health officer, and while he had the proprietor of the store in the 
 yard, his accomplice carried away the drawer. For this offense he was tried, convicted, 
 and sentenced to five years in State prison by Judge Cowing on November 5, 1885, 
 under the name of Daniel Kennedy. 
 
 Phearson's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1885. 
 
 6 
 
 THOMAS LEARY, alias KID LEARY, 
 
 alias Briggs, alias Walter H. Kimball. 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty years old in 1886. Medium build. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Dark red hair. 
 
 Eyes, bluish gray. Complexion, light. Born in New Orleans. Weight, 120 pounds. 
 
 Married. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Kid" Leary, alias George R. Briggs, was arrested in New York City on October 
 24, 1877, in company of Langdon W. Moore, alias Charley Adams, charged with being 
 implicated in the robbery of the Cambridge National Bank of Cambridge, Mass., Sep- 
 tember 26, 1877, when bonds and securities amounting to $50,000 were stolen. He was 
 not returned to Massachusetts in this case, for lack of identification, but was held in 
 New York for the larceny of a trunk containing -gold and silver jewelry. The facts 
 were that on May 12, 1877, the firm of Ailing Brothers & Co., of Worcester, Mass., 
 shipped a trunk containing $9,000 worth of jewelry from Worcester to Hartford,' Conn., 
 to their agent, who discovered that the checks had been changed and the trunk stolen. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 63 
 
 It was traced from Hartford to a New York hotel, and from there to Baltimore, Md., 
 where it was found empty. Leary was identified as the party who received the trunk 
 at the hotel and shipped it to Baltimore. A portion of the contents was found in the 
 house where Leary was arrested, in New York City. His case was set down for trial 
 on November 8, 1877, but was adjourned until November 20, 1877, when he was con- 
 victed and sentenced to five years in State prison for the offense. See record of No. 26. 
 
 Leary was again arrested in Baltimore, Md., on Octobers, 1881, charged with rob- 
 bing the South Baltimore Permanent Mutual Loan and Savings Association. He was 
 found guilty and sentenced to five years in State prison on October 21, 1881, under the 
 name of Walter H. Kimball. Allowing him his full commutation time, he was dis- 
 charged on December 21, 1885. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken some eight years ago. He has filled out more now. 
 
 7 
 EDWARD DINKELMAN, alias EDDIE MILLER, 
 
 alias Hunter, alias Bowman. 
 
 PICKPOCKET, SHOPLIFTER, AND HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-one years old in 1886. Born in Germany. Height, 5 feet 4 inches. Stout 
 build. Dark hair, dark eyes, round face, dark complexion. Dresses well, and is very 
 quick in his movements. Weight, about 150 pounds. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Eddie Miller, the name by which he is best known, is a celebrated New York 
 shoplifter. He generally works with his wife, Anna B. Miller. He is also a clever 
 sneak, and occasionally turns his hand to hotel work. He was in prison in Chicago, 
 Syracuse, and Canada, and is known in all the principal cities of America. 
 
 Miller was arrested in New York City on March 23, 1880, for the larceny of three 
 gold chains, valued at $100, from a jewelry store at 25 Maiden Lane. For this offense 
 he pleaded guilty in the Court of General Sessions, New York, and was sentenced to 
 two years in State prison on April 16, 1880, under the name of William Hunter. After 
 his conviction and sentence he asked to be allowed to visit his home, on Sixth Avenue, 
 for the purpose of getting some clothes and giving his wife some instructions in relation 
 to his affairs. An officer of the court was sent with him, and while the officer was 
 speaking to Miller's wife, Miller sprang through an open doorway, cleared a flight of 
 stairs in a few jumps, reached the street, and escaped. He was afterwards arrested in 
 Chicago, 111., and returned to New York to serve his sentence. 
 
 Miller was arrested again in New York City for grand larceny, and sentenced to 
 ten years in State prison, on May 16, 1884, under the name of William Bowman. His 
 time will expire on September 16, 1890. Miller's picture is a very good one. 
 
64 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 8 
 
 WALTER SHERIDAN, alias RALSTON, 
 
 alias Keene. 
 
 BANK SNEAK, FORGER AND COUNTERFEITER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-five years old in 1886. Born in New Orleans, La. Married. No trade. 
 Height, 5 feet 73/^ inches. Weight, about 165 pounds. Light brown hair, dark eyes, 
 Roman nose, square chin. Generally wears blonde whiskers. He is a good-looking 
 man, and assumes a dignified appearance. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Walter Sheridan is an accomplished thief, a daring forger, bank sneak, hotel thief, 
 pennyweight-worker and counterfeiter. He is also one of the most notorious criminals 
 in America. Among his aliases are Stewart, John Holcom, Chas. Ralston, Walter 
 Stanton, Charles H. Keene, etc. When a boy, Sheridan drifted into crime and made 
 his appearance in Western Missouri as a horse thief. He finally became an accom- 
 plished general thief and confidence man, but made a specialty of sneaking banks. In 
 1858 he was arrested with Joe Moran, a noted Western sneak thief and burglar, for 
 robbing a bank in Chicago, 111., and was sentenced to five years in the Alton, 111., 
 penitentiary, which time he served. He was afterwards concerned in the robbery of 
 the First National Bank of Springfield, 111., with Charley Hicks and Philly Phearson 
 (5). Sheridan engaged the teller. Hicks staid outside, and Phearson crawled through 
 a window and obtained $35,000 from the bank vault. Hicks was arrested and 
 sentenced to eight years in Joliet prison. Philly Phearson escaped and went to 
 Europe. Sheridan was arrested in Toledo, O., shortly afterwards with $22,000 in 
 money on him. He was tried for this offense but acquitted. He next appeared in a 
 "sneak job" in Baltimore, Md., in June, 1870, where he and confederates secured 
 $50,000 in securities from the Maryland Fire Insurance Company. After this he 
 secured $37,000 in bonds from the Mechanics' Bank of Scranton, Pa. He was also 
 implicated and obtained his share of $20,000 stolen from the Savings and Loan Bank 
 of Cleveland, O., in 1870. He was arrested in this case, but secured his release by 
 the legal technicalities of the law. 
 
 Sheridan's most important work was in the hypothecation of $100,000 in forged 
 bonds of the Buffalo, New York and Erie Railroad Company to the New York Indem- 
 nity and Warehouse Company, in 1873, for which he obtained $84,000 in good hard 
 cash. It took months to effect this loan. He took desk room in a broker's office on 
 the lower part of Broadway, New York, representing himself as a returned Californian 
 of ample means. He speculated in grain, became a member of the Produce Exchange, 
 under the name of Charles Ralston, and secured advances on cargoes of grain. 
 He gained the confidence of the President of the Indemnity and Warehouse 
 
8 
 
 EDWARD DINKLEMAN, 
 
 ALIAS EDDIE MILLER— HUNTER — BOWMAN, 
 PICKPOCKET, 
 
 SHOP LIFTER, AND HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 WALTER SHERIDAN, 
 
 ALIAS RALSTON — KEENE, 
 
 BANK SNEAK, FORGER, AND 
 COUNTERFEITER. 
 
 WILLIAM COLEMAN, 
 
 ALIAS BILLY COLEMAN, 
 
 BURGLAR AND BANK SNEAK. 
 
 10 
 
 n 
 
 12 
 
 IKE VAIL, 
 
 ALIAS OLD IKE, 
 
 CONFIDENCE, 
 
 JOHN LARNEY, 
 
 ALIAS MOLLIE MATCHES, 
 
 BANK SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 EDWARD RICE, 
 
 ALIAS BIG RICE, 
 
 CONFIDENCE AND HOTEL SNEAK. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 65 
 
 Company, telling him that his mother in California had a large amount of rail- 
 road bonds which she wanted to obtain a loan upon, to buy real estate. Sheridan 
 gave him the bonds ($125,000), and received a certified check for $84,000, which 
 he cashed at once and divided with his accomplices, Andy Roberts, Valentine Gleason, 
 and Charles B. Orvis ; after which he and Martha Hargraves went to Europe, taking 
 with them 200 of the same $1,000 forged bonds to place in the European market. 
 
 They went to Switzerland, and put up at the house of a well known English ticket- 
 of-leave man. In their absence, one day, the daughter of this ex-convict stole the bonds 
 from Sheridan's trunk. When accused of the theft she said that she heard that the police 
 were coming to the house to search it, and had burned them, when in fact she had given 
 them to her father, who afterwards realized considerable money from them. Sheridan 
 and Martha returned to America, and Sheridan was shortly after arrested in Washing- 
 ton, D. C, for this forgery, brought to New York, tried, convicted, and sentenced to 
 five years in Sing Sing prison, for forgery in the third degree, on March 6, 1877. 
 Roberts and Gleason were also arrested in this case, and were confined in Ludlow Street 
 Jail, New York, for years. 
 
 Sheridan was an associate of Horace Hovan (25), Johnny Jourdan (83), Billy 
 Burke (162), George Carson (3), Tommy Mulligan, Joe McCloskey, Dave Cummings 
 (50), and other first-class men. 
 
 Sheridan was arrested again in Philadelphia, Pa., for a "pennyweight job" — a box 
 of diamonds — and sentenced to three years in the Eastern Penitentiary and fined $500, 
 on October 6, 1881. His time expired early in 1884. 
 
 He was arrested again in St. Louis, Mo., on November 19, 1884, under the name 
 of John Holcom, by the United States authorities, for having three counterfeit $500 
 bills in his possession, and sentenced to two years in State prison in the latter part of 
 November, 1884. 
 
 See record of George Wilkes, also. 
 
 Sheridan's picture is a good one, taken in 1876. 
 
 9 
 WILLIAM COLEMAN, alias BILLY. COLEMAN. 
 
 BURGLAR AND BANK SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. No trade. Slim 
 
 build. Height,-5 feet 11^ inches. Weight, 155 pounds. A fine, tall, smooth-faced 
 
 fellow. Brown hair, blue eyes, fair complexion; wears a No. 9 shoe. Has W. C. and 
 
 N. Y. in India ink on right arm, slight scar on the right side of face, mole in the centre 
 
 of his back. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Billy Coleman was born in New York, and is well known in all the principal cities 
 in America, especially in Chicago, where he has lived. 
 
66 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 He was arrested in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and sentenced to Sing Sing prison for 
 five years, on October 14, 1869, for burglary in the third degree. He escaped from 
 Sing Sing on a tugboat on August 17, 1871. After his escape he went South, and was 
 convicted and sentenced to three years in Pittsburgh, Pa., and served his time in the 
 Western Penitentiary. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City for attempting to pick pockets, and 
 sentenced to one year in the penitentiary in the Court of Special Sessions, New York, 
 on January 22, 1876, under the name of Thomas Moriarty. After his discharge he 
 went West, and the record shows that he was arrested in Chicago, III, and sentenced 
 to one year in Joliet prison on March 9, 1882. His time expired in January, 1883. 
 
 Coleman then started around the country with Rufe Minor (i) and Johnny Price, 
 sneaking banks. Coleman and Price were arrested in Augusta, Ga., on March 26, 1884, 
 for sneaking a package of money, $2,700, from a safe in that city. After abstracting 
 $150 from the package and dividing it, Coleman, Rufe Minor and Price parted for 
 a few days. Two days afterwards Price and Coleman were arrested, and shortly after- 
 wards tried and convicted ; they were sentenced to seven years in State prison each on 
 May 7, 1884. Rufe Minor came north and was arrested in New York City on June 
 28, 1884, and taken to Augusta, Ga., by a requisition. Coleman has been arrested 
 and convicted of several other robberies throughout the country, under aliases. This 
 fact makes it difficult to give data correctly. 
 
 He still owes time in Sing Sing prison, N. Y. 
 
 His picture is a good one. 
 
 10 
 ISAAC VAIL, alias OLD IKE 
 
 CONFIDENCE. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Fifty-one years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Slim build. 
 Height, 5 feet 11 inches. Weight, 178 pounds. Gray hair, brown eyes, light complex- 
 ion, gray whiskers. Generally wears a goatee. A tall, thin, gentlemanly-looking man. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Ike Vail is well known from Maine to California. Of late years he has confined 
 himself to the eastern cities, and the confidence man may be seen almost any mornino- 
 around railroad depots or steamboat landings in search of victims. He has done service 
 in several prisons, and his history would fill an ordinary sized book. I will simply o-ive 
 one or two of his later convictions, to assist in convicting him should he fall into the 
 meshes of the law again. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 67 
 
 Vail was arrested in New York City on February 20, 1880, for swindling one Levi 
 P. Thompson, a Justice of Peace of Evensville, Minn., out of $60, by the confidence 
 game. He pleaded guilty in this case, in the Court of General Sessions, New York 
 City, and was sentenced to eighteen months in State prison by Judge Cowing, on 
 February 26, 1880. 
 
 Vail was arrested several times afterwards in Boston, New York, and other cities, 
 and again in New York City on August 30, 1885, for attempting to ply his 
 vocation on the steamer Glasgow, lying at Pier 20, North River. For this 
 offense he was sentenced to six months in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, on a 
 complaint of vagrancy, as he had obtained no money from his victim. He was, how- 
 ever, discharged by Judge Van Brunt in the Supreme Court, on a writ on September 4, 
 1885. 
 
 Vail's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1880. 
 
 11 
 
 JOHN LARNEY, alias MOLLIE MATCHES. 
 
 PICKPOCKET, BANK BURGLAR, ETC. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-seven years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. No trade. 
 Stout build. Height, 5 feet 7^ inches. Weight, 160 pounds. Brown hair, hazel 
 eyes. Wears a No. 7 shoe, and generally wears a full dark beard. He has two upper 
 teeth out on right side ; also a small India-ink mark between thumb and forefinger of 
 left hand. Straight nose. Part of an anchor on one arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " MoLLiE Matches," or John Larney, which is his right name, although a talented 
 thief, was always an outspoken one. He makes his home in Cleveland, O.; wears fine 
 clothes, which is his weakness ; seldom indulges in liquor, never to excess ; he has an 
 aversion to tobacco. When he settled down in Cleveland, in 1875, he said he was 
 going to live honestly if the police would let him. For some reason or another he 
 failed to do so. The great fault with MoUie was the freedom with which he talked of 
 his affairs, to which failing he ultimately owed his downfall. The act that made 
 Larney notorious and gave him his alias was on the occasion of a large celebration in 
 New York City, when he was a boy. He disguised himself as a match girl, and, 
 basket in hand, mingled with the crowds in the streets. Being slight in form and 
 having delicate features, the boy had no difficulty in carrying out the deception. His 
 day's work, it is said, netted him over $2,000, and the nickname of " Mollie Matches." 
 During the war Mollie attained great eminence as a bounty jumper. He says that he 
 enlisted in ninety-three Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New York regiments. 
 Being of a frugal disposition, and having an eye to comfort in his old age, he invested 
 
68 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 in property in Toronto and Silver Creek, Canada, which he still holds under the name 
 of John Dolan. Later he bought real estate in Cleveland, O. Mollie Matches has 
 become pretty well known all over the United States. At the age of thirty-three years 
 he had served eleven years in various reformatories and penal institutions, and was still 
 indebted twelve years' time to others from which he had escaped. He still owes six 
 years to a Massachusetts State prison where he was sentenced to for seven years. He 
 staid there just nine months ; he had the freedom of the jail-yard on account of his 
 eyesight failing him ; he finally recovered his liberty and eyesight both. About seven 
 years after his escape he was again sent to the same prison, which was in Salem, and 
 served a sixteen months' sentence without being recognized. The adventures through 
 which this man passed are wonderful. He is believed to have realized by his tricks 
 about $150,000, a large portion of which he has paid out lately to lawyers. 
 
 Mollie was convicted at Galesburg, 111., for robbing the Farmers' and Mechanics' 
 Bank of that city, and was sentenced to ten years in State prison at Joliet, 111., on 
 July 1 7, 1882. At a trial in Cleveland, O., on January 14, 1885, the above bank obtained 
 a judgment of $12,000 against Mollie. An associate of his, Eddie Guerin, testified on 
 this trial as follows : " After I had concluded that the Galesburg Bank was an easy one 
 to work, I sent for 'Mollie Matches' and two others. They agreed with me. One of 
 them went to a neighboring town and hired a horse and wagon containing a large 
 dry goods box. We hitched the team near the bank about noon. ' Mollie' watched 
 the president and treasurer go out of the bank, and immediately entered it and went 
 to the cashier and proceeded to buy a New York draft, with small silver, making much 
 noise. Another man stood near by holding up a paper that screened the third man, 
 who sneaked in and took $9,600 off the desk alongside the cashier, while Mollie was 
 arguing with him about the draft. Mollie admitted to the cashier that he had made 
 a mistake as to the amount of money he had with him, and gathering up what he had, 
 said he would go for some more. Once outside, the ' look-out,' the sneak and Mollie 
 (the ' stall ') jumped into the wagon, and were driven by the fourth man to the railroad 
 depot, and all escaped. It was months afterwards that Mollie was arrested in Cin- 
 cinnati, O., on December 21, 1881, and taken back to Galesburg for trial. 
 
 His picture is a fair one, although a copy. 
 
 12 
 EDWARD RICE, alias BIG RICE. 
 
 CONFIDENCE AND HOTEL MAN. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-eight years old in 1886. Stout build. Height, 5 feet 10 inches. Weighty 
 about 180 pounds. A fine, large, well-built man. Very gentlemanly appearance. 
 Born in United States. Married. Brown hair, light brown beard, light complexion. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 69 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Big Rice, as he is familiarly called, is well known in all the principal cities in the 
 "United States. He is a very clever general thief, a good "stall," confidence man and 
 "pennyweight" and hotel worker. He has traveled from the Atlantic to the Pacific at 
 the expense of others, and has served at least twenty years in State prison during his 
 life, ten years of which was in one sentence. Rice, in 1870, was implicated in a bank 
 robbery in Halifax, N. S., with Horace Hovan and another man ; the latter two were 
 arrested, and Rice escaped and finally sent back the $20,000 stolen from the bank 
 vault, and Hovan and the other man were discharged. 
 
 Rice was arrested in New York City, on April 24, 1878, for complicity in the 
 robbery of the National Bank of Cambridgeport, Mass., which occurred in September, 
 1877. He gave the name of Albert C. Moore. He was discharged in New York City 
 on April 31, 1878, the Governor of Massachusetts refusing to grant a requisition for 
 him. He was immediately arrested by the Sheriff of New York on a civil process, the 
 bank having commenced a civil action against him for the recovery of the money stolen 
 from the bank, about $12,000. On May 8, 1878, Judge Pratt, of Brooklyn, N. Y., 
 vacated the order of arrest and removed the attachment off" his house on Thirteenth 
 Street, Brooklyn, N. Y., and he was discharged. He was at once arrested on a 
 requisition from Massachusetts, one having been obtained during his confinement on 
 the civil charge, and he was taken to Cambridgeport, Mass., for trial, which never came 
 off", on account of there not being sufficient evidence to convict him. Rice was also 
 charged with robbing the Lechmere National Bank of East Cambridge of $50,000, on 
 Saturday, March 16, 1878. When arrested he had in his possession a number of United 
 States bonds of $1,000, and a bogus check for $850. 
 
 Ed. Rice, Joe Dubuque, and a party named Frank Stewart were arrested in Roch- 
 ester, N. Y., on April 29, 1881, by officers from Detroit, Mich., charged with having 
 early in April, 1881, stolen $728 worth of diamonds and jewelry from a jewelry store in 
 that city. They were also charged with the larceny of $5,000 in money from the bank- 
 ing-house of Fisher, Preston & Co., of that city, in July, 1880. 
 
 Rice was taken back to Detroit on a requisition, when an additional charge was 
 made against him of complicity in the robbery of the First National Bank. He was 
 bailed out in September, 1 88 1, and forfeited it. He was re-arrested in Syracuse, N. Y., 
 in July, 1885, and taken back to Detroit, and in an effort to save himself from punish- 
 ment in this case, he accused one Joseph Harris, who was keeping a saloon in Chicago, 
 of it. Harris was arrested in Chicago, on July 29, 1885, and taken to Detroit for trial. 
 Rice was discharged after an examination by a magistrate on September i, 1885. He 
 was arrested again on a requisition from Ohio the same day, but discharged in a few 
 days on a writ of habeas corpus. 
 
 Rice was arrested again in Boston, Mass., on June 11, 1886, where he had just 
 arrived from Canada, and delivered to the Cincinnati police authorities, who wanted him 
 for a burglary committed in that city in the fall of 1883. Paddy Guerin, who was with 
 him in this burglary, was arrested and sentenced to four years in State prison. 
 
 Rice's picture is a very good one. 
 
JO PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 13 
 
 WILLIAM OGLE, alias BILLY OGLE, 
 alias Frank Somers. 
 
 BURGLAR AND FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-two years old in 1886. Born in New York. Medium build. Married. 
 Height, 5 feet 71^ inches. Weight, 148 pounds. Brown hair, brown eyes, fair com- 
 plexion. Wears sandy mustache and sometimes side whiskers. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Billy Ogle is a good general thief. He fell in with Charles Vanderpool, alias 
 Brockway, some years ago, and worked with him up to the Providence job in August, 
 1880. He does not confine himself to any particular kind of work. He is a handy 
 burglar, good sneak, and first-class second-story man. 
 
 Ogle was arrested in Chicago with Charles Vanderpool, alias Brockway, in 1879, 
 for forgery on the First National Bank of that city. Brockway was bailed in $10,000, 
 in consequence of some information he gave to the authorities, and the case never was 
 tried. Ogle was also finally discharged. He was arrested shortly after, in 1879, i^^ 
 Orange, N. J., for an attempt at burglary, and on a second trial he luckily escaped with 
 six months' imprisonment. Ogle was again arrested in New York City and convicted 
 for uttering a forged check for $2,490, drawn on the Phoenix Bank of New York, pur- 
 ported to be signed by Purss & Young, brokers, of Wall Street, New York City. He 
 was sentenced to five years in State prison by Judge Cowing, on June 14, 1880. His 
 counsel appealed the case, and Judge Donohue, of the Supreme Court, granted him a 
 new trial, and he was released on $2,500 bail in July, 1880. Andy Gilligan and Charles 
 Farren, alias the " Big Duke," were also arrested in connection with this forgery. While 
 out on bail in this case. Ogle was again arrested in Providence, R. I., on August 16, 
 1880, with Charles O. Brockway and Joe Cook, alias Havill, a Chicago sneak, in an 
 attempt to pass two checks, one on the Fourth National Bank for $1,327, and the other, 
 of $1,264, O"^ the old National Bank of that city. He was convicted for this offense, 
 and sentenced to three years in State prison on October 2, 1880, under the name of 
 Frank Somers. His time expired in August, 1883. He was arrested again in the 
 spring of 1884 for a "second-story job," with John Tracy, alias Big Tracy. They 
 robbed the residence of John W. Pangborn, on Belmont Avenue, Jersey City Heights, 
 of diamonds and jewelry valued at $1,500. He was convicted for this offense on June 
 26, 1884. His counsel obtained a new trial for him in July, 1884, upon which he was 
 tried and acquitted. Big Tracy was also discharged, and they both went West. In 
 the fall of 1885 Ogle was arrested in Tennessee, and sentenced to ten years in the 
 
13 
 
 14 
 
 15 
 
 WILLIAM OGLE. 
 
 ALIAS BILLY OGLE— FRANK SOMERS, 
 
 BURGLAR AND FORGER. 
 
 CHAS. 0. VANDERPOOL 
 
 ALIAS CHAS. O. BROCKWAY, 
 
 FORGER AND COUNTERFEITER. 
 
 JOSEPH COOK. 
 
 ALIAS GEO. HAVILL— HARRY THORN, 
 
 BANK BURGLAR, SNEAK AND FORGER. 
 
 16 
 
 17 
 
 18 
 
 FREDERICK ELLIOTT. 
 
 ALIAS JOE ELLIOTT— JOE REILLV, 
 FORGER. 
 
 LESTER BEACH. 
 FORGER. 
 
 CHARLES BECKER, 
 
 ALIAS CHARLIE BECKER, 
 FORGER. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 7 1 
 
 penitentiary for house work. He shortly afterwards made his escape from a gang 
 while working out on a railroad, and is now at large. 
 Ogle's picture is a good one, taken in 1880. 
 
 14 
 CHARLES O. VANDERPOOL, alias BROCKWAY. 
 
 FORGER AND COUNTERFEITER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Fifty-one years old in 1876. Born in United States. Married. Medium build. 
 Dark curly hair, blue eyes, sallow complexion. Height, 5 feet 9^ inches. Weight, 
 160 pounds. Black beard. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Charles O. Brockway, whose right name is Vanderpool, is one of the cleverest 
 forgers in America. He has no doubt been responsible for several forgeries that 
 have been committed in America during the past fifteen years. He at one time kept 
 a faro bank in partnership of Daniel Dyson, alias Dan Noble, who is now serving 
 twenty years in Europe for forgery. He subsequently branched out as a counterfeiter, 
 and served two terms in State prison for it. The last one, of five years, was done in 
 Auburn, New York, State prison. His time expired there in 1878. He afterwards 
 went West, and was arrested in Chicago, 111., with Billy Ogle, in June, 1879, fo'' forgery 
 on the First National Bank of that city. At the time of his arrest a full set of 
 forgers' implements was found in his room. He made a confession, and charged an 
 ex-government detective with having brought him to Chicago and picked out the 
 banks for him to work. This statement was corroborated by a subsequent confession 
 of Billy Ogle. The authorities indicted the ex-detective, and Brockway was admitted 
 to bail in $10,000. The case never went to trial for lack of other evidence to corrob- 
 orate Brockway and Ogle, who were both men of bad character. 
 
 Brockway came back to New York, where he was credited with doing considerable 
 work. The following banks are said to have been victimized through him : The 
 Second National Bank, the Chemical National Bank, the Bank of the Republic, the 
 Chatham National Bank, the Corn Exchange Bank, and the Phoenix National Bank. 
 
 He was finally arrested at Providence, R. I., on August 16, 1880, with Billy Ogle 
 (13) and Joe Cook, alias Havill (15), a Chicago sneak, in an attempt to pass a check 
 on the Fourth National Bank for $1,327, and another on the old National Bank for 
 $1,264. Brockway pleaded guilty to two indictments for forgery, and was sentenced to 
 eight years in State prison at Providence, R. I., on October 2, 1880. 
 
 His time will expire, allowing full commutation, on August 26, 1886. See com- 
 mutation laws of Rhode Island. 
 
 Brockway's picture is a good one, taken in 1880. 
 
72 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 15 
 
 JOSEPH COOK, alias GEO. HAVILL, 
 
 alias Harry Thorn. 
 
 FORGER AND SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-nine years old in 1886. Born in Canada. Slim build. Height, 5 feet 
 8 inches. Weight, 145 pounds. Light hair, blue eyes, light complexion. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Cook," or Havill, which is his right name, is a Chicago sneak thief. He came 
 East with Brockway in 1869. Brockway used him in a few transactions in New York, 
 and afterwards in Providence, R. I., where he was arrested with Brockway and Billy 
 Ogle on August 16, 1880, for attempting to pass two forged checks, one on the Fourth 
 National Bank and another on the old National Bank of that city. Havill was con- 
 victed under the name of Joseph Cook for this offense, and was sentenced to four years 
 in State prison at Providence, R. I., on October 2, i88o. His time expired March 
 14, 1884. 
 
 Havill was arrested near Elmira, N. Y., on February 14, 1885, in company with 
 John Love (68), Charles Lowery, Frank McCrann and Mike Blake, for robbing the 
 Osceola Bank of Pennsylvania, and sentenced to nine years and nine months in State 
 prison on April 9, 1885, under the name of Harry Thorn. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in 1880. 
 
 16 
 
 FREDERICK ELLIOTT, alias JOE ELLIOTT, 
 
 alias Joe Reilly. 
 
 FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-one years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married, No trade. 
 Slim build. Height, 5 feet 3 inches. Weight, about 115 pounds. Black hair, black 
 eyes, dark complexion. Generally wears a black mustache, sometimes a full black 
 beard, not very heavy growth. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Joe Elliott," or Joe Reilly, which is his right name, is well known from his 
 connection with Charley Becker, the notorious forger and counterfeiter. In 1873, 
 when Reilly was a boy, he was taken to Europe by Becker, who, in company with joe 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. Tl 
 
 Chapman and Ivan Siscovitch, alias Adams, a Russian, and others, flooded Turkey 
 with forged sight drafts. All of them were arrested and sentenced to three years and 
 six months each in prison at Smyrna, in Turkey. Becker, Elliott and the Russian 
 made their escape, went to Europe, and lived with Joe Chapman's wife in London. 
 One day Mrs. Chapman was found dead, and all her money and jewelry were missing. 
 The escaped forgers were suspected of the murder, and left for America shortly after. 
 Siscovitch opened a drinking saloon under Booth's Theatre, New York City, which 
 place was headquarters for all the noted forgers in America. 
 
 The following interesting account of Elliott, which was published, has been 
 corrected, and is here given : 
 
 " Little Joe " Elliott, forger and bank robber ! Who would ever imagine that such 
 an inoffensive-looking little man as he could ever be guilty of crime ? And yet " Little 
 Joe's" face is one of the best known in the Rogues' Gallery. He started in at shop- 
 lifting when he was only a boy ; advanced from a position of sneak thief to the rank of 
 bank robber, and finally was graduated as an expert forger. He has committed crimes 
 all over this continent and in half the countries of the other, and has seen the inside of 
 at least a score of prisons. 
 
 There is nothing wicked in the appearance of " Little Joe." He has proved him- 
 self a desperate man when actively engaged in professional work, but away from it he 
 was polite and gentlemanly. He dressed well, was quick-witted, a ready conver- 
 sationalist and withal quite a dashing young fellow. He kept company with many of 
 the most aristocratic young bloods about town and could set up as much champagne in 
 a night as any of them. He always had money. Very few knew him to be a thief, 
 most of them looking on him as a well-to-do sporting man. 
 
 This was " Little Joe " as he was when he first met Kate Castleton, the actress, 
 and won her affections. It was about ten years ago, and she was playing at the time 
 with the San Francisco Minstrels in this city. " Little Joe " was a regular patron of 
 the theatres, and in one of his nightly tours he heard Kate sing. She was then a fresh, 
 rosy-cheeked girl, a trifle younger than she is to-day, and the bad little man was 
 charmed with her. He was introduced to her by a young blood, courted her three 
 days, and then was married to her at the Little Church Around the Corner. It was 
 one night after her customary performance had taken place. She wore her stage 
 clothing, and every member of her company went with her. There were a number of 
 young men about town present also, and after the wedding there was a great dinner at 
 Delmonico's. The couple made a wedding tour, which lasted a month, and then 
 settled down in elegantly furnished quarters in Twenty-first Street. 
 
 Miss Castleton was aware of her husband's true character when she married him, 
 but he promised to give up his unlawful profession and lead an honest life, assuring her 
 that he had enough money to support them both for a while, and that when that had 
 gone he could earn more. He insisted on her leaving the stage and for a while they 
 lived happily. Then Kate went back to the stage once more against her husband's 
 will, and a cloud darkened the domestic horizon. It arose and increased in blackness 
 until " Little Joe " became tired of his quiet life and went back to his old tricks. In 
 the early part of April, 1877, he was arrested for forging a draft for $64,000 on the 
 
74 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 New York Life Insurance Company. While on the way to the Tombs, on June 9, 
 1877, he made his escape. He was re-arrested on February 21, 1878, and identified as 
 having been concerned in an $8,000 robbery from a Boston jeweler. He pleaded guilty 
 and was sentenced to four years in State prison, on November 13, 1878, for the $64,000 
 forgery. Becker turned State's evidence and secured immunity for himself. 
 
 Kate's affection for him was renewed with his trouble, and she visited him as often 
 as prison regulations would permit. Indeed, it is said that she won the hearts of his 
 keepers in the course of time, and was permitted to visit him more frequently. She 
 also tried in many ways to have him pardoned, and went so far as to pay the governor 
 a personal visit and intercede in his behalf. All her efforts, however, were futile, and 
 " Little Joe" was obliged to serve out his time, less a generous commutation for good 
 behavior. 
 
 After his release from prison, on November 12, 1881, the brilliant young swindler 
 made a second vow to reform and became his wife's manager. He became jealous, 
 however, because of her many admirers, and secured a divorce, only to re-marry her 
 again within a year. He was her manager for a time three years ago, while she was 
 starring in " Pop" at the Bijou. Jealousy made trouble for them once more and they 
 parted forever. The last straw which broke the back of their domestic happiness was a 
 young man of wealth and position who became infatuated with Kate. "Little Joe" 
 thought that his wife returned the young man's affection, and decided to end matters. 
 He found that his rival was in the habit of seeing Kate home when he failed to call 
 for her, and one night he " laid in wait for them." He met them, arm in arm, at the 
 junction of Broadway and Sixth Avenue, just as the crowds from the theatres were 
 going home. His rival was at least three sizes larger than he, but he hit him under 
 the ear which dropped him, after which " Little Joe" proceeded to walk on him. He 
 left him fearfully bruised and mangled, and quietly slipped away just in time to escape 
 the police. Thereafter he refused to recognize his wife and deserted her. Kate has 
 since married Harry Phillips, the manager of " Crazy Patch," in which she is now 
 playing. " Little Joe " had been abroad a short time previous to his first marriage to Miss 
 Castleton, and he was suspected of having a guilty knowledge of the murder of Mary 
 Chapman, in London, which occurred about ten years ago. Mary Chapman was the 
 wife of Joseph B. Chapman, the famous American forger and counterfeiter. " Little 
 Joe" had a short time previously been convicted of forgery in Constantinople, Turkey, 
 and was sentenced to imprisonment. (See record of No. 18.) Chapman and Carlo 
 Siscovitch, alias " The Dago," were sentenced with him. Mrs. Chapman learned of her hus- 
 band's imprisonment while she was in London, and went at once to Constantinople to see 
 what could be done. She visited the prison, and found that her husband was confined 
 in a dark cell for breach of discipline, and could not be seen. She had an interview, 
 however, with " Little Joe" and "The Dago," and furnished them with tools to break jail, 
 with the understanding that they should bring her husband out with them. The men 
 promised, and were supplied with saws and files which the woman took to them con- 
 cealed in her clothing. As a matter of precaution she started back to London before 
 they broke out. A few months later the two men made their escape, leaving Chapman 
 behind, and returned to London. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 75 
 
 Mrs. Chapman was very angry when she learned of their treachery, and threatened 
 to expose them to the police. A few weeks later her body was found in bed, having 
 died suddenly, and was not murdered, as has been heretofore reported. " Little Joe " 
 and Siscovitch shortly after sailed for America, arriving in July, 1876. 
 
 Joe Reilly, alias Elliott, Gus Raymond and George Wilkes were arrested in New 
 York City on March 16, 1886, for forgeries committed in Rochester, N. Y. Raymond 
 was discharged, and Elliott and Wilkes were delivered to the police authorities of 
 Rochester, N. Y., and taken there. The following is a newspaper account of their 
 transactions in that city : 
 
 Rochester, March 18, 1886. — Much interest is felt here over the arrest in New 
 York of Wilkes and Elliott, the forgers. They came to Rochester during the races last 
 August (1885). Wilkes remained a night at the new Osborne House, under the name 
 of Gordon. He is believed to have prepared the draft with three signatures, which was 
 very carefully drawn, and purporting to have been issued by the Bank of Montreal on 
 the Bank of the Republic at New York. Elliott, under the name of Edwards, worked 
 with a confederate who went under the name of James W. Conklin. These two rented 
 offices near each other, and each hired a clerk. Conklin opened an account at the 
 Commercial National Bank, and Elliott, alias Edwards, opened one at the Flour City 
 National Bank. Edwards deposited the draft, and on August 10, 1885, sent his clerk, 
 a young man named Blum, to get $2,500 on a check, which was paid. Conklin tried 
 the same tactics at the Commercial Bank, but his clerk was told to have him call, which 
 he failed to do. Two weeks later they turned up in Dayton, O., and tried to work the 
 same game, after changing names. President Hathaway, of the Flour City Bank, says 
 that Elliott can positively be identified as the man who left at that bank the forged 
 $2,500 draft. 
 
 Elliott was tried and convicted, on May 11, 1886, and was sentenced to fifteen 
 years in State prison, for forgery on the Flour City Bank of Rochester, N. Y., on 
 May 14, 1886, by Judge Morgan, County Judge of Monroe County, N. Y. 
 
 One David Lynch, alias George Edwards, was arrested in New York City on April 
 30, 1886, in connection with these forgeries. He was taken to Rochester, pleaded 
 guilty, and was used as a witness to convict Elliott. He was sentenced on the 
 same day with Elliott to five years in State prison, by Judge Morgan. 
 
 See records of Nos. 18, 26, and George Wilkes. 
 
 Elliott's picture is an excellent one, taken in April, 1877. 
 
 17 
 LESTER BEACH. 
 
 FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-nine years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Painter. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 9 inches. Weight, 166 pounds. Gray hair, brown eyes, light 
 
76 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 complexion. Heavy nose lines and wrinkles under the eyes. Hair thin on top of 
 head. Generally wears a brown and gray mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Lester Beach is a well known forger, having been arrested several times. He is 
 an associate of Charles R. Titus, alias Doctor Thompson (44), another professional 
 forger, who attempted to pass a forged check for $100,000, drawn on J. B. Colgate & 
 Co., brokers, of No. 47 Wall Street, New York City, in 1869. 
 
 Beach was arrested in New York City on November 26, 1878, in company of Titus, 
 charged with having obtained $70 from Morris Steinhart, of No. 67 Hudson Street, 
 New York City, on a bogus certified check on the Bank of New York. He stated 
 when arrested that he was furnished the check by a man named Browning, who was to 
 meet him and receive the proceeds. This man proved to be Dr. Titus. Additional 
 complaints were made against Beach by R. J. Clay, of No. 176 Broadway, and G. F. 
 Morse, of No. 174 South Fifth Avenue, New York City. Mr. Clay stated that Beach 
 obtained $30 from him on a certified check on the Newark City, N. J., National Bank, 
 which proved to be a forgery. Mr. Morse stated that he had given Beach $99 on a 
 certified check for $100 on the Merchants' Bank of Brooklyn, N. Y., which also proved 
 worthless. 
 
 Beach was tried and convicted of forgery in the Steinhart case, and sentenced to 
 three years and six months in State prison at Sing Sing, N. Y., on December 18, 1879, 
 by Judge Gildersleeve, in the Court of General Sessions, in New York City. 
 
 See record of No. 40. 
 
 Beach's picture is an excellent one, taken in November, 1876. 
 
 18 
 CHARLES BECKER, alias CHARLEY BECKER. 
 
 FORGER AND COUNTERFEITER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-eight years old in 1886. Born in Germany. Trade, engraver. Stout build. 
 Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Weight, 170 pounds. Iron-gray hair, hazel eyes, light com- 
 plexion. Generally wears a brown mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Charley Becker is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, but came to America when 
 a mere lad, and learned the engraver's trade. His expertness as an engraver led him 
 to associate with George Engles, George Wilkes, and other celebrated forgers and 
 counterfeiters, and he soon became their most valuable ally. He first came into noto- 
 riety through his connection with the robbery of the Third National Bank of Baltimore, 
 Md., in August, 1872. He fled to Europe with Joe Elliott, alias Little Joe, where they 
 met Joe Chapman, Ivan Siscovitch, a Russian, and others, and at once started in to 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 77 
 
 flood Turkey with forged sight drafts. All hands were arrested, convicted, and sen- 
 tenced to three years and six months each in prison at Smyrna, in Turkey. Becker, 
 Elliott, and Siscovitch made their escape, went to Europe, and lived a while with Joe 
 Chapman's wife in London. One day Mrs. Chapman, who knew their secrets, was found 
 dead. All her money and jewelry was missing. Siscovitch was suspected for the 
 murder, and left at once for America. Becker and Elliott also arrived in America in 
 July, 1876. Siscovitch opened a saloon under Booth's Theatre, New York, which was 
 the headquarters of nearly all the forgers in this country at that time. Becker, Joe Elliott, 
 alias Little Joe, and Clement Herring, Becker's father-in-law, were arrested in New York 
 City on April 10, 1877, for the $64,000 forgery on the Union Trust Company of New 
 York. Elliot was convicted on Becker's testimony, who turned State's evidence to save 
 himself. 
 
 Becker and George Engles were arrested again on January i, 1881, on suspicion of 
 being engaged in a scheme with George Wilkes and others, then under arrest in Florence, 
 Italy, to issue large quantities of forged mercantile paper in Europe. They were turned 
 over to the United States authorities upon an application of the Vice-Consul of Italy, and 
 were confined in Ludlow Street jail to await an application for their extradition, which 
 was not granted. They were both discharged by Commissioner Osborn in the United 
 States Court on January 5, 1881. 
 
 Becker and one Nathan Marks were arrested in Brooklyn, N. Y., on September 16, 
 1 88 1, charged with counterfeiting a 1,000-franc note of the Bank of France. They lay 
 in Raymond Street jail until October 3, 1881, when they were bailed by Justice Pratt, 
 of Brooklyn, in the sum of $20,000. Becker was finally convicted and sentenced to six 
 years and six months in the Kings County Penitentiary, December 14, 1881, for the 
 1,000-franc note forgery, by Judge Moore. 
 
 Becker, Elliott, and Chapman, after many professional exploits in America, 
 England, and on the Continent, either tired of Europe, or else, having worked the 
 European field to a perilous extent, sallied into Turkey. They did not counterfeit Turkish 
 money, because it isn't worth counterfeiting. Money that takes a hatful to pay for a 
 drink is too debased for imitative genius to trifle with. Instead, the trio posed as trav- 
 elers and victimized local banks with letters of credit, indorsed by somebody with a 
 solid financial standing, and made encouraging progress until brought up with a round 
 turn in Smyrna. Here they were locked up and convicted, getting three and a half 
 years apiece. 
 
 The following is a detailed account of Becker's escape from the Constantinople 
 concierge, in company of Joe Elliott and Siscovitch, obtained from Becker while 
 confined in Kings County, N. Y., Penitentiary, on March 19, 1886, by a reporter, in 
 presence of the warden : 
 
 Becker said, " The jail at Smyrna hadn't anything but mud walls, and we'd have 
 left it quick enough if we'd cared to. It was the country, not the jail, that held us. 
 We couldn't get out of the country. 
 
 " The authorities, lacking confidence in the jail, shipped us to Constantinople, where 
 we were put into a prison of the old-fashioned sort, with walls four feet in thickness, 
 solid cell doors and caststeel grate-bars an inch and a half square, and of this seclusion we 
 
78 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 soon tired. It chanced on the day we were convicted in Smyrna that Carlo Siscovitch was 
 gathered in at Constantinople for working the very same game. Funny, wasn't it, that 
 there should have been another American in the same line ? If he'd read the papers he'd 
 have known that the art had ceased to be popular in Turkey, but he didn't. The result 
 was that we fell into each other's company. When we got tired we began planning to 
 get out. And let me say here that the story about Chapman's wife coming to our aid 
 and we going off leaving her husband inside was all wrong, as well as the yarn that 
 Elliott had murdered her because she made him trouble later in London ; all wrong, the 
 whole." Here Mr. Becker paused to chuckle intensely, and proceeded : " It wasn't 
 Chapman's wife at all that came to our help, but it was the wife of Siscovitch. The 
 ' Dago ? ' well, I never heard him called that. They call all Italians and Portuguese 
 that, though, and he, in my opinion, was born in Trieste, or some Austro-Italian town. 
 I knew him then as Howard Adams, or Charles Adams, something of the sort with an 
 Adams in it, and as an American. His wife came and helped us out. It took a month, 
 almost, before we could fix things. Did we leave Chapman inside ? We did. There 
 was good reason for it. He gave us away three times, and as we wanted to get out we 
 didn't include him in the fourth attempt. The cell doors locked with top and bottom 
 bolts, and though each had its key, there was a general key that fitted all of them. A 
 key like that was useful, and it was by a mere accident that we got one. It happened 
 one day that the prison marshal— they don't have wardens there — came rushing in to 
 have a prisoner sign some papers, and rushed out again, leaving his key sticking in the 
 keyhole. It wasn't very long before we had an impression of it, and it was back in the 
 lock again." 
 
 Here Mr. Becker's emotions quite mastered him, and the innocent reporter's query 
 as to where he got his wax, added to his merriment until he was forced to extract a 
 handkerchief from the basement of his zebra trousers and mildly smother himself. 
 Then he explained kindly that wax wasn't at all necessary, for soap or bread or 
 anything soft that could hold together would answer just as well. Casually remarking 
 that the prison was stronger than the Flatbush article, Mr. Becker continued : 
 
 " After getting the shape of the key we had Mrs. Siscovitch bring us two blank 
 keys, some little files, Turkish caps and three lanterns. She smuggled them in. You 
 see you've got to carry a lantern if you're going to travel in Constantinople. The 
 streets are dark. Chapman, Elliott and I were in one cell. Siscovitch was in with 
 some sailors around the corner of the corridor. I was the last man to be shut up at 
 night. So when we were all ready, and had put enough rope where it was wanted, I 
 slipped around and unlocked the door of Siscovitch's apartment and then went back to 
 be locked up. About midnight when the guards were snoring, he gets out and in turn 
 unlocks our door. Chapman was asleep. Did we wake him ? Not much. He'd have 
 hollered murder if we had. We went out and steered at once for the store-room where 
 our clothes were piled away — put there you know when we went in. We broke open 
 the store-room, got our things, and then found our way into the yard and sized up the 
 prison wall. It was forty-two feet high, but fortunately there was a grating over the 
 arching of the gate and our rope was ready. We boosted little Elliott up on the arch 
 way, and as luck would have it he stepped on the wire of the prison bell leading into 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 79 
 
 the room where the keeper's head clerk slept, and set it to jingling in a way that froze 
 us stiff. The jig looked up if ever it did. We'd had lots of fun with that bell. The 
 wire ran under the cell window on its way, and we used to hitch a bent pin to a string 
 and fooled him many times by setting her to going." 
 
 Here Mr. Becker's emotions again brought salt water to his eyes, as his memory 
 bore him back to the clanging bell and the deceived and wrathful Ottoman officeholder. 
 When he overcame them he went on : 
 
 " It was lucky we had fooled him in that way so often. If the bell woke him up 
 he concluded it was another joke and went to sleep again. We waited fifteen minutes 
 for somebody to come and catch us, and then went at it again. The rope was weighted 
 with a piece of wood, and we threw it over the wall to catch it at the grating, and by 
 fastening it there were able to climb to the top. There was enough rope beside the 
 loop to reach to the ground, and down it we scrambled to run into more trouble. We 
 woke up right away about sixty Mohammedan dogs, who had been snoozing peacefully 
 in the shadow of the wall. I never heard curs bark louder ; but they brought no one. 
 Sliding down the rope Elliott dropped the matches and we couldn't light the lanterns. 
 All three of us got down on the ground and hunted. By-and-by we found one 
 brimstone splinter, and lighted up. The dogs stopped howling then. They do not 
 howl at people who are properly illuminated, and we traveled on to find the apartments 
 which Mrs. Siscovitch had engaged. While hunting around we heard the rapping of 
 watchmen's night sticks and dropped into an all night cafe filled with Greeks, where a 
 band was playing, had some coffee, and stayed until morning. Half-a-dozen of the 
 watch came in, but they did not know us. We were pretty well disguised and topped 
 off with fezzes. Finally we got settled with Mrs. Siscovitch, but one day she glanced 
 out of the window and saw the cavasse or interpreter from the American consulate, 
 and the porter who had brought her baggage to the place, staring straight at the 
 house ; then we knew they were after us, and didn't wait five minutes. We went out 
 and hired a cab, not knowing which way to go, but telling the man to take us toward 
 the English Cemetery. There we stopped at a cafe, and were sitting about our wine 
 wondering what had better next be done, when a man came up who had seen Siscovitch 
 tried. He knew us !" 
 
 Here Mr. Becker looked grateful, and professing not to know the obliging 
 gentleman's name continued : 
 
 " He took us to his home and took care of us for two months. I sent Elliott to 
 England after some money I had there, and when it came we went to London also. 
 We made our friend a good present and he saw us safe over the border." 
 
 The warden asked what inducement this man, presumably a Greek, had for his 
 extraordinary benevolence. Mr. Becker said he didn't know, but guessed he did it out 
 of natural sympathy. They promised him a good present, though, and gave it to him. 
 That was all. With a confidence in humanity shaken by five years of prison care, the 
 warden shook his head, but Becker only smiled and began to wind up his story : 
 
 " Mrs. Siscovitch was arrested and held a while, but got off and rejoined her 
 husband in London. I gave them funds to get to America and supposed they had 
 gone ; hoped so, for I did not like the fellow. Both Elliott and I went to board with 
 
8o PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Mrs. Chapman. I'd known her for years, and Elliott had left his things with her 
 before going into the Orient. Didn't she feel mad at our leaving her husband in the 
 crib ? Not at all. She knew what he was ; he'd no courage. His giving us away was 
 to earn commutation time. Now about the story of her murder : I hadn't been there 
 long before who should turn up but Siscovitch and his wife, seeking lodgings, with a 
 letter of introduction to Mrs. Chapman from an American friend. I left them. I 
 didn't trust him. Elliott had left before. He was somewhere in Germany and I in 
 Paris, two months afterward, when we heard she was killed, and both came right back 
 to London to testify if need be. When the jury found that she might have died of 
 heart disease, and that if poisoned there was no sign of it, we came back to America, 
 and I guess my story from that time on is pretty well known." 
 
 Again Mr. Becker chuckled softly to say : 
 
 " Do I think she was murdered ? I hardly know. Where was Siscovitch ? Well, 
 he left her house either the day before or ten minutes before she died. I shall always 
 think he took her jewels and perhaps more. She had plenty of money in the house 
 and some in the Post-office Bank. I know this, for I paid her eighty pounds, Elliott 
 as much more, and she had two other gentlemen boarders. She often offered to help 
 me out if I needed it. What makes me think he took her jewelry is that a friend of 
 mine met him a year or so later in the Bowery, New York, loaded down with rings and 
 pins. I doubt if she was murdered, though. She'd suffered from heart disease for 
 years, and if she was murdered, the doctors said at the inquest, she couldn't have lived 
 twenty-four hours longer, any way." 
 
 Since Becker's confinement in the Kings County (N. Y.) Penitentiary he has made 
 a bold but unsuccessful attempt to escape. 
 
 See records of No. i6 and George Wilkes. 
 
 Becker's picture is a good one, taken in 1877. 
 
 19 
 JOHN HOPE, alias WATSON. 
 
 MANHATTAN BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty years old in 1886. Born in United States. Single. Stout build. Height, 
 5 feet 9 inches. Weight, 160 pounds. Brown hair, blue eyes, round face, light 
 complexion. Scar about one inch long over left eyebrow. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Johnny Hope is the son of old Jimmy Hope (20), the celebrated bank burglar, 
 now in State prison at San Quintan, Cal, for burglary. He branched out as a 
 pickpocket, and was arrested for that offense in New York City in 1877. He is known 
 in several large cities in the United States, and is considered a clever burglar. 
 
19 
 
 20 
 
 21 
 
 i 
 
 ^>^\^'^\j Vm^^^^H 
 
 ^^ V '-^MBBBM 1 
 
 JM 
 
 JOH/]/ HOPE, 
 
 ALIAS WATSON, 
 
 MANHATTAN BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 JAMES HOPE, 
 
 ALIAS OLD MAN HOPE, 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 JOHN CLARE, 
 
 ALIAS GILMORE, 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 22 
 
 23 
 
 24 
 
 LANGDON W. MOORE, 
 
 ALIAS CHARLEY ADAMS, 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 DANIEL WATSON, 
 
 ALIAS DUTCH DAN-KANE, 
 
 BURGLAR AND TOOL MAKER. 
 
 GEORGE MASON, 
 
 ALIAS GORDON 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 8 1 
 
 Hope was arrested in New York City on February i8, 1879, fo'' ^^e robbery of the 
 Manhattan Savings Institution, corner Broadway and Bleecker Street, New York, which 
 occurred on October 27, 1878. He was placed on trial in the Court of General Sessions 
 on June 12, 1879. ^^ '^'^^ convicted, and sentenced to twenty years in State prison, 
 for robbery in the first degree, on July 18, 1879. His case was appealed up to the 
 highest court, and confirmed. He was taken from the Tombs prison in New York to 
 Sing Sing prison on February 3, 1881. The other parties implicated in this robbery 
 were Patrick Shevelin, the watchman of the bank; William Kelly, old Jimmy Hope, 
 Abe Coakley, Pete Emerson, alias Banjo Pete; John Nugent, and Eddie Gearing, alias 
 Eddie Goodie. The following is a complete list of securities, etc., taken from the bank. 
 
 "T^HE MANHATTAN SAVINGS INSTITUTION was, on the morning of Sunday, October 27, 1878, 
 -■■ robbed of securities to the amount of $2,747,700, of which $2,506,700 are registered in the name of the 
 Institution, and are not negotiable, and $168,000 are made payable to it, and $73,000 are in coupon bonds 
 and $11,000 in cash. 
 
 CHARLES F. ALVORD, Secretary. EDWARD SCHELL, President. 
 
 New York, October 27, 1878. 
 
 THE STOLEN SECURITIES. 
 
 The following is the statement prepared by the officials of their lost securities : 
 
 United States 5's of 1881, registered — 8 of $50,000 each, Nos. 165, 166, 643 to 646, 737 
 
 and 738 ; 10 of $10,000, Nos. 13,486 to 13,495, inclusive $500,000 
 
 United States 6's of 1881, registered — 20 of $10,000 each, Nos. 9,276 to 9,295, inclusive. . 200,000 
 United States 10-40 bonds, registered — 60 of $10,000 each, Nos. 8,744 to 8,763 and 18,903 
 
 to 18,942, inclusive 600,000 
 
 United States 4 per cents, registered — 30 of $10,000 each, Nos. 1,971 to 2,000, inclusive. . 300,000 
 United States 5-20's of July, 1865; 26 of $500 each, Nos. 82,006, 82,144, 82,145, 84,903, 
 85,046, 85,107, 86,080, 86,943, 87,475, 89,707, 89,728, 90,319, 90,419, 93,043, 93,170, 
 94,577, 97,928, 97,933, 99,57°, 99,876, 101,110, 102,792, 102,908, 103,421, 105,099, 
 106,636 ; 35 of $1,000 each, Nos. 152,410, 152,411, 153,986, i54,4io, 157,844, 161,662, 
 163,159, 165,120, 165,167, 166,794, 166,821, 169,044, 169,747, 171,959, 172,543, 
 172,544, 173,052, 173,784, 173,785, 175,642, 178,050, 184,791, 187,141, 194,439, 
 194,597, 194,742, 199,678, 201,292, 202,897, 207,085, 208,069, 208,746, 208,828, 
 
 209,419, 209,686 48,000 
 
 New York State sinking fund gold 6's, registered. No. 32 32,000 
 
 New York City Central Park fund stock, certificate No. 724, registered 22,700 
 
 New York County Court House stock, No. 2, six per cent, registered — 
 
 Certificate, No. 4 $10,000 
 
 Certificate, No. 23 35,°°° 
 
 Certificate, No. 24 5,°°° 
 
 Certificate, No. 32 10,000 
 
 Certificate, No. 33 47,000 
 
 Certificate, No. 39 95,°°° 
 
 202,000 
 
 New York City accumulated debt, seven per cent, bonds, registered — 
 
 Two of $100,000 each, Nos. i and 2, due 1886 $200,000 
 
 One of $50,000, due 1887, No. i 5°,ooo 
 
 250,000 
 
 New York City Improvement stock, seven per cent, registered ; ten certificates of $20,000 
 
 each, Nos. i to 10 inclusive 200,000 
 
 New York City Revenue Bond, registered 200,000 
 
82 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Yonkers City seven per cent, coupon bonds, ii8 of $i,ooo each, Nos. 233 to 242, 251 to 
 
 278, 281 to 310, 311 to 340, 531 to 550, all inclusive $118,000 
 
 Brooklyn City Water Loan coupon bonds, 25 of |i,ooo each, Nos. 2,167 to 2,191, inclusive. 25,000 
 
 East Chester Town coupon bonds, 50 of $1,000 each, Nos. 27 to 76, inclusive 5°;°°° 
 
 All of the above bonds and securities are registered in the name of the Manhattan Savings Institution, 
 payable to it, except the $48,000 five-twenty bonds of July, 1865, the $118,000 Yonkers bonds, $50,000 
 East Chester bonds, and the $25,000 Brooklyn City Water Loan coupon bonds. The bank officers notify 
 all persons not to purchase or negotiate the bonds or securities, or any of them, "as the same are the 
 property of the said The Manhattan Savings Institution." 
 
 If any of the above bonds are offered you will please notify the police of New York City. 
 
 This was no doubt the largest bank robbery that ever occurred in this country. 
 Fortunately nearly all of the bonds and securities were registered in the name of the 
 bank. The United States Government and the Legislature of the State of New York 
 came to their rescue, and ordered new bonds and securities to be issued, thereby 
 reducing the loss from nearly $3,000,000 to less than $20,000, the larger part of which 
 was in money. 
 
 Hope's picture is an excellent one, taken in February, 1878. 
 
 20 
 JAMES HOPE, alias OLD MAN HOPE. 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty years old in 1886. Born in Philadelphia. Married. Machinist. Short; 
 stout build. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Weight, 1 70 pounds. Round, full face ; light 
 complexion. Is inclined to be round-shouldered ; generally wears a full, reddish-brown 
 beard. Light brown hair, blue eyes. Has a long scar at right angle of mouth. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Old Hope is a daring and skillful bank burglar, and hails from Philadelphia, Pa. 
 He has been concerned in some of the most important bank robberies com- 
 mitted in this country for the past twenty-five years. He is renowned not only for 
 his successful burglaries, but for his success in escaping from jails and prisons. He 
 first came into prominent notice in 1870, in connection with the robbery of the 
 paymaster's safe in the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Although never arrested for this 
 job, it was pretty well known that himself, Ned Lyons (70), who was arrested and 
 jumped his bail, and two others were concerned in the robbery. His next exploit was 
 the robbery of " Smith's Bank," at Perry, Wyoming Co., N. Y. He was arrested and 
 sentenced to five years in State prison at Auburn, N. Y., for this robbery, on November 
 28, 1870, under the name of James J. Watson. He escaped from there with Big Jim 
 Brady, Dan Noble and Charles McCann, on January 3, 1873, leaving two years and six 
 months of unexpired time behind him. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 83 
 
 Hope and four other desperate burglars rented a house next door to the First 
 National Bank of Wilmington, Del., and on November 7, 1873, succeeded in capturing 
 the cashier of the bank and his whole family. The servant escaped, gave the alarm, 
 and the gang, consisting of Hope, Big Frank McCoy (89), Tom McCormack, Big 
 Jim Brady and George Bliss, were captured, tried, and sentenced to forty lashes and 
 ten years each in prison, on November 25, 1873. They all succeeded in making their 
 escape from jail in Delaware a short time afterwards. In February, 1878, Hope and 
 Abe Coakley were arrested for an attempt to rob the Deep River Bank, at Deep River, 
 Conn. ; both were sent to jail, and while there the murder of Cashier Barron, of the 
 Dexter Bank of Maine, occurred. The authorities tried to ascertain from Hope who 
 committed this double crime, as they were sure he knew. In this, however, they 
 failed. Hope was taken from Deep River to Dexter, and from there to Lime Rock, 
 Maine, and placed on trial for the Lime Rock Bank robbery, which took place in May, 
 1870. After a week's trial Hope was acquitted. Hope is said to have been engaged 
 in the Wellsboro, Pa., Bank robberies, which took place in September, 1874, and again in 
 1875. His most conspicuous and successful robbery was that of the Manhattan Savings 
 Institution, situated on the corner of Broadway and Bleecker Street, New York City, on 
 Sunday, October 27, 1878, where himself and confederates succeeded in carrying away 
 just $2,747,700, the larger part of which was in registered securities. The plans for the 
 robbery were laid nearly three years before it took place. It is said that Hope had 
 once before entered the bank vault and attacked the safes. His son, John Hope (19), 
 is now serving a twenty years' sentence in Sing Sing prison for this robbery. For a 
 list of the securities stolen, and the names of the other parties implicated in the 
 robbery, see record of No. 19. 
 
 Old Jimmy Hope went West, and was arrested in San Francisco, California, on 
 June 27, 1 88 1, for an attempt to rob the safe in the banking house of Sauther & Co. of 
 that city. The safe contained on that day about $600,000 in money and securities. 
 He was committed for trial in default of $10,000 bail by Judge Rix, tried, convicted, 
 and sentenced to seven years and six months in " San Quintan " prison, California, on 
 November i, 1881. Big Tom Biglow and Dave Cummings, alias Little Dave (50), 
 who was with Hope in this job, succeeded in making their escape. 
 
 Hope's time will expire in California on November 16, 1886, allowing him full 
 benefit of the commutation law. Upon his discharge he will be re-arrested and returned 
 to Auburn prison, to serve out his unexpired time. 
 
 Hope's picture is the only good one of him in existence, taken in June, 1881. 
 
 21 
 
 JOHN CLARE, alias GILMORE. 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Born in United States. Photographer by trade. 
 Single. Height, 5 feet 7^ inches. Weight, 150 pounds. Black hair, dark hazel eyes, 
 
84 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 dark complexion. Wears black side whiskers and mustache. Has a slight scar on left 
 
 arm near elbow. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Clare is a clever and desperate bank burglar, and was at one time an associate or 
 Ike Marsh's and his brother, and was with them in several bank robberies. He is 
 credited with being able to make a good set of tools. 
 
 He was arrested in Baltimore, Md., on November 4, 1865, charged with the murder 
 of Henry B. Grove on October 17, 1865. On January 29, 1866, his trial commenced in 
 Baltimore City, but was changed upon application of his counsel to Townstown, Balti- 
 more County, on January 30, 1866. His trial occupied from December 13 to 20, 1866, 
 when the jury rendered a verdict of murder in the first degree. A motion for a new 
 trial was denied, and on January 14, 1867, he was sentenced to be hanged. The Court 
 of Appeals granted him a new trial, and he was tried again on March 29, 1870, and 
 acquitted. 
 
 On June 27, 1874, an attempt was made to rob the safe of the New York County 
 Bank, corner Fourteenth Street and Eighth Avenue, New York City. Clare, under 
 the name of Gilmore, hired a basement next door to the bank, and had a steam 
 engine at work boring out the back of the safe, which they reached by removing the 
 brick walls of both houses. At the time of the raid by the police, William Morgan, 
 alias Bunker, James Simpson, and Charles Sanborn were arrested, convicted, and sent 
 to State prison. Clare, or Gilmore, made his escape, but was captured on March 27, 
 1876, twenty-one months afterward, in New York City, tried, convicted, and sentenced 
 to four years and six months in State prison by Judge Sutherland, in the Court of 
 General Sessions, New York City. 
 
 Clare's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1876. 
 
 22 
 LANGDON W. MOORE, alias CHARLEY ADAMS. 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-six years old in 1886. Born in New Hampshire. Light complexion. 
 Height. 5 feet 9 inches. Weight, 180 pounds. Stout build. Always dresses neatly. 
 Generally wears a full beard, which is now quite gray. He has a very good appearance, 
 and looks like a sharp business man, with the exception of his eyes, which have an 
 expression peculiarly their own. When off his guard he is quite nervous. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Langdon W. Moore, his right name, was born in the town of East Washington, 
 N. H., in 1830. His parents, very respectable people, were in moderate circum- 
 stances. His father was a farmer. From East Washington, N. H., the family 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 85 
 
 moved to Newburyport, Mass., and remained there until Langdon was twelve years 
 old, when the family moved to Lisbon, N. H. Langdon's mother died when he was 
 fifteen. The father and children then moved to East Boston, where Langdon, when 
 about twenty years of age, went to work in a currying establishment ; from there to a 
 boot and shoe store on Pearl Street. Along in 1854 Moore went into the grocery 
 business, in South Boston, for about three years; he then sold out this place and 
 opened another on Eutaw Street. His second venture was not a profitable one ; and 
 after paying all his creditors dollar for dollar, he gave up the grocery business and went 
 into the express business. He afterwards sold out the express business and opened a 
 liquor saloon on Broome Street, New York, where he remained for three years. He 
 moved from Broome Street to Mercer, near Canal, where he remained for two years 
 more. In 1857 he purchased a farm at Natick, Mass., of ninety-four acres, and 
 increased it later on to one hundred and seventy acres ; this place he sold in 1866. In 
 1 86 1 Moore bought an eating-house and saloon at No. 16 East Houston Street, New 
 York City, which he managed until 1863, when he bought a house corner Houston and 
 Crosby streets. He soon after left New York and went to the farm at Natick, Mass., 
 which he carried on until October 10, 1865 — which is a very interesting fact to note — 
 as the Concord National Bank was robbed on September 25, just fifteen days before 
 Moore left the farm. From Natick he went to Paulsboro, N. J., where he 
 remained six months, living as a man of means. He next appeared in Jersey City, 
 where in May, 1866, he bought a house corner of Grand and Warren streets. He then 
 began to speculate in horses, carriages, and about everything else that offered him a 
 chance to turn a dollar. He lived at Jersey City and Bayonne, N. J., until the fall of 
 1877, when he moved to Eighty-first Street, New York City. In 1866, while engaged 
 in speculating, he was married at Bayonne, N. J., to Mrs. Rebecca Cunningham, the 
 widow of Dad Cunningham and a daughter of old Bill Sturges, an old English sneak 
 thief and pickpocket. Moore's wife was familiarly known as Becky Moore. In June, 
 1877, Moore and his wife went to Toronto, Canada, where they remained until 
 September ; from there to Hamilton, Ont. ; then to Niagara Falls, where they remained 
 a month or two, and returned to New York in December, 1868. He bought out a 
 livery stable and saloon on 125th Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues, New 
 York City. This place he kept until May, 1870, the time of the robbery of the Lime 
 Rock National Bank of Rockland, Maine. This bank was entered on the night of 
 May 3, 1870. The parties engaged in this robbery were Charles B. Hight, Alden 
 Litchfield, ex-policeman Kieser, John Black, John Graves, Joshua Daniels, Jack Rand 
 and Langdon W. Moore. Kieser's part in the robbery was to get the policeman out 
 of the way and get the men out of town after the robbery. He induced the policeman, 
 whose suspicions had been aroused, to go to another part of the village, which gave 
 the burglars a clear coast. The safe was blown and they secured about $23,000. 
 Kieser took the men out of town with his team and concealed them in the woods, 
 where he was to call for them on the following night. In the meantime he was under 
 suspicion, and finally weakened and took the authorities to their hiding-place, where all 
 hands were arrested (except Jack Rand, who escaped and went to Canada). Kieser, 
 Black and Graves took the stand for the government, and Daniels and Hight managed 
 
86 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 to get the burden of responsibility thrown upon Moore. Moore and Hight 
 subsequently pleaded guilty and took their sentences, Litchfield stood a trial, was 
 convicted, and sentenced to four years. Daniels died in jail of consumption, not, as 
 has been reported, from injuries received from the explosion of the bank safe. He 
 was an outside man and was not in the bank at all, and the story that he was frightfully 
 injured by the explosion is untrue. Moore was sentenced to the State prison at 
 Thomaston, Maine, for six years in this case, but was pardoned for good behavior 
 before he had served his full time. Becky Moore, his wife, managed his place in 125th 
 Street, New York, until the lease expired in 1873, when she went to the corner of 
 Eighth Avenue and Forty-sixth Street, and kept a place called the " Woodbine " until 
 Moore's release from prison in 1876. Upon his discharge he went to the "Woodbine," 
 and remained there until April, 1877, when he sold out and removed to Twelfth 
 Street, where he kept a saloon until September, 1877, when he moved to No. 123 East 
 Twenty-ninth Street. 
 
 Moore was arrested again in New York City on October 24, 1877, with Kid Leary, 
 charged with being concerned in the Cambridgeport, Mass., Bank robbery in September, 
 1877. He was discharged in this case, as he could not be identified as one of the men 
 in the robbery. The police of New York as well as Boston were at that time looking for 
 the men that had robbed Mr. Garry of the latter city of $8,000 in United States bonds. 
 This was one of the coolest transactions ever perpetrated in any city. Two men 
 walked into the store of Mr. Garry, who was absent, and while one of them engaged 
 the young lady attendant in conversation, the other one quietly removed the bonds 
 from Mr. Garry's overcoat pocket almost under her eyes. Moore was arrested on 
 October 25, 1877, i^^ New York City, and held until the young lady came on and 
 identified him, and he was taken to Boston, tried and acquitted, on November 24, 1877. 
 Moore returned at once to New York, but was unable to find his wife and children, whom 
 he ascertained had been living with a man named Thompson, who was a witness 
 for old Jimmy Hope in the Dexter Bank robbery. After searching in vain for them 
 some time he learned that they frequented a saloon corner of Eighth Street and Sixth 
 Avenue. Moore went there, laid in wait until half-past twelve o'clock at night, when 
 he saw Thompson and Becky enter. Moore walked in, and Thompson attempted to 
 draw a revolver, but was prevented from using it. Moore could not be pacified, and 
 attacked Thompson with a knife, slashing his cheek and leaving an ugly scar. Moore 
 was arrested in this case and held in $2,000 bail. The Grand Jury failed to indict him, 
 and he was discharged in April, 1878. Moore's wife returned to him, and he went to 
 Chicago, III, where he remained until December, 1878, when he returned to New York 
 and went to live at No. 105 East Twenty-sixth Street, where he was arrested for the 
 robbery of the Charlestown, Mass., Post-office in March, 1880. 
 
 In the spring of 1865 Moore gave his attention to the Concord National Bank and 
 the Middlesex Institution for Savings, both of which were located in the same building, 
 in Concord, Mass. After considerable labor and visits to Concord, he succeeded in 
 getting a key fitted to a heavy outside door. Moore had for an assistant Harry Howard, 
 better known as " English Harry," a notorious cracksman, well known in London and 
 New York. Harry soon obtained all the knowledge he required of the people in and 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 87 
 
 around the bank, and on one occasion Moore and Harry went into the bank while the 
 cashier was at dinner. They found that the cashier kept the combination of the safe 
 marked in lead-pencil on the side of the safe. The next day was set to commit the 
 robbery. Taking a fast horse, they drove from Framingham to Concord, shortly before 
 noon. Moore went to a store almost opposite the bank and bought four pounds of nails, 
 and then visited a saloon close by. It seems that he had his attention all the while 
 directed to the bank, for as soon as the cashier closed the door of the bank to go to dinner 
 he gave Harry the prearranged signal. Harry, with the aid of the duplicate key, soon 
 had the door open, but while proceeding to enter was accosted by a little girl, who wanted 
 to see the cashier. Harry told her the cashier had gone to dinner and would not be 
 back until two o'clock, and then went coolly up stairs, shutting the door behind him. He 
 soon opened the safe with the aid of the combination left behind by the cashier, and 
 then ransacked the vault, which he locked when he got through. The property stolen 
 consisted of $40,000 registered government bonds, $10,000 in Marlboro, Mass., registered 
 bonds, $180,000 United States coupon bonds, and other securities — in all, amounting to 
 $306,000. Harry placed his plunder in an old bag, and then coolly left the bank, locking 
 the door after him. He was shortly after picked up by Moore in the wagon, and the 
 pair started at breakneck pace for Framingham. Harry went to England and Moore to 
 Canada. Moore was afterwards arrested at his home in Paulsboro, N. J. The officers 
 started away with him. On the road Moore asked them on what conditions the bank 
 would compromise the matter. He was told that he must give up all the proceeds of 
 the robbery in his possession and disclose the hiding-place of " English Harry," who was 
 known to have received $100,000 in money which had been realized from some of the bonds 
 sold. As a result Moore went back with the detectives to his place at Paulsboro, and, 
 going to his stable, ripped up the floor of one of the horse stalls, and handed over a glass 
 jar covered with pitch and rubber, which was found to contain $79,000 in government 
 bonds. He then proceeded down the bank of the Delaware River, and with a spade 
 unearthed a square tin box which had been soldered tightly, in which was found $100,000 
 more in bonds. Other sums were afterwards surrendered by him which made the total 
 amount returned $202,331. The day this property was surrendered by Moore it was the 
 intention of a woman named Hattie Adams, whom Moore was then living with, to have 
 taken it and fled. Moore then tried to place "English Harry" in the hands of the 
 authorities, and for that purpose had a "personal" placed in a New York paper. Harry 
 never noticed it, although it was the method agreed upon to bring them together. Moore 
 soon after broke up house on the Delaware. Hattie went to live with a man in Brooklyn, 
 and soon after died, having been drowned in a hack, the horses of which had run away 
 and jumped into the East River. It was after this that he (Moore) married Dad 
 Cunningham's widow, who was afterwards known as Becky Moore. 
 
 Moore, Ike Marsh, Charley Bullard, and another well known man, who has since 
 reformed, were charged with robbing the messenger of the American Union Express 
 Company on the Hudson River Railroad. They were all arrested in Canada, but finally 
 discharged. 
 
 The Cambridgeport Bank robbery was laid to Moore, but there never was evidence 
 enough against him to warrant his arrest. He was assisted in this robbery by Johnny 
 
88 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 O'Brien, alias the " Kid," and a third party. The third party went into the bank and 
 drew the cashier's attention away from the safe, when the " Kid " sneaked in and robbed 
 it. It is also claimed that Moore was the prime mover in the Lechmere Bank robbery, 
 in Cambridge, Mass., in March, 1878. It is a curious fact in: connection with this 
 robbery that two gangs — one from Chicago, and the other from New York — were 
 each awaiting an opportunity to commit this robbery, unknown to the other. The 
 New Yorkers succeeded, but the Chicago parties were so close on them that they all 
 stood in on the division of the spoils. Louise Jourdan, alias Little Louise, who was 
 married to Tom Biglow at the time, was a leading spirit in this burglary. All the 
 plunder, with the exception of about $12,000, was recovered and returned to the bank. 
 Shortly before Moore's arrest for the Charlestown Post-office robbery it appears that he 
 had formed a plan to rob the bank at Quincy, Mass. Both he and his partner, George 
 Mason, alias Gardner, visited that institution, and got a look at the safe. Moore had 
 received information that there was only one night-watchman in the town, and that 
 he was employed in a factory some distance from the bank ; and furthermore, that 
 there were no telegraph wires attached to the bank to give an alarm. The bank was 
 pronounced a "soft job" by Moore, whose plans were frustrated by the arrest of 
 Mason for the Charlestown (Mass.) Post-office robbery. Mason, after spending some 
 time in jail, and finding that Moore, who had escaped, had done nothing for his family 
 nor anything in the way of providing a lawyer for him, informed upon him, and he was 
 arrested in New York City and charged with breaking and entering the Warren Insti- 
 tution for Savinors — a bank in the Bunker Hill district of Boston, Mass., on December 
 4, 1879. He was convicted in the Superior Criminal Court, before Judge Bacon, on 
 March 18, 1880, and sentenced to ten years in State prison, for breaking and entering. 
 On March 30 he was tried again, on another indictment, for having burglars' tools in 
 his possession, and sentenced to six years — making sixteen years in all. He is now in 
 Concord (Mass.) State prison. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in 1880. 
 
 23 
 DANIEL WATSON, alias DUTCH DAN. 
 
 BURGLAR, TOOL MAKER, AND KEY FITTER. 
 
 .DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-one years old in 1886. Stout build. Height, 5 feet 9 inches. Weight, 186 
 pounds. Machinist by trade. Single. Born in Germany or Prussia. Quite 
 wrinkled forehead, dark hair, blue eyes, light complexion. Generally wears a goatee 
 and mustache tinged with gray. Heavy lines on each side of nose to corner of mouth 
 (nose lines). A cross-looking man. Has a sort of a suspicious look about him when 
 he meets a stranger. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 89 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Dutch Dan," the name he is best known by, is considered one of the best key 
 fitters in America. He is also an excellent toolmaker, and his many exploits would fill 
 an ordinary sized book. 
 
 Dan was arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., on April 11, 1881, in company of George 
 Hall, alias Porter, a burglar and confidence man, Charles Lilly, alias Redman, and Bill 
 Morris, alias Gilmore, burglars, charged with a silk burglary. Wax was found on Dan, 
 with a key impression on it. Watson and Hall were each sentenced to two years in the 
 Eastern Penitentiary on a charge of conspiracy on July 8, 1881 ; Lilly and Morris to 
 one year. Watson makes a specialty of entering buildings and obtaining impressions 
 of keys (which are sometimes hung up in a convenient place by the janitor or occupant 
 of the premises). In this manner he collects a large number of impressions from which 
 he makes duplicate keys. He then selects a number of expert burglars and fur- 
 nishes them with a set of keys and a diagram of the place to be robbed. If the 
 burglars are successful, he receives about twenty per cent, of the robbery for his 
 share. He is known to have had as many as six parties of men to work at one time. 
 
 Dan has spent fifteen years of his eventful life in Sing Sing, N. Y., Cherry Hill, 
 Philadelphia, and other Pennsylvania prisons. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in 1878. 
 
 24 
 
 GEORGE MASON, alias GORDON, 
 
 alias Gardiner. 
 
 BANK BU RGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Slim build. Height, 6 feet. Weight, 155 pounds. 
 Born in Boston, Mass. Married. Black curly hair mixed with gray, dark blue eyes, 
 sallow complexion. Wears a full black beard. Has a long scar on his left cheek, which 
 is well covered by his beard. Has an anchor in India ink on his right fore-arm, and a 
 heart on his left arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Mason, or George B. Gordon (his right name), was arrested on December 4, 1879, 
 in an attempt to rob the Warren Institution for Savings and the Charlestown, Mass., 
 Post-office. The robbery was planned by Langdon W. Moore, alias Charley 
 Adams, Mason, who gave the name of Gardiner when arrested, and a New York 
 burglar named John Love, alias Wells, and took place on the above date. The 
 police became suspicious, and began an investigation. Love, the outside man, took 
 fright and ran away, followed by Moore, who was in the building, but somehow or 
 
90 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 other managed to get out. Mason, who was also in the building, did not hear Moore 
 when he left, and consequently was captured by the police. He was locked up, and 
 while in jail made disclosures which led to the arrest of Moore in New York City. 
 At the trial of Moore, Mason took the stand for the government and testified that this 
 robbery was committed upon information obtained privately by Moore, who also had an 
 eye on several other places in that city and vicinity. Mason, when arrested, gave 
 the name of George B. Gardiner, but on the stand said his right name was 
 Gordon. He has borne the names of Mason, Gardiner, Bennett, Graham, and 
 about twenty others. He admitted that he was arrested in 1874 at Wellsboro, 
 Pa., for a bank robbery there, and that he had been convicted for assault, burglary, 
 and larceny. Mason is now, 1886, about forty-five years of age. He was born in 
 the east end of Boston, and left there when young and went to New York, where 
 shortly afterwards he was left an orphan. He began his checkered career in a small 
 way, but soon adopted bank burglary, and in this line he has certainly figured to a 
 considerable extent for the past twenty years. Before he was twenty years old he 
 was convicted of robbing a bank in New York, and for this offense he served four 
 years in Sing Sing prison. After the expiration of his term there in 1863, he was 
 concerned in the robbery of the First National Bank of Wilmington, Del., where himself 
 and partners, Jim Williamson and old Jimmy Hope, got $63,000. In 1865, Gordon, 
 Ned Lyons, Jimmy Hope, and another man, one of the most dangerous combinations 
 of cracksmen that was ever made in this country, broke into and robbed a savings bank 
 in Baltimore, Md., of $25,000, and succeeded in eluding arrest. In i860, Gordon, 
 Johnny Hughes, another man, and Ned Lyons broke into the Oldtown National Bank 
 at Oldtown, Maine, and blew the vault open. The noise of the explosion, however, 
 very fortunately alarmed the people of the town, and the burglars were forced to flee for 
 their lives, and succeeded in reaching Bangor in safety. Just before this attempt the 
 same party made an unsuccessful attempt to blow open the vault of a bank at 
 Framingham Centre, Mass., but as at Oldtown, the explosion alarmed the town and 
 they had to run for their lives. In 1869 Gordon, Hope, Lyons, Big Haggerty (now 
 dead), and another man attempted to rob the National Bank at Rochester, N. H. 
 They loaded the safe with a heavy charge of gunpowder and touched off the fuse. The 
 force of the explosion was so great that the safe door was blown entirely off, and the 
 building was so badly shaken that it partly fell down. The burglars had overdone their 
 work, and the townspeople, hearing the report in the dead of the night, ran out to 
 ascertain the cause ; their footsteps alarmed the burglars, who again had to make them- 
 selves scarce. They soon after tried their luck again on the Townsend National Bank 
 of Massachusetts, but the result was a failure, and they only succeeded in o-iving 
 the town a scare and the newspapers a sensation. Gordon, Lyons, Hope, and Johnny 
 Hughes then tried their skill on the vault of the Fairhaven National Bank of 
 Massachusetts. Hope and Hughes were arrested and convicted, but Lyons and Gordon 
 escaped, and with Mose Vogle, alias "Jew Mose," who has just (1886) finished serving 
 a term of thirteen years for a bank robbery in New Jersey, and another man, made an 
 attempt upon the vault of the Great Barrington Bank, and blew the vault down. The 
 explosion alarmed the people ; they gave chase to the burglars, who made good their 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 9 1 
 
 escape. They were more successful, however, a little later, when they succeeded in 
 abstracting $200,000 from the safe of the Milford National Bank, at Milford, N. H. 
 This was a masked burglary, and was well planned and carried out. Somewhat 
 encouraged by the result of the Milford Bank, they next tried their hand on the Quincy 
 National Bank of Quincy, 111., in 1874. A room over this bank was quietly hired by 
 them, the flooring timbers were torn up, and they worked down into the vault by cutting 
 through the top. Then they let Gordon down by a rope, and he reported that none of 
 the securities could be reached until the safe was blown. He loaded the safe with 
 gunpowder, using an air-pump. He then touched the fuse with a lighted match, and 
 gave his partners the signal to draw him up. They did so, and when he was about 
 half-way between the floor and the ceiling the charge was prematurely ignited. Gordon 
 was pulled out nearly suffocated, and as black as a coal ; the party, however, got the 
 safe open, and carried off about $200,000. Gordon, with another party, was concerned 
 in the robbery of $160,000 from the Planters' Bank in Virginia, and it is well known 
 that he was the prime mover in the Covington (Ky.) bank robbery. This bank had a 
 large burglar and fire proof safe of the Hall pattern, which was loaded with four pounds 
 of powder ; the explosion which followed was heard all over the city, and the vault was 
 nothing but a mass of debris when the people reached the bank soon after. The back 
 of the safe was forced out, and the money and securities were untouched, as the 
 burglars were compelled to fly, leaving their anticipated booty, which they had no 
 time to move. After this robbery Gordon was in prison several times. He was 
 also concerned with old Jimmy Hope in the first but unsuccessful attempt on the 
 Manhattan Bank in New York ; and after his failure at Great Barrington, Vt., he 
 returned there and robbed a jewelry store of goods valued at $9,000, to make expenses. 
 He was also imphcated in the Wellsboro, Pa., Bank robbery in September, 1874, when 
 $90,000 was stolen. 
 
 He was arrested on December 4, 1880, at Charlestown, Mass., as previously 
 stated, turned State's evidence against Langdon W. Moore (22), who was sentenced to 
 sixteen years, and Gordon to three years, on March 30, 1880, for assault and battery. 
 The charge of burglary not being pressed, he was discharged from prison on November 
 18, 1882. 
 
 According to his own testimony he has been a thief and burglar for twenty-five 
 
 years. 
 
 Mason was arrested again in Philadelphia, with John Williams, on March i, 1883, 
 charged with having burglars' tools in their possession. They were convicted on March 
 15, 1883. They applied for a new trial, which was granted, and they were arraigned 
 for trial again on October 30, 1883. By advice of counsel they pleaded guilty, and 
 were sentenced to seven months in the penitentiary, to date from their former conviction 
 (March 15, 1883), which made the State of Pennsylvania indebted to them fifteen days. 
 
 Mason was arrested again in Hoboken, N. J., on September 2, 1885, for 
 breaking and entering a house in Hudson County, N. J., and was sentenced to 
 five years in Trenton prison on September 11, 1885, under the name of George Smith. 
 
 Mason's picture is not a very good one, as it was taken under difficulties in 
 December, 1880. 
 
92 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 26 
 HORACE HOVAN, alias LITTLE HORACE. 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-seven years old in 1886. Medium build. Born in Richmond, Va. Very 
 genteel appearance. Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, 150 pounds. Dresses well. 
 Married to Charlotte Dougherty. Fair complexion. A fine, elegant-looking man. 
 Generally wears a full brown beard. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Horace Hovan, alias Little Horace, has associated with all the best bank sneaks 
 in the country. In 1870 Horace, in company of a man that has reformed and is living 
 honestly, and Big Ed. Rice (12), stole $20,000 from a vault in a Halifax (N. S.) bank. 
 Hovan and this party were arrested, but Rice escaped with the money. The prisoners 
 were afterwards released, as the money was returned to the bank. 
 
 Horace was convicted under the name of W. W. Fisher, alias Morgan, for a bank 
 sneak job in Pittsburg, Pa., and sentenced to two years and eleven months in the 
 Western Penitentiary, at Alleghany City, on November 22, 1878. 
 
 He was arrested on March 23, 1878, at Petersburgh, Va., with Rufe Minor, George 
 Carson, and Charlotte Dougherty (Hovan's wife). See remarks of picture No. i. 
 
 Arrested again March 31, 1879, at Charleston, S. C, for the larceny of $20,000 in 
 bonds from a safe in the First National Bank in that city. He dropped them on the 
 floor of the bank when detected and feigned sickness, and was sent to the hospital, 
 from which place he made his escape. 
 
 Arrested again October 16, 1880, in New York City, for the Middletown (Conn.) 
 Bank robbery. See records of pictures Nos. i and 3. In this case he was discharged, 
 as the property stolen was returned. 
 
 Arrested again in June, 1881, at Philadelphia, Pa., with Frank Buck, alias Bucky 
 Taylor (27), for the larceny of $10,950 in securities from a broker's safe in that city. He 
 was convicted of burglary, and sentenced to three years in the Eastern Penitentiary, at 
 Philadelphia, Pa., on July 2, 1881, his time to date back to June 6, 1881. He was 
 pardoned out October 30, 1883, on condition that he would go to Washington, D. C, 
 and testify against some officials who were on trial. He agreed to do so if the 
 Washington authorities would have the case against him in Charleston, S. C, settled, 
 which they did. He then gave his testimony, which was not credited by the jury. He 
 remained in jail in Washington until May 10, 1884, when he was discharged. 
 
 Hovan and Buck Taylor were arrested again on June 18, 1884, in Boston, Mass., 
 their pictures taken, and then escorted to a train and shipped out of town. 
 
 Hovan is a very clever and tricky sneak thief. One of his tricks was to prove an 
 alibi when arrested. He has a brother, Robert Hovan (see picture No. 179), 
 now (1886) serving a five years' sentence in Sing Sing prison, who is a good counterpart. 
 The voices and the manners of the two men are so nearly alike, that when they are 
 
25 
 
 26 
 
 27 
 
 HORACE HOVAN, 
 
 ALIAS LITTLE HORACE, 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 AUGUSTUS RAYMOND, 
 
 ALIAS GUS. RAYMOND, 
 
 SNEAK AND FORGER. 
 
 FRANK BUCK, 
 
 ALIAS BUCKY TAYLOR, 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 28 
 
 29 
 
 30 
 
 JOHN TRACY, 
 
 ALIAS BIG TRACY— REILLY, 
 
 PICKPOCKET, 
 BURGLAR, AND SECOND STORY MAN. 
 
 CHARLES WILSON, 
 
 ALIAS LITTLE PAUL, 
 
 SNEAK AND SHOP LIFTER. 
 
 DAI//D GOLDSTEIN, 
 
 ALIAS SHEENY DAVE, 
 
 SNEAK AND SHOP LIFTER. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 93 
 
 dressed in the same manner it is hard to distinguish one from the other. Horace has 
 often relied on this. He would register with his wife at a prominent hotel, and make 
 the acquaintance of the guests. About an hour before visiting a bank or an office 
 Horace would have his brother show up at the hotel, order a carriage, drive out with 
 his (Horace's) wife in the park, and return several hours later. Horace, in the interval, 
 would slip off and do his work. If he was arrested any time afterwards, he would show 
 that he was out riding at the time of the robbery. 
 
 Horace Hovan is without doubt one of the smartest bank sneaks in the world. 
 
 Latest accounts, the fall of 1885, say that he was arrested in Europe and sentenced 
 to three years in prison for the larceny of a package of bank notes from a safe. 
 
 His partner, Frank Buck, made his escape and returned to America. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in 1884. 
 
 26 
 
 AUGUSTUS RAYMOND, alias GUS RAYMOND, 
 
 alias Arthur L. Barry. 
 
 SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-three years old in 1886. Medium build. Born in United States. Single. 
 Height, 5 feet 3^ inches. Weight, 155 pounds. Black hair, turning gray; dark 
 brown eyes, dark complexion, round full face. Dresses well, and is a very gentle- 
 manly person. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Raymond is a clever bank sneak, and a good general thief. He has plenty of 
 nerve and works with the best people only. He is known in several of the large cities 
 of the United States and in Canada. 
 
 Arrested April 2, 1878, in New York City, for larceny of a trunk of jewelry. The 
 facts are, that on May 12, 1877, the firm of Ailing Brothers & Co., of Worcester, 
 Mass., shipped by rail a trunk containing $9,000 worth of jewelry from Worcester to 
 Hartford, Conn., to their agent. On the road Raymond slipped into the baggage car 
 and changed the checks on the trunk. On the arrival of the train at Hartford it was 
 discovered that the trunk had been stolen. It was traced from Hartford, Conn., to a 
 New York hotel, and from there to Baltimore, Md., where it was found empty. 
 Thomas Leary, alias Kid Leary (6), was with Raymond and was the party that 
 received the trunk at the hotel in New York, for which he was sentenced to five years 
 in State prison, in New York City. Raymond was taken to Worcester, Mass., on 
 April 18, 1878, and sentenced to five years in State prison there, on October 2, 1878, 
 by Judge Aldrich. 
 
 He has been arrested in several cities in the United States since his release — the 
 
54 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 last time was on February i6, 1886, in New York City, with Joe Elliott, alias Reilly 
 (16), and George Wilkes, charged with forgery in Rochester, N. Y. Raymond was 
 discharged and Elliott and Wilkes were taken to Rochester for trial. 
 
 Raymond was arrested again in Philadelphia, Pa., on May 8, 1886, on suspicion of 
 forging a check on the Third National Bank of Philadelphia, which he gave to a boy, 
 who attempted to get the money at the bank. Raymond was not arrested until two 
 days after, when the boy could not be found and he was discharged. 
 
 Raymond's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1878. 
 
 27 
 FRANK BUCK, alias "BUCK" TAYLOR, 
 
 alias Buck Wilson, alias George Biddle. 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-four years old in 1886. Born in Philadelphia, Pa. Married. Engineer. 
 Stout build. Height, 5 feet 5 inches. Weight, 1 50 pounds. Light hair, gray eyes, 
 light complexion. Three India ink dots on left hand, one on right hand. Bald on 
 front of head. Generally wears a light-colored mustache, 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Buck" is a very clever bank sneak. He has been working with Horace Hovan, 
 alias Little Horace (25), since 1881. He has also worked with Langdon W. Moore, 
 alias Charley Adams (22), Johnny Price and other notorious bank sneaks. 
 
 " Buck" was arrested in June, 1881, at Philadelphia, Pa., with Horace Hovan (25), 
 for the larceny of $10,950 in securities from a broker's office in that city. He was convicted 
 of burglary and sentenced to three years in the Eastern Penitentiary at Philadelphia 
 with Hovan, on July 2, 1881. His time dated back to June 6, i88r. Hovan was 
 pardoned. Buck served his time, and afterwards joined Hovan in Washington, D. C, 
 in May, 1884. 
 
 They both traveled around the country and were arrested coming out of a bank 
 in Boston on June 18, 1884, and their pictures taken for the Rogues' Gallery. Buck and 
 Hovan went to Europe in the spring of 1885, and Buck returned alone the same fall, 
 Horace having been arrested there and sentenced to three years' imprisonment for the 
 larceny of a package of money from a bank safe. 
 
 Buck's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1884. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 95 
 
 28 
 
 JOHN TRACY, alias BIG TRACY, 
 
 alias Reilly. 
 PICKPOCKET, BURGLAR, AND SECOND-STORY MAN. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-seven years old in 1886. Born in United States. Plumber by trade. 
 Single. Stout build. Height, 6 feet i^ inches. Weight, 180 pounds. Dark brown 
 hair, light complexion. Has a cross in India ink on right fore-arm. Generally wears a 
 dark brown beard and mustache. Scar on back of hand. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Big" Tracy does considerable "second-story" or house work, and is well known 
 in New York, Chicago, and all the large cities. He has served considerable time in 
 Eastern prisons — one term of five years from Troy, N. Y., for highway robbery, in 1878. 
 (See Addenda.) 
 
 He was arrested again in the spring of 1884, i^^ company of Billy Ogle (13), for 
 robbing a residence on Jersey City Heights, N. J., of diamonds and jewelry valued at 
 $1,500. They were both tried and convicted on June 26, 1884 ; their counsel obtained 
 a new trial for them, and they were discharged in July, 1884. 
 
 Tracy and Ogle went West, and in the fall of 1885 Ogle was arrested in Tennessee 
 for "house work," and sentenced to the penitentiary for ten years. He shortly after 
 escaped from a gang while working on the railroad. 
 
 Tracy escaped arrest, and is now at large in the West. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in 1877. (See records of Nos. 13 and no.) 
 
 29 
 
 CHARLES WILSON, alias LITTLE PAUL, 
 
 alias Charles Willis. 
 SNEAK AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-three years old in 1886. Stout build. Born in England. Not married. 
 Height, 5 feet 2"% inches. Weight, 140 pounds. Brown hair, gray eyes, round full 
 face, light complexion. Whiskers, when grown, are a little sandy. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Little Paul" is quite a clever sneak and shoplifter. He was sent to State 
 prison in New York City in January, 1878, and again on June 18, 1883, for four years, 
 for larceny in the second degree, by Recorder Smyth. On November 14, 1883, in 
 company of Frank Harrison, alias Frank Reilly (79), he escaped from the mess-room at 
 
96 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Sing Sing prison early in the morning, by sawing off the iron bars of a window and 
 crawHng into the yard ; they then went to the west end of the prison wall, which projects 
 over the Hudson River docks, and there, by means of a convenient float, reached the 
 shore outside the prison wall, where they left their prison clothes and put on civilian's 
 attire, that had been "planted" there for them some time before. Paul was re-arrested 
 in New Orleans, La., on January 26, 1884, and returned to Sing Sing prison in February 
 of that year. His full time will expire on June 17, 1887. 
 His picture is a good one, taken in 1878. 
 
 30 
 DAVID GOLDSTEIN, alias SHEENY DAVE, 
 
 -alias Lewis. 
 
 SNEAK AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-two years old in 1886. A Jew, born in Poland. Married. No trade. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 7^ inches. Weight, 180 pounds. Dark complexion, black hair, 
 dark eyes, cast in left eye. Black beard, when worn. Dresses well. Is very quick in 
 his movements. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Sheeny Dave," whose right name is David Levitt, is an old New York thief, and 
 is pretty well known in all the principal cities of the United States. He has served 
 time in State prison in a number of States. 
 
 He was arrested In Buffalo, N. Y., on January 26, 1878, in company of a man 
 who reformed about six years ago, for shoplifting (working jewelry stores), and both 
 sentenced to one year's imprisonment in Auburn (N. Y.) prison. When his time 
 expired he was taken to Baltimore, Md., for a crime committed there, but was not 
 convicted. He was arrested again in New York City, under the name of James Lewis, 
 on January 15, 1881, for the larceny of two pieces of blue silk from the store of Edward 
 Freitman & Co., No. 473 Spring Street, valued at $140. For this offense, upon his 
 plea of guilty, he was sentenced to two years and six months in State prison at Sing 
 Sing, on April 12, i88r, by Judge Cowing. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on December 21, 1883, under the name 
 of Samuel Newman, for the larceny of a diamond bracelet, valued at $500, from Kirk- 
 patrick, the jeweler, on Broadway, New York. He was indicted by the Grand Jury on 
 January 10, 1884, and forfeited his bail on January 15, 1884. He was arrested again on 
 September 30, 1884, in York County, Maine, for picking pockets, and sentenced to 
 three years in prison at Alfred, Maine, under the name of Herman Lewis. 
 
 For expiration of sentence, see commutation law of Maine. 
 
 He is still a fugitive from justice, and is wanted in New York City. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in January, 1878. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 97 
 
 31 
 LOUIS R. MARTIN, alias MARTIN LUTHER. 
 
 BOND FORGER AND COUNTERFEITER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Sixty-three years old in 1886. Born in United States. Horse dealer. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet lo^^ inches. Weight, 164 pounds. Gray hair, eyes dark gray 
 and weak, complexion light. Is a fine, gentlemanly-looking man. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Martin was believed to be the capitalist of the Brockway gang of forgers and 
 counterfeiters. He was well known by all the reputable horse and sporting men in 
 this country, as a man of means engaged in the transportation of cattle between the 
 United States, England and Australia. 
 
 He was indicted in the United States Court of the Western District of Penn- 
 sylvania in 1875, with an accomplice named Henry Moxie, alias Sweet, for passing 
 counterfeit $500 notes. He was never tried. Previous to that time he had been known 
 as an expert engraver and printer of counterfeits, under the name of Martin Luther. 
 He made and owned the plate with which the $500 notes for which himself and 
 Moxie were indicted were printed. He has been connected in several large counter- 
 feiting schemes with William E. Brockway (32), J. B. Doyle, Nathan B. Foster, 
 English Moore, and others. He is well known by the United States officers as a coun- 
 terfeiter. 
 
 Martin was arrested in New York City, on November 10, 1883, with Brockway (32) 
 and Nathan B. Foster, charged with having in his possession forged $1,000 bonds 
 of the Morris & Essex Railroad of New Jersey. At the time of his arrest, in the St. 
 James Hotel, New York City, there was found in two valises in his room fifty-four 
 $1,000 bonds of the above road, thirty-three of which had been numbered and signed 
 ready for use. For this offense Martin was convicted, and sentenced to ten years in 
 State prison, on August 6, 1884, by Judge Cowing, in the Court of General Sessions 
 in New York City. His counsel obtained a stay of proceedings, and he was granted a 
 new trial, and admitted to bail ; while confined in the Tombs prison from some cause 
 he became totally blind. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in November, 1883. 
 
 32 
 
 WILLIAM E. BROCKWAY 
 
 BOND FORGER AND COUNTERFEITER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Sixty-four years old in 1886. Born in Connecticut. Engraver by trade. Married. 
 Tall, thin man. Height, 6 feet lyi inches. Weight, 162 pounds. Gray hair, blue 
 
98 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 eyes, light complexion. Long, thin neck. A remarkable looking man on account of 
 his height and thinness. He has been a counterfeiter and forger since 1850. An 
 account of all his transactions would fill this book. He is well known in all the principal 
 cities in the United States, especially by the United States authorities. Wears a gray 
 beard and mustache. He studied chemistry at Yale College, and later on became a 
 printer and electrotyper. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Brockway and Charles Smythe were arrested in Brooklyn, N. Y., by the United 
 States authorities on October 22, 1880, charged (in connection with one James B. 
 Doyle, who was arrested in Chicago, 111., and sentenced to ten years on June 24, 1881) 
 with forging and uttering $204,000 of United States government 6 per cent, coupon 
 bonds of the denomination of $1,000, and a number of forged United States Treasury 
 notes. The bonds and notes were found in Doyle's possession when arrested in 
 Chicago, 111. Brockway was convicted by the evidence of Smythe, and sentenced to thirty 
 years' imprisonment by the United States Court in New York City. Sentence was 
 suspended in this case by the Judge, on Brockway undertaking to surrender all the 
 plates for forging bonds and notes which he had in his possession or the whereabouts 
 of which he knew, also to give up other counterfeit apparatus and give the authorities 
 information about other schemes then on foot to defraud the government, all of which 
 he did, and he was discharged from custody on November 27, 1880, by Judge Benedict, 
 of the United States Court, with the understanding that if he ever was arrested again 
 for forging or counterfeiting anything the property of the United States government, 
 his suspended sentence would go into effect. 
 
 Brockway was arrested again in New York City on November 10, 1883, pleaded 
 guilty, and was sentenced to five years in State prison on March 5, 1884, by Recorder 
 Smyth, for forging a number of Morris & Essex Railroad bonds. Nathan B. Foster 
 and Louis R. Martin (31) were also arrested with Brockway in this transaction. 
 
 Brockway's sentence will expire, allowing him full good time, on August 4, 1887. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in 1884. 
 
 33 
 
 TIMOTHY J. GILMORE. 
 
 FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-eight years old in 1886. Born in United States. Widower. Clerk. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 7^ inches. Weight, 175 pounds. Dark brown hair, brown eyes, 
 ruddy complexion, high forehead. Generally wears brown mustache, cut short. 
 Gilmore has three young sons who are now in an orphan asylum. 
 
31 
 
 32 
 
 33 
 
 LOUIS R. MARTIN, 
 FORGER. 
 
 WILLIAM E. BROCKWAY, 
 FORGER AND COUNTERFEITER. 
 
 TIMOTHY J. GILMORE, 
 FORGER. 
 
 34 
 
 35 
 
 36 
 
 RICHARD 0. DAVIS, 
 CHECK FORGER. 
 
 ROBERT S. BALLARD, 
 
 ALIAS BULLARD, 
 
 FORGER. 
 
 EDWARD DARLINGTON, 
 CHECK FORGER. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 99 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 GiLMORE is a professional forger, well known in New York and several of the 
 Eastern cities. He is said to have formerly lived in St. Louis, Mo., and has served 
 time in prison there. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on June 24, 1878, and sentenced to four years 
 and six months in State prison for forgery. He was arrested again in New York City 
 on February 7, 1884. Mr. Goodwin, a baker, of No. 228 Front Street, New York, 
 identified Gilmore as the man to whom on July 30, 1883, he had sold ten barrels of 
 bread for $25.22, and who gave him a check for $70 in payment. The check was 
 worthless. Thomas A. O'Brien, bookkeeper for Fitzpatrick & Case, spice dealers, of 
 No. 7 James Slip, New York, said that on December 11, 1883, Gilmore paid him a 
 check for $80, signed " R. H. Macy & Co.," for $45 worth of tea. In this case he 
 obtained $35 change. Gilmore pleaded guilty to both complaints, and was sentenced 
 to eight years in State prison on March 5, 1884, in the Court of General Sessions, New 
 York. 
 
 Gilmore's picture is a good one, taken in 1878. 
 
 34 
 RICHARD O. DAVIS. 
 
 CHECK FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Twenty-eight years old in 1886. Married. Born in United States. Cloth cutter 
 by trade. Medium build. Fair complexion. Height, 5 feet 9^ inches. Weight, i6i 
 pounds. Brown hair, brown eyes. Dresses well. Davis and his partner, No. 36, 
 are considered clever people. They are well known in New York, BostQfl% ai^-*-in 
 several other cities in the United States. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Davis was arrested in New York City on November 22, 1883, in connection with 
 Edward Darlington (36) and Charles Preston, alias Fisher (41), charged with forging 
 a check for $400, drawn on Harris & Co. The complaint wks made by Howes & Co., 
 bankers. No. 11 Wall Street, New York City. He was committed in $2,000 bail by 
 Justice Duffy. Davis pleaded guilty in the Court of General Sessions in New York 
 City, and was sentenced to six years in State prison, t^n December 27, 1883. His 
 sentence will expire, allowing him his |ulJLcommutation time, on February 26, 1888. 
 
 This man and his partner, Darlington, had been traveling around the country for 
 some time, before their arrest in NeV York City, passing forged checks. • 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in 1883. 
 
lOO PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 35 
 
 ROBERT S. BALLARD, alias BULLARD, 
 
 alias Maltby, alias Riggs. 
 
 FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-nine years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Married. Physician. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet 6J^ inches. Weight, 137 pounds. Dark hair mixed with gray,, 
 blue eyes, dark complexion. Has a wart on left side of his nose. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Ballard, alias Harvey C. Bullard, alias W. C. Russell, alias Henry C. Maltby,. 
 was arrested in New York City on March 31, 1883, for swindling Ferdinand P. Earle, 
 of Earle's Hotel, out of $150 by means of a worthless check. He was also charged 
 with bigamy and swindling. He was at one time a practicing physician, and connected 
 with bne of the New York hospitals. He was also wanted at the time of his arrest for 
 swindling by the use of bogus checks and other devices, in New York City, Pough- 
 keepsie, N. Y., Providence, R. I., Baltimore, Md., Atlantic City, N. J., Brooklyn, N. Y., 
 and Philadelphia, Pa. In 1881 he married a Miss Amelia Black, at Poughkeepsie, and 
 deserted her a few days afterward. In November, 1882, he married Miss Annie Van 
 Houten in Baltimore, and brought her to New York, where he deserted her at Earle's 
 Hotel, after swindling the proprietor. At the time of his arrest, in his valise was found 
 hundreds of bogus checks and drafts, signed R. S. Ballard, Riggs & Co., R. S. 
 Riggs, W. C. Riggs & Co., for sums ranging from $500 to $6,000, all bearing recent 
 dates ; and also a large number of check and bank books. One of the latter showed an 
 alleged deposit of $15,900 in the Fifth Avenue Bank of New York. Another exhibited 
 a credit of $10,600 on a Tarrytown, N. Y., bank, and the third represented a deposit of 
 $14,594 in the Western International Bank of Baltimore, Md. He had checks of banks 
 in nearly every prominent city in America. The Bankers' and Brokers' Association 
 offered a reward of $1,000 for his arrest under the name of W. C. Russell. 
 
 Ballard pleaded guilty on May 2, 1883, in the Court of General Sessions, New York 
 City, aiid was sentenced to five years in State prison by Recorder Smyth. His, 
 sentence e^.pires, c Uowing him full commutation, on December i, 1886. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in 1883. 
 
 36 
 
 EDWAPD DARLINGTON. 
 
 CHECK FORGER. 
 
 LHSf 'RiPTION. 
 Thirty-three years old in 1880. j3orn in England. Medium build. Not married. 
 Height, 5 feet Z^i inches. Weight, 13L pounds. Sandy hair, blue eyes, sallow com- 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA, lOl 
 
 plexion. Genteel appearance. Known in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and several 
 other cities in the United States. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Darlington was arrested in New York City on November 21, 1883, in connection 
 with Richard O. Davis (34) and Charles Preston, alias Fisher (41), charged with forging 
 the name of J. J. Smith to a check for $700 on the Continental Bank, No. 6 Nassau 
 Street, New York City. He was committed in $2,000 bail by Justice Duffy. 
 
 Darlington pleaded guilty in the Court of General Sessions, New York City, and 
 was sentenced to nine years in State prison on December 27, 1883. His sentence 
 will expire, allowing him full commutation time, on November 26, 1889. 
 
 This man, who no doubt is the cleverest of the three, and his partner (34), had 
 been traveling through the country for some time, victimizing people with forged 
 checks. At the time of his arrest in New York he was wanted in Boston, Mass., for a 
 similar transaction. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in 1883. 
 
 37 
 
 ALBERT WILSON, alias AL. WILSON, 
 
 alias E. R. Marshall. 
 
 FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-four years old in 1886. Stout build. Height, 5 feet 654! inches. Weight, 
 1 70 pounds. Brown hair, slightly bald on top of head ; wears light brown mustache 
 and whiskers, generally cut short. Prominent nose, which is inclined to be hooked. 
 Has a gunshot wound on back of left fore-arm ; also a small scar half an inch long on 
 lower lip, which runs down from corner of mouth, left side. Speaks- in a* calm, easy 
 tone. Born in State of Louisiana. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Al. Wilson is well known in many of the Eastern cities as an "^j?e.rt burglar and 
 shoplifter, and has served two terms of imprisonment for the aBbve' offenses. * He after- 
 wards became an expert negotiator of forged paper of every description, and was known 
 to the authorities of several cities as a member of " Brockway's Gang of Forgers." 
 He also was identified with George Wilkes, George Engles (deceased), and Charley 
 Becker, with whom he left for Europe in the spring of 1880, for the purpose of nego- 
 tiating forged circular notes. This scheme failed, and he returned to America aboul 
 August 15, 1880. 
 
I02 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA.- 
 
 Wilson was arrested in New York City on October i8, 1880, and delivered to the 
 police authorities of Baltimore, Md., charged, in connection with Henry Cleary, George 
 Bell (193), and Charles O. Brockway (14), with forging and uttering checks amounting 
 to $10,051 on the Merchants' National Bank and the Third National Bank of Baltimore, 
 Md., on July 16 and 17, 1880. One check for $2,160, another $3,901, and another of 
 $1,300, were drawn to the order of J. Hunter and others, and, with the forged signature 
 of J. H. Fisher, were presented at the Merchants' National Bank ; and a check for 
 $1,394, and another for $1,296, drawn to the order of J. W. Kimball, and bearing 
 the forged signature of Middleton & Co., of Baltimore, were presented at the Third 
 National Bank. All five of these checks were paid on presentation. 
 
 Wilson pleaded guilty to two cases of forgery, and he was sentenced to two 
 years on each indictment (making four years in all), on November 3, 1880, by 
 Judge Pinkney, at Baltimore, Md. Shortly after his release from prison in Maryland 
 he was arrested in Milwaukee, Wis. (June 26, 1884), under the name of Edward R. 
 Marshall, charged with attempting to pass forged fifty-pound Bank of England notes. 
 As he had failed to get rid of any of them there, he was delivered over to the Chicago 
 (111.) authorities, who wanted him for disposing of some of the same notes. He was 
 taken to Chicago, and escaped from a police station there on July 5, 1884, and went to 
 England, where a gang was organized consisting of George Wilkes, George Engles, 
 Charley Becker, Siiell Hamilton, William Bartlett, Edward Burns, Edward Cleary, 
 George Bell, and himself ; and, as above referred to, they entered into a gigantic scheme 
 to flood France, Germany and Italy with forged circular notes, full particulars of which 
 appear in the record of George Wilkes. A reward of one hundred dollars was offered 
 for his arrest by the chief of police. 
 
 Al. Wilson, alias W. H. Hall, registered at St. Lawrence Hall in Montreal, Canada, 
 on May 18, 1885, and on May 19 he went to the Bank of British North America and 
 asked the manager of the bank to cash him a letter of credit for fifty pounds on the 
 Union Bank of Scotland. He said that "he had fifteen hundred pounds more which 
 he would like to have cashed in a few days." The manager became suspicious and 
 detained him, and sent for an officer, who arrested him when leaving the bank. One 
 Robert Fox, a Scotchman, was arrested with him. He is about fifty-five years old. 
 Height, 5 feet 75^ inches. Weight, about 190 pounds. Stout build. Gray hair. Side 
 whiskers and mustache, generally dyed black. Very bald. Sharp features. Round 
 shoulders, and slightly stooped. Fox did not attempt to pass any of the letters of 
 credit, but when arrested a large package of the letters was found on his person. He 
 tried to destroy them, but was prevented by the officers. Wilson claimed that all the 
 letters belonged to him, and that Fox had nothing to do with them. Wilson pleaded 
 guilty on June 6, 1885.' Fox was tried and found guilty on June 9, 1885. On June 13, 
 1S85, Wilson was sentenced to twelve years in St. Vincent de Paul Penitentiary, and 
 Fox was sentenced to six years. 
 
 Wilson's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1880. 
 
37 
 
 33 
 
 39 
 
 ALBERT WILSON, 
 FORGER. 
 
 CHARLES J. EVERHARDT, 
 
 ALIAS MARSH MARKET JAKE, 
 
 SNEAK AND FORGER. 
 
 ROBERT BOWMAN, 
 
 ALIAS HOGAN, 
 
 FORGER. 
 
 40 
 
 41 
 
 42 
 
 CHARLES R. TITUS. 
 
 ALIAS DR. THOMPSON, 
 
 FORGER. 
 
 CHARLES FISHER, 
 
 ALIAS PURDY, 
 
 SNEAK AND FORGER. 
 
 EDWARD A. CONDIT, 
 BOGUS CHECKS. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 105 
 
 38 
 
 CHAS. J. EVERHARDT, alias MARSH MARKET 
 
 JAKE, 
 
 alias Hartman, alias Peters, alias McGloin, alias Cook, 
 
 alias HiLLBURN. 
 
 SNEAK AND FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Single. Slim build. Born in Baltimore, Md. High 
 forehead. Height, 6 feet. Weight, 159 pounds. Brown hair, bluish gray eyes, sallow- 
 complexion. Wears mustache and beard of sandy color. Has a bright eye. Has an 
 anchor in India ink, a letter "J " and dot on left fore-arm. He is known in Canada as 
 Charles Webb and Charles Young. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Marsh Market Jake, the sobriquet he is best known by, has followed as a business 
 all professions in the thieving line, beginning with till-tapping when a boy, and going 
 up through the various grades of pickpocket, shoplifter, burglar, sneak and forger. 
 During his lifetime he has served about fifteen years in prison, five years of which was 
 spent in the Kingston, Canada, Penitentiary. When out of prison he works with the 
 most expert thieves in the country, and it is only since his last release from Kingston 
 prison that he has entered into the profession of forgery. Jake is well known in all the 
 principal cities in the United States, especially in New York, Boston, Baltimore, 
 Cincinnati and Chicago, 111., where he formerly lived with Mary Ann Taylor, an old 
 and accomplished thief. For the past twenty-five years, Everhardt, which is his right 
 name, has been one of the most notorious and industrious sneak thieves in America. 
 He originally came from Baltimore, where he was born in the immediate neighborhood 
 of the " Marsh Market," in that city, and it is from this fact that he derives the name 
 that he is best known by. 
 
 On April 16, 1880, Jake, under the name of Wm. Hillburn, was arrested in 
 Philadelphia, Pa., in company of three noted sneak thieves, Billy Morgan (72), Little 
 Al Wilson and George Williams, alias Woodward (194)— they gave the names/oi 
 Roberts, Carroll and Moran — for the larceny of $2,200 in bank bills, the property of 
 Henry Ruddy of that city. They tried to obtain their release by a writ on April 19, 
 1880, but failed. The whole party was convicted and sentenced to eighteen months in 
 the Eastern Penitentiary on April 26, 1880. Jake served another term of three 
 months in the penitentiary at Philadelphia, having been arrested there as a professional 
 thief, and convicted on a charge of vagrancy. 
 
 Everhardt finished a three years' sentence in the spring of 1885, in Kingston, 
 Canada, Penitentiary, under the name of Charles Webb, for robbing a Toronto jeweler. 
 
I04 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 He had previously been convicted in Toronto for shoplifting, in company of four 
 notorious shoplifters named Eddie Miller (7), Sheeny Sam, Tilly Miller and Black Lena. 
 This time he gave the name of Yost, and served five years. 
 
 Jake was arrested again in New York City on October 22, 1885, in company of 
 Charles Fisher, alias Fountain (41), Walter Pierce, alias Porter, and Charles Denken 
 (the man who did the forging), charged with forging a check for $460 on the Bank of 
 New York, purported to have been signed by Leaycraft & Co., of Pearl Street, New 
 York City. Denken confessed that he received a check for $25 from the firm, from 
 which he forged the $460 check, and gave It to Fisher, who gave it to Pierce, who had 
 it cashed. In this case all the others were convicted except Jake, who was discharged, 
 but was re-arrested at once on an indictment which the Corn Exchange Bank and the 
 Bank of America, of New York City, caused to be found against him (on the evidence 
 of Nelson J. Gaylor and two boys named Philip Dreiger and Leonard Nickerson, who 
 were accomplices) for forging a check of $500, drawn on the German American Bank 
 and purported to have been signed by Baltzer & Lichtenstein, a private banking firm 
 in New York City. On this particular charge Jake was tried, found guilty, and sentenced 
 to ten years in State prison on January 7, 1886, by Judge Gildersleeve, in the Court of 
 General Sessions In New York City. There were other complaints from the Bank of 
 America and Corn Exchange Bank, which were not tried. His counsel appealed the case, 
 and Everhardt has remained in the Tombs prison since his conviction. Efforts were 
 made to have him admitted to bail, without success. 
 
 His picture Is an excellent one, taken in 1885. 
 
 39 
 
 ROBERT BOWMAN, alias J. C HOGAN, 
 alias George Munroe. 
 
 FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-six years old in 1886. Height, 5 feet 9^^ inches. Gray eyes, gray whiskers 
 and mustache. Complexion medium. Stooped shoulders. Looks hump-backed. 
 Hi^h forehead. Bald on front of head. Scars on bridge of nose, back of neck, and 
 between the shoulder-blades. Born in New York. Weight, 140 pounds. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Bowman was an associate of Wm. H. Lyman, a notorious forger, who died in 
 prison in 1883. Both of them were sent to Clinton prison, New York State, for four 
 years and six months in August, 1878, for forgeries committed in Catskill, N. Y. 
 
 Bowman and Lyman were again arrested at Hudson, N. Y., on September 16, 1881, 
 and taken to Fitchburg, Mass., where they were sentenced to prison for three years for 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 105 
 
 forging drafts on the American Express Company, at that place. They were also 
 charged with raising drafts that were drawn by the National Bank of St. Albans, Vt., 
 on the Park Bank of New York City. Also with forging a draft, on September 5, 1881, 
 on Clipperly, Cole & Haslehurst, Troy bankers. When arrested $1,200 in money was 
 found on them. 
 
 Bowman was arrested again in Chicago, 111., on January 14, 1886. About January 
 6, 1886, a man giving the name of J. F. Hall, presented to the Floyd County Savings 
 Bank, of Charles City, Iowa, a draft payable to himself, purporting to have been drawn 
 by the First National Bank of Joliet, 111. Hall also had a letter of introduction from 
 the Joliet bank ; the draft was deposited to his credit, and on January 9, 1886, he wrote 
 to the Floyd County Bank from Chicago, enclosing his receipt for the draft, and asking 
 that the money be sent to him by the United States Express. It was sent, and when 
 Hall called for it he was arrested and recognized as Bowman. One of the detectives 
 went to Fort Wayne, Ind., where Hall had lived, and captured the latter's valise, in 
 which was found a large number of counterfeit checks and certificates. It was estimated 
 that Bowman and his gang had defrauded the banks in the western country out of 
 $50,000. 
 
 Bowman's case in Chicago, 111., was nolle prosequi, by Judge Rogers, on June i, 
 1886, because the State's attorney was unable to obtain sufficient evidence to convict 
 him of the forgeries committed there. 
 
 He was discharged, and immediately re-arrested and taken to Vermont, where he 
 was committed for trial, charged with having committed forgeries on the First National 
 Bank of Brandon, Vt., the Vermont National Bank, the Rutland County National Bank, 
 of Rutland, Vt., and the Farmers and Mechanics' Bank of Burlington, Vt. These 
 forgeries were committed in 1881, by Bowman and Ned Lyman, and amounted in the 
 aggregate to $30,000. 
 
 Bowman's picture is a good one, taken in 1886. 
 
 40 
 CHARLES R. TITUS, alias DOCTOR THOMPSON. 
 
 FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-three years old in 1886. Born in United States. Slim build. Dark 
 complexion. Height, 5 feet 7^ inches. Weight, 135 pounds. Black hair, brown 
 eyes. Wears a full black beard. Married. A fine, genteel appearinfman. ■ Well 
 known in most of the Eastern cities and in Canada. "- 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Doc" Titus was arrested in New York City on November 26, 1878, in connection 
 with one Lester Beach (17), for having obtained $70 from Morris Steinhart, No. 65 
 Hudson Street, New York City, on a bogus certified check on the Bank of New York. 
 
io6 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Beach when arrested stated that he obtained the check from Titus. Titus is a very 
 clever forger, and has been mixed up in several transactions in paper. He is a warm 
 friend of Charles B. Orvis, of Buffalo, New York and Erie bond fame. 
 
 Titus was arrested again in New York City on September ii, 1879, "^'^^ one 
 Samuel J. Hoyt, a real estate and insurance broker, charged with having in their 
 possession a forged check on the Bank of America for $100,000, with intent to utter 
 the same. It was drawn to the order of John B. Baker, trustee, dated September 11, 
 1879, and purported to have been signed by J. B. Colgate & Co., a banking firm on 
 Wall Street. It appears that one J. B. Baker was introduced to the accused by Charles 
 B. Orvis. He, as alleged, was informed that the check was genuine, and that some of 
 the employes of Colgate & Co. were implicated in its procurement. Titus, it was 
 claimed, handed the check to Hoyt, who handed it to Baker, and requested him to buy 
 four per cent. United States bonds for it. Baker, who it appears was in the employ of 
 Colgate & Co., took the check to them, and they pronounced it a forgery. The arrest 
 followed, and Titus and Hoyt were committed in $10,000 bail for trial. 
 
 Hoyt pleaded guilty to the charge on January 30, 1880, and was used by the 
 authorities as a witness against Titus, who was tried, convicted, and sentenced to two 
 years in State prison on January 31, 1880, by Recorder Smyth, in the Court of General 
 Sessions at New York City. 
 
 Titus' picture is an excellent one, taken in 1880. 
 
 41 
 
 CHARLES FISHER, alias PURDY, 
 alias Fountain, alias Palmer. 
 
 BANK SNEAK AND FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Twenty-seven years old in 1886. Medium build. Hatter by trade. Dark com- 
 plexion. Height, 5 feet 7^ inches. Weight, 140 pounds. Black hair, blue eyes ; dot 
 of India ink on right hand; mole on right elbow. High forehead. Very quick in his 
 movements. Born in Germany. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 , Charles Fisher has been a thief since he was twelve years old. This worthy's 
 life is best told by a letter which he wrote while confined in the Tombs prison, New 
 York, in December, 1878, for breaking a window. 
 
 Here is the communication he penned to Judge Otterbourg on December 18, 1878 : 
 
 "I was requested by a gentleman to give a brief history of my life. I was born in March, 1859, in 
 Germany. When five years of age I was sent to a public school, and remained there for three years. 
 When I was seven years of age my father gave me lessons in Latin. When I left the public school my 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 107 
 
 father put me in a Latin school. I was there four years, and while I was there I was boarding in a Fran- 
 ciscan convent, with about sixty others. At four o'clock every day we used to get a pint of ale, and I was 
 not there six months before I was able to drink two quarts in as many hours. I only remarked this to let 
 you understand better afterward that I knew how to spend money like a man three times my age. I made 
 my examination for a higher class in 1870, but I failed, being intoxicated the night before I made it. My 
 father would not allow me to repeat the class, but sent me to a commercial school. Wealthy men from 
 several parts of the world sent their sons to this institution. My father allowed me a certain amount of 
 pocket money, which ought to have been enough for me, but I wanted to live as fast as those foreigners. 
 Two miles from the school my grandfather practised as county doctor, and there I went every Sunday and 
 stole $5 or $6 from him every time. I was not found out for a year and 'a half, when I was detected at 
 last (the term at school was just ended) and sent home to my father, who gave me a sound thrashing and 
 locked me up for some weeks in my room. When I stole from my grandfather I stole for the first time. 
 My father then sent me to a friend of his, a wholesale druggist. There I met some friends who had been 
 my former companions. I wanted to keep up my reputation as a fast boy, and I could not do it with my 
 allowance of pocket money. I had no grandfather to steal from now, but had to find out another way to 
 get it. A part of my work was to deliver and receive the mail. I cashed different money orders, the 
 amount always being between $20 and $50. I was detected after two months' stealing and sent home to 
 my father. When I arrived at home I was astonished to see my father's face calm, but icy. Next day he 
 told me that I was going to the United States, although my mother and the rest of my relatives were against 
 it. As soon as everything was ready for departure he took me to Bremen and put me on board of a ship. 
 He gave me $250. It did not take me long to find out those free and easy places along the Bowery and 
 Chatham street. There I made the acquaintance of thieves— males and females. I very seldom stole with 
 them, but stole all alone until my arrest and conviction to the House of Refuge stopped it rather suddenly. 
 After serving one and a half years I was discharged. Having behaved myself very badly I had quite a 
 reputation among the young thieves of New York. I was out only a month and I commenced the old 
 career over again. I stole steadily from October, 1875, till October, 1876, and got along first rate. On the 
 9th of October, 1876, I was arrested for grand larceny, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to State prison 
 for two and a half years. I took it as easy as any man could take it. The first few months I behaved 
 myself badly, being punished no less than five times in three months. When I received letters from home 
 and heard that my mother was dying I was watching for opportunities to escape, but the keeper had his eye 
 on me continually on account of my bad behavior. My mother begged me to lead an honest life. I prom- 
 ised her to do so, and I meant it at the time I made it, and I mean it yet. My mother begged my father to 
 take me home after I had served my term. When I was discharged from Sing Sing prison my father had 
 not sent me the money as he promised to do, but I was full of courage and hope, because I thought a man 
 must get work if he would try hard. Even an errand boy is expected to have references, and it would 
 never do to show them my prison discharge. I was discharged on the nth of October, 1878J and I have 
 lived on bread and a cup of coffee once in a while, until I came here. My object of getting arrested was 
 to get a place to stay until I could get relief from home. My father accused my mother after her death 
 that she spoiled me, and I want to show him that my dead mother has sufficient influence over me by keep- 
 ing my promise to her; and I mean to keep it, so help me God." 
 
 Fisher obtained employment through the intercession of Judge Otterbourg — how 
 well he kept his promise, and how strong his desire was to reform, will be seen by what 
 follows. 
 
 Not long after he returned into the old channels, and shortly after obtained 
 considerable notoriety as a middle man, between the maker and utterer of forged 
 checks, etc. Next heard from him was in Chicago, 111., in 1879, where he was arrested 
 with four other forgers. It was discovered that the "gang" had passed forged checks 
 on nearly all the banks in Chicago. Fisher pleaded guilty and took the stand against 
 his associates, who were all convicted and sentenced to long terms of imprisonment. 
 Fisher was discharged on promise to leave the State, which he did, and he came to New 
 
io8 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 York City. He was shortly after arrested on a charge of larceny, and sentenced to 
 Blackwell's Island for six months. On his liberation he went back to his old associates 
 in the forgery business, and was shortly after arrested in New York City for being 
 concerned with three others in a scheme to defraud the banks of that city by means of 
 forged checks. In this instance, as before, he saved himself by turning State's evidence 
 and convicting his associates. The next that was heard of him was his arrest in 
 Boston, Mass., on August 19, 1885, with Jake Everhardt, alias Marsh Market Jake 
 (38), coming out of one of the banks there. No case being made out against them 
 they were discharged. He was arrested again in New York City on October 23, 1885, 
 with Everhardt, Charles Denken and Walter Pierce, alias Porter, charged by Leaycraft 
 & Co., of Pearl Street, New York, with forging a check of the firm for $460 on the 
 Bank of New York. In this case Fisher, Denken and Pierce were convicted and 
 sentenced to ten years in State prison each on November 18, 1885, by Recorder Smyth, 
 in the Court of General Sessions, New York City. Everhardt was discharged, 
 re-arrested, and convicted in another case. See his record. No. 38. 
 Fisher's picture is a very good one, taken in 1885. 
 
 42 
 EDWARD A. CONDIT. 
 
 SWINDLER BY BOGUS CHECKS. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-one years old in 1886. Medium build. Height, 5 feet 11 inches. Weight, 
 167 pounds. Dark brown hair, hazel eyes, long pointed nose, sallow complexion. Has 
 a scar on right side of neck. Small dark mole on left cheek. Prominent eyebrows. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Edward A. Condit, a swindler who had a peculiar method of dealing in worthless 
 checks, was arrested in New York City on March 2, 1883. Condit's manner of doing 
 business was to inquire by letter the terms upon which a broker would deal in a stock, 
 and then ordering him to buy or sell, giving as margin a check on the Orange (N. J.) 
 Savings Bank. Condit had only a small amount on deposit in that bank, but owing to 
 the time required for the passage of the check through the Clearing-house, and other 
 delaying causes, several days elapsed before its worthless character was exposed, and he 
 was enabled to reap the benefit of the fluctuations in the price of the stock within the 
 time required to collect the check. If the stock moved to his advantage, he contrived 
 to meet or intercept the check, and take the benefit. If the transaction went against 
 him, he allowed the check to go to protest, so that the broker was the loser. 
 
 Condit has a pleasing address, and is apparently a man of some education. He 
 gave a short history of his life after confessing his operations. He said that he inherited 
 a small fortune in 1869, which in the course of the next two years he increased to 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 1 09 
 
 $100,000. He began to speculate in Wall Street in 1872. At first he was successful, 
 but after the "panic" he began to lose, and by 1876 he was a beggar. Then it was 
 that he attempted to retrieve his losses by the mode described above. 
 
 When arrested on March 2, 1883, he was committed for trial by Judge Cowing, but 
 was turned over to the Jersey City police authorities in October, 1884. On December 
 I, 1884, he made a nearly successful attempt to escape from the Hudson County Jail, 
 on Jersey City Heights, where he was confined awaiting trial for swindling several 
 storekeepers in Jersey City by worthless checks. He was convicted on December 24, 
 1884, and sentenced, January 23, 1885, to four years in State prison at Trenton, N. J., 
 where he was taken on June 28, 1885. 
 
 Condit's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1884. 
 
 43 
 WILLIAM FALE, alias BROOKS. 
 
 HOTEL THIEF AND SLEEPING-CAR WORKER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Fifty-five years old in 1886. Medium build. Height, 5 feet 7J4; inches. Weight, 
 
 150 pounds. Dark brown hair, gray eyes, dark complexion. Wears a brown mustache. 
 
 A German. Baker by trade. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Fale, or Brooks, is an old hotel and sleeping-car worker, and is pretty well known 
 in the principal Eastern and Southern cities, where he has been arrested and convicted 
 for similar offenses. 
 
 He was arrested at the Grand Central Railroad depot, in New York City, on 
 December 23, 1874, for the larceny of a gold watch and chain from a sleeping-car. He 
 was tried, convicted, and sentenced, in the Court of General Sessions, to four years in 
 State prison on January 18, 1875. His manner of working was to meet the in-coming 
 trains in the morning by walking up the railroad yard, jump on them, and rob the 
 berths, while the persons who occupied them were washing and getting ready to leave. 
 
 Fale's picture is a fair one, taken in 1874. 
 
 44 
 CHARLES HYLEBERT, alias CINCINNATI RED, 
 
 alias Red Hyle. 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Stout build. Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, 153 
 pounds. Red hair and whiskers, when grown ; florid complexion. Butcher by trade. 
 
no PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 He is a great hand for disguising himself. His red beard grows very rapidly, and he 
 could appear from time to time in cockney style, with long flowing side-whiskers, or 
 with simple mustache, or with smooth face, as he might choose. He is quite genteel- 
 looking. 
 
 RECORD 
 
 Red Hyle, or Cincinnati Red, is one of the most celebrated hotel thieves in this 
 country. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, and when a boy learned the butcher's 
 trade. He was called Red Hyle, on account of his red hair and florid face. He has 
 been a professional thief for fifteen years. For many years this clever thief has robbed 
 hotels all over the United States. He made Cincinnati his home, and his wife and 
 children reside there now. 
 
 Hyle seldom works with a partner, preferring to work alone since he and 
 William Carter, alias Three-Fingered Jack, were arrested and sentenced to the Georgia 
 penitentiary for five years, in 1880, for a hotel robbery in Atlanta. Joe Parish (84) 
 was implicated in this robbery, but returned the property and was discharged. Parish 
 was subsequently sent to an Illinois penitentiary for robbing a bank. Hyle was released 
 from the Georgia prison, and was next heard from in Washington, D. C, on March 6, 
 1885, where he was arrested on suspicion of committing several hotel robberies there 
 during the inauguration week. He was charged with stealing a watch and chain, value 
 $65, from the room of one S. M. Briggs, in the St. James Hotel, and was committed in 
 default of $3,000 bail for a further hearing. This case was not tried, as Hyle was 
 arrested on the cars at Indianapolis, Ind., for grand larceny, stealing a valuable watch 
 and chain from A. P. Miller, of New York, at the Circle House, in Indianapolis, on 
 June 17, 1885. He was found guilty after a strongly contested trial, and sentenced to 
 four years in the Northern State prison at Michigan City, on July 18, 1885. 
 
 Red Hyle generally managed to keep on the right side of the detectives while in 
 Cincinnati, on the ground that he was not stealing anything in that city. He gave the 
 officers considerable information about other thieves. There is no doubt that many a 
 professional thief in this country will be glad to hear that Red Hyle, after dodging the 
 Northern penitentiaries for so many years, has at last been sent to State prison. 
 
 Hyle's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1885. 
 
 45 
 EDWARD STURGESS, alias HYATT, 
 
 alias HoYT. 
 
 HOTEL TH IFF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Slim build. Claims to have been born in Havana, 
 Cuba. Married. No trade. Height, 5 feet 9 J^ inches. Weight, 137 pounds. Brown 
 
43 
 
 44 
 
 45 
 
 WILLIAM FALE_ 
 
 ALIAS BROOKS, 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 CHARLES HYLEBURT. 
 
 ALIAS RED HYLE, 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 EDWARD STURGESS, 
 
 ALIAS HYATT, 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 46 
 
 47 
 
 48 
 
 k 
 
 FRANK AUBURN, 
 BOARDING HOUSE THIEF. 
 
 EMILE VOEGTLIN, 
 HOTEL AND BOARDING HOUSE THIEF. 
 
 EDWARD FAIRBROTHER, 
 
 ALIAS DOCTOR WEST, 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. HI 
 
 hair, blue eyes, light complexion. Full, light-colored whiskers and mustache. Two 
 dots of India ink on left fore-arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Sturgess is a very clever hotel worker, well known in most of the large cities in 
 the United States. He was at one time a pickpocket, but now confines himself to 
 hotel work. 
 
 He was sentenced to three years and six months in State prison in New York City, 
 on February 20, 1871, for larceny from the person, under the name of Edward Hoyt. 
 He was was again sentenced in New York City on June 2, 1873, to three years in State 
 prison, under the name of Edward Sturgess, for a hotel robbery. While confined in 
 prison in 1873, Sturgess escaped in a swill barrel, but was recaptured the same day and 
 taken back. Nothing has been heard of him lately, having gone West in October, 
 1877, when he escaped from an officer in New York City, who was arresting- him for 
 forfeiting his bail in an old case. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in 1877. 
 
 46 
 FRANK AUBURN, alias JOHN F. AUSTIN. 
 
 BOARDING-HOUSE SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Twenty-six years old in 1886. Born in United States. Medium build. Single. 
 Height, 5 feet 5 inches. Weight, 1 20 pounds. Brown hair, gray eyes, dark complexion. 
 No trade. Has busts of boy and girl, and two hearts with words " You and me " on 
 them, in India ink, on right fore-arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Auburn is quite a clever boarding-house thief, but does not confine himself to 
 that work entirely. He is well known in New York and Boston. He was arrested in 
 New York City on November i, 1883, for petty larceny from a boarding-house, and 
 convicted and sentenced to five days in the Tombs prison on November 28, 1883, by 
 Judge Gildersleeve, in the Court of General Sessions. His light sentence was the 
 result of the intercession of some good people, and on account of its being his first 
 appearance in court. He was arrested again in Boston, Mass., on April 28, 1884, ^"^ 
 company of Joseph W. Harris, alias Wm. J. Johnson, for picking pockets in the 
 churches of that city. He was tried, convicted, and sentenced to four years in Concord 
 prison on May 16, 1884. His time will expire in November, 1887. 
 
 Auburn's picture is a good one, taken in 1884. 
 
112 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA, 
 
 47 
 EMILE VOEGTLIN. 
 
 HOTEL AND BOARDING-HOUSE THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Twenty-six years old in 1886. Born in United States. Single. Scenic artist by 
 trade. Medium build. Height, 5 feet 10^ inches. Weight, 155 pounds. Brown 
 hair, hazel eyes, dark complexion. Wears black mustache and side-whiskers. Has a 
 very genteel appearance. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 VoEGTLiN, who branched out lately as a boarding-house and hotel thief, is the son 
 of very respectable people in New York City. That he is a professional there is no 
 doubt. He is a clever man, and his picture is well worth having, as he is not very 
 well known outside of New York. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on April 23, 1882, for stealing jewelry at No. 
 7 Fifth Avenue, where he was boarding. On account of his family judgment was sus- 
 pended, after he had pleaded guilty and promised to reform. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on December 12, 1883, charged by a 
 Mrs. Josephine G. Valentine, a guest of the Irving House, corner Twelfth Street and 
 Broadway, with stealing from her room there a diamond-studded locket and other 
 jewelry. The scoundrel almost implicated an innocent girl, whom he was keeping 
 company with, by giving her some of the stolen jewelry. 
 
 Voegtlin was convicted of grand larceny in Part I. of the Court of General Sessions,, 
 and sentenced to five years in State prison on January 8, 1884. Immediately after his 
 sentence he was taken to Part II. of the same court, and sentenced to one year on the 
 old suspended sentence, making six years in all. His imprisonment will expire, if he 
 earns his commutation, on March 7, 1888. 
 
 Voegtlin's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1884. 
 
 48 
 
 EDW'D FAIRBROTHER, alias DR. EDW'D S.WEST, 
 
 alias Doctor St. Clair. 
 HOTEL AND BOARDING-HOUSE THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-five years old in 1886. Born in England. Physician. A small, nervous 
 man. Speaks very rapidly, Has long, thin, white hair. Hollow cheeks ; high, sharp 
 cheek bones. No upper teeth. Large, long nose. Has a fine education, and speaks 
 five languages. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 113 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Dr. West, the name he is best known by, was arrested in New York City on July 
 7, 1873, for grand larceny from a boarding-house in 128th Street. The complaint was 
 made by Charles E. Pierce. The Doctor was convicted, and sentenced to two years in 
 State prison on July 14, 1873, by Judge Sutherland, in the Court of General Sessions, 
 New York. West was arrested again in New York in January, 1880, charged with 
 committing twenty-two robberies inside of seven months. He freely admitted his guilt, 
 and confessed to all of them. The best piece of work he had done, he said, was the 
 robbery of Major Morton's residence on Fifth Avenue, New York City, where he secured 
 $6,000 worth of diamonds and jewelry, with which he got safely away and pawned 
 for $450. When taken to Major Morton's residence, however, the people in the house 
 failed to identify him, and went so far as to say that he was not the man who had 
 called there. West told the officers how he robbed Morton's house and several 
 others. At the time of his arrest he had $20 in his possession. Out of this he gave 
 $13 to a poor man named Kane, from whom he had stolen a coat. A poor servant-girl 
 also came to court. West -recognized her, and offered her the last of his money, $7 ; 
 but she would only take five of it. West, in speaking of himself at that time, said, " I 
 have not always been a criminal ; I have seen better days, far better days than many 
 can boast of, and bright opportunities, too. I had no disposition for crime — in fact, no 
 inclination that way. But time's whirligig turned me up a criminal ; and I fought hard 
 against it, too. I came to this country from England in 1855. I had just then gradu- 
 ated from Corpus Christi College, founded by Bishop Fox, of Winchester. I am an 
 alumnus of Oxford. I took my degree of M. D., and came to this country, and became 
 a practicing physician in New York City. I lived then in Clinton Place. In 1863 I 
 was arrested for malpractice, and was sent to Sing Sing State prison for five years. 
 While in the prison I associated with all kinds of people, and there I learned the art of 
 robbery. After my time was up I returned to New York City, and tried to lead an 
 honest life ; but I had learned too much, and was again arrested for larceny, and sent 
 to prison. I got out, and went back again for another term, which ended in June, 
 1879." West was arraigned in the Court of General Sessions in New York City on four 
 indictments for grand larceny, and the District Attorney accepted a plea of guilty on 
 one of them, and Judge Cowing sentenced him to five years in State prison on January 
 29, 1880. His sentence expired, allowing him full commutation, on August 28, 1883. 
 
 West's picture was taken since 1873. He looks much older now. 
 
 49 
 GEORGE W. GAMPHOR, alias JAMES F. ROGERS. 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-eight years old in 1886. Born in Philadelphia. Medium build. Clerk. 
 Not married. Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, about 148 pounds. Blonde hair, 
 dark gray eyes, sandy complexion and mustache. 
 
114 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Gamphor was arrested in New York City on February i, 1876, for the larceny of 
 a gold watch and chain, valued at $100, from one E. W. Worth, of Bennington, Vt., at 
 one of the hotels on Cortlandt Street. He was convicted, and sentenced to two years 
 and six months in State prison in the Court of General Sessions, on December 20, 
 1880, by Recorder Smyth. 
 
 He is a clever hotel thief, and has traveled all over this country, robbing hotels 
 and boarding-houses, and is regarded as a first-class operator. He is well known in a 
 number of large cities. 
 
 Camphor's picture was taken in 1876. 
 
 50 
 
 DAVID CUMMINGS, alias HOGAN, 
 
 alias Little Dave. 
 HOTEL THIEF AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-eight years old in 1886. Born in Chicago, 111. Slim build. Married. 
 Height, 5 feet 61^ inches. Weight, 130 pounds. Black hair, blue eyes, light com- 
 plexion. Has small cross and dots of India ink on right hand. Dark brown beard. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Dave Cummings, whose right name is David Cronin, was arrested at Oshkosh, 
 Wis., under the name of J. H. Smith, for robbing a Chicago salesman of his watch, 
 diamond pin, and $200 in money, at the Tremont Hotel in that town. Dave pleaded 
 guilty and was sentenced to three years in State prison there on September 14, 1881. 
 A complete history of this celebrated criminal would fill this book. I will, therefore, 
 describe only a few of his many exploits. " Dave Cummings" started in life as a waiter 
 in a Chicago hotel, afterwards filling a similar position on the boats of the Upper 
 Mississippi. About this time a singular series of robberies occurred, and it was ascer- 
 tained that every boat that young Cummings had worked on had been plundered. 
 After a time he was betrayed by another boat-thief named Johnny O'Brien. Dave was 
 arrested, and a large amount of stolen property was found in his possession. This was 
 in 1865, at St. Louis, Mo., and was the first time he became known to the police. 
 
 The first robbery of importance with which he was connected was in New Orleans 
 La., in 1868, when, in the company of Billy Forrester (76), and Frank Dean, alias Daigo 
 Frank, they robbed th.e safe of Schooler's jewelry store on Canal Street in that city. 
 The safe stood in front of a glass door, where the watchman could see it in passing. 
 Cummings rigged up a dummy safe and dragged the other one into the rear room 
 opened it, and secured diamonds and jewelry valued at $100,000, none of which was 
 
49 
 
 50 
 
 51 
 
 GEORGE W. GAMPHER, 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 DAVE CUM MINGS, 
 
 ALIAS HOGAN, 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 WILLIAM CONNELLY, 
 
 ALIAS OLD BILL, 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 52 
 
 53 
 
 54 
 
 BILLY PEASE, 
 
 ALIAS STEWART, 
 
 HOTEL AND BOARDING HOUSE SNEAK 
 
 WM. MILLER, 
 SNEAK AND HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 ALBERT CROPSEY, 
 
 ALIAS WILLIAMS, 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 115 
 
 •ever recovered. They next robbed the bank in the French district of New Orleans of 
 money and bonds valued at $65,000, and with this sum they fled to Memphis, where 
 they were joined by Jess Allen (deceased). In that city the police tried to arrest 
 them, but they escaped. In a short time after this the party robbed Barney Spiers, 
 a diamond broker and pawnbroker in St. Louis. Next to the store was a saloon which 
 was frequented by the thieves. Tunneling through the wall, they entered and pulled 
 the back out of the safe, securing about $12,000 worth of diamonds. Shortly after the 
 great fire Cummings went to Chicago and operated very successfully as a hotel thief. 
 In the fall of 1872, in company with Daigo Frank, he entered a room in the house of 
 the notorious Jenny Jenks, in Chicago, and took from under her mattress diamonds and 
 jewelry to the value of about $7,000, with which they fled to New York. In the winter 
 of 1872 the gang was changed by Cummings, and consisted of Mose Vogel, a New 
 Yorker; Ed. Johnson, a Chicagoean, and Daigo Frank. They rented rooms directly 
 over the First National Bank of Jersey City, and ostensibly carried on. the business of 
 stucco work. In the meantime they had taken up the floor, were removing the bricks 
 over the vault, piling them up at the side of the room, where they were covered with a 
 screen, and replaced the floor every night. They had worked through to about the 
 last layer of brick, when an old woman who lived in the building became suspicious, and 
 one evening notified the police. A squad of them surrounded the bank, and captured 
 the men at their work. But the usual good luck of Cummings stood by him. It was 
 his duty that night to keep an outside watch. Becoming careless, he had gone into a 
 billiard room, and thus, without being able to alarm his companions, escaped himself 
 and fled to New York. The prisoners, Mose Vogel, Ed. Johnson and Daigo Frank 
 were sentenced to fifteen years each. 
 
 Dave went back to the hotel business and continued at it until the spring of 1873, 
 when, in connection with George Leslie (deceased) and Pete Emmerson, alias Banjo 
 Pete, he robbed a bank in Macon, Ga., of about $50,000. They were all arrested in 
 Washington, D. C, for this robbery, and a compromise effected by the return of the 
 money. In the fall of 1873 Dave visited the fairs at Quincy, 111., and Kansas City, and 
 found in the former place that rooms could be had over the vault of the First National 
 Bank there, which was located similarly to that of the bank at Jersey City. He rented 
 the rooms, giving at the time the name of a noted Chicago thief, in order to divert 
 suspicion if anything should occur, and started at once for New York, where he 
 organized another party, consisting of James Dunlap, formerly of Chicago; Robert S. 
 Scott, also of Chicago ; Jack Burke, George Mason, and a man since reformed. They 
 rented a house at Quincy, 111., and one of their wives acted as housekeeper, staying there 
 during the day and working, as they did in Jersey City, at night. In Quincy they were 
 successful, securing $89,000 in currency, $100,000 in government bonds, and $350,000 
 in railroad and other securities, leaving one safe untouched, probably for lack of time. 
 This is the first bank in which the "air-pump" was used with success. It forces or 
 draws the powder into the crevices of the safe. The device was invented by a man who 
 was at one time in the employ of Herring, the great safe manufacturer. In this case 
 the owner got $10,000 for the use of it. 
 
 The following is a circular issued by the bank immediately after the robbery : 
 
Ii6 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($40,000) REWARD ! 
 
 The First National Bank of Quincy, Illinois, offer and will pay thirty thousand dollars for the 
 recovery and return of the Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars ($84,000) which were stolen from its Bank at 
 the time the same was burglariously entered and robbed on the morning of the 13th day of February, 1874;. 
 and said Bank will also pay//-^? rata for the return of any part of said $84,000. 
 
 Of this amount there was in new notes of this Bank $2,600, of the denomination of ones and twos; 
 about $1,000 in mutilated notes of this Bank; one fr,ooo U. S. Treasury note; $1,800 in new fractional 
 currency; $4,000 in notes of $50 and $100, and the balance in Legal Tender and National Bank Notes. 
 
 There were also taken from the safe two U. S. 7-30 Bonds, viz.: No. 160,114, June series, $i,ooo- 
 No. 181,116, June series, $1,000. 
 
 And also the following municipal bonds, on deposit for safe keeping, viz.: One hundred and forty- 
 nine Bonds of the Quincy, Missouri and Pacific Railroad Company, each for $1,000, dated July i, 1871,. 
 and payable to bearer on the first day of July, 1901, in gold, with interest at 7 per cent., payable semi-annu- 
 ally, on the first days of January and July; signed by Charles A. Savage, President, and Chas. H. Bull^ 
 Treasurer, under the corporate seal of the Company, and with the name, Chas. H. Bull, Treasurer, engraved 
 upon the interest coupons. As near as can be ascertained, said Bonds are numbered as follows: No. 1002 
 to 1005 inclusive; No. 1092 to iioo inclusive; No. 1127 to 1130 inclusive; No. 1151 to 1200 inclusive; No. 
 1251 to 1300 inclusive; Nos. 1009, loio, 1023, 1024, 1102, 1105, 1106, 1115, 1148, 1149, 1207, 1208, 1214,, 
 1215, 1219, 1225, 1226, 1227, and fourteen others, the numbers of which are unknown. 
 
 Also, 180 Bonds of the County of Adams, in the State of Illinois, issued to the Quincy, Alton- and St. 
 Louis Railway Company, or bearer, dated January i, 1870, each for $1,000, payable twenty years from 
 date, bearing interest at six per cent, per annum, with coupons attached representing the interest; signed 
 by Baptist Hardy, Chairman, and C. H. Morton, Clerk, with the seal of the County Court of said County. 
 Said Bonds are numbered as follows: No. 221 to 400 inclusive. 
 
 Also, $100,000 of Bonds of the City of LaGrange, in the State of Missouri, consisting of eighty 
 Bonds of $1,000 each, and forty Bonds of $500 each, dated Dec. 1871, or Jan. 1872, and signed by J. A. 
 Hay, Mayor, and R. McChesney, Clerk, under the corporate seal of the City. Said $t,ooo Bonds are be- 
 lieved to be numbered from No. 96 to 175, inclusive, and said $500 Bonds from No. 186 to 225 inclusive. 
 
 The above is believed to be a substantially correct description of Bonds stolen. 
 
 All persons are cautioned against purchasing or becoming interested in said Bonds, as the same can- 
 not be enforced, and will be worthless in the hands of any purchaser. 
 
 And all persons are earnestly requested, in case of any knowledge of the existence or whereabouts of 
 any of said Bonds, to communicate with the officers of this Bank, and to aid in tracing and recovering the 
 same. 
 
 From the appearance of the inside of the safe, and the condition of some of the papers left by the 
 thieves, it is believed that nearly all of the money and Bonds taken are more or less scorched and blackened 
 by the gunpowder explosion. 
 
 Said Bank will also pay twenty-five hundred dollars for the arrest and delivery at the County 
 Jail, in Quincy, Illinois, of each or either of the persons engaged in committing said burglary and robbery, 
 upon his conviction for the same. 
 
 By order of the Board of Directors of said Bank. 
 
 C. M. PoMROY, President, 
 Quincy, III., March 10, 1874. U. S. Penfield, Cashier. 
 
 Direct all communications to J. C. McGraw, Dep'y Sheriff, in care of the First National Bank, 
 Quincy, Adams County, 111. 
 
 The following is the description of the persons suspected of being concerned in the robbery as near as 
 can be ascertained ; 
 
 No. I. — J. R. BiGELOW. — Thirty to thirty-one years old; five feet ten inchea in height, trim, well 
 built, well proportioned, walks erect but with downcast look. Dark hair, brown or hazel eyes and very red 
 cheeks. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 1 17 
 
 No. 2. — A. D. Harper. — Age thirty to thirty-five years; height six feet, sHm build, and rather long 
 face with high forehead. Brown hair cut short; close cut brown or dark sandy Burnside whiskers; blue or 
 gray eyes; dressed in dark clothes, with plug hat; wore heavy gold watch in vest pocket and large gold 
 chain with long links. 
 
 No. 3. — C. G. Green. — Age about thirty; height five feet eight to ten inches, rather heavy build, dark 
 complexion, Roman nose, hair black and cut short; black mustache, and side whiskers not connected with 
 mustache. Dressed dark, with plug hat. 
 
 No. 4. — Name Unknown. — Thirty-five years old; height five feet seven to eight inches, slim build, 
 coarse features, very nrominent Roman nose, very large mouth; cheeks a little sunken, upper teeth seemed 
 remarkably short; black hair cut very short, and dark eyes. Wore plain gold ring on right little finger, and 
 gold ring — flat, square on top — on left middle finger. Dressed in dark clothes, with plug hat. 
 
 For a while Cummings led a riotous life, as usual. Wine, women, and faro soon 
 made havoc with his portion of the Quincy plunder and his wits were again brought 
 into play. He brought his organized talent to his aid, and started to Montreal, Canada, 
 for the purpose of robbing Marshalla's Bank, but an overcharge of dynamite blew out 
 the entire front of the building, and the robbers narrowly escaped with their lives. 
 Again they fled, and their next field of operations was on the Falls City Bank of 
 Louisville, Ky., which they operated upon as they did at Quincy, 111., with the difference 
 that their base of operations was under the altar of a Masonic temple. They removed 
 the carpet and the floor, replacing them at the close of each night's work. During the 
 time they were operating several lodge meetings were held, when the burglars stopped 
 work and went for a walk and refreshments. For their trouble there they obtained 
 $400,000. As usual, "broke" again in a few months, Dave started, in the summer of 
 1875, with a "kit" of tools, and in company with Billy Flynn and Jimmy Blake, was 
 arrested for robbing rooms at the Capitol Hotel in Harrisburg, Pa. They were all 
 sentenced to seven years each in the Eastern Penitentiary at Philadelphia. This was 
 Cummings' first conviction. He was discharged from there on July 4, 1880. 
 
 After a short rest he went to New York and fell in with old friends. He then took 
 a tour of New York State, robbing safes in the country post-offices and at railroad 
 stations ; but this did not suit him, and he went back to his old business, and in January, 
 1 88 1, he was arrested at the Sinclair House, New York City, a porter having caught him 
 coming out of the room of a son of United States Senator Pinchback's, with a full outfit 
 of tools and some valuables of the guests. He was committed, obtained bail, and again 
 went into hiding. His next appearance was at Philadelphia, where he formed a part- 
 nership with Walter Sheridan, Joe McClusky, and other noted bank sneaks. Their 
 first robbery was that of a diamond broker on Chestnut Street, near Twelfth, where 
 Cummings and Sheridan engaged the attention of the clerk, and McCluskey secured 
 about $6,000 worth of diamonds. In May, 1881, Sheridan, Dave, and Jack Duffy made 
 a trip to Baltimore, where they ran across a traveling salesman of the jewelry house of 
 Enos, Richardson & Co., of Maiden Lane, New York. They followed him to the 
 Clarendon Hotel, where they watched till he went to dinner, entered his room and stole 
 his entire stock, valued at $15,000. The chase becoming hot for Cummings, he finally 
 returned the proceeds of the robbery, and received $2,500 for it. 
 
 He then started for the Pacific slope with Old Jimmy Hope and Big Tom Bigelow, 
 and after looking about, these enterprising burglars concluded to rob Sauthers & 
 
Il8 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Co.'s Bank, a Hebrew institution, where there was $600,000. They again put into 
 operation their favorite tactics of securing a vacant room over the vault. They had 
 tunneled through four layers of brick and several tiers of railroad iron, when the chief 
 of detectives learned they were in the city. He took possession of several offices in the 
 vicinity of the bank with his men, and about 10:30 p. m., on the night of June 27, 1881, he 
 made a raid on them. He found Jimmy Hope at work. Cummings heard them coming 
 and ran to the roof, crawled through the scuttle, and running over the tops of several build- 
 ings, finally descended through a vacant store, and was once more at large. Bigelow, who 
 was supposed to have been working inside with Hope, in some manner escaped also> 
 
 Cummings left his trail at every hotel where he stopped, in Southern California, 
 New Mexico, Denver, Col. ; and at a small town, twenty miles from Denver, he robbed 
 a well known Chicago liquor dealer, named Al. Arundel, of $1,400 in money, a $500' 
 watch, and a $400 diamond stud. He then paid a flying visit to Chicago, then to Saint 
 Joseph, Mo., from there to St. Paul, then to Oshkosh, Wis., where, as above stated, he 
 was sentenced on September 14, 1881, for three years. Since his release he is remaining 
 very quiet, no doubt locating something rich. Look out for him, as he is liable to turn up 
 when least expected. Cummings, while admired by his comrades for his skill and daring, 
 has always been regarded by them as willing to sacrifice everybody to save himself. 
 
 The fate of a number of persons mentioned, in connection with Cummings, is as 
 follows : Scott died in Concord prison recently, and Dunlap is serving twenty years 
 there for robbing the Northampton Bank, Mass. ; Jim Brady is serving runaway 
 time and a sentence for felonious assault, in Auburn prison, in all about seven years ; 
 Ike Marsh is working out a seventeen years' sentence in the Eastern Penitentiary at 
 Philadelphia, for a bank robbery ; Jesse Allen is dead ; Sam Perris is a fugitive from 
 justice, being accused of the murder of the cashier of the Dexter Savings Bank, in 
 Maine ; George Leslie's body was found in the woods near Yonkers, N. Y., shot by his 
 associates; Frank Dean, alias Daigo Frank, Ed Johnson, and Mose Vogel, have just 
 finished serving a term of fifteen years in Trenton (N. J.) State prison ; Jimmy Hope 
 is serving a sentence of seven years and six months in San Quintan prison in California ; 
 Walter Sheridan is serving time in St. Louis for counterfeiting, and Pete Emmerson, 
 alias Banjo Pete, was sentenced to ten years in Trenton State prison for attempt to rob 
 a bank cashier in New Jersey. 
 
 Cummings' picture is a fair one, taken in January, 1881. 
 
 51 
 
 WILLIAM CONNELLY, alias OLD BILL, 
 
 alias Watson. 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Seventy years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Stout build. Married. Height, 
 5 feet 9>^ inches. Weight, about 200 pounds. Hair gray, head bald, eyes 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 1 19 
 
 gray, complexion light. Stout, full face. Has a double chin. Mustache gray, 
 when worn. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Old Bill Connelly, or Weston, as he is sometimes called, is considered one of 
 the cleverest hotel workers in America. Of late years he has worked generally in the 
 small cities, on account of being so well known in the larger ones. He has served two 
 terms in prison in New York State, one in Philadelphia, and several other places. 
 
 He was arrested in the Astor House, New York City, on November 24, 1876, 
 coming out of one of the rooms with a watch and chain (one that was left for him as 
 a decoy). He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to four years in State prison on 
 December 5, 1876, by Judge Gildersleeve, in the Court of General Sessions. His time 
 expired on October 20, 1880. 
 
 Connelly was arrested again in the Continental Hotel, Philadelphia, Pa., for robbing 
 some French naval officers, who were about visiting the Yorktown celebration. He 
 was tried, convicted, and sentenced to three years in the county prison on October 28, 
 1 88 1. He is now at large, and is liable to make his appearance anywhere. 
 
 Connelly's picture is an excellent one, although taken since 1876. 
 
 52 
 WILLIAM PEASE, alias BILLY PEASE, 
 
 alias Stewart. 
 HOTEL AND BOARDING-HOUSE THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Born in United States. Slim build. A painter and 
 sailmaker by trade. Married. Dark complexion, dark blue eyes. Height, 5 feet 5 
 inches. Weight, about 135 pounds. Dark brown hair, sharp face; has a scar near the 
 crown of head. Has a cross and the letters "C. I." in India ink on right arm ; also dots 
 on left arm and near left thumb. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Billy Pease is an old and very expert burglar and boarding-house thief, and is 
 well known in the principal Eastern cities. He was arrested in New York City on 
 June 8, 1876, for having burglars' tools in his possession, and sentenced to one year 
 in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island. He was shortly after discharged, and robbed 
 a boarding-house at No. 22 Irving Place, with one George Harrison. He was arrested 
 again on September 16, 1877, by the same officer, in New York City, for an attempt at 
 burglary at No. 1 2 Avenne A, for which he pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two 
 years and six months in State prison on September 27, 1877, by Judge Gildersleeve, in 
 the Court of General Sessions, New York City. Nothing further that is authentic 
 appears upon the record to date. 
 
 Pease's picture is a very good one, taken in 1877. 
 
I20 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 53 
 
 WILLIAM MILLER, alias BILLY MILLER. 
 
 HOTEL THIEF AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. No trade. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 65^ inches. Weight, 140 pounds Brown hair, brown eyes, 
 sallow complexion. Generally wears a brown mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Miller is a professional hotel and boarding-house sneak. He has served ten 
 years in Sing Sing prison, independently of the sentence below, for robbing a boarding- 
 house in Clinton Place, in New York City. He escaped from Sing Sing prison with 
 Big Jim Brady the burglar, in 1873, by bribing a keeper with $1,000. The keeper 
 was afterwards sent to prison himself for letting them escape. Miller was recaptured, 
 and returned to Sing Sing, where he served his time out. This is a very clever man, 
 and well worth knowing. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on October 28, 1879, ^"^ suspicion of 
 robbing the room of one M. Vanderkeep, a Spanish cotton merchant, who was stopping 
 at the New York Hotel. The room was entered on October 26, 1879, ^^i*^ diamonds 
 and jewelry valued at $2,500 were carried away. In this case he could not be identified. 
 At the time of his arrest there was found upon his person a watch and some Canada 
 money, which, it was ascertained, were stolen from a gentleman's room in the Cosmo- 
 politan Hotel, corner of Chambers Street and West Broadway, New York City, a few 
 nights previous to his arrest. 
 
 For this last offense he was held for trial, and finally pleaded guilty, and was 
 sentenced to ten years in State prison again on November 7, 1879. 
 
 His sentence expired May 6, 1886. 
 
 Miller's picture is an excellent one, taken in October, 1879. 
 
 64 
 ALBERT CROPSEY, alias WILLIAMS. 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-three years old in 1886. Medium build. Born in United States. Light 
 complexion. Not married. Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, 135 pounds. Light 
 hair and mustache when worn. Has letters "A. C." in India ink on right fore-arm ; also 
 letters "A. C." and "A.," bracelet, anchor and dots on left hand. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 12 1 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Cropsey is a very clever hotel and boarding-house thief, and is a man well 
 worth knowing. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on May lo, 1878, for robbing a safe in 
 Stanwix Hall, a hotel in Albany, N. Y., and delivered to the Albany police authorities. 
 He was convicted there and sentenced to five years in the Albany, N. Y., Penitentiary 
 on June 29, 1878, by Judge Van Alstyne. He was arrested again in New York City 
 on November 4, 1883, and sent to Passaic, N. J., where he was charged with stealing 
 $300 worth of silverware from a Mr. Lara Smith. In this case he was tried, but the 
 jury failed to convict him and he was discharged. He is known in Philadelphia, New 
 York, Boston, and several other cities in the United States. 
 
 Cropsey's picture was taken in 1878. 
 
 55 
 
 STEPHEN RAYMOND, alias STEVE MARSHAL. 
 
 FORGER AND GENERAL THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Fifty-four years old in 1886. Born in England. Stout build. Married. Height, 
 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, 180 pounds. Has considerable English accent when talking. 
 Gray mixed hair, blue eyes, dark complexion. Mole on the upper lip, right side. The 
 right eye is glass. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Steve Raymond has a remarkable history as a forger and negotiator of forged 
 bonds and securities. He had only left Sing Sing prison, where he had been confined 
 for forgery, a few months, when he was arrested in London, England, on January 8, 
 1874, charged with being implicated in the great Buffalo, Erie and New York Railroad 
 bond forgeries. Over $400,000 of fraudulent bonds of these railroads were sold in New 
 York City, and an equal amount in other places, before their genuineness was doubted. 
 They were so cleverly executed that one of the railroad companies accepted $40,000 
 of them without suspicion. These forgeries were the largest that were ever committed 
 and successfully carried out in this or any other country. The capital to carry this 
 scheme was said to have been furnished by Andrew L. Roberts and Valentine Gleason. 
 Raymond's share was $40,000 cash, the larger part of which was stolen from him 
 before he left for Europe in July, 1873. 
 
 Raymond was taken before Justice Henry, a London magistrate, and remanded for 
 extradition on January 16, 1874, and was shortly after brought back to America. 
 
 While awaiting trial in the Tombs prison in New York, with his confederates, 
 Walter Sheridan, alias Ralston (8), Charles Williamson, alias Perrine (202), Andy 
 Roberts and Valentine Gleason, Raymond was taken to Elmira, N. Y., on habeas corpus 
 
122 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 proceedings, to be examined as a witness in some case, and while there he succeeded in 
 making his escape from the Sheriff. He was arrested some time afterwards and 
 committed to the Eastern Penitentiary on Cherry Hill, Philadelphia, for fifteen months, 
 under the name of Frank Stewart, for a petty pocketbook swindle, which he carried on 
 through the newspapers, and remained there without recognition until a short time 
 before his release, when the fact became known to the New York authorities, who 
 arrested him at the prison on January 27, 1877 (just two years after he had left the 
 Tombs for Elmira), and brought him back to New York. 
 
 Raymond was convicted of forgery in the third degree and sentenced to State 
 prison for five years on March 20, 1877, ^.nd was discharged from there in October, 
 1880. The list of the forgeries he was implicated in is as follows : New York Central 
 Railroad bonds, $250,000 ; Buffalo, New York and Erie bonds, $200,000 ; Western 
 Union Telegraph Company bonds, $200,000 ; New Jersey Central Railroad bonds, 
 $150,000. A total of $800,000. 
 
 Raymond was arrested again in New York City on July 3, 1882, charged with the 
 larceny of a watch on a street car. He could not be identified as the party who stole 
 it, but a bunch of keys was found upon his person and the magistrate construed these 
 keys as being equivalent to burglars' tools and committed him in $1,500 bail for trial. 
 This was reduced to $500 by Judge Haight, of the Supreme Court, and Raymond 
 was shortly after discharged. 
 
 Raymond was arrested again in New York City on September i, 1883, charged 
 with altering the numbers and cashing coupons of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, 
 which had been stolen from the Northampton Bank in Massachusetts, in 1876. He 
 presented at the office of the Union Pacific Railroad Company on September i, 1883, 
 twelve coupons and received a check for $480 in payment. When placed on the stand 
 at the time of his trial, he said : " I met a man named George Clark, with whom I had 
 been acquainted for years, in a liquor store on Eighth Avenue, about two years ago ; 
 during the conversation he asked me if I would cash some coupons ; I was promised a 
 percentage of $50 on $480, the amount of interest ; Clark said to me, ' You can't expect 
 the coupons to be straight ; they are cut from stolen bonds.' I cashed several lots of 
 coupons ; I never suspected that the numbers of the coupons had been altered or I 
 would not have had anything to do with them ; I saw three detectives near the bank 
 when I entered it, but they were looking in another direction. In my extensive 
 experience with crooked bonds I never before heard of the numbers of the coupons 
 being altered. If I had had plenty of money I would not have touched the coupons, 
 but as my wife was sick I wanted money. When I came out of prison in 1880 I sold 
 directories and afterwards gambled." 
 
 Raymond was convicted of forgery (second offense) and sentenced to State prison 
 for life on October 22, 1883. The law under which he was sentenced reads as follows : 
 "If the subsequent crime is such that upon a first conviction the offender might be 
 punished, in the discretion of the court, by imprisonment for life, he must be imprisoned 
 for life." The Court of Appeals of New York State confirmed Raymond's sentence on 
 April 29, 1884. 
 
 Raymond's picture is a good one, taken in 1882. 
 
55 
 
 56 
 
 57 
 
 STEPHEN RAYMOND, 
 
 ALUS MARSHAL, 
 
 SNEAK AND FORGER, 
 
 GEORGE ADAMS, 
 
 ALIAS KID AFLECK, 
 
 CONFIDENCE MAN ana GENERAL THIEF 
 
 DAN/EL S. WARD, 
 
 ALIAS CAPT. WARD, 
 
 WORTHLESS CHECKS. 
 
 58 
 
 59 
 
 60 
 
 HUGH L COURT EN AY. 
 
 ALIAS LORD COURTENEY, 
 
 SWINDLER. 
 
 CHARLES McLaughlin, 
 
 ALIAS McCLAIN, 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 JOHN O'NEIL, 
 
 ALIAS HUGHES. 
 
 SWINDLER. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 123 
 
 56 
 
 GEORGE F. AFFLECK, alias ADAMS, 
 alias Kid Affleck, alias Davis. 
 
 THIEF AND CONFIDENCE MAN. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-eight years old in 1886. Stout build. Height, 5 feet 7j^ inches. Weight, 
 about 150 pounds. Born in United States. Married. Says he is a shoemaker. Dark 
 hair, light blue eyes. Dark, sallow complexion. Wears light-colored mustache. Has. 
 a scar on his left cheek. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Kid Affleck is a noted confidence man, having been arrested in several Eastern 
 cities. His favorite hunting-ground was along the docks in New York City, where he 
 was arrested several times, plying his vocation. He is also well known in Boston, Mass., 
 and Providence, R. I., where he has worked around the railroad depots and steamboat 
 landings with Plinn White (now dead), Dave Swain, and his old partner, Allen. He 
 has served time in prison in Boston, Philadelphia, and New York, other than what is 
 mentioned below. He cannot be called a first-class man, still he manages to obtain 
 considerable money. His victims are usually old men. He works generally with Old 
 Man Allen (alias Pop White). 
 
 Affleck was arrested in New York City on March 7, 1883, with Old Man Allen, 
 who gave the name of James Adams, charged with robbing an old man named Jesse 
 Williams, at the Broad Street Railroad depot in Philadelphia, of a satchel containing 
 $7,000, on March 5, 1883. Shortly after this robbery Affleck's wife, Carrie, deposited 
 $1,000 in two New York Savings banks — $500 in each. This was part of the stolen 
 money. He was delivered to the Philadelphia officers, and taken there, where, by an 
 extraordinary turn of luck, he got off with a sentence of eight months in the Eastern 
 Penitentiary on March 30, 1883. Williams, who was robbed by Affleck, recovered about 
 $1,000 of his $7,000, and made his way to South Bend, Ind., his old home, where he 
 died of grief on October 29, 1883, having lost all he had saved for the last twenty years. 
 
 Affleck was arrested again in Central Park, New York City, on Sunday, March 
 21, 1886, and gave the name of George E. Wilson. He was in company of James 
 Morgan, alias Harris, another notorious confidence man. They were charged 
 with swindling Christopher Lieh, of Brush Station, Weld County, Col., out of sixty 
 dollars, by the confidence game. They both pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to 
 two years and six months each in State prison on March 24, 1886, by Judge Gilder- 
 sleeve, in the Court of General Sessions, New York City. 
 
 This clever rogue has been traveling around the country for some time, swindling 
 people, and the community is well rid of him. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in 1883. 
 
124 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 57 
 
 DANIEL S. WARD, alias CAPTAIN WARD, 
 
 alias Morgan, alias Pape, alias Miller. 
 SWINDLER BY WORTHLESS CHECKS. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-nine years old in 1886. Slim build. Born in Indiana. Planter. Height, 
 6 feet 2 inches. Weight, 136 pounds. A very tall, slim man. Single. Dark brown 
 hair, gray eyes, sallow complexion. Has several front teeth out, 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Col. Daniel S. Ward was one of the six men arrested in New York City on 
 November 28, 1864, for being concerned in a plot to burn the hotels. He was 
 confined at police headquarters for four months by order of Gen. Dix. The plan was 
 to burn Lovejoy's, French's, the Astor House, the Albemarle, the Fifth Avenue, and 
 the La Farge House, now the Grand Central Hotel. Captain Kennedy, one of the 
 conspirators, was hung in Fort Lafayette, and Captain Bedle, another, was hung on 
 Bedloe's Island, in New York Harbor. Ward was sent to Fort Lafayette, and after 
 being confined there several months was sent South and permitted to go. It was also 
 suspected that he was concerned in the burning of Barnum's Museum, in July, 1865. 
 
 In 1875 Ward went to Woodville, Miss., and represented himself as N. W. Page, 
 of Baton Rouge, La., and obtained on a forged check $1,100. For this he was arrested, 
 and after remaining in jail a year was discharged. He then came to New York as 
 H. W. Keller, of Woodville, Miss., and secured from W. C. Browning & Co., of 
 Broome Street, a suit of clothes and $100 in cash, change for a worthless check. In 
 August of 1884, he was in New York City, representing himself as Wm. H. Morgan, of 
 Woodville, Miss., and handed in a letter of introduction to Bates, Reed & Cooley, 
 merchants on Broadway, who in turn gave him a letter to Naumberg, Krauss & Co., of 
 Broadway, who sold him a long list of goods. They were asked to send one outfit down 
 to the Cosmopolitan Hotel, where Ward, alias Morgan, was in waiting, and received 
 them. In one day he secured goods from half a dozen firms. 
 
 On October 9, 1884, Ward went to James M. Shaw, the china dealer, on Duane Street, 
 New York City, and said he was the captain of the steamer Eclipse, running between 
 New Orleans and New York. He ordered $462 worth of goods, displayed a draft for 
 $3,000 on the Park Bank of New York, and when he drew up a check of $500, the 
 difference, $38, was handed him and he departed. He visited CoUender's billiard sales- 
 rooms on Broadway, New York, saying that he was about fitting up a large place in 
 New Orleans, talked about prices, was invited out to dinner by the cashier, who intro- 
 duced him to Pettus & Curtis, tailors, corner Seventeenth Street and Broadway. The 
 last named was promptly swindled out of a suit of clothes and $150 in cash. At the 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 125 
 
 Meriden Britannia Co.'s, on Fourteenth Street, New York, he ordered $965 worth of 
 goods, drew a check for $150 more, and walked off with the difference. On October 
 II, 1884, he went to Chickering & Sons and selected two pianos, took a fancy "by the 
 way" to the manager, took him to lunch, and from the restaurateur, to whom he was 
 introduced, borrowed $20 for change, as he had accidentally run short. F. F. Kramer, 
 a piano cover maker on East Fourteenth Street, New York, was sent for, came, and 
 sold a piano cover for $150, which Ward took with him in a coupe, together with $100 
 cash, the change of a $250 worthless check. He drove down to Lord & Taylor's, on 
 Broadway, displayed the receipted bills of Shaw, Kramer, and the Meriden Britannia 
 Company, and selected $875 worth of linen for the steamer Eclipse. He drew a check 
 for $1,000, and having received $125, told Lord & Taylor not to send the goods until 
 his check was certified. The goods of course never went. As he was passing out of 
 the store his eye caught a lot of silk underwear, and $100 worth of this was placed in 
 his coupe, as he "thought his wife might want to look at it." Boston, Providence, 
 Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis, and Philadelphia were all visited 
 and victimized in the same manner, under the careless and guileless fashion of undue 
 trusting common among business men. 
 
 Ward was arrested in New York City in connection with these swindling transac- 
 tions on July 20, 1885, and tried on two complaints, one made by the Meriden Britannia 
 Company, and another by Pettus & Curtis. He was convicted and sentenced to three 
 years in State prison, in the Court of General Sessions, on July 20, 1885. His sentence 
 will expire on February 19, 1888. 
 
 Ward was also known as A. C. Wood, and as Col. Sellers. His right name is 
 Albert C. Ward, and he was born and brought up in Indianapolis, Ind., where his 
 relations are highly respected. 
 
 Ward's picture is a good one, taken in 1885. 
 
 58 
 
 HUGH L. COURTENAY, alias LORD COURTNEY, 
 
 alias Lord Beresford, alias "Sir Harry Vane of 
 Her Majesty's Lights." 
 
 SWINDLER — A BOGUS LORD. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-four years old in 1886. Born in England. Claimed to be married when 
 arrested, which is not a fact. Slim build. Height, 6 feet 2 inches. Weight, 175 
 pounds. Dark hair, heavy eyes, bronzed complexion. Has a small, light-colored 
 mustache. Tall, gentlemanly-looking man. Looks and assumes the air of an English- 
 man. Has a poor education, and is a poor writer. A bogus lord, with " R. N." on his 
 
126 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 baggage. This party's right name is supposed to be CHnton, and he is the clever son 
 of a former lodge-keeper of the Earl of Devon, in Devonshire, England. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Lord Courtenay, the bogus British nobleman, is well known in New York City 
 since 1874, and, in fact, all over the United States and Canada. There are several 
 people to-day in England, Utah Territory, Montreal (Canada), Richmond (Va.), Balti- 
 more, Newport (R. I.), and, in fact, in all the principal cities in the United States, that 
 would like to have the pleasure of meeting him again, and handing him over to the 
 police authorities. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on December 3, 1880, and delivered over to 
 the Salt Lake (Utah) police authorities, for forgery on the London Bank of Utah. He 
 was tried there, and acquitted ; again arrested in Salt Lake, by the New York police 
 authorities, and brought to New York, charged with forging an acceptance of a bill of 
 exchange for the sum of seventy-two pounds sterling by Herbert S. Sanguinetti, of No. 
 13 Pall Mall, London, England. He was delivered to the captain of the steamship 
 Spain, of the National Line, that sailed from New York for England on May 14, 1881, 
 and was delivered by him to the police authorities of Liverpool, England, and taken to 
 London, where he was credited with a five-years sentence. The fact is, he was sentenced 
 to three months at hard labor in Clerkenwell prison, London, England, on October 17, 
 1881, under the name of Marcus Beresford, alias Walter Constable Maxwell. He was 
 afterwards shipped to one of the West India Islands, but turned up again in Boston, 
 Mass., the same fall. 
 
 Charles Pelham Clinton, another of his aliases, is wanted in Montreal, Canada, for 
 a little confidence game he played on a merchant there. , He represented himself as C. 
 C. Bertie, adjuster for some estate in England. So well acquainted was he with English 
 law, and so well did he describe the accession of the estate and the history of the family, 
 that he completely deluded his victim, got into his confidence, and then cleared out. 
 There was a rewai^d of $1,000 offered for him in Montreal. In 1876 he made his debut 
 as a society swindler in Baltimore, Md., under the name of " Sir Hugh Leslie Courte- 
 nay," of the " British Royal Navy." Here he managed, by letters from confederates, to 
 establish his identity in the eyes of the public. He was at once received in the best 
 society, and by his distinguished appearance and manners completely captivated the 
 female portion of the community. He spent money on cheap trash which he gener- 
 ously presented to his friends. A young Baltimore belle describes him as a most fasci- 
 nating personage, and says that he was the first who ever " fired her soul with love." 
 The elegant uniform of the British Royal Navy, which he always wore at the fashionable 
 balls, delighted and infatuated the young ladies, who cut the buttons off for souvenirs. 
 The lady alluded to above still has in her possession one of the gold (?) buttons, with 
 the monogram of the Royal Navy, cut from Sir Hugh's uniform. He was wined and 
 lionized, and ran on his credit there for months, wondering " what could be the matter 
 with his stupid banker in England." His male friends grew suspicious, and made 
 excuses for not being able to accommodate him with loans. Then he changed his 
 tactics, and by different devices managed to extract from his female friends small 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 127 
 
 amounts from their allowance for pocket-money. It is said that the daughter of a 
 prominent citizen of Norfolk, Va., gave Courtenay $500. Notwithstanding these loans, 
 his extravagant tastes involved him heavily in debt, and he was obliged to decamp, and 
 did^ so just in time, as the evening before he took his leave he was recognized as a 
 fugitive by one of his former victims. Before his departure from England he undoubt- 
 edly studied up thoroughly the pedigrees of many English families of noble title for the 
 sole purpose of swindling unsuspecting Americans or marrying some silly American 
 heiress. 
 
 His picture is a good one, although a copy. 
 
 59 
 
 CHARLES McLaughlin, alias McLain, 
 
 alias Lambert, alias Seaman, alias Johnson, 
 
 ♦ HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty years old in 1886. Stands his age well. Born in Troy, N. Y. Is a saddler 
 by trade. Well built. Height, 5 feet 7^ inches Weight, 160 pounds. Brown hair. 
 Wears full, dark, sandy whiskers and mustache, turning gray. He has quite a 
 respectable appearance, and is a good talker. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 • McLaughlin is one of the cleverest hotel workers in the country, and is said to 
 be the son of a planter in Louisiana. He was a book-keeper, but lost everything during 
 our civil war and became a hotel thief. On April 3, 1875, he robbed a room in the 
 Westminster Hotel in New York City of a watch and chain and some diamonds and 
 money. As he was leaving the hotel with his booty, his victim came downstairs and 
 reported his loss to the clerk, who followed McLaughlin and had him arrested, and 
 found the property upon his person. McLaughlin was tried, convicted, and sentenced 
 to three years in Sing Sing prison for this robbery. It is said that the day he was 
 sentenced his father was shot and killed by negroes in Grant Parish, La. 
 
 He was convicted and sent to prison in Quebec, Canada, for a hotel robbery in 
 January, 1881. He was arrested again in New York City on June 10, 1884, for entering 
 three rooms in the Rossmore Hotel. A full set of hotel-workers' tools was found on 
 his person at the time of his arrest. He had robbed two rooms in this house some 
 time before and secured $400 in money and two watches. In this case McLaughlin 
 pleaded guilty to burglary, and was sentenced, under the name of Chas. J. Lambert, to 
 two years in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, in the Court of General Sessions in 
 New York City, on June 25, 1884, by Judge Gildersleeve. His sentence expired Feb- 
 ruary 24, 1886. 
 
 McLaughlin's picture is a fair one, taken in 1875. He looks much older now. 
 
128 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 60 
 
 JOHN O'NEIL, alias HUGHES, 
 
 alias Smith. 
 
 CONFIDENCE MAN, SELLS PAWN TICKETS. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Slim build. Painter by trade. 
 Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, about 140 pounds. Dark hair, turning gray; light 
 eyes, dark complexion, cast in one eye. His hand is drawn up from a gunshot wound, 
 and he is paralyzed on one side of his body, drawing one leg somewhat after him. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 John O'Neil, alias Hughes, alias Jason Smith, has a method of working which 
 is entirely his own. Whenever a robbery or burglary has been committed, the victim 
 receives a poorly spelled and written note from O'Neil, stating that " although he is a 
 thief, so help his God he had nothing to do with the burglary " of your residence, or 
 whatever it may be — he has, however, pawn tickets representing the property stolen, 
 which he will sell you. An interview is arranged, and during the conversation he 
 remembers a few descriptions that you give of your property, and says that he has 
 pawn tickets representing so-and-so. " Why did you not bring them with you ?" is the 
 question naturally asked. "Oh, no; I did not know whether I could trust you or not." 
 Being assured that he can, another meeting is arranged for the purpose of going arid 
 redeeming the property, which is done in the following manner : a cab is hired, "as he 
 is a thief, and it would not be safe for you to be seen walking with him," and both are 
 driven to the pawnbroker's shop, which always has two entrances. Before the cab 
 arrives at the place, he will say, " It will cost so much to redeem the goods," showing 
 you the tickets and counting the amounts up, " give me the money, you remain in the 
 cab at the door, and I will go in and redeem them, and bring them to you, when you 
 can pay me for my tickets." He enters the pawnshop and passes out the other door, 
 and you, after waiting some time in the cab, realize that you have been swindled, enter 
 the place, but fail to find your man. 
 
 O'Neil was arrested at Staten Island, N. Y., by the police and brought to New 
 York City on April 4, 1879, under the name of John Hughes, charged with swindling 
 one Zophar D. Mills out of $172, as above described. O'Neil represented that he had 
 pawn tickets, for seven pieces of silk stolen from Mr. Mills on November 30, 1878. 
 O'Neil, alias Hughes, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in State prison 
 in this case on April 23, 1879, by Judge Cowing, in the Court of General Sessions, New 
 York City. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City, under the name of John O'Neil, on 
 September 12, 1885, for swindling several people in the same way. This time he also 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 129 
 
 pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one year in State prison on September 17, 1885, 
 by Judge Cowing, in the same court. 
 
 Several of O'Neil's victims refused to prosecute him on account of his infirmities, 
 and the fact that he had served twelve years of the last fifteen of his life in prison. 
 
 O'Neil's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1870. 
 
 61 
 THOMAS O'CONNOR, alias TOMMY CONNORS. 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Twenty-six years old in 1886. Born in New York. Single. Teamster. Stout 
 
 build. Height, 5 feet 75^ inches. Weight, 170 pounds. Dark hair, hazel eyes, dark 
 
 complexion, freckled face. Has a star in India ink on right hand, and letters " T. O. C." 
 
 in a circle on left arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Tommy Connors," the name he is best known by, is a desperate west side. New 
 York, burglar. He is well known in the Eastern States as the former partner of Clark 
 Carpenter, alias Clarkey (deceased), and James McDonald, alias Milky McDonald, 
 two other notorious west side burglars. He has served a term in Sing Sing prison and 
 in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, New York. He first came into prominent 
 notice when arrested in New York City on December 2, 1884, in company of John 
 McKeon, alias Kid McKeon, alias Whitey, and William Pettibone, for robbing a safe 
 in the Bay State shoe-shop, in the Kings County Penitentiary of New York. Pettibone 
 was at the time in the employ of the company. McKeon had served a term in the peni- 
 tentiary, and worked in the shop. These two, in company of Connors, tore the safe 
 open, and secured $3,104 in money in November, 1884. Pettibone was arrested and 
 used by the people as a witness to convict McKeon, who was sentenced to six years 
 and six months in State prison. Connors escaped conviction in this case. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on January 14, 1886, in company of 
 Clark Carpenter, alias Clarkey, and James McDonald, alias Milky McDonald, and 
 delivered to the police authorities of Boston, and taken there to answer for a series of 
 burglaries. One of the burglaries occurred on October i, 1885, at No. 470 Harrison 
 Avenue ; another on Thanksgiving morning, 1885, at No. 428 Tremont Street ; another 
 on December 26, 1885, at No. 390 West Broadway, South Boston, and several others 
 in the city of Boston and vicinity. 
 
 Connors, McDonald, and Clark were tried in Boston on February 11, 12, and 13, 
 1886, and the jury disagreed; they were remanded to Charles Street jail to await 
 another trial. This case was finally brought to a close on April 15, 1886, when Thomas 
 O'Connor pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in State prison. Milky 
 McDonald was discharged on April 15, 1886. Clarkey was also discharged on the same 
 day, but, being very sick, died in Charles Street jail on the following day, April 16, 1886. 
 
 O'Connor's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1886. 
 
I30 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 62 
 
 JOHN MAHANEY, alias MAHONEY, 
 
 alias Jack Shepperd, alias John H. Matthews. 
 
 BURGLAR, SNEAK, WAGON THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-three years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Medium build. 
 Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, 140 pounds. Dark curly hair, dark eyes, dark 
 complexion. A sharp, quick-moving fellow. Makes a specialty of driving away trucks 
 loaded with merchandise. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Jack Shepperd," the name he is best known by, is an old offender. This sobriquet 
 he deservedly bears, for few thieves in America have such a record as a successful thief 
 and jail breaker. His notoriety dates back fully twenty years. First he was a petty 
 thief, whose exploits were only fitful and trifling, but he improved his opportunities, so 
 to speak, and quickly ripened into a full-fledged burglar. While plying the "jimmy" 
 he one night fell into the hands of the New York police, and was taken to police head- 
 quarters. He was inside the building, in the very heart of the thief-takers' hive, but 
 Jack was not a bit appalled by official terrors, and he opened his custodians' eyes, on 
 April 9, 1870, when they saw him break away, dash through the door, clear the stoop 
 at a jump, and go around the corner like a streak. There was a hue and cry and much 
 hunting done, but Jack had escaped. He next turned up in the West, and played 
 the mischief with lock-ups and vigilance committees. He was in a tight strait many a 
 time, but his eye was always open to chances, and he somehow managed to get out of 
 trouble. He has not indulged much in burglary of late years, but has a process of 
 operating which he himself might be said to have patented, to wit, driving away trucks 
 and their valuable contents. 
 
 Mahaney was arrested in Yonkers, N. Y., in 1866, by a Boston officer, and taken 
 to Boston, where he was wanted for the larceny of a wagon loaded with broadcloth, etc., 
 valued at $5,000. He was convicted for this offense on March 12, 1866, and sentenced 
 to five years in State prison, this time under the name of John Wood. He was 
 discharged from prison there on January 19, 1871. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on May 5, 1875, charged by Henry 
 Dobson (colored), a driver for Overton & Co., No. 34^ Pine Street, with driving away 
 a truck loaded with goods valued at $3,000. He was tried for this on June 30, 1875, in 
 New York City, and the jury failed to agree. He was tried again on August 9, 1875, 
 with the same result. He was then turned over to the police authorities of Philadelphia, 
 Pa., and taken there by requisition on August 14, 1875, charged with burglary in 
 
61 
 
 62 
 
 63 
 
 THOMAS 0. CONNOR, 
 
 ALIAS TOMMY CONNOF?, 
 
 SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 JOHI]/ MAHANEY, 
 
 ALIAS JACK SHEPPARD, 
 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
 AUGUST PALMER. 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 64 
 
 65 
 
 66 
 
 MICHAEL KERRIGAN, 
 
 ALIAS JOHNNY DOBBS, 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 JOSEPH WHALEN. 
 
 ALIAS JOE WILSON, 
 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
 THOMAS KELLY, 
 
 ALIAS BLINK KELLY, 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 131 
 
 entering the store of Matther, Reese & Son, No. 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. 
 He was also indicted for grand larceny on April 22, 1875, i"^ Philadelphia, on complaint 
 of Frank Stewart, of Bank Street, that city. He was convicted and sentenced to three 
 years in the Eastern Penitentiary in one of the above cases, at Philadelphia, on Sep- 
 tember 15, 1875, by Judge Briggs. 
 
 Jack was arrested again in New York City on December 26, 1878, under the name 
 of John H. Matthews, for the larceny of a truck from James Lynch, of No. 35 City 
 Hall Place, New York, on July 9, 1878. On this date Jack engaged Lynch to carry off 
 three bales of wool from the corner of Reade Street and West Broadway. A number 
 of bales of wool had been left outside the establishment there, and Jack, on the truck's 
 arrival, superintended the work of removing them with quite an assumption of owner- 
 ship ; then he took a seat on the truck beside Lynch, who drove off. He induced 
 Lynch to leave the truck for a minute and go on a message to the top floor of a house 
 they were passing ; he was only a short time out of sight when Jack caught up the 
 reins, lashed the horses into a quick run, and was soon out of sight with truck and wool. 
 The wool was unloaded and the truck turned adrift. Jack then hailed another truckman 
 who was returning to New Jersey, the wool was taken to New Jersey, where it was 
 afterwards found. Jack was finally discharged on December 28, 1878, as the authorities 
 could not get the Jersey truckman to come to New York and identify him. 
 
 Mahaney was arrested again in Boston, Mass., in April, 1879, for driving away a 
 truck load of goods. He was tried, convicted, and sentenced for this offense to five 
 years in State prison, on April 25, 1879. This sentence expired on August 24, 1883. 
 He was arrested again in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 19, 1884, for the larceny of a truck 
 and three bales of Irish linen from G. B. Haines & Co., of Market Street. For this he 
 was sentenced to three years in the Eastern Penitentiary on August 11, 1884. This 
 time he gave the name of James Robinson. His time expires April 11, 1887. 
 
 Shepperd has also served time in Joliet prison, Illinois, from 1871 to 1875. 
 
 His picture, although taken some time ago, is a fair one. 
 
 63 
 
 AUGUST PALMER. 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Twenty-nine years old in 1886. Stout build. German, born in United States. 
 Married. Ciga.r-maker. Height, 5 feet 10 inches. Weight, 180 pounds. Light hair, 
 gray eyes, round full face, fair complexion. 
 
132 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 August Palmer Is a brother of Herman Palmer (189), both desperate New York 
 burglars. They, in connection with Robert Clifford, Peter Wilson (deceased), and 
 John Anderson, alias Little Andy, all expert burglars, succeeded in doing considerable 
 work in and around New York before their capture. The Palmer brothers are expert 
 safe burglars. 
 
 August Palmer and Peter Wilson (who was shot and killed at Chester, Pa., while 
 committing a burglary on May 2, 1884) were arrested in New York City on June 8, 
 1880, for an attempt to rob the safe at the pawnbroker establishment of Patrick Ganley, 
 in Division Street, in which there was at the time $15,000 worth of jewelry, etc. Wilson 
 was bailed out, and escaped conviction for lack of evidence. Palmer, at the time of his 
 arrest, lived with his wife, Mary Steele, in Seventy-sixth Street, near Third Avenue, 
 New York. The detectives searched his rooms, and concealed behind a mirror they 
 found three pawn-tickets, which represented an amethyst ring, a gold watch and chain, 
 and a pair of opera glasses, which, when redeemed, were at once identified as part of 
 the property stolen from Meyer's pawn-shop, No. 528 Second Avenue, which was 
 burglarized on the night of April 30, 1880. The safe was torn open, and its contents of 
 jewelry, etc., valued at $6,000, carried away by August Palmer and associates. August 
 was tried In the Court of General Sessions for the Meyer burglary, convicted, and 
 sentenced to five years in State prison on June 28, 1880. 
 
 At the time that August's home was searched and the pawn-tickets found, there 
 was also found two pieces of silk dress goods, that were stolen from Mannassa L. 
 Goldman's dry-goods store on Canal Street, New York. The store was entered by 
 burglars on Christmas-day, 1879. August's wife claimed the silk, and she was sent to- 
 the penitentiary for having stolen goods In her possession. 
 
 Palmer was arrested again in New York City for assaulting a party who gave 
 evidence against his brother Herman, and sentenced to three years for assault In the 
 second degree, on September 19, 1884. His sentence will expire, if well behaved, on 
 January 14, 1887. 
 
 Palmer's picture is a good one, taken in 1880. 
 
 64 
 MICHAEL KERRIGAN, alias JOHNNY DOBBS. 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-one years old In 1886. Born in England. Married. Machinist. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 53^ inches. Weight, 150 pounds. Gray hair, blue eyes, dark 
 complexion, smooth round face, large mouth. Has some English accent. Stands his 
 age well. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. I33 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Kerrigan, or Johnny Dobbs, was born and brought up in the slums of the Fourth 
 Ward of New York City. He started out as a pickpocket, and was afterwards con- 
 nected with Patsey Conroy (deceased), Larry Griffin, Denny Brady, Pugsey Hurley, 
 and other notorious river thieves. Later on he became one of the most expert 
 bank burglars in America. He is well known in almost every large city in America, 
 and is considered a first-class workman. His associates were Charles Adams, alias 
 Langdon W. Moore (22) ; George Mason, alias Gordon (24) ; Big Frank McCoy (89), 
 Old Bill Meagher, Abe Coakley, Fairy McGuire (78), Sam Perris, alias Worcester 
 Sam (199); Johnny Hope (19), Jimmy Hope (20), and, in fact, all the best men in 
 the profession. He has been engaged in almost all the important bank robberies that 
 have occurred in this country during the past twenty-five years. Dobbs, Worcester 
 Sam, and old man Hope, were implicated in the robbery of the Dexter Bank of Maine, 
 and the murder of the cashier. Worcester Sam, it is claimed, threw Cashier Barron 
 into the bank vault and shut the door on him, because he refused to give them the 
 combination of the safe in the vault, and next morning he was found dead. Sam is 
 wanted now for this murder. 
 
 Dobbs, alias Rice, escaped from State prison at Wethersfield, Conn., in company 
 of another convict, on May 3, 1875. He was serving a sentence of four years for a 
 burglary committed in CoUinsville, Conn. When in jail at Hartford, Conn., before his 
 transfer to Wethersfield, he made an attempt to escape, but was detected when he had 
 almost dug himself out. 
 
 Dobbs was arrested again in Philadelphia, Pa., on May 7, 1879, while attempting 
 to sell some of the bonds stolen from the Manhattan Savings Institution in New York 
 on October 27, 1878. He was brought to New York City, and confined in the Tombs 
 prison until February 6, 1880, when he was delivered to the authorities of Connecticut, 
 and taken back to Wethersfield prison, to serve out his unexpired time. 
 
 The following is an account of the last arrest of Dobbs and his gang in Lawrence, 
 Mass., as published in the police news of Boston at the time. With a few corrections, 
 it is given in full. 
 
 The value of strict police surveillance of strangers was never better illustrated in this country than at 
 Lawrence, Mass., on Monday night, March 3, 1884. Officer Carey of the day patrol had reported to the 
 city marshal two days before the presence at the Franklin House of four persons, whom the officer thought 
 were worth watching. A description of the men was placed on the blotter at police headquarters for the 
 information of all members of the force. When these men alighted in Lawrence at 4 p. m., March 3, and 
 carried their gripsacks to a different hotel from that they had patronized on their visit two days before, the 
 eye of the " countryman copper " was wide open and kept them within view. They registered at the hotel, 
 and, later, " connected " with two other members of the gang who had hired teams at different stables in 
 Lowell, Mass., and driven over the road ten miles. Four of the gang took supper at Arthur Dodge's restau- 
 rant and left their gripsacks there and took a stroll around the city. About 7:30 p. m. one of them bought 
 a pair of rubbers at a shoe store, and then the gang sought out a billiard saloon to put in the time till the 
 night was ripe for business. City Marshal James T. O'Sullivan, Assistant Marshal John Sheehan, Police 
 Inspector Hiram R. Neal, Night Watch Captain James T. Brady and officers O'Connor, Mahoney and John 
 J. Sullivan, in citizens' clothes, watched the billiard saloon, and had but a brief time to wait, when three of 
 the desperados were heard coming down the stairs. They were on the street conversing in a low tone of 
 voice, when Inspector Neal jumped in upon them and grabbed George Day, alias Moore, alias McCarty (87), 
 
134 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 by the neck, and speedily pinioned him. The other two ducked their heads and eluded his grasp, one 
 running towards Hampshire Street, pursued by Captain Brady, and the other toward Franklin, both firing as 
 they ran. The captain, as his man who was William Thompson, alias Dennis Carroll, alias Big Slim (147), 
 turned down towards the canal, ordered him to stop, and when he failed to comply, fired one shot. 
 Thompson continued on the run, firing three shots at the captain as he ran, and now the shooting began in 
 earnest. 
 
 The noise of the shots, none of which took effect, attracted officers O'Connor and J. J. Sullivan from 
 Amesbury Street, and they, too, joined in the pursuit. Thompson threw his revolver away, and ran into the 
 alley between the Atlantic blocks, where again Capt. Brady levelled at him and fired, and Thompson fell, 
 crying: "I'm hit! I'm hit!" The captain, with the other officers came upon him, and when told to throw 
 up his hands, he did so, and was taken to the station, where it was found that he was uninjured. 
 
 The marshal paid his attention to the other rascal, who fled through the alley, firing after him as he 
 went, and the burglar returning the fire, shooting over his shoulder. He managed to escape, however. 
 This man was John Love (68). 
 
 The report of revolvers awakened the two burglars who remained in the billiard room, and they made 
 a bolt for the street. They broke from the billiard room, but did not reach the street before they were pin- 
 ioned by the marshal, officers Carey and Dennis Sullivan, and Matthew McDonald. These men were James 
 Rodgers and Frederick P. Gray (73). 
 
 Rodgers was the leader of the gang. He has been identified as Johnny Dobbs. One detective called 
 him Johnny Irving, which, of course, was a mistake. 
 
 In the gripsacks were found a complete set of tools for safe-blowing — bellows, steel bits, dark lan- 
 terns, fuse, cartridge caps, sectional jimmies, tubes through which to blow explosives, and other implements 
 of the craft. All had self-cocking revolvers of 32 calibre, and a quantity of cartridges to match, and among 
 the party there was over $500, and each had a gold watch. In Dobbs' sack was found a box of Reading, 
 Pa., powder, and a box of troches, labelled Edward S. Kelley, Boylston, corner Berkeley Street, Boston. 
 
 A formidable set of burglars' tools were those which the gang had, some of them, such as the 
 pusher, for opening combination locks,- extremely rare and expensive. The jimmies included a sectional 
 one, five feet long, in three joints, and a smaller one sixteen inches long. There was a bellows worked by 
 the feet, a lot of half-inch rubber hose and seven tin tubes for powder to be forced through in blowing open 
 safes. This powder, contained in two flasks and a bottle, was very fine and well adapted to the work. 
 Besides this explosive were several pounds of nitro-glycerine and atlas powder, in cartridges, so arranged 
 as to be exploded by electricity if desired. 
 
 There were three coils of waterproof fuse, a fur muff, intended to deaden sound, and a gossamer to 
 hide rays of light, two pocket dark lanterns, a thin spatula to work window fastenings, an adjustable wrench, 
 a bit-stock, fifty-eight drills of silver-steel, and thirty-four steel wedges, ranging from three-quarters of an 
 inch to four inches in length. For coercion and defense there were four new pattern revolvers and two 
 pair of Bean's improved handcuffs. A map of New England and one of Essex county, two bottles of 
 whiskey, with the paper labels scratched off, and a machine for cutting out door locks, made up the inter- 
 esting collection. 
 
 At the examination in the Lawrence police court, March 6, 1884, each member of the gang was held 
 in $15,000 for having burglars' tools in their possession, and Thompson was held in $10,000 additional for 
 shooting at the officer. 
 
 Dobbs and Thompson pleaded guilty to having burglars' tools in their possession, 
 and were sentenced to ten years each in Concord prison on June 9, 1884. 
 
 Day, alias McCarty, and Gray were tried some time after, and convicted. They 
 carried their case up to the Supreme Court, which confirmed the- verdict of the lower 
 court, and they were finally sentenced to ten years each on February 11, 1885. 
 
 See records of Nos. 68, 80, 86, 88, 90, and 199. 
 
 Dobbs' picture is an excellent one, taken in 1884. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 65 
 JOSEPH WHALEN, alias JOE WILSON. 
 
 BURGLAR AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-five years old in 1886. Born in United States. Medium build. Married. 
 Height, 5 feet 65^ inches. Weight, 143 pounds. Brown hair, blue eyes, sallow com- 
 plexion. Wears black mustache. Has a scar on right temple, another on corner of 
 
 left eye. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Joe Whalen, alias Wilson, is a clever shoplifter, and is well known in all the 
 principal Eastern and Western cities, having formerly lived in Chicago. He was 
 arrested in New York City on November 21, 1883, for shoplifting. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on August 25, 1885, in company of 
 George Elwood, alias Gentleman George (114), a desperate Colorado burglar, with a 
 complete set of burglars' tools in their possession. When the detectives searched their 
 rooms in Forsyth Street, New York, they found considerable jewelry, etc. Among it 
 was a Masonic ring engraved " Edson W. Baumgarten, June 25, 1884." This ring was 
 traced to Toledo, O. In answer to inquiries about the same. Chief of Police Pittman 
 of that city sent the following telegram : " Hold Elwood and Wilson ; charge, grand 
 larceny, burglary, and shooting an officer." The circumstances were as follows : On 
 August 13, 1885, masked burglars broke into Mr. Baumgarten's house in Toledo, O., 
 and being discovered in the act of plundering the place fired several shots at the 
 servants and escaped. An alarm was raised and the police started in pursuit. Coming 
 up on Elwood, the officer demanded to know what was in a bag he was carrying. He 
 said, " Nothing of much value — take it and see." The officer took the bag to a lamp 
 near by, and when in the act of examining it, Elwood shot him in the back and 
 escaped. 
 
 Whalen and Elwood were taken to Toledo on August 29, 1885, to answer for this 
 and a series of other masked burglaries in that vicinity, in almost all of which there 
 was violence used. 
 
 They were both tried there on December 12, 1885. Elwood was found guilty, 
 and sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary at Toledo on December 19, 1885. 
 Wilson was remanded for a new trial, as the jury failed to convict him. 
 
 Elwood hails from Denver, Col., and is a desperate man. Whalen was formerly 
 from Chicago, but is well known in New York and other Eastern cities. These two 
 men committed several masked burglaries, generally at the point of the pistol, in Cleve- 
 land, Detroit, St. Paul, Milwaukee, and St. Louis. 
 
 Whalen, or Wilson, was tried again in Toledo, and found guilty of grand larceny 
 on May 5, 1886, and sentenced to five years in State prison at Columbus, O., on May 
 15, 1886, by Judge Pike, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Lucas County, Ohio. 
 See record of No. 114. 
 
 Whalen's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1883. 
 
f36 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 66 
 THOMAS KELLY, alias BLINK. 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-eight years old in 1886. Born in New York. Waiter. Single. Slim 
 build. Height, 5 feet 7^ inches. Weight, 134 pounds. Brown hair, brown eyes, 
 dark complexion. Right eye out. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Kelly is a young New York burglar, and is credited with being able to handle a 
 safe with some of the older ones. He was born and brought up in the Seventh Ward 
 of New York City, and is a member of Patsey Carroll's gang. He was sentenced to 
 two years in State prison on April 13, 1879, for grand larceny in New York City ; again, 
 on December 23, 1880, for two years and six months for grand larceny under the name 
 of Thos. Jourdan, just ten days after his release on the first sentence. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on August 21, 1883, in company of 
 Patsey Carroll, John Talbot, alias the Hatter, Clarkey Carpenter (now dead), and Wm. 
 Landendorf, " Dutch Harmon's " brother, at Martin Reeve's saloon, No. 38 Forsyth 
 Street, New York City, a resort for thieves, charged with burglarizing the premises of 
 Geo. Tarler & Co., manufacturing jewelers, at No. 7 Burling Slip. The premises were 
 entered on the night of August 20, 1883, and jewelry, plated ware, etc., carried away 
 valued at $1,379. Patsey Carroll and John Talbot pleaded guilty to burglary in the 
 third degree in this case and were sentenced to four years in State prison on October 
 22, 1883, in the Court of General Sessions, New York City. Kelly was discharged. 
 
 Kelly's picture is a good one, taken in 1883. 
 
 67 
 
 JOSEPH REAL, alias JOE STEIN, 
 
 alias HoGGiE Real. 
 
 HOUSE SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-six years old in 1886. Born in New York City. Bricklayer by trade. 
 Single. Medium build. Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, 143 pounds. Black hair, 
 hazel eyes, dark complexion. Left-handed. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 HoGGiE Real is a very smart and nervy house-thief. He generally works with 
 Joe Otterburg (69), both of whom are well known in New York and Philadelphia. 
 
67 
 
 jS*«". 
 
 Si' 
 
 ^'^/^'s.i- 
 
 m'^ 
 
 Pi- 
 
 es 
 
 ¥**• 
 
 u'^ ^l 
 
 JOSEPH STEIN, 
 
 ALIAS PIGGIE REAL, 
 
 BURGLAR AND HOUSE SNEAK. 
 
 JOHN LOVE, 
 
 ALIAS LOWREY, 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 JOSEPH OTTERBERG, 
 
 ALIAS STEARN, 
 
 BURGLAR AND HOUSE SNEAK. 
 
 71 
 
 EDWARD LYONS, 
 
 ALIAS NED LYONS, 
 
 BURGLAR, SNEAK, AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DANIEL HUNT, 
 
 ALIAS CARTER, 
 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
 WILLIAM MORGAN, 
 
 ALIAS BILLY MORGAN, 
 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. T37 
 
 Real was arrested in New York City, and sentenced to four years in Sing Sing 
 prison by Judge Gildersleeve, on April 24, 1883, on conviction of burglary in the third 
 degree, but escaped from there on June 22, 1883. He was returned to Sing Sing 
 prison, under the name of John Williams, on another charge from New York City, on 
 January 22, 1884, for four years, which, together with his runaway time, makes his 
 sentence nearly eight years. Watch this man when you arrest him, as he carries a 
 pistol in his outside coat-pocket, left hand side, and will use it. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in 1883. 
 
 68 
 JOHN LOVE, alias JAMES D. WELLS. 
 
 SNEAK AND BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-two years old in 1886. Born in United States. Medium build. Plane- 
 maker by trade. Married. Height, 5 feet 8j^ inches. Weight, 140 pounds. Sandy- 
 brown hair, gray eyes, florid complexion. Generally wears reddish-brown mustache. 
 Has figures "33" in India ink on left leg, also letters "J. L." on each arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Love, alias James D. Wells, is a clever store and bank burglar. He has had 
 considerable luck in escaping punishment considering his long career of crime. He is 
 a desperate man and will shoot on the first opportunity, and is well known in most of 
 the Eastern States as a leader of a desperate gang of burglars. 
 
 He was implicated with Langdon W. Moore, alias Charley Adams (22), and 
 George Mason, alias Gordon (24), for the robbery of the Warren Savings Bank and 
 the Post-office in Charlestown, Mass., on December 4, 1879. Mason, on whose 
 testimony Adams was convicted, refused to testify in any manner against Love, and he 
 was not indicted. Mason was afterwards sentenced to three years in the House of 
 Correction, and Moore, or Adams, received sixteen years. Love was traveling around 
 the country with Johnny Dobbs and his gang, and was the fifth man that escaped from 
 an officer at Lawrence, Mass., on March 3, 1884, when the rest of them were arrested. 
 He and others were concerned in the robbery of the post-office in Gloucester, 
 Mass., in March, 1884, also the post-office in Concord, N. H., and several other 
 robberies in New England. 
 
 Love was formerly the partner of "Jack" Welsh, alias "John the Mick," who 
 killed " Jack " Irving, and who in turn was killed by Wm. O'Brien, alias " Billy Porter" 
 (74), Irving's partner, in a saloon on Sixth Avenue, New York City, on October 20, 
 1883. John Love, alias "James D. Wells;" Charles Lowery, alias " William Harris," 
 alias "Hill," of Canada; George Havill, alias "Harry Thorn," alias " Joseph Cook 
 (15), of Chicago, 111. ; Frank McCrann, alias "Wm. McPhearson," alias "Big Frank," 
 and Mike Blake, alias "Mike Kerwin," alias "Barney Oats," alias "Little Mickey," of 
 
130 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Pittsburg, Pa., were arrested near Elmira, N. Y., on February 14, 1885, for the robbery 
 of the Osceola, Pa., Bank on the night of February 13, 1885. 
 
 The bank vault was built of solid masonry two feet thick, but the concussion of 
 the dynamite cartridge used was so great that the neighbors heard the explosion and 
 notified the proprietors of the bank, who in turn notified a constable. The latter 
 gathered a posse and pursued the burglars, who had escaped in a sleigh. They drove 
 at such a furious rate that their team soon gave out. At that moment, a farmer came 
 from his stable with a fresh horse and sleigh, which the robbers appropriated without 
 ceremony and continued their flight. When within four miles of Elmira, N. Y., the 
 gang was cornered, having been traced by their tracks in the snow. Lowery, a most 
 desperate fellow, fired two shots at Constable Blanchard, one of them slightly wounding 
 him in the arm. The marshal, joined by others, gave chase to the burglars across 
 Mount Zoar, and a running fire was kept up. The pursuers were joined by other 
 officers from Elmira, and when near that city two of the desperadoes were captured. 
 One of them, Mike Blake, alias Kerwin, was shot through the wrist ; John Love, alias 
 Wells, Frank McCrann, alias McPhearson, and George Havill, alias Harry Thorn, alias 
 Cook, the other members of the gang, were chased until evening, when they were 
 captured and placed in jail at Elmira, N. Y. The robbery was small, amounting to 
 about $1,500, of which $500 was in silver and was nearly all dropped by the burglars in 
 their flight. 
 
 Charles Lowery, alias Wm. Harris, alias Hill, is without doubt one of the most 
 desperate criminals in America. After his arrest, he was also charged with the murder 
 of the town marshal of Shelby, Ohio ; and a $6,000 burglary at Gait, Ont. ; also a 
 $10,000 jewelry robbery in Montreal, Canada. While Lowery and another burglar 
 named Andrews were in a bank cashier's house at Belleville, Ont., they were surprised 
 and captured. Lowery, a short time before that, had killed a hackman. In this case 
 he escaped his just deserts through numerous appeals and the diplomacy of his wife, 
 who lived in Toronto, Canada. He was convicted in the Osceola Bank case, and sen- 
 tenced to ten years in State prison on April 9, 1885. 
 
 Love was sentenced to nine years and eleven months, Havill to nine years and 
 nine months, Frank McCrann to nine years and seven months, and Mike Blake to nine 
 years and six months, in the same case and on the same day (April 9, 1885). 
 
 Love's picture resembles him very much, taken in July, 1882. 
 
 69 
 
 JOSEPH OTTERBURG, alias JOE STEARN, 
 
 alias Oatsey. 
 HOUSE SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-eight years old in 1886. Born in New York City. Single. No trade. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 5^ inches. Weight, 125 pounds. Brown hair, blue 
 eyes, light complexion. Generally wears a light-brown mustache. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 1 39 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Joe Otterburg is a very clever house sneak, that being his principal business. He 
 will stand watching when you go to arrest him, as he generally uses a pistol. He is an 
 associate of Hoggie Real (67), and is well known in several Eastern States. He was 
 arrested in New York City and sentenced to four years in State prison on October 6, 
 1870, under the name of James Oats, by Recorder Hackett, for a sneak robbery. 
 
 Otterburg was convicted for having burglars' tools in his possession at White 
 Plains, N. Y., on September 19, 1875, and was discharged from the penitentiary at 
 Albany on July 15, 1877, after serving two years there, under the name of Joseph 
 Osborne. 
 
 He was arraigned for trial in the Kings County Court of Brooklyn, N. Y., on May 
 II, 1878, for robbing the residence of Mrs. Adolphus Nathan, of No. 117 Adelphi 
 Street, that city, on January 25, 1875, of $450 worth of property. In this case he was 
 tried and acquitted on May 31, 1878. 
 
 Christopher Spencer, who was in this robbery with Otterburg, was afterwards 
 sentenced to the Albany (N. Y.) Penitentiary for five years for breaking jail and 
 assaulting his keeper at White Plains jail, Westchester County, N. Y. 
 
 Otterburg was arrested again in New York City, and sentenced to four years in 
 State prison by Judge Gildersleeve, on April 24, 1883, fo"" robbing a house in Harlem 
 in company of Joseph Real (67). His time expired on April 23, 1886. 
 
 His picture is a good one, notwithstanding his eyes are closed, taken in April, 1883. 
 
 70 
 EDWARD LYONS, alias NED LYONS. 
 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-seven years old in 1886. Born in England. Married. Stout build. Height, 
 about 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, about 180 pounds. Hair inclined to be sandy. Wears 
 it long, covering the ears, one of which (the left one) has the top off. Wears a very 
 heavy reddish mustache. Bald on front of head, forming a high forehead. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Ned Lyons was born in Manchester, England, in 1839 ; came to America in 1850. 
 His father had hard work to make both ends meet and look after his children, and in 
 consequence young Ned had things pretty much his own way. They lived in West 
 Nineteenth Street, New York City, a neighborhood calculated to develop whatever 
 latent powers Ned possessed. The civil war, with its attractions in the shape of 
 bounties, etc., proved a bonanza while it lasted, and after that Ned loomed up more 
 prominently under the tuition of Jimmy Hope (20). He was afterwards a partner of 
 Hope's, and was arrested several times, but never convicted. In 1869 Lyons, Hope, 
 
I40 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Bliss, Shinborn, and others, robbed the Ocean Bank, of New York, of money and bonds 
 amounting to over a million of dollars. The bank was situated on the corner of Fulton 
 and Greenwich streets. A basement directly underneath was hired, ostensibly as an 
 exchange. To this office tools were carried, and a partition erected, between which the 
 burglars worked day and night, when opportunity served, cutting up through the stone 
 floor of the bank, and gaining an entrance on Saturday night, after the janitor had left. 
 To tear open the vaults was a task requiring time ; but they operated so well, that on 
 Monday morning the iron front door of the bank was found unlocked, the vault liter- 
 ally torn to pieces, and the floor strown with the debris of tools, mortar, stone, bricks, 
 bonds, and gold coin — the bonds being left behind as worthless, and the gold coin as 
 too heavy. 
 
 A few years before this robbery Lyons married a young Jewess, named Sophie 
 Elkins, alias Levy (128), 2.protdgee of Mrs. Mandlebaum. Her mania for stealing was so 
 strong that when in Ned's company in public she plied her vocation unknown to him, and 
 would surprise him with watches, etc., which she had stolen. Ned expostulated, pleaded 
 with, and threatened her, but without avail ; and after the birth of her first child, George 
 (who, by the way, has just finished his second term for burglary in the State Reform- 
 atory at Elmira, N. Y.), Ned purchased a farm on Long Island, and furnished a house 
 with everything a woman could wish for, thinking her maternal instinct would restrain 
 her monomania ; yet within six months she returned to New York, placed her child out 
 to nurse, and began her operations again, finally being detected and sentenced to Black- 
 well's Island. 
 
 Early In the winter of 1870 Lyons, in connection with Jimmy Hope, George Bliss, 
 Ira Kingsland, and a well known Trojan, rifled the safe of the Waterford (N. Y.) Bank, 
 securing $150,000. Lyons, Kingsland and Bliss were arrested, and sentenced to Sing 
 Sing prison. Hope was shortly after arrested for a bank robbery in Wyoming County, 
 and sentenced to five years in State prison at Auburn, N. Y., on November 28, 1870. 
 He escaped from there in January, 1873. Lyons escaped from Sing Sing in a wagon 
 on December 4, 1872. About two weeks after Ned's escape (December 19, 1872), he, in 
 company of another person, drove up in the night-time to the female prison that was then 
 on the hill at Sing Sing. One of them, under pretense of bringing a basket of fruit to a 
 sick prisoner, rang the bell ; whereupon, by a preconcerted arrangement, Sophie, his wife, 
 who had been sent there on October 9, 1871, for five years, rushed out, jumped into the 
 carriage, and was driven away. They both went to Canada, where Ned robbed the safe 
 of a pawnbroker, securing $20,000 in money and diamonds, and returned to New York, 
 where their four children had been left — the eldest at school, the younger ones in an 
 orphanage. About this time (September, 1874) the bank at Wellsboro, Pa., was robbed. 
 Lyons was strongly suspected of complicity, with George Mason and others, in this 
 robbery. Although Sophie and Ned were escaped convicts, they succeeded in evading 
 arrest for a long time. Both of them were finally arrested at the Suffolk County (L. I.) 
 Fair, at Riverhead, in the first week in October, 1876, detected in the act of picking 
 pockets. Two weeks later he was tried in the Court of Sessions of Suffolk County, 
 L. I., found guilty, and sentenced to three years and seven months in State prison, 
 by Judge Barnard. Sophie was discharged, re-arrested on October 29, 1876, by a 
 
FROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 141 
 
 detective, and returned to Sing Sing prison to finish out her time. Lyons had on his 
 person when arrested at Riverhead $13,000 of good railroad bonds. In 1869 Lyons 
 had a street fight with the notorious Jimmy Haggerty, of Philadelphia (who was after- 
 wards killed by Reddy the Blacksmith, in Eagan's saloon, corner Houston Street and 
 Broadway). During the melee Haggerty succeeded in biting off the greater portion of 
 Lyons' left ear. On October 24, 1880, shortly after Ned's release from prison, in a 
 drunken altercation, he was shot at the Star and Garter saloon on Sixth Avenue, New 
 York City, by Hamilton Brock, better known as " Ham Brock," a Boston sporting man. 
 Brock fired two shots, one striking Lyons in the jaw and the other in the body. 
 
 Lyons was arrested again on July 31, 1881, in the act of breaking into the store of 
 J. B. Johnson, at South Windham, Conn. He pleaded guilty in the Windam County 
 Superior Court, on September 14, 1881, and was sentenced to three years in State 
 prison at Wethersfield, Conn. At the time of his arrest in this case he was badly 
 shot. That he is now alive, after having a hole put through his body, besides a ball in 
 the back, imbedded nine inches, seems almost a miracle. 
 
 Upon the expiration of Ned's sentence in Connecticut, in April, 1884, he was 
 re-arrested, and taken to Springfield, Mass., to answer to an indictment charging him 
 with a burglary at Palmer, Mass., on the night of July 27, 1881. Four days before he 
 was shot at South Windham, Lyons, with two companions, entered the post-office and 
 drug store of G. L. Hitchcock, and carried away the contents of the money-drawer and 
 a quantity of gold pens, etc. They also took a safe out of the store, carried it a short 
 distance out of the village, broke it open, and took some things valued at $350 from it. 
 
 In this case Lyons was sentenced to three years in State prison on May 29, 1884. 
 
 His picture was taken while he was asleep at the hospital in Connecticut, in 1881. 
 
 71 
 
 DANIEL HUNT, alias CARTER, 
 
 alias Martin, alias Mason. 
 
 SNEAK, HIGHWAYMAN, PICKPOCKET, SHOPLIFTER .AND WAGON 
 
 THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-eight years old in 1886. Medium build. Ship-joiner by trade. Born in 
 United States. Single. Dark brown mustache. Height, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches. Weight, 
 about 160 pounds. Brown hair, hazel eyes, dark complexion. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Dan Hunt is a very nervy and clever pickpocket, sneak and shoplifter. He will 
 also drive away a loaded truck. He is pretty well known in New York and most 
 Eastern cities, and works with the best people. He was arrested in New York City on 
 
142 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 March 25, 1878, and delivered to the police authorities of Brooklyn, N. Y., in company 
 of William Bartlett, charged with robbing the cashier of the Planet Mills, in South 
 Brooklyn. The cashier was knocked down and robbed of $3,500 on March 25, 1878, 
 while within a block of the mills, by three men, who, after the robbery, which was com- 
 mitted in broad daylight, jumped into a wagon and escaped. He had drawn the 
 money from a New York bank, and was returning with it to the mills for the purpose 
 of paying off the hands. He was accompanied by a watchman, but the attack was so 
 sudden that both men were knocked down before either could offer any resistance. 
 
 Hunt and Bartlett were arrested on suspicion, brought to trial in Brooklyn, and 
 both found guilty on June 29, 1878. The testimony was so contradictory that Judge 
 Moore, who presided at the trial, had strong doubts as to the guilt of the prisoners. 
 He therefore did not sentence them, but remanded them back to Raymond Street jail, 
 pending a motion for a new trial made by their lawyer. A new trial was granted, and 
 as the District Attorney had no additional evidence to offer, they were discharged by 
 Judge Moore on June 28, 1879, over a year after their arrest. 
 
 Hunt was arrested again in New York City under the name of Mason, and 
 sentenced to two years and six months in State prison on January 22, 1880, by Judge 
 Cowing, for grand larceny. 
 
 Hunt's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1871. 
 
 72 
 
 WILLIAM MORGAN, alias BILLY MORGAN, 
 
 alias Williams. 
 
 BURGLAR, SNEAK AND TILL-TAPPER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-three years old in 1886. Born in New York. Medium build. Single. 
 No trade. Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, about 142 pounds. Brown hair, blue 
 eyes, florid complexion. Has "W. B. Morgan" in India ink on his right arm; one 
 dot of ink on left hand. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Billy Morgan is considered one of the smartest till-tappers and shoplifters in 
 the business. He has confined himself to till-tapping and work of that description of 
 late years, and has been arrested in several of the principal cities in America, and is 
 well known in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. He has worked with the best 
 people in this line, and thoroughly understands his business. 
 
 He was arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., on April 16, 1880, with "Marsh Market 
 Jake" (38), Little Al. Wilson, and George Williams (194), for the larceny of $2,200 in 
 bank bills from one Henry Ruddy of that city. The whole party were convicted and 
 sentenced to eighteen months in the Eastern Penitentiary at Philadelphia on April 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 143 
 
 26, 1880. Since his release he has been traveling through the country working almost 
 every kind of schemes to get money. He has been arrested in New York several times. 
 An account of all his arrests would fill many pages. 
 
 His picture is a very good one, taken while under arrest, in August, 1882. 
 
 73 
 
 FREDERICK P. GREY. 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-two years old in 1886. Born in United States. Medium build. Single. 
 No trade. Height, 5 feet 10 inches. Weight, 165 pounds. Brown hair, blue eyes, 
 light complexion, brown mustache, and a thin growth of brown beard. Large ears. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Grey, or Gray, is no doubt a clever burglar, from the fact that he was one of the 
 " Johnny Dobbs " gang, that gave the authorities all over New England so much trouble 
 in 1884. He is from the West, and is not very well known in the Eastern cities. 
 
 He was arrested in Lawrence, Mass., on March 3, 1884, in company of Johnny 
 Dobbs (64), Denny Carroll, alias Wm. Thompson, alias " Big Slim" (147), and Tommy 
 McCarty, alias Day, alias Tommy Moore, alias " Bridgeport Tommy" (87). See record 
 of No. 64 for full particulars. 
 
 Kerrigan, alias Dobbs, and Carroll pleaded guilty. McCarty and Grey stood trial, 
 were convicted, appealed their case without avail, and were finally sentenced to ten years 
 each in State prison, at Concord, Mass., on February 11, 1885. See record of No. 87. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in March, 1884. 
 
 74 
 
 WILLIAM O'BRIEN, alias BILLY PORTER, 
 
 alias Morton. 
 SAFE BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Medium build. Born in Boston. Married. Printer. 
 
 Height, 5 feet 51^^ inches. Weight, about 145 pounds. Black curly hair, dark eyes, 
 
 dark complexion. Has fine set of teeth. Has the following India ink marks : Sailor, 
 
 with American flag and star, in red and blue ink, on right arm ; star and cross on 
 
144 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 outside of same arm ; crucifixion of Christ, woman kneeling and man standing up, on 
 left arm. He is a bright, sharp-lo.oking fellow. Dresses well, and has plenty of nerve. 
 Generally wears a black mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 This celebrated criminal is well known all over America as the partner of Johnny 
 Irving, who was shot and killed by John Walsh, alias "John the Mick," during a fracas 
 in Shang Draper's saloon, on Sixth Avenue, New York City, on the morning of October 
 1 6, 1883. Walsh was killed at the same time, and Porter was tried for killing him, but 
 was acquitted by a jury on November 20, 1883. 
 
 Porter, or O'Brien, the last being his right name, began his criminal career early 
 in life, and has been arrested in almost every city in the Union, and is considered 
 second to no one in his business. The following are a few of the cases in which Porter 
 has figured : 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on October 11, 1877, for the burglary of 
 E. Tilges' warehouse. No. 487 Broome Street, on September i, 1877. Joe Dollard, 
 Johnny Irving, and George Howard, alias Leslie (the last mentioned two are now dead), 
 were with him. They succeeded in carrying away about $2,000 worth of silk hat linings. 
 Porter was committed in default of $4,000 bail by Justice Morgan, but was subsequently 
 released. 
 
 Porter and Irving were arrested in New York City, June 5, 1878, and delivered to 
 the police authorities of Brooklyn, N. Y., where they were wanted for the robbery of 
 Mr. Betterman's dry goods store, in Williamsburg, of $5,000 worth of silk and $1,400 
 in money. They were not fully identified in this case, and were discharged. 
 
 Billy Porter, Johnny Irving, and Gilbert Yost (the latter a notorious burglar, was 
 sentenced to fourteen years in the Northern Indiana State prison at Michigan City on 
 April 25, 1883, for robbing a jewelry store at La Porte, Indiana), were arrested in 
 Brooklyn, N. Y., on August 11, 1878, at Porter's residence. No. 152 Patchen Avenue, 
 for the burglary of Martin Ibert's Sons' flour and grain store, at No. 148 Graham 
 Avenue, on August 10, 1878. Porter was tried twice for this burglary, and each time 
 the jury failed to agree. He finally escaped with Irving from Raymond Street jail, in 
 Brooklyn, on June i, 1879. 
 
 They both went to Boston, and from there to Providence, R. I., where they were 
 joined by Joe Dollard, and on June 27, 1879, the party burglarized the safe of 
 C. R. Linke, a large jeweler, at No. ']'] Westminster Street, securing watches and 
 silverware of the value of $15,000. On the night of June 30, three nights after this 
 robbery, an attempt was made to arrest them in New York City by some private 
 detectives, but it failed. 
 
 On July 23 following. Porter and Irving were chased by the police authorities in 
 Passaic, N. J., and again escaped. Porter was finally captured in New York City on 
 September 28, 1879, and delivered to Sheriff Reilly, of Brooklyn. He was again tried, 
 convicted, and sentenced to five years in the Kings County Penitentiary by Judge 
 Moore, of Brooklyn, on October 23, 1879. -^^ i^ ^^^^ ^^^^ Porter's mother died in 
 Massachusetts during his confinement at "Crow Hill," and left him $12,000. After 
 
73 
 
 74 
 
 75 
 
 FREDERICK P. GRAY, 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 WILLIAM O'BRIEN, 
 
 ALIAS BILLY PORTER, 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 GEORGE LOCKWOOD, 
 
 ALIAS CULLY, 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 76 
 
 77 
 
 78 
 
 BILLY FORRESTER, 
 
 ALIAS CONRAD FOLTZ, 
 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
 GUST AVE KINDT, 
 
 ALIAS FRENCH GUS, 
 
 BURGLAR AND TOOL MAKER. 
 
 ANDREW CRAIG, 
 
 ALIAS FAIRY McGUIRE 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. I45 
 
 Porter's release he remained quiet, and finally sailed for Europe in February, 1884, in 
 company of Michael Kurtz, alias "Sheeny Mike" (80), where they had considerable 
 luck. They returned to America in January, 1885, with $25,000 each, realized from 
 many burglaries in England, France, and Germany. 
 
 Porter was arrested in New York City on Tuesday, January 19, 1885, charged with 
 robbing the jewelry store of Emanuel Marks & Son, at Troy, N. Y. The robbery 
 occurred on February 24, 1884, and the burglars carried away some $14,000 worth of 
 jewelry. He was taken to Troy and committed for trial. If not convicted in this 
 case, he will probably be taken to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he is wanted for robbing 
 Haydn's jewelry store in 1884. Michael Kurtz was also arrested for this robbery in 
 Jacksonville, Fla., on January 19, 1885, returned to Troy, tried and convicted. See 
 No. 80. 
 
 Billy Porter also obtained a great deal of notoriety as being one of the men 
 suspected of the murder of the noted burglar, George Leonidas Leslie, alias George 
 Howard, whose remains were found on June 4, 1878, near Tramp Rock, Westchester 
 County, N. Y., with a bullet through his head. He was shot on the night of May 29, 
 and carried to where he was found in a wagon. 
 
 Porter's picture is a good one, taken in September, 1875. 
 
 75 
 GEORGE LOCKWOOD, alias CULLY LOCKWOOD. 
 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-four years old in 1886. Born in New York. Medium build. Married. 
 Plumber. Height, 5 feet 7^ inches. Weight, 153 pounds. Reddish brown hair, 
 brown eyes, sandy complexion ; generally wears a sandy mustache. Has pistol-shot 
 wound on his arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 George Lockwood, or " Cully," the alias he is best known by, is a professional 
 safe-burglar, and a son of respectable parents who reside in New York City. His 
 father, a boss plumber, learned Cully his trade. When but a boy he became entangled 
 with a gang of thieves who frequented Mrs. Brunker's basement, on the corner of 
 Wooster and Houston Streets, New York City, and was arrested for robbing a pawn- 
 broker in Amity Street, and again in the Eighth Ward, in November, 1873, for having 
 a set of burglars' tools in his possession, one hundred and eight pieces in all. Later 
 on he was arrested on suspicion of robbing the premises of Brougham & McGee, gold 
 pen and pencil manufacturers, Nos. 79 and 81 William Street. 
 
 He was also arrested for attempting to assassinate Charles Brockway (14), the 
 forger, in West Houston Street. Lockwood, as Brockway was passing by, jumped out 
 
146 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 of the hallway of his wife's (Mrs. Brunker's) residence, and shot Brockway in the back 
 Brockway turned and shot him through the arm. He was not prosecuted, as Brockway 
 refused to make a complaint. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City in January, 1871, in company of Pete Burns, 
 alias McLaughlin, for an attempt at burglary and carrying burglars' tools. Judgment 
 was suspended in this case. 
 
 He was arrested again in January, 1874, with Pete Burns, in a thieves' resort that 
 had been raided by the police. They were both arraigned on the old suspended 
 indictment on January 14, 1874, and Burns pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two 
 years and six months in State prison. Lockwood was remanded until January 21, 
 when he also pleaded guilty to burglary in the third degree, and was sentenced to two 
 years and six months in State prison at Sing Sing, under the name of George Jackson. 
 
 He was arrested in the Eighth Ward, New York City, on December i, 1878, 
 on suspicion of a burglary, but was discharged. 
 
 Next he was arrested in New York City on January 8, 1880, with Charley Woods, 
 alias Fowler, on suspicion of robbing Station F, New York Post-office, but was dis- 
 charged by Justice Bixby for lack of evidence. 
 
 Arrested again in New York City on January i, 1880, and tried in the Court of 
 Special Sessions, on June 15, 1880, for assaulting a man named James Casey, of New 
 Jersey, whom he mistook for an officer who had arrested him some time before for 
 burglary. He succeeded in keeping Casey out of court on the day of his trial, and the 
 court, being in ignorance of his character, discharged him. 
 
 He was afterwards arrested in New York City with Jim Elliott, the prize-fighter 
 (now dead), on June 24, 1880, secreted in the cellar of Cornelius Clark's saloon, at No. 
 86 Henry Street. They had bored through the floor with the view of robbing a safe 
 containing about $500 in money, and some jewelry that was in the store. A full set of 
 burglars' tools was found with them. In this case they pleaded guilty, and were 
 sentenced to two years each in State prison, on June 30, 1880, by Judge Cowing. 
 
 Lockwood was arrested again in New York City on October 14, 1884, in company 
 of Frank Russell, alias Little Frank, another sneak and burglar, for the larceny of 
 three watches from the store of Conrad Baumgarth, No. 16 Sixth Avenue, in July, 
 1884. "Cully" was committed for trial in $1,000 bail, by Judge Patterson, but dis- 
 charged in the Court of General Sessions, by Judge Cowing, on November 7, 1884. 
 He was arrested again in Albany, N. Y., in company of Andrew McAllier, for attempt 
 at burglary. They were sentenced to eighteen months in the Albany Penitentiary, 
 on June 26, 1885, by John C. Nott, County Judge, and his sentence will expire on 
 September 25, 1886. Lockwood ten years ago was considered a very skillful and nervy 
 burglar. It is claimed that he is a first-class mechanic and manufactured all his tools. 
 He and Johnny Coady generally use the wood screw for forcing in an outside door. 
 A hole is bored with an auger in the jamb of the door, exactly behind the nosing of the 
 lock, after which a wood screw is inserted into the hole, and with the aid of a good bit- 
 stock or brace, the nosing of the lock is easily and quietly forced off. Of late he has 
 become somewhat dissipated, and is not rated now as a first-class criminal. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in November, 1877. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 147 
 
 76 
 
 BILLY FORRESTER, alias CONRAD FOLTZ, 
 
 alias Matthews, Marshall, Frank Campbell, Livingston, 
 Howard, Matthew Riley, Brown, Frank Harding, 
 
 and Lew Kerns. 
 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK, AND S0-CALLEI5 NATHAN MURDERER, 
 
 OF NEW YORK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Dark complexion, dark 
 hair, dark hazel eyes, that are very piercing. Wears dark mustache. He is a broad- 
 shouldered, well-built man. Weighs 1 50 pounds, and although in prison so long is a 
 good man yet. Has a goddess of liberty in India ink on his right arm ; an eagle, flag 
 and dim anchor on left hand, between thumb and forefinger ; Indian queen sitting on 
 the back of an eagle on the left leg ; full-rigged ship on his breast ; United States coat- 
 of-arms on left arm ; red and blue ink bracelets on each wrist. Small but prominent 
 scar one inch below the right eye. Both ears pierced for earrings ; high, square fore- 
 head ; small, narrow foot ; tooth out of upper jaw, left side. Born in Lafourche County, 
 La., and has served time in Sing Sing, N. Y. ; Jackson, Miss.; Baton Rouge, La.; 
 'Chicago, 111. ; Memphis, Tenn. ; Detroit, Mich. ; and Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Billy Forrester, as an expert, outranks many of the leading criminals in America. 
 The first robbery of any importance that he committed was that of a United States 
 paymaster, from whom he got $1,200, on a steamboat, near Vicksburg. 
 
 He was next arrested for the murder of a man named Neely, in Detroit, Michigan, 
 after robbing him of $3,500 at cards. Of this charge he was acquitted on the ground 
 of self-defense. He went to Canada, then to Baltimore, Md., where it is said he 
 married a wealthy woman ; shortly after which he paid Chicago, III, a visit, and was 
 arrested there for highway robbery, and sentenced to thirteen years in Joliet (111.) 
 Penitentiary on June 13, 1868. He soon made his escape, was recaptured, and escaped 
 again in i86g. On June 12, 1870, Forrester was arrested in New Orleans, La. ; he was 
 discharged on a writ on June 16, and was re-arrested, and again discharged, and 
 remained around New Orleans. 
 
 On January i, 1871, Schoeler & Co.'s jewelry store on Canal Street, New Orleans, 
 was robbed of diamonds, watches and jewelry valued at $83,000. Daigo Frank and 
 Dave Cummings (50) were arrested for this robbery, but Forrester escaped, and shortly 
 after assisted in releasing three burglars from jail in Mobile, Ala., in a most daring 
 manner. His next appearance was at the time of his arrest, in New York City, for the 
 murder of Benjamin Nathan, on Twenty-third Street, near Fifth Avenue. The only 
 witness in the case identified him, but he was discharged after proving an alibi. He 
 
148 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 offered during his confinement in the Tombs prison to name the Nathan murderer if 
 his unexpired sentence at Joliet prison should be commuted. His offer was declined, 
 and he was returned to Joliet. His sentence expired there January 12, 1880. 
 
 On May 23, 1881, one Conrad Foltz was arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., for the 
 Ashton burglary. A strong effort was made to bail him, when he was recognized as 
 Billy Forrester, and he was tried, convicted, and sentenced to five years in Cherry Hill 
 prison. His sentence expired in November, 1885. He is now at large, and is liable to 
 turn up at any minute. 
 
 Forrester's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1881. 
 
 77 
 
 GUSTAVE KINDT, alias FRANK LAVOY, 
 
 alias French Gus, alias Isadore Marshall, alias " Frenchy," 
 
 alias Gus Marechal. 
 
 BURGLAR AND TOOLMAKER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty years old in 1886. Stout build. Born in Belgium, Widower. Height, 
 5 feet 6}^ inches. Weight, 180 pounds. Brown hair, keen gray eyes, fresh rosy face, 
 dark complexion. High forehead. Generally wears a gray silky mustache and 
 imperial. He is a square, muscular man. Speaks English fluently. Dresses like a 
 well-to-do mechanic. Has a scar on his left jaw. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Kindt, or "Frenchy," is a celebrated criminal. He came to this country when 
 very young. He is a skillful mechanic, and is credited with being able to fit a key 
 as well, if not better, than any man in America. He also manufactures tools and hires 
 them out to professional burglars on a percentage. 
 
 In January, 1869, he was sent to Sing Sing prison for ten years for robbing the 
 watch-case manufactory of Wheeler & Parsons, in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he was 
 employed. On February 5, 1871, he escaped from Sing Sing by cutting through the 
 bars of his cell with saws, which friends had managed to convey to him. 
 
 On October 17, 1872, he was arrested for robbing a jewelry store in Hackensack, 
 N. J., and sent back to Sing Sing prison. He devoted his time to the invention of a 
 lever lock, by which a single key could unlock all or part of the cell doors at once, and 
 offered the lock, which he completed in 1874, to the prison authorities on condition that 
 he should receive his freedom. The proposition was laid before Governor Tilden, who 
 rejected it. "Frenchy" escaped again in 1875, and went to Canada, where he was 
 sentenced to three years' imprisonment for robbing a pawnbroker in Montreal. Thirty- 
 seven diamonds, which he had shipped to his daughter in New York, were recovered. 
 After serving out his time in Montreal, where he introduced his lock, he went to 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 149 
 
 St. Albans, Vt., where he was arrested as an escaped convict on February 3, 1880. 
 While on his way back to Sing Sing prison, in custody of an officer of Sing Sing 
 prison, when near Troy, N. Y., on February 4, he made a dash for liberty. He 
 leaped out of the car and ran across the fields. The officer followed and fired one shot. 
 French Gus staggered, put his left hand to his cheek, but kept on. He fired again, 
 and the burglar, flinging his arms in the air, fell headlong to the earth. He had been 
 hit in the cheek and the back of the head. He was carried back to the train, and 
 reached Sing Sing in a dying condition. He recovered, however, and on February 21, 
 1884, he was discharged, having finally expiated the crime of 1869. 
 
 Immediately upon his discharge he was arrested and taken to Hackensack, N. J., 
 to be tried for robbing a jewelry store there in 1872, an indictment having been found 
 during his confinement in Sing Sing. There was not evidence enough to convict him, 
 and he was released, after two months' confinement. 
 
 Kindt was next arrested in New York City, on May 23, 1885, charged with burglar- 
 izing the safe of Smith & Co., No. 45 Park Place, on April 27, 1885, where he obtained 
 one $5,000 and one $1,750 bond, two watches, and $80 in money. He was also charged 
 with robbing the store of G. B. Horton & Co., No. 59 Frankfort Street, of $234 in 
 money and some postage stamps. The detectives searched the rooms of his daughter. 
 Rose Kindt, in East Eleventh Street, New York City, and there found a complete and 
 beautifully made set of burglars' tools. In a sofa which they tore apart were sectional 
 jimmies of the most improved pattern ; under the carpet were saws and small tools of 
 every variety ; concealed elsewhere in the rooms were drags, drills, wrenches, crucibles 
 for melting gold and silver, fuses, skeleton keys, wax, impressions of keys, etc. They also 
 found what had been stolen from Smith & Co., and Horton & Co., with the exception 
 of the money. When Kindt was confronted with his daughter, who had been arrested 
 but was subsequently released, he confessed to all, and also charged Frank McCoy, alias 
 "Big Frank" (89), with trying to obtain his services to rob the Butchers and Drovers' 
 Bank of New York City. 
 
 Kindt pleaded guilty to two charges of burglary, and was sentenced to six years in 
 State prison on June 4, 1885, by Judge Barrett, in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, 
 New York City. 
 
 Kindt's picture is an excellent one, taken in May, 1885, 
 
 78 
 ANDREW McGUIRE, alias - FAIRY" McGUIRE, 
 
 alias Andrew Craig. 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-six years old in 1886. Born in United States. Slim build. Married. 
 Cigar-maker. Height, 5 feet 7^ inches. Weight, 120 pounds. Brown hair, blue 
 
I50 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 eyes, fair complexion, bald head. Generally wears a full reddish-brown beard and 
 
 mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Fairy " McGuire is probably one of the most daring and desperate thieves in 
 America, and is well known in almost all the large cities. He served a fifteen years' 
 sentence in Bangor, Maine, for highway robbery ; also a term in Clinton prison, New 
 York State, for burglary. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on March 6, 1881, in front of No. 53 Nassau 
 Street, occupied by L. Durr & Bro., assayers and refiners of gold and silver. An 
 officer discovered the burglars at work in the store, and while looking in the window 
 was approached by McGuire, who commenced talking loudly, thereby giving the men 
 on the inside a chance to escape. McGuire was arrested, and upon the premises 
 being examined it was found that three safes were partly torn open ; they also found 
 a full set of burglars' tools. As no connection could be made with McGuire and the 
 people on the inside, he had to be discharged. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on March 17, 1881, and delivered to the 
 Brooklyn police authorities, charged with robbing Miss Elizabeth Roberts, of Second 
 Place, in that city. Four men entered the basement door of the house, bound the 
 servant and tied her to a chair ; then went upstairs, bound and gagged Miss Roberts, 
 and took $3,000 in Cairo City Water bonds, numbered respectively 52, 71 and 72, also 
 about $500 worth of jewelry. Although there was no doubt that McGuire was one of 
 the four men engaged in this robbery, he was discharged, as the parties could not 
 identify him, on account of being disguised on the day of the robbery. 
 
 He was arrested again in Newark, N. J., on July 5, 1881, charged with "blowing" 
 open the safe in James Traphagen's jewelry store on Broad Street, that city. When the 
 officers pursued McGuire, he turned and fired several shots at them. A party giving 
 the name of George Williams, alias Dempsey, was arrested also. McGuire was tried 
 and convicted on three indictments on October 18, 1881, one for burglary and two for 
 felonious assault. He was sentenced to ten years in Trenton prison on each indictment» 
 making thirty years in all, on October 19, 1881. 
 
 Williams was sentenced to two years for burglary the same day. 
 
 McGuire's picture is an excellent one, taken in March, 1881. 
 
 79 
 
 FRANK REILLY, alias HARRISON, 
 
 alias Donovan, alias Stuart. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-three years old in 1886. Born in New York. Medium build. No trade. 
 Married. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Weight, 132 pounds. Light-brown hair, brown 
 eyes, thin face, ruddy complexion. Small, light-colored mustache. 
 
79 
 
 80 
 
 81 
 
 FRANK RE ILLY. 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
 MICHAEL KURTZ. 
 
 ALIAS SHEENY MIKE, 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 FREDERICK BENNETT, 
 
 ALIAS DUTCH FRED, 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 82 
 
 83 
 
 84 
 
 MICHAEL QUINN. 
 
 ALIAS SHANG QUINN, 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 JOHN JOURDAV, 
 
 ALIAS JAMISON, 
 
 BURGLAR AND BANK SNEAK, 
 
 JOSEPH PARISH. 
 3URGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 151 
 
 RECORD. 
 Reillv has been known under a great many names. He is now thirty-three years 
 old, and was only seventeen when he made the acquaintance of the police. That was 
 in 1870, when he was arrested in Morrisania, N. Y., for a burglary at White Plains. 
 While in the jail at White Plains awaiting trial, he noticed that the Inner door of the 
 prison was open at dinner-time and the outer door was shut, while at other times the 
 outer door was open and the inner door closed. By the simple expedient of hiding 
 himself between the two doors at dinner-time he found himself a free man. The 
 following year he was recaptured, and sentenced to Sing Sing prison for five years. 
 Two constables started to drive with him to the prison, and when about half-way Reilly 
 suddenly slipped the handcuffs off", darted out of the coach, and disappeared. For two 
 days the woods were searched in the vicinity by the constables and country folk, and then 
 Reilly was found hidden in a swamp, half starved. After serving two years at Sing 
 Sing he was transferred to Clinton prison, from which he almost succeeded in escaping, 
 having got out of his cell and was in the act of breaking open the door to the roof 
 when discovered. He had torn his bedclothes into strips and braided them into a rope, 
 with which to let himself down. 
 
 In the latter part of 1874 his term expired, he having been granted commutation 
 for good behavior, and he returned to New York, where he speedily became embroiled 
 with the police. In that same year (1874) he was arrested for trying to rescue two 
 burglars from the police, and was sent to Blackwell's Island penitentiary for one year 
 for disorderly conduct. He stayed there exactly two hours, walking calmly out past 
 the keepers without being questioned by any one, and coming back to the city on the 
 same boat which took him to the Island. 
 
 The next year (1875) he broke out of the Yorkville prison. New York City, where 
 he was confined for stabbing a United States deputy marshal, by spreading the bars of 
 his cell with a lever made out of a joist. He went to Philadelphia, where, in February, 
 1876, he and some of his companions were caught breaking into a warehouse. One 
 of the burglars fired at a policeman, wounding him. The other policemen returned the 
 fire, and Reilly received four bullets in his body. 
 
 After spending five months in a hospital he spent two years in the Eastern Peni- 
 tentiary, at Philadelphia. On his release he returned to New York, and between 1878 
 and 1882 he served two terms for burglary in Sing Sing 'prison. It was after being 
 released from Sing Sing the second time that he made a desperate attempt to break 
 out of the Tombs prison, in New York, where he was awaiting trial for assault. His 
 cell was on the eastern side of the second tier. He had a common pocket-knife, and a 
 broken glazier's knife, which served as a chisel. With these tools he dug through the 
 wall, under a drain-pipe in his cell, and one night was discovered by a keeper in the 
 prison yard. He was taken to a new cell, and when he was sentenced to Blackwell's 
 Island the warden breathed a sigh of relief. 
 
 After his release from the penitentiary he was arrested again in New York City, 
 and sentenced to Sing Sing State prison on September 25, 1883, for five years, for 
 robbing a man in Bleecker Street of $140. He escaped from the mess-room there 
 on November 14, 1883, with Charles Wilson, alias "Little Paul" (29), by sawing the 
 
152 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 bars of a window opening into the yard, and after getting out of prison they walked to 
 New York. 
 
 Scarcely three weeks had elapsed when Reilly again got into trouble in New York 
 City. He and some companions resisted an officer who tried to arrest them for 
 disorderly conduct. In the row Reilly got clubbed, and was sent as a prisoner to the 
 Presbyterian Hospital, where an officer was sent to watch him. The officer fell asleep, 
 and Reilly, whose wounds had been bandaged, got up, stole the orderly's clothes from 
 under his pillow, and made his way to a second-story window, from which he dropped 
 to the ground. He could find no shoes in the hospital, and had to walk three miles in 
 his bare feet before reaching the house of a friend. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York- City for beating a woman named Clara 
 Devine, on New-year's day (1884), and committed for ten days, for disorderly conduct, 
 by Justice White, in Jefferson Market Police Court. Shortly after his committal he 
 was identified by a detective sergeant, and taken .back to Sing Sing prison on January 
 5, 1884, to serve out his runaway time. His sentence will expire, if he does not 
 receive any commutation, on September 24, 1888. Should he receive his commutation, 
 it will expire on April 24, 1887. 
 
 Reilly's picture is a very good one. It was taken in November, 1878. 
 
 80 
 
 MICHAEL KURTZ, alias MICHAEL SHEEHAN, 
 
 alias Sheeny Mike. 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Born in United States. A Jew, Married. Slim 
 build. Carpenter. Height, 5 feet 9 inches. Weight, 115 pounds. Black hair, hazel 
 eyes, dark complexion, heavy eyebrows, Roman nose. Has a small wreath in India 
 ink and number " 44 " on right arm ; left arm spotted with ink ; ink ring on the third 
 finger of left hand. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Sheeny Mike." This celebrated criminal's history is a most eventful one. He 
 was for years associated with a gang of skillful burglars, of which George Howard, 
 alias Leslie (now dead), was the leader. Kurtz, which is his right name, made the 
 acquaintance of Howard in Philadelphia, Pa., and was associated with him in several 
 burglaries in that city. 
 
 When Howard took up his quarters in Brooklyn, N. Y., he gathered about him 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 153 
 
 one of the strongest bands of burglars and thieves that ever existed. Among them 
 was"Eddie"Goodey (no), "Johnny" Dobbs (64), "Billy" Porter (74), "Jim" Brady, 
 Johnny Irving (now dead), John Green, John Wilson, alias " Dutch Chris," Jimmy 
 Wilmont, alias "Mysterious Jimmy," Frank McCoy, alias "Big Frank" (89), Pete 
 Emmerson, alias Banjo Pete (90), George Mason, alias Gordon (24), Joe Bollard, and 
 Kurtz. Howard won his place as chief by his knowledge of safes and mechanism of 
 combination locks, which he made a special study. Sheeny Mike was esteemed as a 
 valuable member of the combination by reason of his quickness to observe the peculiar 
 construction of buildings which it was determined to rob, and to demonstrate their 
 weak points. He was never a bank burglar, but he is very clever at secreting himself 
 in buildings and cutting through floors and partitions. He is also an expert safe- 
 blower, and has a particular affection for jewelry and silk goods, and has been arrested 
 so many times that it would be almost impossible to enumerate them. I will mention 
 a few of them, which may be of service to you, should he fall into your hands. 
 
 Mike and John Wilson, alias "Dutch Chris," were arrested in New York City on 
 February 15, 1877, charged with robbing the cloak house of Hahn, Benjamin & Co., 
 Nos. 313 and 315 Broadway, on the night of February 4, 1877, of silk cloaks, etc., 
 valued at $6,000. Mike was discharged on account of witnesses failing to fully identify 
 him. Dutch Chris pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three years in State prison by 
 Judge Sutherland, in the Court of General Sessions, on February 19, 1877. 
 
 On March 4, 1877, Mike was arrested in Baltimore, Md., and taken to Boston, 
 Mass., charged with robbing the silk house of Scott & Co. of that city. He was 
 convicted on March 29, 1877, and sentenced to twelve years in State prison. While in 
 prison there he made himself very sick and thin by drinking soap-water, and with the 
 aid of a preparation, and by making an incision, he caused a pus to flow from his side. 
 The prison physicians in examining him, gave it as their opinion that he would not live 
 a month, as he was wasting away on account of prison confinement. On their report 
 he was pardoned by Governor Butler, on October 19, 1880. Before his pardon was 
 granted, he told Mr. Scott that all the stolen silk was sold to Mrs. Mandelbaum in 
 New York. The firm commenced suit against her and obtained a judgment for the 
 full amount stolen. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on January 30, 1881, and delivered to 
 the police authorities of Washington, D. C, charged with robbing a dry goods store 
 there on December 23, 1880, of silks, etc., valued at $5,000. In this case he was 
 discharged. 
 
 Mike was arrested again in Pittsburg, Pa., on May 17, 1882, for having burglars' 
 tools in his possession. In this case he was also discharged. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on July 19, 1882, with John Love (68), 
 for complicity in the robbery of $5,000 from the Italian-American Bank of New York. 
 They were both discharged, as the parties who had previously given a good description 
 of them to the police failed to identify them when confronted with them. 
 
 Arrested again in New York City, on August 27, 1883, on a warrant issued by 
 United States Commissioner Osborn, dated June 5, 1883, charging him with the larceny 
 of diamonds and jewelry, valued at $658, from one Charles F. Wood, of Washington 
 
154 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 City. He was delivered to United States Marshal Bernhard, and admitted to bail by- 
 Judge Brown, in the United States Court, on September 9, 1883. 
 
 In February, 1884, the jewelry store of Marks & Son, of Troy, N. Y., was robbed 
 of diamonds and jewelry valued at $14,000. Suspicion pointed towards Sheeny Mike 
 and Billy Porter, both of whom left for England shortly after. In April, 1885, they 
 returned to America and remained only a short time, going back. Mike made a 
 second visit to America in November, 1885, leaving Porter behind him in France. He 
 remained in New York for a short time and went into the cigar business with his 
 brother on Eighth Avenue, but the store was sold out, and they, in company of 
 Mike's wife, went to Jacksonville, Florida, and started in the tobacco business. He 
 also purchased an orange grove. In the early part of January, 1886, the tobacco 
 factory burned down and Mike went to live on his grove. On January 19, 1886, he 
 was arrested there charged with the Troy robbery. He obtained a writ of habeas 
 corpus and fought the ofificers. The writ was dismissed by the Circuit Court at 
 Jacksonville, Florida, on February 11, 1886, but his lawyer appealed from their 
 decision, and the case was argued in the Supreme Court at Tallahassee, Florida, and 
 decided against him. He was delivered to the ofificers and lodged in the jail at Troy, 
 N. Y., on March 21, 1886. He was tried at Troy, N. Y., for the Marks burglary, on 
 March 26, 27, and 28, found guilty, and sentenced to eighteen years and six months in 
 State prison at Dannemora, N. Y., on March 30, 1886. After his sentence he made a 
 statement, or " squealed," and implicated several people in this robbery. He, however, 
 subsequently refused to substantiate it. 
 
 Billy Porter was arrested in this case. See record of No. 74. 
 
 Joe Dubuque was also arrested in this case, but finally admitted to bail. 
 
 Kurtz's picture is a splendid one, although avoided. It was taken in February, 1877. 
 
 81 
 
 FREDERICK BENNER, alias DUTCH FRED, 
 
 alias Frank Belmont, alias Frederick Bennett. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-three years old in 1886. German. Born in United States. Barkeeper. 
 Married. Well built. Height, 5 feet 6>^ inches. Weight, 148 pounds. Light hair, 
 blue eyes, light complexion. Wears a light-colored mustache. Has letters " F. E." 
 in India ink on his left fore-arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Benner, alias " Dutch Fred," is a New York burglar and pickpocket, having 
 served time in Philadelphia and New York penitentiaries for both ofifenses. He is 
 very well known in both cities and is considered a clever man. 
 
 He was arrested on May 31, 1879, in the Lutheran Cemetery, on Long Island, 
 N. Y., in company of Johnny Gantz, another New York pickpocket, charged with 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 155 
 
 picking a woman's pocket. He was sentenced to five years in Sing Sing prison, in the 
 Queens County, Long Island, Court, in June, 1879. ^^ made his escape from the jail 
 in Long Island City, in company of three other prisoners, on June 28, 1879, by sawing 
 through the iron bars of the jail windows. He was arrested again- in New York City 
 on July 24, 1879, and delivered to the Sheriff of Queens County, who at once delivered 
 him to the prison authorities at Sing Sing. 
 
 Benner was arrested again in New York City, and sentenced to three years and 
 six months in State prison at Sing Sing, on August 20, 1883, for burglary, under the 
 name of Frederick Bennett. His time expired on April 20, 1886. 
 
 " Dutch Fred's" picture is a good one, taken in October, 1877. 
 
 82 
 MICHAEL QUINN, alias SHANG QUINN. 
 
 alias Irving. 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Medium build. Born in Ireland. Single, Black- 
 smith. Height, 6 feet i inch. Weight, about 180 pounds. Black hair, gray eyes, 
 dark complexion. Wears black mustache and side-whiskers. Has a star in India ink 
 
 on left arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Shang" Quinn is an old and expert burglar and pickpocket, and is known in 
 most all the principal cities of the United States, and has served considerable time in 
 State prisons. He is considered to be a very clever safe burglar. 
 
 He pleaded guilty in the Court of General Sessions, New York City, on August 
 23, 1880, to larceny of $85 from one Edward Stroyck, of No. 21 Tenth Avenue, and 
 was remanded to August 28, 1880, when he was sentenced to two years and six months 
 in Sing Sing prison, under the name of William Parker, by Judge Cowing. He had 
 previously served two years in the same institution for a larceny. 
 
 Quinn's picture is a good one, taken in November, 1875. 
 
 83 
 JOHN JOURDAN, alias JONATHAN JAMISON, 
 
 alias DupoNT. 
 
 BURGLAR AND BANK SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. No trade. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 8^ inches. Weight, 150 pounds. Light brown hair, 
 
156 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 dark eyes, dark complexion, long slim nose, pock-marked. Cross in India ink on left 
 fore-arm; number "6" on back of one arm; wreath, with the word "Love" in it, on 
 left arm. 
 
 RECORD 
 
 Johnny Jourdan is a professional safe-blower and sneak thief, and has worked 
 with the best safemen and sneaks in America, and has quite a reputation for getting 
 out of toils when arrested. 
 
 He was arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., and sentenced to four years in the Eastern 
 Penitentiary in August, 1874, under the name of Jonathan Jamison. He was again 
 arrested in New York City in November, 1880, and confined in the Tombs prison, 
 charged with robbing the Middletown Bank, of Connecticut, in July, 1880, where the 
 gang, Rufe Minor, George Carson and Horace Hovan, obtained some $48,000 in 
 money and bonds. Jourdan played sick, and was transferred from the prison to 
 Bellevue Hospital, from which place he escaped on Thursday, April 14, 1881. 
 
 In the fall of 1884 Jourdan made up a party consisting of Philly Phearson (5), 
 Johnny Carroll, "The Kid" (192), and Old Bill Vosburg (4). They traveled around 
 the country, and did considerable bank sneaking. They tried to rob a man in a bank 
 at Rochester, N. Y., but failed. They followed him from the bank to a hotel, and 
 while he was in the water-closet they took a pocket-book from him, but not the one 
 with the money in it. Phearson and Carroll escaped. Jourdan and Vosburg were 
 arrested and sentenced to two years and six months for assault in the second degree, by 
 Judge John S. Morgan, on June 15, 1885. Jourdan gave the name of Henry Osgood. 
 
 He is well known in all the principal cities in America, and is considered one 
 of the cleverest men in America in his line. 
 
 His picture is a very good one, taken in 1877. 
 
 84 
 JOSEPH PARISH, 
 
 PICKPOCKET, PENNYWEIGHT, SLEEPING-CAR WORKER. BANK 
 
 SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-six years old in 1886. Born in Michigan. An artist by trade. Married. 
 Stout build. Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, 164 pounds. Hair black, mixed with 
 gray ; bluish-gray eyes ; large and prominent features ; dark complexion. Generally 
 wears a full, dark-brown beard, cut short. High, retreating forehead. High cheek 
 bones and narrow chin. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 157 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Joe Parish is a Western pickpocket and general thief, and is one of the most 
 celebrated criminals in America. He has been actively engaged in crooked work for 
 the last twenty-five years, and if all his exploits were written up they would astonish 
 the reader. In his time he is said to have had permission to work in many of the large 
 cities in the West. He attempted to ply his vocation in New York City a few years 
 ago, but was ordered to leave the city. Several Southern cities have suffered from 
 his depredations. He is said to have been with General Greenthal and his gang, who 
 were arrested at Syracuse, N. Y., on March 11, 1877, for robbing a man at the railroad 
 depot there out of $1,190, on March i, 1877. Parish is well known in Chicago, 111., 
 where he has property and a wife and family of three girls and one boy. He at one 
 time kept a large billiard parlor in Davenport, Iowa, but, being crooked, he was driven 
 out of the town. 
 
 He was finally arrested in Chicago, 111., on February 13, 1883, and delivered to the 
 chief of police of Syracuse, N. Y. He was taken there, and sentenced to eight years in 
 Auburn prison, N. Y., on April 29, 1883, for robbing one Delos S. Johnson, of Fabius, 
 N. Y., on the Binghamton road. 
 
 Parish's picture is an excellent one, taken in May, 1883. 
 
 85 
 
 WILLIAM BEATTY, alias BILLY BURKE, 
 
 alias Baker. 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-six years old in 1886. Born in United States. Medium build. Married. 
 Barkeeper. Height, 5 feet 8>^ inches. Weight, 148 pounds. Black hair, gray eyes, 
 dark complexion. Has letters " W. S." and coat of arms in India ink on left fore-arm. 
 Generally wears a brown mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Beatty was arrested in New York City and sentenced to three years and six 
 months in Sing Sing prison, on April 8, 1875, for burglary, under the name of William 
 Brown. He was arrested in company of Andy Hess, another New York burglar, who 
 gave the name of Alfred Brown, for a silk burglary in the Eighth Ward, New York 
 
 City. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on May 18, 1878, for the larceny of $57 
 from a poor woman named Brady, who lived at No. 214 East Thirty-eighth Street, 
 New York. He was committed for trial by Judge Wandell, but discharged by the 
 District Attorney on a promise to return some stolen property to one Mr. St. John, 
 
158 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 which he never did. He is a mean thief, and is called by other thieves a "squealer." 
 He is well known in New York, Boston and Albany, and other Eastern cities. 
 His picture is a good one, taken in February, 1878. 
 
 86 
 JOHN T. IRVING, alias OLD JACK. 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-eight years old in 1886. Born in New York. Married. Medium build. 
 Height, 5 feet 4 inches. Weight, about 130 pounds. Gray hair; generally wears a 
 gray«mustache. He shows his age on account of his long prison life, but is still capable 
 of doing a good job. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Old Jack," as he is called, is one of the most celebrated criminals in America. 
 He was born and brought up in the Fourth Ward of New York City, and has, for 
 some offense or other, served time in State prisons from Maine to California. 
 
 He created considerable excitement in the early part of 1873, while under arrest 
 for burglary in San Francisco, Cal., by declaring himself the murderer of Benjamin 
 Nathan, who was killed at his residence in Twenty-third Street, New York City, on 
 Friday morning, July 29, 1870. He was brought from California on an indictment 
 charging him with burglarizing the jewelry store of Henry A. Casperfeldt, at No. 206 
 Chatham Street, on June i, 1873, and stealing therefrom eighty-seven silver watches, 
 four gold watches, and a number of gold and precious stone rings. Irving and another 
 man rented a room at No. 3 Doyer Street, and forced an entrance into the store from the 
 rear. 
 
 After his return from California he was confined in the Tombs prison, and while 
 there, on November 22, 1873, he made another statement in which he alleged that he 
 was one of the burglars who robbed Nathan's house, and offered to tell who it was that 
 killed the banker. The matter was thoroughly investigated by the authorities, who 
 concluded that Irving was only trying to avoid the consequences of the two burglaries 
 he was indicted for. He was therefore placed on trial in the Court of General Sessions, 
 in New York City, on December 8, 1873, 3-"^ found guilty of the Casperfeldt burglary, 
 and also for another one, committed in -the Fifth Ward. He was sentenced to five 
 years on the first charge and two years and six months on the second one, making 
 seven years and six months in all. 
 
 Irving, some years ago, was shot while escaping from a bonded warehouse m 
 Brooklyn, N. Y., and believing himself about to die, betrayed his comrades. He 
 recovered from his wounds, and was discharged from custody. 
 
85 
 
 86 
 
 87 
 
 WILLIAM BEATTY, 
 
 ALIAS BILLY BURKE, 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 JOHN T. IRVING, 
 
 ALIAS OLD JACK, 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 THOS. McCARTY, 
 
 ALIAS MOORE, 
 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
 38 
 
 89 
 
 90 
 
 
 
 
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 i^^l 1 
 
 MICHAEL HURLEY, 
 
 ALIAS PUGSEY HURLEY, 
 
 MASKED BURGLAR. 
 
 FRANK McCOY, 
 
 ALIAS BIG FRANK, 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 PETER EMERSON, 
 
 ALIAS BANJO PETE, 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 159 
 
 After that, in company with others, he attempted to rob Simpson's pawnshop, in 
 the Bowery, New York City. The burglars hired a suite of rooms in the adjoining 
 house, and drilled through the walls into the vault. The plot was discovered by the 
 police, who, however, were unable to capture them, as the cracksmen were frightened 
 away by a party living in the house. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on April 26, 1881, under the name of 
 George Mason, in company of another notorious thief named John Jennings, alias 
 Connors, alias " Liverpool Jack," in the act of robbing the tea store of Gerhard Over- 
 haus. No. 219 Grand Street. They were both committed in $3,000 bail for trial by 
 Justice Wandell. Both pleaded guilty to burglary in the third degree, in the Court of 
 General Sessions, and were sentenced to two years and six months in the penitentiary, 
 on May 10, 1881, by Judge Gildersleeve. 
 
 Irving was arrested again in New York City on suspicion of burglary, on April 22, 
 1886. The complainant failed to identify him, and he was discharged. He is now at 
 large. 
 
 Irving's picture resembles him to-day, although taken some fifteen years ago. 
 
 87 
 
 THOMAS McCARTY, alias TOMMY MOORE, 
 
 alias George Day, alias Bridgeport Tommy. 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Stout build. Sandy complexion. 
 Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, 160 pounds. Light brown hair, brown eyes, high 
 cheek bones. Has an India ink ring on second finger of left hand. Generally wears 
 a sandy mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Tommy Moore," or McCarty, the latter being his right name, is a well known 
 New York sneak, pickpocket and burglar. He was formerly an associate of Joe Parish. 
 He went to Europe, and on his return fell in with Johnny Dobbs, and worked with him 
 all over the United States until the gang was arrested in Massachusetts. He is known 
 East and West, and is considered a first-class outside man. He formerly lived in 
 Bridgeport, Conn., where he was known as " Bridgeport Tommy." 
 
 He was arrested in Lawrence, Mass., on March 3, 1884, under the name of George 
 Day, in company of Mike Kerrigan, alias Johnny Dobbs, Dennis Carroll, alias Wm. 
 Thompson (147), Frederick P. Gray ijz) and John Love (68), with burglars' tools in 
 their possession. They had just left their rooms to commit a burglary, when the 
 marshal and his ofificers made a dash for fehem and succeeded in holding four of them. 
 The fifth man, Johnny Love, escaped from the officer. After their arrest, their rooms at 
 
i6o PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 the Franklin House were searched, and one of the most complete set of burglars' tools 
 ever made was found there. 
 
 On March 6, 1884, Dobbs, Day and Gray were committed for trial in $10,000 bail 
 each. Thompson, who had fired several shots at the officers, was committed in $20,000 
 bail. 
 
 Kerrigan, alias Dobbs, and Thompson pleaded guilty, in the Superior Court of 
 Lawrence, Mass., to having burglars' tools in their possession, and were sentenced to 
 ten years each in Concord prison, on July 9, 1884. 
 
 McCarty, or Day, and Gray stood trial, were convicted, and sentenced in the same 
 court, on jFebruary 11, 1885, to ten years each. 
 
 McCarty's picture is an excellent one, taken in March, 1884. 
 
 88 
 
 MICHAEL HURLEY, alias PUGSEY HURLEY, 
 
 alias Reilly, alias Hanley. 
 
 MASKED BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty years old in 1886. Born in England. Medium build. Machinist by trade. 
 Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, 135 pounds. Brown hair, hazel eyes, fair complexion, 
 pug nose. Has an eagle, with star underneath, in India ink, on inside of right arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " PuGSEY " Hurley is an old Seventh Ward, New York, thief. He was one of 
 the New Rochelle, N. Y., masked burglars. The gang consisted of " Dan " Kelly, 
 Larry Griffin, Patsey Conroy (now dead). Big John Garvey (now dead), Frank Kayton, 
 Frank Woods, "Shang" Campbell, Mike Kerrigan, alias Johnny Dobbs, John O'Donnell, 
 John Orr (now dead), Dennis Brady, George Maillard and Hurley, and their 
 headquarters was at Maillard's saloon, corner Washington and Canal streets. New 
 York City. 
 
 The principal offense of which Hurley was convicted and for which he was 
 sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment, was committed at the country residence 
 of Mr. J. P. Emmet, known as " The Cottage," at Pelham, near New Rochelle, N. Y., 
 on December 23, 1873. O^i that night Hurley, in company with others of the 
 gang of well organized and desperate masked burglars, of which " Patsey " Conroy was 
 said to be the leader, broke into Mr. Emmet's residence, and after surprising the 
 occupant, his nephew and servants, bound and gagged them, and afterwards ransacked 
 the house, getting altogether about $750 worth of plunder, with which they escaped. 
 The same gang, on the night of October 17, 1873, broke into the house of Abram Post, 
 a wealthy farmer, living three miles from Catskill village, on the Hudson River, tied 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. l6i 
 
 up the occupants and plundered the house, collecting bonds, jewelry and other property- 
 worth $3,000, with which they decamped. 
 
 On December 20, 1873, three days prior to the Emmet robbery, the same band of 
 masked marauders surprised the watchman at the East New York depot of the Jamaica, 
 Woodhaven and Brooklyn Railroad, and, after binding and gagging him, blew open 
 the safe, which contained $4,000 in cash. In less than a week after the plundering of 
 the Emmet cottage, Mr. Wm. K. Souter, his family and servants, at his house at 
 Sailors' Snug Harbor, at West Brighton, Staten Island, were awakened in the dead 
 hour of the night to find that they were the prisoners of a masked gang of burglars 
 who terrified them with threats of instant death. The thieves were all heavily armed 
 and had no trouble in frightening the occupants into submission. 
 
 These depredations created considerable excitement among the residents of the 
 suburbs of New York at the time, and nearly all the small villages were banded 
 together and vigilance committees formed to look out for the band of masked 
 marauders. All the gang were arrested by the police, and with the exception of two or 
 three who established alibis, were sentenced to twenty years in State prison. Shang 
 Campbell and Kerrigan, alias Dobbs, escaped to Key West, Florida, and were subse- 
 quently apprehended there. Campbell was brought back and sent to prison, but Kerrigan, 
 who had plenty of money, succeeded in gaining his liberty, through the technicalities of 
 the law. Orr (now dead) was next arrested ; then Hurley was made a prisoner on 
 August 15, 1874. He was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to twenty years in State 
 prison on October i, 1874, by Judge Tappan, at White Plains, Westchester County, 
 N. Y. 
 
 While in Auburn prison in the spring of 1876, and also of 1877, he was foiled by 
 the guards in two desperate efforts at escape. He then feigned insanity, and was 
 transferred to the asylum attached to Clinton prison. He had not been there long 
 before he made another break for liberty, but being detected he was re-examined, 
 pronounced cured, and drafted back to Auburn prison. He made several attempts to 
 escape after that, and finally, with assistance from the outside, in April, 1882, he cut 
 through the prison roof and bid his prison chums and guards a hasty good-by. He 
 was re-arrested in New York City on August i, 1882, on the corner of Liberty and 
 Washington streets, delivered to the prison authorities on August 2, 1882, and taken 
 back to serve his unexpired term of twelve years. 
 
 Hurley's picture is an excellent one, notwithstanding his eyes are closed. It was 
 taken in July, 1882. 
 
 89 
 FRANK McCOY, alias BIG FRANK. 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-seven years old in 1886. Born in Troy, N. Y. Medium build. Cabinet- 
 maker by trade. Married. Height, 5 feet 11 54! inches. Weight, 1 76 pounds. Dark-red 
 
1 62 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 hair, light-gray eyes, full face, sandy complexion, bald on front of head, dimple in point 
 of chin. Has letters " F. M. C." in India ink on right fore-arm, a cross and heart on 
 left fore-arm. Generally wears long, heavy red whiskers and mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Frank McCoy, alias Big Frank, is a famous bank burglar, and a desperate 
 criminal. He is one of the men who originated the " butcher-cart business," robbing bank 
 messengers and others in the street, and quickly making off with the plunder by jumping 
 into a butcher cart or wagon. He was arrested with Jimmy Hope, Ike Marsh, Jim 
 Brady, George Bliss, and Tom McCormack, in Wilmington, Del., for an attempt to 
 rob the National Bank of Delaware, on November 7, 1873. They were convicted on 
 November 25, 1873, and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment, one hour in the pillory, 
 and forty lashes. McCoy and McCormack made their escape from New Castle jail, 
 with tools furnished by Bill Robinson, alias Gopher Bill. McCoy was associated with 
 Jimmy Hope in the robbery of the Beneficial Savings Fund and other savings banks 
 in Philadelphia, and several other robberies. He is said to have stolen over two million 
 dollars during his criminal career. He is well known all over the United States, and is a 
 treacherous criminal, as several officers can attest. He owes his nickname, " Big 
 Frank," to his stature. He was arrested in June, 1876, near Suffolk, Va., a small town 
 between Norfolk and Petersburg, in company of Tom McCormack and Gus Fisher, 
 alias Sandford. A lot of burglars' tools was found concealed near the railroad depot 
 there, and suspicion pointed to them as the owners. The citizens armed themselves 
 and tracked the burglars with bloodhounds to their tent, which they had pitched in a 
 dismal swamp near the village. They were arrested, taken to the Suffolk jail, and 
 chained to the floor. McCoy was shortly after returned to Delaware prison, from where 
 he afterwards escaped. Fisher, alias Sandford, was sent to Oxford, N. J., and was tried 
 for a burglary. McCormack managed to regain his liberty through his lawyer, in 
 October, 1876. 
 
 McCoy was arrested again in New York City on August 12, 1878, charged with 
 robbing C. H. Stone, the cashier of Hale's piano-forte manufactory. The cashier was 
 knocked down and robbed at the corner of Thirty-fourth Street and Ninth Avenue, 
 New York City, on his return from the West Side Bank, on August 3, 1878. In this 
 case McCoy was discharged, as Mr. Stone was unable to identify him. 
 
 McCoy was arrested again in New York City on April 12, 1881, charged with 
 robbing Heaney's pawnbroker's establishment, on Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, on March 
 8, 1875, of $2,000 worth of jewelry, etc. He was arrested for this robbery in 1879, ^-^^ 
 upon an examination before Judge Terry, of Brooklyn, he was discharged. The grand 
 jury afterwards indicted him, and he was arrested again as above, and committed to 
 Raymond Street jail. He afterwards gave bail, and was released. He was finally 
 arrested again in New York City on May 26, 1885, on suspicion of being implicated in 
 a conspiracy to rob the Butchers and Drovers' Bank of New York City, in connection 
 with one Gustave Kindt, alias French Gus iji), a notorious burglar and toolmaker. 
 No case being made out against him, he was delivered to the Sheriff of Wilmington, 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 163 
 
 Del., on November 6, 1885, and taken back to the jail that he had twice escaped from, 
 to serve out the remainder of his ten years' sentence. 
 
 McCoy has killed two men during his criminal career, one on the Bowery, New 
 York, and another in a saloon in Philadelphia, Pa., some years ago. 
 
 Frank's picture was taken in August, 1878, 
 
 90 
 
 PETER ELLIS, alias BANJO PETE, 
 
 alias Luther, alias Big Pete, alias Peter Emmerson. 
 
 BANK BURGLAR, SNEAK AND HIGHWAYMAN. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-one years old in 1886. Born in New York City. Slim build. Height, 
 5 feet 1 1 inches. Weight, 160 pounds. Light complexion, brown hair, stooped shoulders, 
 thin face, high cheek bones, dark eyes. Generally wears a brown mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Banjo Pete, the name he is best known by (Peter Ellis being his right name), was 
 formerly a minstrel, but drifted into crooked channels about eighteen years ago. He 
 was considered a good man, and was generally sought for when a job of any 
 magnitude was to be done. He was an intimate associate of all the great bank burglars 
 in America. 
 
 He was arrested with Abe Coakley in Philadelphia, Pa., on April 28, 1880, charged 
 with robbing the Manhattan Bank in New York City, on October 27, 1878. It was 
 claimed that Emmerson was the man who carried out the tin boxes from the vault, and 
 sorted the bonds, etc. ; that Coakley was the man who wore the whiskers, and dusted 
 off the shelves in the bank while Johnny Hope and his father were in the vault with 
 Nugent; that Billy Kelly stood guard over the old janitor; and Johnny Dobbs, or 
 Kerrigan, and Big John Tracy, who was a friend of Shevelin, the watchman of the 
 bank, were supposed to be the men who planned the robbery ; while Old Man Hope 
 was the man who did the work. Johnny Hope (19) was convicted, and sentenced to 
 twenty years in State prison for this robbery. Kerrigan, alias Johnny Dobbs, was 
 arrested while negotiating one of the stolen bonds in Philadelphia, and was turned over 
 to the Sheriff of Wethersfield, Conn., who took him back to Wethersfield prison, to 
 serve out an unfinished term of seven years. John Nugent was tried and acquitted. 
 Patrick Shevlin, the night-watchman, was used to convict the others, and was finally 
 discharged. Jack Cannon was also arrested in Philadelphia trying to dispose of some 
 of the stolen bonds, and was sentenced to fifteen years there. Old Man Hope (20) 
 
1 64 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 went to California, and was sentenced to seven years and six months for a burglary- 
 there. Pete Emmerson was discharged from the Tombs, in the Manhattan Bank case, 
 on October 4, 1880. 
 
 He traveled through the country with John Nugent and Ned Farrell, a 
 notorious butcher-cart thief, and was finally arrested in the Hoboken, N. J., Railroad 
 depot, on Saturday, July 28, 1883, for an attempt to rob Thos. J. Smith, the cashier of 
 the Orange, N. J., National Bank, of a package containing $10,000 in money. Nugent 
 and Farrell were arrested also. They pleaded guilty and were sentenced to ten 
 years in Trenton State prison, on July 30, 1883. Emmerson stood trial, was convicted,, 
 and sentenced to ten years also, on October 30, 1883. 
 
 Emmerson's picture is not a very good one, although recognizable. It was taken 
 in 1880. 
 
 91 
 JAMES CASEY, alias BIG JIM CASEY. 
 
 BANCO AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-eight years old in 1886. Born in United States. Single, No trade. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, 200 pounds. Black hair, dark eyes, dark 
 complexion ; generally wears a full black beard, turning gray. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Big Jim Casey is a well known Bowery (New York) pickpocket and "stall" for 
 pickpockets. He was formerly an associate of Poodle Murphy (134), Pretty Jimmie 
 (143), Big Dick Morris (141), and all the first-class men. Of late years he cannot be 
 relied on, and the clever ones give him the go-by, as he is fond of drink. Lately he 
 has turned his hand to banco business, and generally handles the bag of cloth samples.. 
 He is now working with Pete Lake (93) and Ed Parmelee, two notorious banco 
 steerers. Casey was arrested at Clifton, Canada, with a gang of American pick- 
 pockets, during the Marquis of Lome's celebration, and sentenced to three years' 
 imprisonment. He has served time in Sing Sing prison, and in the penitentiary on 
 Blackwell's Island, and is well known in all the Eastern cities as Big Jim Casey. He 
 was arrested again in New York City on January 26, 1884, in company of Poodle 
 Murphy (134), Tom Burns, alias Combo (148), Joe Gorman (146), and Nigger Baker 
 (195), charged with sneaking a package of Elevated Railroad tickets, valued at $75, 
 from a safe in the station at Houston Street and the Bowery, New York. For this 
 offense he was sentenced to six months in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, on 
 February 26, 1884. (See record of No. 134.) 
 
 His picture is a fair one. 
 
91 
 
 92 
 
 93 
 
 995 
 
 --'^At^.. 
 
 JAMES CASEY, 
 
 ALIAS BIG JIM CASEY, 
 
 BANCO AND PICKPOCKET, 
 
 CHARLES MASON, 
 
 ALIAS BOSTON CHARLEY. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND BANCO. 
 
 PETER LAKE, 
 
 ALIAS GRAND CENTRAL PETE, 
 BANCO. 
 
 94 
 
 95 
 
 96 
 
 JAMES ALLEN, 
 
 ALIAS POP WHITE and DR. LONG. 
 
 HOTEL AND CONFIDENCE MAN. 
 
 JOSEPH LEWIS, 
 
 ALIAS HUNGRY JOE, 
 BANCO. 
 
 WILLIAM JOHNSON, 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 165 
 
 92 
 CHARLES MASON, alias BOSTON CHARLEY. 
 
 PICKPOCKET, BANCO AND STALL. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Heavy build. Height, 5 feet 11 inches. Weight, 
 
 200 pounds. Dark-brown hair, turning gray ; brown eyes, fair complexion. Generally 
 
 wears a heavy, reddish-brown mustache ; rather fine features. A very active man for 
 
 his size. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Boston " Charley's principal occupation is "banco." He has been in several 
 jails in the East and West, and has traveled from Maine to California working various 
 schemes. In New York he worked with Jimmie Wilson (143) and Shang Campbell (107), 
 picking pockets ; also, with Jack Strauss, on the sneak. He worked in the winter of 
 1876 in Boston, Mass., with Charlie Love, alias Graves, alias Scanlon, and was in the 
 scheme to rob a man named Miller out of $1,200 by the banco game. Charley fell into 
 the hands of the police, and Love escaped. He was afterwards implicated in a robbery 
 in the Adams House, where Mrs. Warner, of St. Paul, Minn., lost considerable property. 
 He then left Boston, and remained away until 1881. During the interval he is credited 
 with having served five years in Joliet prison. 
 
 Mason was arrested again in New York City, and sentenced to four years in Sing 
 Sing prison on December 20, 1881, by Recorder Smyth, for robbing one John H. 
 Lambkin, of Cork, Ireland, out of $1,139, at banco. His time expired, allowing full 
 commutation, on May 19, 1885. 
 
 Mason's picture is a good one, taken in 1881. 
 
 93 
 
 PETER LAKE, alias GRAND CENTRAL PETE, 
 
 alias Lane. 
 
 BANCO STEERER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Born in United States. Stout build. Married. No 
 
 trade. Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, 165 pounds. Hair black, turning gray; 
 
 dark hazel eyes, ruddy complexion, smooth face generally ; sometimes wears a brown 
 
 mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Grand Central Pete " is one of the most celebrated and persistent banco 
 steerers there is in America, " Hungry" Joe possibly excepted. Like all others of his 
 
1 66 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 class, he has been arrested in almost every city in the Union, but seldom convicted, for 
 the reason that as soon as he falls into the hands of the police, his confederates give 
 the victim back his money, and he is only too glad to make himself scarce. 
 
 He was arrested on March 9, 1877, in New York City, in company of another 
 confidence man named Charles Johnson, better known as " Tip " Farrell, of Chicago, for 
 swindling one John Slawson, the superintendent of the Star Silver Mining Company, 
 of Idaho Territory, out of $100, at the banco game. Slawson was stopping at the St. 
 Nicholas Hotel, and was met by Pete, who had a "sure thing" for him. Lake and 
 Farrell pleaded guilty in the Court of General Sessions, and were sentenced to six 
 months in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, and fined $100 each, on March 15,. 
 1877, by Judge Gildersleeve. 
 
 Pete Lake has been arrested at least fifty times since, but never convicted, for 
 reasons above stated. He obtained his nickname through prowling around the Grand 
 Central Railroad depot, in New York City. 
 
 Pete's picture is a good one, taken in March, 1877. 
 
 94 
 
 JAMES WHITE, alias POP WHITE, 
 alias Allen, alias Doctor Long. 
 
 HOTEL THIEF AND CONFIDENCE MAN. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Seventy years old in 1886. Born in Delaware. Painter by trade. Very slim. 
 Single. Height, 5 feet 8^ inches. Weight, about 135 pounds. Gray hair, dark-blue 
 eyes, sallow complexion, very wrinkled face. Looks like a well-to-do farmer. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Old Pop White, or " Doc " Long, is the oldest criminal in his line in America. 
 Over one-third of his life has been spent in State prisons and penitentiaries. He has 
 turned his hand to almost everything, from stealing a pair of shoes to fifty thousand 
 dollars. He was well known when younger as a clever bank sneak, hotel man and 
 confidence worker. He is an old man now, and most of his early companions are dead. 
 He worked along the river fronts of New York and Boston for years, with George, 
 alias " Kid " Affleck (56), and old " Hod " Bacon, and was arrested time and time again. 
 One of their victims, whom they robbed in the Pennsylvania Railroad depot at 
 Philadelphia in 1883 of $7,000, died of grief shortly after. 
 
 Old White was discharged from Trenton, N. J., State prison on December 19, 1885, 
 after serving a term for grand larceny. He was arrested again in New York City the 
 day after for stealing a pair of shoes from a store. He pleaded guilty, and was 
 sentenced to five months in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, in the Court of 
 Special Sessions, on December 22, 1885. 
 
 Pop White's picture is a good one, taken in July, 1875. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 167 
 
 95 
 
 JOSEPH LEWIS, alias HUNGRY JOE, 
 
 alias Francis J. Alvany, alias Henry F. Post. 
 
 BANCO STEERER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Speculator. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 9 inches. Weight, 163 pounds. Brown hair, brown 
 eyes, light complexion. Dresses well. Has a beardless face generally. Large nose, 
 and heavy scar on his chin. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Hungry Joe," the name he is best-known by, is a very persistent and impudent 
 banco steerer. He is a terrible talker — too much so for his own good — and he is well 
 known in every city in the United States. Although arrested several times, he has 
 never served more than five or ten days in prison at one time. This man has victimized 
 more people by the banco game than any other five men in the profession. 
 
 During Oscar Wilde's visit to this country he and " Hungry Joe" were chums for 
 about a week. They lunched and dined together in the cafe at the Hotel Brunswick, 
 in New York. After a while Joe played the confidence game on Oscar, in which the 
 latter, it is said, was fleeced out of $5,000. Joe was not given the money, but a check 
 drawn on the Second National Bank of New York City. Oscar, realizing that he had 
 been swindled, stopped the payment of the check at the bank. 
 
 Joe was arrested in Detroit, Mich., in 1880, for shooting Billy Flynn, a notorious 
 character, but was discharged on the ground of self-defense. He was finally arrested 
 in New York City on May 27, 1885, when he pleaded guilty, and was sentenced 
 to four years in State prison by Recorder Smyth, for robbing at banco one Joseph 
 Ramsden, an English tourist, who was stopping at the Metropolitan Hotel, in New 
 York City, out of five ten-pound notes, valued at about $250. The following is a very 
 interesting account, clipped from one of the New York papers of May 22, 1885, of the 
 manner in which Joe victimized Mr. Ramsden : 
 
 Among the passengers on board the steamship Gallia, which arrived from Liverpool on Monday last, 
 (May 25, 1885,) was an elderly English gentleman of fine appearance but somewhat in ill-health. His 
 name is Joseph Ramsden, a merchant of Manchester. He came to this country with a view to recuperating 
 his health. Mr. Ramsden stopped at one of the first-class hotels uptown, and commenced to admire the 
 beauties and attractions of the metropolis. Tuesday afternoon he strolled downtown on Broadway. 
 Reaching the Metropolitan Hotel, Mr. Ramsden was sauntering leisurely along when he was surprised by a 
 well-dressed stranger familiarly addressing him with: 
 
 " Why, how do you do, Mr. Ramsden ?" 
 
1 68 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 The latter expressed his inability to recognize the stranger, but the affable young man soon put the 
 old gentleman at ease by adding: 
 
 " Oh, you don't know me; I forgot. But I know you from hearsay. My name is Post — Henry F. 
 Post. You came over in my uncle's steamer yesterday. Capt. Murphy, of the Gallia, is my uncle, and 
 since his return has been stopping at my father's residence. He has spoken of you to us. Indeed, he has 
 said so much about you and of your shattered health that it seemed to me I knew you a long time. I could 
 not help recognizing you in a thousand from my uncle's description of you." 
 
 Mr. Ramsden had had a very pleasant voyage on the Gallia, during which Capt. Murphy and he had 
 become very friendly, and thus he was not surprised that the gallant skipper should speak of him. " Mr. 
 Post " walked arm-in-arm with his uncle's English friend, chatting pleasantly and pointing out prominent 
 business houses, until they reached Grand Street. 
 
 " I am in business in Baltimore — in ladies' underwear and white goods," said Mr. Post, " and have 
 been home laying in a stock of goods. I should much like to remain a day or two longer and show you 
 around, but I am sorry that I must return to Baltimore this evening. In fact, I am on my way now to get 
 my ticket and my valise is already in the ticket office." 
 
 It needed but a few words to induce the elderly gentleman to accompany Post to " the office," in 
 Grand Street, and the two soon entered a room on that street, west of Broadway. There the young man 
 bought a railroad ticket of a man behind a counter. 
 
 "And now my valise," added Post. 
 
 Throwing the bag on the counter, the young man opened it, saying, " Here are some muslins that 
 can't be duplicated in England," and exhibited to the old gentleman some samples of that fabric. Near 
 the bottom of the bag he accidentally came upon a pack of playing cards, seizing which, he exclaimed: 
 
 " Ah, this reminds me. Don't you know that last night some fellows got me into a place on the 
 Bowery and skinned me out of $400 by a card-trick in which they used only three cards ? But I've got on 
 to the game and know how it is done. They can't do me any more." 
 
 At that moment a man, showily dressed, emerged from a back room and said; "I'll bet you fio you 
 can't do it." 
 
 " All right, put up your money," responded Joe. 
 
 The cards were shuffled by the deft hand of the stranger, and Joe was told to pick up the ace. He 
 picked up a Jack and lost. He lost a second time, and offered to repeat it, but the stranger said, " I don't 
 believe you've got any more money." 
 
 " Well, but my friend here (pointing to Mr. Ramsden) has." 
 
 "I don't believe he has," sneeringly retorted the stranger. 
 
 " Oh, yes I have," interrupted the venerable Englishman, at the same time pulling a roll of ten crisp 
 five-pound notes from his inside vest pocket and holding them to the gaze of the others. 
 
 The temptation was too great for Hungry Joe. He so far forgot himself and his uncle's friendship 
 for the Manchester merchant that he grabbed the roll from Ramsden's hand. The latter tightened his 
 grasp on the notes, but Joe violently thrust the old man backwards, and, getting possession of the money, 
 ran out of the place, followed by his confederates. 
 
 Mr. Ramsden notified Inspector Byrnes that evening, giving an accurate description of " Capt. Mur- 
 phy's nephew," which resulted in Hungry Joe's arrest. Joe was sitting in the basement of the house 
 quietly smoking a cigar and resting his slippered feet on a chair. He was in his shirt sleeves. He tried to 
 bluff off the Inspector, as is his custom, but finding it useless he donned his coat and boots and accom- 
 panied the Inspector to headquarters. 
 
 Last night Mr. Ramsden was summoned to headquarters, where he was confronted in the Inspector's 
 room by Hungry Joe and eight other men. 
 
 " There is the man," quickly said Mr. Ramsden. 
 
 " I never saw you before, sir," replied Joe. 
 
 "You scoundrel," excitedly exclaimed Mr. Ramsden, "you are the fellow that robbed me of my 
 money." 
 
 Joe's picture, though somewhat drawn up, is recognizable. It was taken in 
 December, 1878. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 169 
 
 96 
 WILLIAM J. JOHNSON, alias JOSEPH W. HARRIS. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND BOARDING-HOUSE THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-nine years old in 1886. Born in United States. Single. Printer. Well 
 built. Height, 5 feet 10 inches. Weight, 180 pounds. Brown hair, brown eyes, dark 
 complexion ; generally wears a brown mustache. Has scar over left eye ; dot of India 
 ink on left hand. Claims to have been born in Philadelphia. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Johnson, or Harris, is a clever pickpocket and boarding-house thief. He is well 
 known in New York and Boston, Mass., and other cities, and is an associate of Frank 
 Auburn, alias Austin (46), with whom he has been working in several of the Eastern 
 cities. 
 
 He was arrested in Boston, Mass., on April 28, 1884, in company of Auburn, 
 charged with picking pockets in the churches in that city, tried, convicted, and 
 sentenced to three years in State prison at Concord, Mass., on May 16, 1884. 
 
 His sentence will expire on December 23, 1886. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in April, 1884. 
 
 97 
 COL. ALEXANDER C. BRANSCOM. 
 
 FORGER AND SWINDLER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-four years old in 1886. Born in Virginia. Medium build. Single. Claims 
 
 to be a book publisher. Height, 6 feet. Weight, 178 pounds. Medium brown hair, 
 
 dark gray eyes, ruddy complexion. Good education ; converses well. Right arm off 
 
 at the elbow. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 CoL. Branscom is an expert forger and swindler. He was sentenced to three 
 years and six months in State prison in August, 1880, in New York City, for forging 
 Florida bonds. His expertness with the pen is a marvel, in view of his being obliged 
 to write with his left hand, his right arm having been cut off at the elbow. His 
 correspondence while conducting his swindling operations, large as it has been, was 
 entirely written by himself, and does equal credit to his powers of invention and to his 
 skillful penmanship. Not a detail calculated to convey confidence was lacking in any 
 of his transactions. 
 
lyo PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on November 2, 1884. During August of 
 that year he made several contracts with business men in New York to publish and 
 advertise in an official guide to the New Orleans Exposition ; and a highly decorated 
 pamphlet, " The Diversified Industries of the South." He contracted with Conroy 
 Brothers, paper dealers, of No. 33 Beekman Street, New York City, on August 14, 
 1884, for $7,000 worth of white paper for his publications, and gave them a note for 
 $7,000, purported to be indorsed by Colonel Edward Richardson, the millionaire 
 president of the Mississippi Mills, at Wesson, Miss., and at that time president of the 
 World's Exposition at New Orleans. 
 
 Branscom uttered about $40,000 worth of similar notes in New York, and when 
 arrested he confessed that he had forged endorsements to $52,000 more, and had 
 intended to issue about $110,000 worth in all. If he had succeeded, he said, he would 
 have carried his publications through and cleared $50,000. In addition to the money 
 collected by the notes, Branscom also got orders for $6,000 worth of advertisements in 
 the blank space of his two books, and he planned to collect $30,000 more from the 
 same source. His cash collected from all sources in this transaction enabled him to 
 deposit $14,000 in the Shoe and Leather Bank of New York, but two-thirds of this 
 amount he subsequently drew out. 
 
 Branscom was convicted of the forgery of one note for $7,000, and was sentenced 
 to ten years in State prison in the Court of General Sessions, New York, on March 
 14, 1885, by Recorder Smyth. 
 
 Branscom's picture is a good one, taken in November, 1884. 
 
 98 
 FRANKLIN J. MOSES, alias EX-GOV. MOSES. 
 
 SWINDLER BY BOGUS CHECKS. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-four years old in 1886. Born in South Carolina. Lawyer. Married. Slim 
 build. Height, 5 feet 8^ inches. Weight, 130 pounds. Dark hair, turning gray; 
 blue eyes, sallow complexion, large Roman nose ; generally wears a heavy mustache, 
 quite gray. Dresses fairly. Good talker. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Ex-GovERNOR MosES, of South Carolina, graduated from Columbia College, and 
 served as private secretary to the Governor of South Carolina for two years. At the 
 close of the war of the Rebellion he was one of the first of any that were conspicuous 
 in the State to submit to the Reconstruction Act ; and he was, after serving as Speaker 
 of the House two years, made Governor, holding that office for two years. His father, 
 an estimable man, was at one time Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South 
 Carolina. Shortly after his term of office expired, Moses started in victimizing friend 
 
97 
 
 98 
 
 99 
 
 ALEXANDER 0. BRAN8C0M, 
 FORGER AND CONFIDENCE MAN. 
 
 FRANKLIN J. MOSES, 
 
 EX. GOV. MOSES, 
 
 SWINDLER. 
 
 DAy/D SWAIN, 
 CONFIDENCE. 
 
 100 
 
 lOi 
 
 102 
 
 
 \^^> 
 
 
 UpTf Vl^^^;ft:,»>. 
 
 
 
 W^'' 
 
 -^^Sr-f ?' • 
 
 
 :,l. . ■: 
 
 EDWARD LILLIE, 
 
 ALIAS WATSON. 
 
 CONFIDENCE. 
 
 JOHN CANNON, 
 
 ALIAS OLD JACK, 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 EDWARD LYMAN, 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND CONFIDENCE MAN 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 171 
 
 and foe alike. An account of all his swindling transactions would fill many pages. 
 Below will be found a few of his many exploits. 
 
 He was first arrested in New York City, and delivered to the South Carolina 
 authorities on September 17, 1878, for making and uttering a forged note in South 
 Carolina for $316. When he arrived there he was placed on parole, and allowed to 
 escape. He was arrested again in New York City on October 3, 1881, for defrauding 
 Major William L. Hall out of $25. For this he was sentenced to six months in the 
 penitentiary on Blackwell's Island. He was arrested again in Chicago, III, on July 27, 
 1884, for false pretenses, but the case was settled up. He was arrested again in 
 Detroit, Mich., on October 12, 1884, for swindling the Rev. Dr. Rexford, under the 
 name of Thomas May, and sent to jail for three months. He was again arrested in 
 Detroit, upon the expiration of his three months' sentence, on January 27, 1885, by 
 Boston officers, for swindling Colonel T. W. Higginson, of Cambridge, out of $34, 
 under false pretenses. He was brought to East Cambridge, Mass., and pleaded guilty 
 in the Superior Criminal Court there on February 11, 1885, and was sentenced to six 
 months in the House of Correction. He was brought from the House of Correction 
 on May 29, 1885, on a writ, and arraigned before Judge Aldrich, of the Superior Criminal 
 Court, and committed for trial for swindling, in February, 1884, Mr. Fred. Ames out of 
 $40; ex-Mayor Cobb, $40; Dr. Bowditch, $20; Dr. Henry O. Marcy, $20; and Mr. 
 Williams, a bookseller, $20. Moses pleaded guilty again to these complaints on 
 September 25, 1885. He was finally sentenced to three years in the House of 
 Correction on October i, 1885, by Judge Aldrich. His sentence will expire, allowing 
 him full commutation time, on May 10, 1888. When the ex-governor was arraigned 
 for sentence in Boston, his counsel, John B. Goodrich, Esq., said that he wished to 
 state to the court the remarkable circumstances of the case, not for the purpose of 
 extenuation, but because of the qualities of the man, and consider if something could 
 not be done to restore him to his former place in the community. Judge Aldrich said : 
 
 " If I were sitting in another place than upon the bench, I should think, after 
 listening to the remarks of the counsel for the defense, that I was listening to a eulogy 
 of some great and good man." The judge, continuing, said he would rather see a 
 member of the bar starve before he would commit a State prison offense. He himself 
 would suffer cold all day, sweep the streets, before he would go into a gentleman's 
 house and commit such offenses as those charged. The defense made for the prisoner 
 the judge characterized as trivial, and said it was time such frauds were stopped. He 
 did not see what good it would do to send him to any of the reformatory institutions. 
 He felt that a severe sentence ought to be imposed upon the prisoner, and therefore 
 sentenced him to be imprisoned in the State prison for three years. 
 
 Moses' picture is an excellent one, taken in March, 1882. 
 
172 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 99 
 DAVID SWAIN, alias OLD DAVE. 
 
 CONFIDENCE MAN. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-two years old in 1886. Born in New York City. Stout build. Height, 
 5 feet 9 inches. Weight, 180 pounds. Light brown hair, blue eyes. Ruddy com- 
 plexion. Wears full sandy beard and mustache. Married. Scar on forehead over 
 left eye. Part of an anchor in India ink on right fore-arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Swain is one of the sharpest, meanest, and most dangerous confidence men in the 
 business. He has no favorites, and would rob a friend or a poor emigrant as soon as a 
 party with means. He may be found around railroad depots or steamboat landings, 
 and is well known in all the Eastern cities, especially Boston, Mass., where, it is said, 
 he has a mortgage on the Eastern Railroad depot. 
 
 Swain was arrested in New York City on July 17, 1873, for grand larceny from one 
 Edward Steinhofer, of Brooklyn. He was committed to the Tombs prison on July 18, 
 1873, but was shortly afterwards delivered over to the Albany, N. Y., police authorities, 
 and taken there upon an old charge. He was convicted and sentenced to three years 
 in the Albany Penitentiary, at the Court of Quarter Sessions, in Albany, on September 
 20, 1873. His time expired in March, 1876. 
 
 Swain passed considerable of his time in and around Boston, Mass., when out of 
 prison, and has fleeced many a poor victim there. In August, 1883, he robbed two 
 poor Nova Scotians, man and wife, out of $150 in gold, all the money they had saved 
 for years. 
 
 He was finally arrested in Boston, Mass., on December 12, 1884, for robbing the 
 Nova Scotians, whose name was Taylor. He lay in jail there until May 23, 1885, 
 when he was brought to court, where he pleaded guilty to the charge, and was sentenced 
 to two years in the House of Correction. 
 
 Swain has been working these last few years with George Gifford, who was arrested 
 in Brooklyn, N. Y., on March 15, 1886, for swindling one John Reilly by the confidence 
 game, and sentenced to four years in the Kings County Penitentiary on April 30, 1886. 
 He has also served a term in Boston, Mass., for the same offense. Young Gifford is 
 the son of Harry Gifford, a very clever old confidence man, who died a short time ago. 
 
 Swain's picture is a good one, taken in 1881. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 173 
 
 100 
 EDWARD LILLIE, alias HENRY A. WATSON. 
 
 CONFIDENCE MAN, FORGER, AND BOARDING-HOUSE THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Sixty-five years old in 1886. Born in United States. Sailmaker. Married. Slim 
 build. Height, 6 feet i inch. Weight, 166 pounds. Black hair, turning quite gray; 
 gray eyes. Wears a gray chin whisker. Has a sloop and owl in India ink on right 
 arm ; spots of ink on left arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Ed. Lillie is one of the most notorious confidence operators in America. He does 
 not confine himself to that particular branch of the business, as he has done service 
 for forgery and robbing boarding-houses. He is known in a number of the large cities 
 of the United States and Canada, and is considered a very clever man. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on November 25, 1876, under the name of 
 James H. Potter, charged with purchasing from George C. Flint, of West Fourteenth 
 Street, New York City, $600 worth of furniture, and giving him in payment therefor a 
 worthless check for $750 on the National Bank of Newburg, N. Y. The bank's certifi- 
 cation on the check was forged, and he received $150 in change. In this case Lillie 
 pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two years and six months in State prison, on 
 February 2, 1877, by Judge Gildersleeve. He was arrested again in New York City on 
 July 28, 1879, ii^ company of one John Hill, alias Dave Mooney (173), charged by Mrs. 
 Lydell, who kept a boarding-houSe at No. 46 South Washington Square, with entering 
 the room of one of her boarders and stealing $575 in money, three watches, two chains, 
 and a locket, altogether valued at $1,000. In this case he was discharged for lack of 
 evidence. 
 
 Lillie was arrested again on board of a Galveston steamer, lying at the dock in 
 New York City, on January g, 1881, charged with obtaining $50 from Miguel S. 
 Thimon, a Texan, by the confidence game. In this case Lillie was sentenced to two 
 years and six months in State prison, on January 12, 1881, by Judge Cowing. He was 
 again arrested plying his vocation along the river front in New York, in June, 1884, 
 and sentenced to six months in the penitentiary, charged with vagrancy. He obtained 
 a writ, and was discharged by Judge Lawrence, of the Supreme Court, on June 
 
 13. 1884. 
 
 He fell into the hands of the police again in New York City, on February 27, 1885, 
 charged by Benjamin Freer, of Gardiner, Ulster County, N. Y., with swindling him out 
 of $250 in money. One David Johnson, of Catasauqua, Pa., also charged him with 
 swindling him out of 102 English sovereigns on January 2, 1885, on board of an Anchor 
 Line steamer, while lying at the dock in New York City. Johnson was on his way to 
 Europe. Lillie was tried for swindHng Johnson, and sentenced to five years in State 
 prison on March 9, 1885, by Recorder Smyth, in the Court of General Sessions. 
 
 Lillie's picture is an excellent one, taken in November, 1876. 
 
174 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 101 
 
 JOHN CANNON, alias JACK CANNON, 
 
 alias Davis, alias Stewart, alias Bartlett. 
 HOTEL THIEF AND SAFE BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-seven years old in 1886. A Pennsylvania Dutchman. Married. No trade. 
 Height, 5 feet 5^^ inches. Weight, 150 pounds. Dark brown hair, inclined to curl in 
 front of his ears ; large, light gray eyes, left eye watery ; large nose ; very heavy brown 
 beard and mustache. Small scar near end of nose. Claims to be an American-born 
 Irishman. Can fix himself up to look like a " Sheeny." 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Jack Cannon is one of the most widely-known and dangerous thieves in America. 
 He was arrested in New Orleans, La., on March 10, 1886, in company of Thomas 
 White, alias Montreal Tom, and George Wilson, alias " The Peoria Kid," charged with 
 robbing one Effie Hankins, of Chicago, of $8,000 worth of diamonds at the house of 
 May Banker, on Union Street that city the night previous. 
 
 The following is a very interesting account published in one of the papers of the 
 arrest of Cannon and his associates in New Orleans : 
 
 A full and complete history of this man's adventures would fill a volume with 
 thrilling escapes, desperate undertakings, and successful burglaries and robberies. 
 
 If Cannon was not born in the city of New Orleans he was raised here, and up to 
 a few years ago had a brother engaged in mercantile pursuits here. His real name is 
 said to be Hannon, and he formerly resided on Dryades, between Girod and Julia 
 streets. He attended the St. Joseph's School, on Common Street, and his first step in 
 crime was made in this city. 
 
 Of his earlier exploits but little is known to the detectives, as they were com- 
 paratively trifling robberies or larcenies, and either escaped the memory of one of the 
 oldest detectives in the city, or were of no Import, and hence never came to his 
 knowledge. 
 
 Detectives Gaster and Cain had been looking for Cannon for some time past 
 and had been warned to move cautiously when arresting him as he would shoot 
 "at the drop of a hat." On the morning of the arrest, March 11, 1886, when 
 they espied Cannon in front of the St. Charles Hotel with Roberts, alias Tommy 
 White, and Wilson, they accosted him and requested his presence at the office of the 
 Chief of Police. Cannon was at first disinclined to go quietly and made several 
 suspicious movements with his hand to his hip pocket. Cain was watching him 
 closely while Gaster was eloquently arguing and pleading with Cannon and his two 
 friends as to the propriety of going along quietly. Cannon hesitated a while, and 
 
PROFESSIONAL CEIMINALS OF AMERICA. 175 
 
 turning to Gaster informed him that he had doubtless made a mistake, as he was a 
 gentleman and was stopping at the Hotel Royal. Gaster did not dispute this, especially 
 as Cannon exhibited the key of his room, but Cannon could not be convinced that he 
 ought to go to the Chief's office. 
 
 Fearing doubtless that his refusal would excite still more suspicion. Cannon asked 
 who was Chief of Police. Gaster replied that the Chief was sick and that his secretary 
 was acting in his stead. This satisfied Cannon, who became assured that the secretary 
 would not know him, and the three prisoners and the two detectives arrived safely at 
 the Chief's office. 
 
 The first man they met in the office was Captain Malone, and Cannon was visibly 
 agitated and sought to turn his head. The Captain eyed him keenly a few moments 
 and said : " I know your face, but can't place you just now." He sat looking at Cannon 
 a few moments and then recognized him, and called him by name. 
 
 Cannon denied his name, said that he was named Collins, and had never been 
 known as Cannon. The Captain then entered into conversation with him, and recalled 
 many names of thieves and suspicious characters, now dead, but who had been known 
 to Cannon some fifteen or twenty years ago. Cannon became interested, and com- 
 menced asking questions of others. 
 
 Captain Malone informed Cannon that his picture was in the "gallery," but 
 this Cannon would not believe. He said that no picture of himself was extant. 
 The Captain told him that some nineteen or twenty years ago, whilst Cannon was 
 rooming on Toulouse, between Dauphine and Burgundy streets, his room had been 
 searched for burglars' tools and plunder, and the officers had then found a full length 
 photograph of him in the room and had carried it away with them. This picture had 
 been placed in a conspicuous position in the gallery, and all during the political troubles 
 and changes had remained there and was there then. This was a disagreeable surprise 
 to Cannon, and he desired to see the picture, but this request was not granted and the 
 trio were locked up. 
 
 Roberts was conducted to Clarke's gallery, where his picture was taken, and when 
 the three prisoners were brought to the First Recorder's Court, the detectives concluded 
 to have a picture of Cannon taken. When they entered the dock they informed 
 Cannon of what they intended to do. Cannon became greatly excited, and, pulling off 
 his coat, declared that he would die before they should take his " mug." His picture 
 was not in any collection in the United States, he said, and it shouldn't be taken in 
 New Orleans. 
 
 "Who ordered this?" asked Cannon. 
 
 " The Chief of Police," said the detectives. 
 
 Cannon thereupon directed his wrath against Captain Malone and hurled invectives 
 on his head. " I am sorry I didn't kill him years ago," said the burglar. " I had the 
 chance then and was laying for him. Oh, I know well where he lives— down on 
 Dauphine Street, near Esplanade. I piped him off one night, and was hid near his 
 house. I had a gun drawn on him, and was about to shoot, but at the last moment I 
 relented, and Malone entered his house in safety, and unconscious of the peril he had 
 been in. I'm very sorry now I didn't finish the job I started out to do." 
 
176 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 After having vented his spleen in words, Cannon was again informed that his 
 picture was to be taken. 
 
 " There is no law for it," he said ; " you will have to take my picture after I'm dead, 
 if you want it." 
 
 The detective tried coaxing, but Cannon was obdurate, and turning to Roberts, 
 asked his advice. 
 
 Roberts replied, " I haven't anything to do with it ; it's your ' mug,' not mine," 
 
 Finding Cannon very stubborn, the officers informed Recorder Davey of what they 
 wanted, and when the prisoners were arraigned. Judge Davey told Cannon that the 
 police were very anxious to secure his photograph, and that he had better submit 
 quietly. 
 
 After being remanded the detective entered the dock and proceeded to place 
 handcuffs on Cannon's wrists. He resisted, and again becoming excited, cursed 
 everybody connected with the police. He said that he could have escaped from the 
 parish prison that morning had he been able to run, and regretted not having made the 
 attempt anyhow. 
 
 Cannon was securely handcuffed, and was then marched down to Clarke's Gallery, 
 on Canal Street. Four detectives escorted him, and in due time he arrived there, and 
 was placed in a chair in front of the camera. The operator had been informed that 
 he would encounter considerable difficulty in catching Cannon, and he therefore moved 
 with great caution. Before Cannon knew that he was ready the operator quickly 
 removed the cover, and as quickly replaced it, securing a good likeness by the instan- 
 taneous process. He then said to Cannon : 
 
 " Are you ready now ?" 
 
 " Yes," replied the latter, and screwing up one corner of his mouth, shutting one 
 eye, and distorting his features, he said, " Go ahead." 
 
 The appearance of the man's face was most ludicrous, and the operator and 
 detectives burst into a laugh. They enjoyed it the more as they had already obtained 
 what they were after, and the result of it all was an excellent likeness of Cannon, the 
 noted burglar and desperado — the only one in existence, as far as known. (See No. loi.) 
 
 Cannon appeared to be very despondent when he ascertained that he had been 
 beaten at every point, and remarked, "Well, I guess you'll do me up this time." 
 
 He became communicative later, and spoke of old times in this city, and of himself. 
 
 " I never robbed a poor man in my life," he said, " and haven't turned a trick in 
 New Orleans this winter." He had no money, but said he had plenty of friends to 
 help him in case money could save him. He did not appear to be at all worried about 
 going to Baton Rouge, as he believed he could make his escape either here or there. 
 He spoke of the late detective Bobbie Harris, who was killed by the late chief of aids, 
 Thomas Devereux. He told Gaster and Cain that he was with Harris when he broke 
 his back. He said that Harris fell into a well near Vicksburg, Miss., while seeking to 
 escape with him, and thus Injured his spinal column, making him a cripple for life. 
 
 Cannon has been the companion and pal of the most noted safe-blowers, bank- 
 robbers and cracksmen in this country, and is himself classed as one of the most expert 
 hotel thieves on this continent. New Orleans, it would appear, has been the home 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 177 
 
 and the scene of the debut of some of the most skillful and notorious burglars. First 
 on the list of these is Billy Forrester (see No. 76), who is now in Massachusetts. He 
 is a native of Lafourche, La., and was the leader of the gang who broke into Scooler's 
 jewelry store, on Canal, near Camp Street, at the time being associated with Daigo 
 Frank and Dave Cummings. (See No. 50.) 
 
 Cannon, as has already been stated in the Picayune, jumped his bonds in New 
 Orleans in the Lilienthal robbery, which was committed on April, 11, 1876. 
 His bondsman then was George Foster, proprietor of a restaurant and keeper of a 
 fence on Toulouse Street, who has since died. Foster was a well known character and 
 harborer of thieves in his day, and when the Lilienthal robbery was committed Cannon 
 was lodging there. When Cannon left the city and his bondsman in the lurch descrip- 
 tions of him were sent far and wide around the country, and he was compelled to remain 
 very quiet. Captain Malone's untiring efforts are what aroused Cannon's animosity, and 
 considering him as a relentless enemy, he determined to rid himself of him. 
 
 One day the Captain received a letter telling him that if he would meet the 
 writer at the corner of Broad and Canal streets after dark on an appointed night, he 
 would receive valuable information in regard to a gang of thieves. The Captain sus- 
 pected something wrong, as the place appointed was in a very quiet and isolated part 
 of the city, but he exhibited the letter to the then Chief of Police, Gen. A. S. Badger, 
 who coincided with him in his suspicions. Determined, however, to see the matter 
 through, the Captain took two detectives with him, and proceeded to the appointed 
 place at the appointed time. No one was in sight except a policeman in uniform, 
 who was on the sidewalk, and on the approach of the detectives he moved leisurely 
 away. The detectives concealed themselves, and Malone waited patiently, but 
 no one came except one of the mounted policemen, who had been ordered to proceed 
 to the place and remain in the vicinity until ordered away by Captain Malone. 
 After remaining long after the time specified the officers returned to headquarters, 
 and then the Captain sought to ascertain the name of the officer who was on 
 foot at the place. To his surprise he found that no policeman was on duty in that 
 neighborhood except mounted men, hence the man they saw was a bogus policeman, 
 and doubtless a pal of the pretended informer, or the writer of the letter himself, 
 the Captain kept this letter, and still has it in his possession, and when Cannon's 
 remark was repeated to him he at once came to the conclusion that Cannon was either 
 the author of it or had caused it to be written, and that it was part of a plot the object 
 of which was to put him out of the way. 
 
 Cannon's pal on the occasion of the Lilienthal robbery was John Watson, who 
 escaped from the First Precinct Station by making a skeleton key out of the handle of 
 a waterpail. He opened the lock of his cell door by means of this, and then opened a 
 door in the rear wall of the station opening into the alleyway on the east side of what 
 was then the barroom known as the Marble Hall. The police station and headquarters 
 were then located where Soule's Commercial College now is, and Watson, after 
 opening the rear door, walked out to Lafayette, near Carondelet Street, where he broke 
 into a run. He was recaptured out on Claiborne Street, having run into the arms of 
 the Maria driver, George Bernard, who was subsequently killed by his head striking 
 
178 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 the arch over the gateway through which the Maria entered and came out of the 
 workhouse. 
 
 Bernard was just going to answer roll-call when Watson ran into his arms, and he 
 held him fast and brought him back to the Central Station. Watson subsequently 
 again escaped, and made his way North, and from thence to England. 
 
 About a year ago a very large amount of diamonds and jewelry were stolen in 
 England, and cuts and descriptions of the gems were sent to all parts of the world. 
 The robbery became known as the Hatton Garden robbery, and the Scotland Yard 
 detectives were sent all over the civilized world to recover the diamonds and capture 
 the thieves. In Paris Watson and his wife were captured and convicted of the robbery, 
 and sentenced to long terms of imprisonment. 
 
 Cannon, some time after the Lilienthal robbery, left New Orleans, and kept away 
 for a number of years. He established his headquarters in Philadelphia, where he was 
 known as John Bartlett. He visited the South every winter, but up to two or three 
 years ago, as far as known, kept away from New Orleans. 
 
 When arrested for the Lilienthal robbery he presented a rough and uncouth 
 appearance, more like that of a laboring man than of a " flash cove," and when Captain 
 Malone first laid eyes on him after his capture in the gutter under the street-crossing 
 at the corner of Chartres and Bienville streets, he was surprised that such a looking 
 man should be capable of so skillful a piece of work as opening the combination of 
 Lilienthal's safe, and it was not until some days afterward that Cannon's ability to do 
 such work became apparent. He was then a young, strapping fellow ; now he is 
 a middle-aged, comparatively respectable-looking man, with a full chin beard and 
 mustache. 
 
 A few among the many robberies attributed to Cannon, or in which he was 
 implicated, are the following : 
 
 Hotel robbery at Jacksonville, Fla., in which a quantity of diamonds, watches and 
 jewelry were stolen. 
 
 Robbery of a store at Brownsville, Texas. 
 
 Robbery of Schmidt's store in Houston, Texas. 
 
 Safe blowing at J. F. Meyer's store at Houston, Texas. 
 
 Safe blowing at Macatus' store, in the same place. 
 
 Jewelry robbery at Galveston, Texas. 
 
 Hotel robbery at Hotel Royal in New Orleans, also the robbery at the Gregg 
 House in April, 1885 ; and many others. 
 
 Efforts were made to hold Cannon for the Lilienthal robbery. Of the ofificers who 
 made the arrest at the time only two are living. Sergeant — afterwards Captain — 
 James Gibney, promoted for this very arrest, died of consumption in 1873. Corporal — 
 afterwards Sergeant — Kennedy was killed on September 14, 1874. Officer Coffee was 
 killed by the notorious negro garroter and robber, Al Gossett, April 19, 1883. 
 
 Officer Diehl is the proprietor of a grocery store at the corner of Miro and 
 Dumaine streets, and with Officer Duvigneaud, who is at present engaged in the fruit 
 business on Canal Street, is still alive. Cannon was captured with his portion of the 
 booty on his person, and the last two mentioned ofificers were present at the time. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 179 
 
 Cannon now claims Detroit, Mich., as his home, and when he registered his name 
 in the Gregg House, in New Orleans, in April last, he booked himself as J. H. Stewart, 
 Detroit, Mich. 
 
 Roberts denied that he was the Tommy White who escaped from the penitentiary 
 at Clarksville, Tenn., and stated his willingness to return there without the formality of 
 a requisition if the authorities would take him there and then release him if it was 
 proven that he was not the man. 
 
 The picture of Roberts was identified, and that at once by the proprietress of the 
 boarding-house. No. 6 St. Peter Street, New Orleans, adjoining the store of Mr. 
 Piccaluga. She stated that during the month of December, 1885, the original of the 
 picture rented the room on the first floor front for himself and a companion. On or 
 about Christmas the store of Mr. Piccaluga was entered by burglars, who broke open 
 the windows on the gallery on the same story occupied by her lodger. The safe was 
 blown open and $60 in money stolen. Fortunately there was no more money than that 
 amount in the safe that night, but several nights previously there had been large 
 amounts in the safe. The burglars on this occasion were doubtless Roberts and 
 Cannon. As regards Roberts' identity as Tommy White, alias " Curly Tommy," the 
 Chief of Police of Chicago said he was wanted in Clarksville, and was only too anxious 
 to return thither in order to escape prosecution and punishment in New Orleans. 
 
 Cannon appeared to rely greatly on the judgment and advice of Roberts, and the 
 detectives infer from this that Roberts was the brain of the firm and Cannon the skill 
 and muscle to carry out plans conceived by Roberts. 
 
 Wilson, the younger of the three, was not known at that time to the police, although 
 they claim for him the alias of the " Peoria Kid," and give him the reputation of being a 
 first-class pickpocket. Cannon said to Roberts one day : " If we hadn't been with the 
 * Kid ' we would have been all right." 
 
 A telegram was received in New Orleans on March 22, 1886, from Peoria, 111., 
 identifying the picture of Wilson sent thither as that of George Stacey, alias H. B. 
 Wilson, a former pupil of Joe Parish's, and a most expert pickpocket and "pennyweight 
 man." The latter is the name applied to thieves who enter jewelry stores, and, whilst 
 pretending to make purchases, unobservedly secrete diamonds and other valuables 
 about their persons. 
 
 The three accused were brought before Recorder Davey to be arraigned for the 
 Hankins diamond robbery, which was committed on Wednesday morning, March 10, 
 1886. 
 
 Cannon appeared to be greatly worried, and his sinister light blue eyes roamed 
 unceasingly around the room. He was very nervous and appeared to dread recognition 
 from every person whom he detected eyeing him closely. His brown beard and 
 mustache gave his face quite a respectable appearance, and had it not been for his 
 restlessness a casual observer would most likely have taken him to be a lawyer employed 
 to defend the other two. 
 
 The first and only witness introduced was Mr. Charles Bush. The accused were 
 asked to stand up, and the witness was asked if he could identify any of them. He 
 replied that he had seen Cannon before, but did not recollect ever having seen the other 
 
i8o PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 two — Roberts and Wilson. As regards the recovery of the Hankins diamonds, and 
 the alleged payment of a reward or a compromise to recover the jewels, he knew 
 nothing. 
 
 Wilson, alias the Peoria Kid, and Tom White were discharged in this case on 
 March 23, 1886. They immediately left town, but were arrested again in April, in 
 Montgomery, Ala., while attempting to pawn some stolen property. 
 
 The last arrest of White and Wilson was made by the Chief of Police of 
 Montgomery, Ala., and when searched a package of burglars' tools and a pawn ticket 
 for a gold watch were found in their possession. Subsequently it was ascertained that 
 the watch was the property of Mr. H. Jackson, of Selma, Ala., who, while on a visit to 
 New Orleans and a guest at the Hotel Royal, had been robbed of his gold watch and 
 about seventy-five dollars in money. This was the night prior to the arrest of John 
 Cannon and the two above mentioned parties, March 9, 1886. 
 
 It was subsequently ascertained that Cannon, who had a room in the Hotel Royal, 
 had invited White, alias Roberts, to share his bed with him, and that night the rooms 
 of several of the boarders, among them Mr. Jackson's, were entered and robbed. 
 
 Cannon was an inmate of the parish prison, New Orleans, being held to answer a 
 charge of assault and battery, until May 15, 1886, when he was convicted and sentenced 
 to two years at hard labor. He was taken to Baton Rouge prison on June 17, 1886, 
 On their arrival at Montgomery White and Wilson disposed of their stolen property,, 
 and were arrested. 
 
 The following is some of Miss Hankins's evidence relative to the loss of her 
 diamonds. She said : 
 
 " I am from Chicago. I reside in this city at the Hotel Victor. On the night of the 9th or morning of 
 the loth March, 1886, 1 was at No. 68 Union Street. I am the person who was robbed. It was about 4 o'clock 
 in the morning when the three men entered my room. A portion of the jewelry was on my arms and the 
 balance on my dresser. My door was locked. The door was opened by a party in the room for the purpose 
 of getting a glass of water. As the door opened a man put a revolver to his head and three men rushed in. 
 I had retired. I retired that night about i o'clock. It was the front room on the first floor. It was not 
 my first night in the room. I had occupied it several nights. I was May Banker's guest. I saw May 
 Banker that night. She was in my room. She left me about 12 o'clock. I had not disrobed. She occu- 
 pied a room at the head of the stairs on the floor above. 
 
 " I had a diamond pin, a pair of earrings, four bracelets, watch and finger rings. Three of the brace- 
 lets were worth about $1,000 each, the fourth one about $7,000. They were on my wrists. The pin and 
 earrings were under my pillow. The earrings were worth about f 8,000, the pin about $5,000. My other 
 jewelry was in my trunk. 
 
 "When the men entered they said: 'We won't harm you, but keep quiet.' One of them took me by 
 the throat and placed a revolver at my head. They then took the jewelry. I had a revolver under my 
 pillow. I always have it there. 'They broke open a desk in the room. My door was open during all this. 
 I did not go to the ball. Nobody persuaded me not to go. It would be hard to identify the thieves, as 
 they wore handkerchiefs over their faces. 
 
 " The prisoners do not look like the men. They are not stout enough." [Pointing to Cannon wit- 
 ness said:] " He is about the height of one of the men. Could not say if they had beards. I have gotten 
 the property back — three or four days after it was stolen. On the advice of my attorney I shipped it away. 
 
 " The thieves were in my room twenty or twenty-five minutes. When they left they locked the door 
 on the outside. I don't know how they got out. I did not hear their footsteps, as they made no noise. I 
 saw Miss Banker about an hour after the robbery; she expressed sympathy for the loss. Miss Banker told 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. i8l 
 
 me she was awake in her room between 3 and 4 o'clock, and was smoking. Yes, she knew I had the 
 jewelry, she has seen me wear it." 
 
 On the return of Efifie Hankins to Chicago she talked freely to the reporters, and 
 implicated May Banker in the robbery of her diamonds — in so far as knowledge of the 
 thieves and disposition of the plunder was concerned — and likewise hinted that May 
 Banker's paramour knew more about the affair than had been made apparent on the 
 trial of the case. 
 
 May Banker was discharged on preliminary examination before Recorder Davey, 
 but her house had gained so bad a reputation that none dared to venture into it for 
 fear of being robbed, and she sold out all her furniture and effects, except her 
 wardrobe and jewelry, and left the city for parts unknown. Detective Kerwin went to 
 Montgomery, and on April 12, 1886, returned to New Orleans, having Tommy White, 
 alias Roberts, alias J. C. Smith, in his custody. The charge against him is robbing 
 Mr. Jackson, of Selma, Ala., a guest at the Hotel Royal, in New Orleans. Kerwin 
 had a requisition for Wilson, the " Peoria Kid," but it does not appear that Wilson was 
 returned. White was convicted for this offense, and sentenced to eighteen months in 
 State prison at Baton Rouge, La., on May 28, 1886. He was taken there on June 17, 
 1886. This latter fact is mentioned as, under the laws of Louisiana, a convict's sentence 
 does not commence until he enters the prison. 
 
 The following is a description of Cannon's companions : 
 
 Tom White, alias Roberts, alias Montreal Tom, hotel thief and bank sneak, was 
 forty-two years old in 1886. Height, 5 feet 10 inches. Weight, 150 pounds. Black 
 hair and mustache, gray eyes, dark complexion. Born in Canada. Is a consumptive. 
 
 George Stacy, alias Wilson, alias The Peoria Kid, was twenty-three years old 
 in 1886. Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, 150 pounds. Gray eyes, auburn hair, 
 freckled face, fresh complexion. Very smiling address. Is well educated. He was 
 discharged at Montgomery, Ala., on April 5, 1886, and arrested again at Cairo, 111., and 
 sent to jail, in May, 1886, in company of George Jelt, of Jeff", another desperate thief. 
 
 Cannon's picture is a very good one, taken in New Orleans, La., in 1886. 
 
 102 
 
 EDWARD LYMAN, alias NED LYMAN, 
 
 alias AcKERsoN. 
 
 PICKPOCKET, SNEAK AND CONFIDENCE MAN. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-two years old in 1886. Born in Boston, Mass. Stout build. Height, 
 5 feet 8^ inches. Weight, 180 pounds. Light hair, blue eyes, light complexion, full 
 face. Married, Painter by trade. Has " E. L." in India ink on his arm ; scars on 
 three fingers of right hand and on under lip. 
 
1 82 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA, 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Ned Lyman is probably one of the cleverest general thieves in America, and 
 is well known in all the principal cities East and West, especially in Boston, where he 
 makes his home. 
 
 Lyman, under the name of George Ackerson, was convicted in the Superior Court 
 of Boston, Mass., on January 17, 1863, for larceny from the person, and sentenced to 
 the House of Correction for four months. Discharged May 15, 1863. 
 
 He was convicted again in the same court on May 19, 1864, for larceny from the 
 person, and sentenced to the House of Correction for six months. He was discharged 
 September 14, 1864. 
 
 Again convicted in the same court on May 25, 1868, for assault and battery with a 
 knife, and sentenced for two years in the House of Correction. Discharged December 
 23, 1870. There is evidently some mistake in the date of Lyman's discharge from the 
 House of Correction in Boston, as the record shows that he was arrested in New York 
 City on July 22, 1870, for till-tapping, and committed in $1,500 bail by Judge Cox. 
 
 The records also show that he was arrested and convicted of larceny from the 
 person in Philadelphia, Pa., and sentenced to four years in the Eastern Penitentiary on 
 March 27, 1880. 
 
 Again, in the Superior Court of Boston, Mass, April 17, 1884, he was convicted of 
 an attempt to commit larceny from the person, and sentenced to the House of 
 Correction for twelve months. Discharged March 12, 1885. This last time he gave 
 the name of George Ackerson. 
 
 Lyman was arrested in Boston again in June, 1885, for larceny from the person, 
 and gave bail, which was defaulted. 
 
 In August, 1885, he was arrested in Providence, R. L, for larceny from the person, 
 and was sentenced to one year in prison there. When his time expires, he will be 
 taken back to Boston and tried on the complaint he ran away from. 
 
 Lyman's picture is an excellent one, taken in Boston in 1884. 
 
 103 
 FRANK WOODS, alias McKENNA. 
 
 PICKPOCKET, BURGLAR AND SECOND-STORY MAN. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-five years old in 1886. Born in New York City. Single. No trade. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Weight, 135 pounds. Black hair, gray eyes, 
 fair complexion. Has scar on left hand, near thumb joint. Has figures " 25 " in India 
 ink on outside of left fore-arm. 
 
103 
 
 104 
 
 105 
 
 FRANK WOODS, 
 
 ALIAS McKENNA, 
 
 BURGLAR, PICKPOCKET, AND 
 SECOND STOR^ MAN, 
 
 CHARLES WARD, 
 
 ALIAS HALL, 
 
 CONFIDENCE. 
 
 SOLOMON STERN, 
 FORGED ORDERS. 
 
 106 
 
 107 
 
 108 
 
 WILLIAM B. TOWLE, 
 DOCTOR'S OFFICE SNEAK. 
 
 JAMES CAMPBELL, 
 
 ALIAS SHANG CAMPBELL 
 
 BURGLAR AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 JAMES LEE, 
 BOGUS CUSTOM HOUSE COLLECTOR. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 183 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Woods is perhaps one of the smartest house thieves there is in this country. 
 He confines himself to second-story work generally, and usually works wealthy 
 manufacturing towns and summer resorts. He was arrested in New York City on July 
 15, 1874, under the name of Frank McKenna, in company of William Johnson, charged 
 with entering the house of J. A. Terhune, No. 416 West Twenty-eighth Street, by 
 removing a panel of the basement door. The noise awakened the occupants of the 
 house, who pursued them, and caused their arrest. Woods and Johnson both pleaded 
 guilty to burglary in the third degree, and were each sentenced to State prison at Sing 
 Sing for five years on August 4, 1874, by Recorder Hackett. 
 
 Woods escaped from Sing Sing on June 2, 1876, but was recaptured and returned 
 to prison the same month. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on March 5, 1885, and delivered to the 
 authorities of Pawtucket, R. I., charged with robbing the house of William Sayles, a 
 wealthy nianufacturer of that place. This robbery was what is called a second-story 
 job. He was tried on July 3, 1885, and the jury disagreed. He was afterwards admitted 
 to bail, an official becoming his bondsman, so as to insure his return in case any further 
 evidence could be obtained against him. This was a lucky escape for him. 
 
 Woods is well known in all the large Eastern cities. He has served time in State 
 prisons in New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, and is a very clever thief. 
 
 Woods' picture is a good one, taken in December, 1877. 
 
 104 
 CHARLES WARD, alias WM. H. HALL. 
 
 CONFIDENCE MAN AND SWINDLER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-two years old in 1886. Born in United States. Book-keeper. Married. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 9 inches. Weight, 159 pounds. Brown hair, mixed 
 with gray, wears it long ; blue eyes, light complexion. Generally wears a full, heavy 
 gray beard and mustache. Dresses well, and has an extraordinary gift of the gab. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Charley Ward, whose right name is Charles Vallum, is one of the most noted 
 confidence operators in America. He enjoys the distinction of being the only man in 
 his line who can play the confidence game successfully on women. His principal forte, 
 though, is collecting subscriptions for homes and asylums. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on April 6, 1877, for collecting money for the 
 Presbyterian Hospital of New York City without authority. For this he was sentenced 
 to five years in State prison, on April 12, 1877, by Judge Sutherland. He was 
 pardoned by Governor Cornell in 1880. 
 
1 84 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on August 4, 1881, for collecting consid- 
 erable money, without authority, in aid of the " Society for the Relief of the Destitute 
 Blind," of New York City, and appropriating it to his own use. In this case, owing to 
 the efforts of a loving wife, he escaped with eighteen months' imprisonment in State 
 prison, on September 7, 1881, being sentenced by Judge Cowing. 
 
 Ward's picture is an excellent one, taken in April, 1877. 
 
 105 
 SOLOMON STERN. 
 
 BOGUS CHECKS AND CONFIDENCE OPERATOR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-two years old in 1886. Jew. Born in United States. Single. Book- 
 keeper. Slim build. Height, 5 feet 3^ inches. Weight, 115 pounds. Black hair, 
 gray eyes, sallow complexion. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Solomon Stern is the son of very respectable parents. He was arrested in New 
 York City on June 29, 1883, charged with obtaining large quantities of jewelry, etc., 
 from merchants by means of bogus checks. 
 
 The story of Stern's downfall is interesting. In the spring of 1882 he became 
 attached to a woman in an up-town resort in New York City. He was then a salesman 
 in his father's store, and resided at home. His salary was small, his father being a 
 strict disciplinarian and an unbeliever in the fashionable follies of young men. Young 
 Stern had little spending money, and in order to gratify his inamorata began stealing 
 from his father. He purchased diamonds for her and paid her board at a seaside hotel. 
 Her tastes were very expensive, and her demands on Stern for money very frequent. 
 He began going every Sunday morning to his father's store, and always went away 
 with a roll of costly woolen cloth. An inventory of stock was taken, and the father 
 discovered that he was being systematically robbed. More than $5,000 worth of 
 woolens had been stolen. Mr. Stern soon found that his son was the thief, and 
 discharged him. He also turned him out of his home. When this occurred the young 
 man had become a confirmed drinker. 
 
 Stern was still infatuated with the woman, and was determined to get money to 
 supply her demands. " He endeavored to borrow from his acquaintances, but without 
 avail. Then he went to his mother, but she discarded him, and his paternal uncle also 
 gave him the cold shoulder. It was then he resolved upon a career of crime. 
 
 He wrote his mother's name to a check of $650 which he gave in payment for some 
 diamonds to C. W. Schumann, of No. 24 John Street, New York City, on September 
 24, 1882. The check was on the Germania Bank. He sold the diamonds, and with 
 his companion went to Baltimore, where he stayed until all his money was spent. 
 When the woman wanted more he returned. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 185 
 
 On December 16, 1882, he obtained a sealskin sacque with a $250 worthless check 
 from Henry Propach, a furrier, at No. 819 Broadway, New York, and three days later 
 a precious stone worth $525 from A. R. Picare, a jeweler, of Fifteenth Street, New 
 York, whom he paid in similar fashion. 
 
 When the police got on his track he went out of town again. He didn't return to 
 New York until January 6, 1883, when he swindled Joseph Michal, of No. 150 Ewen 
 Street, Brooklyn, out of $800 by giving a worthless check in payment for jewelry. 
 
 There were four complaints against Stern. He pleaded guilty to one of them, and 
 was sentenced to five years in State prison by Judge Gildersleeve, on August 3, 1883, in 
 the Court of General Sessions, New York City. 
 
 His sentence will expire on March 3, 1887. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in June, 1883. 
 
 106 
 WILLIAM B. TOWLE. 
 
 DOCTOR'S OFFICE SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Twenty-eight years old in 1886. Born in Australia. Very slim build. Married. 
 Height, 6 feet ij^ inches. Weight, 160 pounds. Sandy hair, blue eyes, sandy, 
 complexion. Has scars on the left arm, near the wrist ; freckled hands. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 William B. Towle makes a specialty of robbing doctors' offices. Twenty-seven 
 physicians, all Towle's victims, were present in court in New York City on July 19, 
 1884, to testify that he had entered their offices and stolen medical instruments, etc. 
 
 His method of operating was the same at nearly all the places which he visited. 
 Sometimes he would dash up to a doctor's door in a cab, and after hastily inditing a 
 note, be left alone in the office and suddenly leave the premises with whatever he could 
 lay his hands on. At one time he was a clerk in a drug store, there becoming familiar 
 with the value of different articles used by physicians and surgeons. He was convicted 
 and sentenced to two years in State prison on August 6, 1884, by Judge Cowing. 
 
 Towle was recognized in court as a man who in January, 1884, was arrested for 
 assaulting a man named Oliver, in Abingdon Square, New York. It was said at the 
 time that Oliver had found his wife and Towle under suspicious circumstances. For 
 this assault Towle was sent to Blackwell's Island, and was only a short time from there 
 when arrested for robbing doctors' offices and sentenced as above. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in July, 1884. 
 
1 86 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 107 
 
 JAMES CAMPBELL, alias SHANG CAMPBELL, 
 
 alias Trainor. 
 BURGLAR AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-two years old in 1886. Born in New York. Single. No trade. Stout 
 
 build. Height, 5 feet 75^ inches. Weight, 160 pounds. Irish descent. Sandy hair, 
 
 bluish-gray eyes, sandy complexion. Straight nose. Generally wears a sandy 
 mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Shang" Campbell is a well known New York burglar and pickpocket. He is 
 an associate of Poodle Murphy (134), Charley Allen, Joe Gorman (146), Dick 
 Morris (141), Curly Charley, and other first-class men. He is also well known in 
 all the principal cities in the United States and Canada. He is a big rough fellow^ 
 well calculated for a " stall." 
 
 His first offense was burglary on a bonded warehouse in the lower part of New 
 York, for which he was arrested and sentenced to five years in Sing Sing prison, under 
 the name of Thomas Burns. 
 
 Campbell was one of the gang of masked burglars that operated so extensively in 
 Westchester County, N. Y., and in other places in the vicinity of New York City, in 
 1873. (See record of No. 138.) The entire gang, consisting of Dan Kelly, Patsey 
 Conroy (now dead), Denny Brady, John, alias Brittley Burns, Larry Griffin, George 
 Milliard (138), and others, were arrested in New York City, and sent to State prison 
 for terms ranging from two and a half to twenty years. Campbell and Johnny Dobbs 
 escaped through the side door of Milliard's saloon when the police entered and arrested 
 the gang. 
 
 After their narrow escape Campbell and Dobbs turned up in Florida as gentlemen 
 of leisure, traveling for their health. They had plenty of money, and drank to excess. 
 Campbell let out their real character while on a spree. A drunken brawl furnished a 
 pretext for their arrest, and Campbell's baggage was found to consist only of a complete 
 set of burglars' tools. They sufficed to hold Campbell, but Dobbs was discharged, and 
 lost no time in quitting Florida for New York, where he barely escaped arrest for 
 shooting at a person in Cherry Street whom he had accused of furnishing the 
 information upon which his old associates were arrested. 
 
 While the identification of Campbell was yet in doubt, the Sheriff of Key West 
 was very much surprised by a letter from a well known man in New York, vouching for 
 Campbell as a reputable resident of that city. The letter urged upon the Sheriff the 
 unconditional release of the prisoner. Some difficulty was experienced in obtaining a 
 warrant of extradition from the Governor of the State of New York (Dix), but one was 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 187 
 
 granted at the urgent solicitation of District- Attorney Briggs, of Westchester County. 
 While the nec.essary papers were in preparation Campbell escaped. He was shut up in 
 a rickety old jail with a negro held for murdering a United States marine, and one 
 Edward Baker, a local offender. Baker stood on Campbell's shoulders, and with an old 
 case-knife cut a hole in the ceiling large enough for them to squeeze through. The 
 Key West Aldermen offered a reward of $200 for the arrest of the negro, and $100 for 
 Campbell. Baker's brother earned the reward by guiding a party of soldiers to the 
 island on which they were hidden. Campbell was returned to jail and securely anchored 
 with three hundred pounds of iron riveted to his legs, where he remained until the 
 arrival of the New York ofificers, who brought him back and took him to White Plains, 
 where he was sentenced to two years and six months in State prison on April 22, 1874, 
 by Judge Gifford. 
 
 He was arrested again in Montreal, Canada, in January, 1882, in company of Billy 
 Dewey (now dead), and Charles Douglas, alias Curly Charley, for sneaking from 
 a train a valise containing $14,000 in money, the property of one McNamee. They 
 were all arrested, the money was returned, and the complainant was sentenced to ten 
 days in jail for refusing to make a charge against them. In this case they were 
 discharged. Since then " Shang " has been traveling around the country with a clever 
 " mob " of pickpockets, and at last accounts was in Canada. 
 
 Campbell's picture is a good one, taken in November, 1877. 
 
 108 
 
 JAMES LEE, alias HARTMAN. 
 
 alias Coleman. 
 
 BOGUS CUSTOM-HOUSE COLLECTOR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-five years old in 1 886. Born in United States. No trade. Single. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 9^^ inches. Weight, 175 pounds. Hair sandy, eyes gray, 
 sandy complexion, reddish-brown mustache. Has a naval coat-of-arms, anchor and 
 eagle, in India ink, on right arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 James Lee was evidently in the government employ, so well is he posted in 
 custom-house matters. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on April 23, 1882, charged by Mrs. C. F. 
 Chillas, of Livingston Place, with defrauding her and thirty others out of $9.98. Lee 
 claimed to be a custom-house collector, and would collect this amount and give the 
 parties an order on the custom-house stores for a package which he claimed was 
 
1 88 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 consigned to them from Europe. In this case Lee was sentenced to two years and six 
 months in State prison on May 5, 1882, by Judge Gildersleeve. His sentence expired 
 on May 5, 1884. 
 
 He was arrested again in Baltimore, Md., on September 17, 1884, charged with 
 swindling eight persons in that city under similar circumstances. In several instances 
 Lee sat at the piano and played " Nearer, my God, to Thee," while the ladies left the 
 parlor to procure the money for him. He was again sentenced to three years in State 
 prison on October 15, 1884. His sentence will expire April 14, 1887. 
 
 Lee's picture is an excellent one, taken in April, 1882. 
 
 109 
 
 WILLIAM E. FARRELL, alias SHERIDAN, 
 
 alias Frank Alexander. 
 
 BURGLAR AND BUTCHER-CART THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-one years old in 1886. Medium build. Born in New York City. Single. 
 No trade. Height, 5 feet 10^ inches. Weight, 167 pounds. Black hair, dark eyes, 
 dark complexion. Has a scar over the left eye, another on right side of chin. Left 
 arm has been broken at elbow. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Farrell is a desperate and daring thief. He is a burglar, but of late years has 
 done considerable butcher-cart work. He is the man that makes the assault, generally 
 using about eighteen inches of lead water-pipe as a weapon. He has served two terms 
 in Sing Sing prison, one in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, and one in Boston, 
 Mass., for burglary and larceny. 
 
 He was arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., on January 15, 1884, by the New York 
 detectives, assisted by Philadelphia officers, with one James Titterington, alias Titter 
 (ill), charged with assaulting with a piece of lead pipe and robbing Luther Church, 
 the superintendent of John E. Dwight's Harlem Soda Works, of $2,300, as he was 
 descending the steps of the iiith Street station of the Second Avenue Elevated 
 Railroad in New York City, on December 31, 1883. Farrell pleaded guilty to robbery 
 in the first degree, and was sentenced to fifteen years in State prison on January 25, 
 1884, by Judge Cowing, in the Court of General Sessions, New York, 
 
 Eddie Gearing, alias Goodie (no), the celebrated butcher-cart thief, was also 
 arrested in connection with this robbery, and sentenced to twenty years in State prison. 
 Titterington (m) turned State's evidence and was used to convict Goodie. He 
 was finally sentenced to seven years and six months in State prison on March 14, 1884. 
 
 Farrell's picture is a good one, taken in December, 1877. 
 
109 
 
 no 
 
 (M 
 
 WILLIAM E. FARRELL, 
 BUTCHER CART THIEF. 
 
 EDWARD GEARING, 
 
 ALIAS EDDIE GODDIE, 
 
 BUTCHER CART THIEF. 
 
 JAMES TITTERINGTON, 
 
 ALIAS TITTER, 
 
 BUTCHER CART THIEF. 
 
 112 
 
 113 
 
 114 
 
 CHARLES SMYTH. 
 
 ALIAS DOC. SMITH, 
 
 SAW DUST GAME. 
 
 JAMES FITZGERALD, 
 
 ALIAS THE KID, 
 BANCO. 
 
 GEORGE ELLWOOD, 
 
 ALIAS GENTLEMAN GEORGE, 
 
 MASKED BURGLAR. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 189 
 
 110 
 
 EDWARD GEARING, alias EDDIE GOODIE, 
 
 alias Goodrich, alias Miller. 
 BUTCHER-CART THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-eight years old in 1886. Born in New York. Married. Medium build. 
 Height, 5 feet 65^ inches. Weight, 145 pounds. Brown hair, gray eyes, fair com- 
 plexion. Has a goddess of liberty in India ink on left fore-arm, anchor and clasped 
 hands on right fore-arm, and a heart on right hand. Bald in front of head. Generally 
 wears a red mustache and whiskers, which he dyes black occasionally. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Eddie Goodie, or Gearing, which is his right name, was the originator of butcher- 
 cart work, in company of Steve Boyle and Big Frank McCoy (89), several years ago. 
 He has been connected with nearly every robbery of that character which has taken 
 place in New York City and vicinity for the last twenty years. He is one of the 
 smartest thieves in America, a man of wonderful audacity and resources. He is so 
 cunning and clever that he has always managed to slip out of the meshes of the law, 
 while others not so crafty or culpable have slipped in. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on February 13, 1870, in company of a man 
 who has since reformed, for stealing a case of silk valued at $17,000 from a Custom- 
 house truck. The party arrested with Goodie was sent to prison for five years, he 
 assuming all the blame and swearing that Goodie had nothing to do with the robbery. 
 
 In 1874 Goodie and Mike Hurley, alias Pugsie Hurley (88), robbed a butter 
 merchant in Brooklyn, N. Y. They were let out on bail, which ended it. 
 
 In 1875 Goodie, Billy Williams, Big John Tracy, and John McKewan robbed 
 William B. Golden, a book-keeper, of $5,000, while'he was on his way to pay off the 
 hands of the Badger Iron Works Company, in New York City. The book-keeper left 
 the Dry Dock Bank, then in East Tenth Street, New York, taking a horse-car. Two 
 men entered after him, and seated themselves by his side. Another man, who was on 
 horseback, followed the car. At Fourteenth Street and Avenue D the two men 
 grabbed the money bag and threw it to the man on horseback, who was Goodie, and 
 they all escaped. 
 
 In 1876 the book-keeper of the Standard Oil Works left their main office, in Pearl 
 Street, New York City, with $8,000 in money, to pay off the hands in Greenpoint. He 
 was followed from New York by Goodie and two other men, who assaulted and robbed 
 him. He was also implicated in robbing the cashier of the Planet Flour Mills, in 
 Brooklyn, N. Y., of $3,500, in March, 1878. 
 
 Goodie was the driver of the wagon used in the Northampton, Mass., bank robbery 
 in January, 1876, and was an associate of Red Leary, George Bliss, Bob Dunlap, and 
 
I go PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 several other expert bank robbers. He was also connected with the Manhattan Bank 
 robbery in New York City, in October, 1878. 
 
 In the latter part of 1880, Goodie and Willie Farrell (109) robbed a man of 
 $2,200 near the Bank of the Metropolis, New York. They escaped by driving away 
 in a butcher-cart. 
 
 It was Goodie who drove the butcher-cart when Ruppert's collector was robbed of 
 $9,600 in money, in East Forty-second Street, New York, in July, 1881. 
 
 Goodie was the man that was described as wearing a big brown mustache, who 
 jumped over the fence in Jersey City, N. J., on July 18, 1883, when Cashier Smith, of 
 the National Bank of Orange, N. J., was assaulted and an attempt made to rob him of 
 $10,000 in money. Pete Emmerson, alias Banjo Pete (90), Ned Farrell, and 
 John Nugent, the other parties in this robbery, were arrested at the time, and are now 
 in State prison. 
 
 Goodie was arrested in New York City on February 7, 1884, charged, in connection 
 with William Farrell (109) and James Titterington (m), with assaulting with a 
 piece of lead pipe and robbing one Luther Church of $2,300, on December 31, 1883. 
 He was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to twenty years in State prison on February 
 21, 1884, by Recorder Smyth, in the Court of General Sessions, New York City. 
 
 Goodie's picture is a good one, taken in February, 1884. 
 
 Ill 
 
 JAMES TITTERINGTON, alias TITTER, 
 
 alias Henderson. 
 BURGLAR AND BUTCHER-CART THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty years old in 1886. Born in New York. A driver. Single. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet 10^ inches. Weight, 155 pounds. Black hair, gray eyes, 
 sallow complexion. Has letters "J. T." in India ink on right arm. Stutters when 
 talking. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Titter," the name he is best known by, was born in New York City. He 
 branched out as a sneak thief, from that to a burglar, and then a highwayman. He 
 has served time in Sing Sing prison, and in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, New 
 York, for larceny and burglary. 
 
 He was arrested in Philadelphia on January 15, 1884, and brought to New York 
 City in connection with Willie Farrell (109) and Eddie Goodie (no), for robbing one 
 Luther Church of $2,300, on December 31, 1883, as Mr. Church was descending the 
 steps of the Elevated Railroad station at iiith Street and Second Avenue, New York. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 191 
 
 Titterington and Farrell were on the stairway, and as soon as he passed down by them 
 they followed, and Farrell hit him with a piece of lead pipe about eighteen inches long 
 and knocked him down. Titter snatched the bundle of money and both jumped into a 
 butcher-cart and were driven away by Goodie. Titter made a confession after his 
 arrest, and was made the principal witness against Goodie, who was convicted. Farrell 
 pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment. Titterington also 
 pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to seven years and six months in State prison on 
 March 14, 1884. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in December, 1876. 
 
 112 
 
 CHARLES SMYTH, alias DOCTOR SMYTH, 
 
 alias Harrison. 
 CONFIDENCE AND SAWDUST GAME. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-three years old in 1886. Born in Germany. Single. Medium build. 
 Height, 5 feet 8^ inches. Weight, 155 pounds. Light hair, blue eyes, fair com- 
 plexion. Wears glasses, and a light-colored mustache. 
 
 ' RECORD. 
 
 "Doc" Smyth is a well-known Bowery, New York, confidence and sawdust man. 
 He generally works with Charley Johnson and Freddie Reeves, and is an old offender. 
 He is also well known in a number of other cities, having been arrested several times, 
 and is considered a clever man at his business. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on December i, 1885, charged with using the 
 United States mails in flooding the Western States with circulars offering "Green 
 goods, in samples of $1, $2, $5 and $10," to farmers and others, assuring them of a 
 safe and rapid fortune by dealing in the stuff, which was understood to be counterfeit 
 money. 
 
 The " Doctor " pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment 
 by Judge Benedict, of the United States Court, in New York City, on December 17, 
 
 1885. 
 
 Smyth's picture is a very good one, taken m March, 1878. 
 
192 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 113 
 
 JAMES FITZGERALD, alias RED FITZ, 
 
 alias The Kid. 
 
 BANCO STEERER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-nine years old in 1886. Born in Washington, D, C. Slim build. Single. 
 Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, 130 pounds. Red hair, dark auburn eyes, sandy 
 complexion, straight nose, beard red (when worn), hair very thick and coarse. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " The Kid," as he is called, is well known in New York, Boston and several other 
 large cities, and is considered one of the cleverest men in the banco business. He 
 generally worked with Johnny Norton (now dead). 
 
 He and Norton were the two men that succeeded in obtaining $7,000 from Charles 
 Francis Adams, in Boston, in 1882, by the banco game. "The Kid " was arrested, 
 tried,, convicted, and sentenced to five years in the Charlestown, Mass., State prison on 
 June 23, 1882. His sentence will expire August 27, 1886. 
 
 Norton escaped at the time and never was captured. He died in New York City 
 in March, 1885. 
 
 Fitzgerald's picture is a good one, taken in October, 1881. 
 
 114 
 
 GEORGE N. ELWOOD, alias GENTLEMAN 
 
 GEORGE. 
 
 MASKED BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-eight years old in 1886. Born in Chicago, 111. Single. No trade. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 9^ inches. Weight, 163 pounds. Hair dyed black, eyes dark- 
 blue, complexion sallow. Has small scar on back of head, left side. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Elwood Wilson is a daring and murderous Western thief. Nothing much is 
 known of him in the Eastern country. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on August 24, 1885, in company of Joe Wilson, 
 alias Whalen (65), charged with a series of masked burglaries in several of the Western 
 States. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 193 
 
 When Elwood's and Wilson's rooms, at No. 220 Forsyth Street, New York City, 
 were searched, after the capture of the cracksmen, among the articles seized was a 
 Masonic ring, marked "Edison W. Baumgarten, June 25, 1884." The ring was traced 
 to Ohio, and on August 25, 1885, in response to some inquiries made by telegraph, 
 the Chief of Police of New York City received the following reply from the Chief of 
 Police of Toledo : 
 
 " Hold Elwood and Wilson. Charge, grand larceny and burglary and shooting 
 officer with intent to kill. Will send requisition papers immediately." 
 
 Subsequent correspondence on the same subject stated that the men were also 
 wanted for a robbery which they had committed at Detroit. The crime for which the 
 Toledo authorities requested the detention of the prisoners was committed on August 
 13, 1885.. On that night, it was alleged, they broke into a house, and being discovered 
 in the act of plundering the place, fired several shots at the servants. An alarm was 
 raised, and a policeman who started in pursuit of the fugitives was shot in the breast 
 and dangerously wounded. The men then came on to New York. They had been 
 there only a few days before they were under surveillance, and while they were being 
 watched the detectives became aware of the plans they were hatching for a series of 
 burglaries which they contemplated committing in Saratoga. When they were about 
 to start on that trip the detectives arrested them. All through the West, Elwood is 
 known as a daring and desperate burglar, and it is said that some two years ago he 
 murdered two of his associates. 
 
 Elwood and Wilson were on August 25 arraigned at the Jefferson Market Court 
 in New York City, and at the request of their captors they were committed until 
 the arrival of the Toledo authorities with the requisition papers. They were both 
 delivered to the police authorities of Toledo, Ohio, on August 29, 1885, and taken 
 there for trial. 
 
 Elwood and Wilson were the parties who robbed the residences of Messrs. Oakes 
 and Merriam in St. Paul, Minn., in August, 1885. Merriam's diamond scarf-pin 
 was found in their possession, and a pawn ticket taken at Detroit for his diamond 
 collar-button was also found upon them. A requisition was taken out at St. Paul to 
 intercept the prisoners at Toledo, where they were being taken for the robbery of Mr. 
 Baumgarten's residence and the murder of a policeman. The intention was to take 
 them to St. Paul in case they could not be held for the Toledo crimes. 
 
 The trial of George A. Elwood, one of the notorious burglars, closed at Toledo, 
 Ohio, on December 12, 1885, with a verdict of guilty. The defense offered no evidence, 
 but argued that Elwood had not been sufficiently identified. A motion for a new trial 
 was made, which was overruled. Elwood said he believed he would get the full extent 
 of the law. He and his partner, Joseph Wilson, are the original gentlemanly 
 burglars who emptied the houses and filled the newspapers of Cleveland, Detroit, St. 
 Paul, Milwaukee and St. Louis, until their doings in Toledo led to their apprehension 
 in New York. These men are well known thieves, and considerable excitement 
 was caused among the fraternity at the time they were arrested and were about 
 to be taken back to the West. Their methods employed to transfer the 
 possessions of others to their pockets were so peculiarly bold that the whole West 
 
194 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 was startled by their exploits. Detroit in particular suffered from them, mainly because 
 the police were nonplused by the audacity of their performances. They invariably 
 awakened the parties they intended to rob, and compelled them to comply with their 
 wishes at the points of their revolvers. Oftentimes they would repair to the dining- 
 room with the owner of the premises and indulge in a feast before their departure. 
 Besides doing this, at a residence in Cleveland, they compelled the victim to sign a 
 check for $ioo and made him promise not to dishonor it. While leaving a Detroit 
 residence early one morning they met the gentleman of the house returning from out 
 of the city, and not at all taken aback by the encounter, they robbed him on the porch, 
 and then sent him into the house to see what they had left. These eccentricities caused 
 their fame to spread far and wide, and the " gentlemanly burglar " was patterned after 
 in many localities. But there were few equals, and none superior. For coolness and 
 daring Elwood and Wilson stood in the front rank of masked burglars. 
 
 Elwood was found guilty on December 19, 1885, and was sentenced to ten years 
 in the Ohio penitentiary. In the case of Wilson there was a disagreement of the jury. 
 A second trial resulted in his conviction. (See record of No. 65.) 
 
 Before Wilson associated with the desperado Elwood he operated for months 
 alone in Brooklyn, N. Y. House robbery was his line of business, and silverware his 
 plunder. He committed a series of mysterious robberies, and although an active 
 search was made for the " silver king," he succeeded in avoiding arrest. His repeated 
 successes stimulated other thieves, who began operating in Brooklyn. One of the 
 latter was caught, and it was then believed that the cunning "silver king" had been at 
 last trapped. Such was not the case, for Wilson had set out for the Western country. 
 
 Elwood's picture was taken in August, 1885. 
 
 115 
 
 ELLEN CLEGG, alias MARY WILSON, 
 
 alias Mary Gray, alias Mary Lane, etc. 
 
 SHOPLIFTER, PICKPOCKET, AND HAND-BAG OPENER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Born in United States. Lives in New York. 
 Married. Stout build. Height, 5 feet 5 inches. Weight, 145 pounds. Brown hair, 
 brown eyes, light complexion, big ears. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Ellen Clegg is an old and expert pickpocket, shoplifter, and hand-bag opener. 
 She was one of Mrs. Mandelbaum's women, and is well known throughout the country. 
 Her picture is in the Rogues' Gallery in several of the large cities. She is a clever 
 woman, and the wife of Old Jimmy Clegg, alias Bailey, alias Lee, alias Thomas, who 
 
115 
 
 116 
 
 117 
 
 ELLEN CLEGG, 
 
 ALIAS ELLEN LEE, 
 
 SHOP LIFTER AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 MARY HOLLBROOK, 
 
 ALIAS MOLLY HOEY, 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 MARGRET BROWN, 
 
 ALIAS OLD MOTHER HUBBARD, 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SATCHEL WORKER. 
 
 118 
 
 119 
 
 120 
 
 CHRISTENE MAYER, 
 
 ALIAS KID GLOVE ROSEY, 
 
 SHOP LIFTER 
 
 LENA KLEINSCHMIDT, 
 
 ALIAS RICE — BLACK LENA, 
 
 SHOP LIFTER. 
 
 MARY CONNELLY, 
 
 ALIAS IRVING, 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOP LIFTER. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 195 
 
 was convicted and sentenced in Portsmouth, N. H., in April, 1882, for four years, for 
 picking pockets. This team has traveled through the country for years, and been 
 arrested time and time again. 
 
 Ellen was arrested in Boston, Mass., on December 6, 1876, in company of Tilly 
 Miller, Black Lena, and four other notorious shoplifters, and her picture taken for the 
 Rogues' Gallery. 
 
 She was arrested again in Boston in 1878 for picking pockets, and sent to the 
 House of Correction. 
 
 Again arrested in New York City on November 24, 1879, in company of Walter 
 Price (197), under the name of Mary Gray, charged with shoplifting. (See record of 
 No. 197.) She pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three years in the penitentiary on 
 Blackwell's Island, N. Y., by Judge Gildersleeve, on December 16, 1879. Price went 
 to State prison. Ellen's time expired in this case on April 16, 1882. 
 
 She was arrested again in Boston on May 21, 1883, for shoplifting, and sentenced 
 to one year in the House of Correction. 
 
 Arrested again in Boston on December 22, 1885, and again sent to the House of 
 Correction for one year. In this case Ellen was detected in the act of opening a lady's 
 hand-bag and attempting to remove a pocket-book. 
 
 Her picture is a pretty good one, taken in 1876. 
 
 116 
 MARY HOLBROOK, alias MOLLIE HOEY, 
 
 alias Harvey. 
 PICKPOCKET, SNEAK AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-eight years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Married. Housekeeper. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet 2 inches. Weight, about 135 pounds. Light hair, blue eyes, 
 light complexion. Shows her age. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 MoLLiE HoLBROOK was in early life a resident of the West End, in Boston, Mass. 
 She is well known in Chicago and in all the principal cities of the United States. She 
 has served terms in prison in Boston, Chicago, and New York, and is without doubt the 
 most notorious and successful female thief in America. She is well known of late years 
 as the wife of Jimmy Hoey, alias Orr, a negotiator of stolen property. MoUie was 
 formerly married to one George Holbrook, alias Buck Holbrook, a well known Chicago 
 gambler and thief. He kept a sporting house in Chicago, also a road house on 
 Randolph Street, over which Mollie presided. 
 
 "Buck" was arrested for a bank robbery in Illinois in 1871, and sent to State 
 prison. He was shot and killed while attempting to escape from there. He had dug 
 
196 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 up the floor of his cell and tunneled under the prison yard, and was in the act of 
 crawling out of the hole outside the prison wall, when he was riddled with buckshot by 
 a prison guard. 
 
 In January, 1872, MoUie was arrested in Chicago, on complaint of her landlady, 
 who charged her with stealing forty dollars from her. Mollie deposited $1,200 in 
 money as bail, and after her discharge she came to New York City, fell in with Jimmy 
 Hoey, and married him. 
 
 She was arrested in New York City for robbing a Western man in her house in 
 Chicago of $25,000, on March 3, 1874, on a requisition from Illinois, and delivered to a 
 detective of the Chicago police force. While at Hamilton, Canada, on their way back 
 to Chicago, Mollie threw herself into the arms of a Canadian policeman and demanded 
 protection. She had the officer arrested for attempting to kidnap her. They were 
 taken before a magistrate and Mollie was discharged. The officer returned to Chicago,, 
 and lost his position for his bad judgment. Mollie was arrested again in New York 
 City on the same complaint on July 16, 1874, and returned safely to Chicago, where she 
 was sent to prison. 
 
 She was arrested in Boston, Mass., on April 17, 1878, for picking pockets, and gave 
 the name of Mary Williams (which is supposed to be her maiden name). She was 
 released on $1,000 bail, and forfeited it. 
 
 She was arrested again in Boston on March 19, 1883, for picking pockets at 
 Jordan & Marsh's dry goods store. This time she gave the name of Mary Harvey, 
 pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one year in State prison, in April, 1883. 
 
 After her sentence expired in Boston she was arrested coming out of the prison by 
 New York officers, taken to that city, and sentenced to five years in the penitentiary on 
 Blackwell's Island, on March 3, 1884, for the larceny of a pocket-book from Catharine 
 Curtis, some years before. This time Mollie gave the name of Lizzie Ellen Wiggins. 
 After her conviction she gave the District Attorney of New York some information 
 that led to the finding of a number of indictments against Mrs. Mandelbaum, who. 
 fled to Canada. For this she was pardoned by Governor Cleveland on January 5, 1885. 
 
 Mollie was arrested again in Chicago, 111., on September 25, 1885, charged with 
 attempting to pick a lady's pocket in Marshal Field's store. She gave bail, and is now 
 a fugitive from justice, in Windsor, Canada. She occasionally pays Detroit a visit,, 
 where Jimmy Hoey Is located. Mollie Holbrook is looked upon by her associates in 
 crime as a woman that would sacrifice any one to save herself from prison. It is well 
 known that this woman has been in the employ of the police in a number of large 
 cities, and has furnished them with considerable information. Her husband, Jimmy 
 Hoey, is an unprincipled scamp, and lives entirely upon the proceeds of his wife's 
 stealings, often selling the plunder and acting as a go-between for Mollie and receivers, 
 of stolen goods, he of late years not having sufficient courage to steal. 
 
 Mollie's picture is an excellent one, taken in March, 1883, 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 197 
 
 117 
 
 MARGARET BROWN, alias YOUNG, 
 alias Haskins, alias Old Mother Hubbard. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-eight years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Married. Housekeeper. Slim 
 build. Height, 5 feet 3 inches. Weight, 120 pounds. Gray hair, gray eyes, light 
 complexion. Generally wears a long cloak when stealing. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Margaret Brown, which is her right name, has been a thief for fifty years. She 
 makes a specialty of opening hand-bags, removing the pocket-book, and closing them 
 again. She was arrested in Chicago, III, and sentenced to three years in Joliet prison, 
 where, in an attempt to escape, she fell, and was nearly killed. She was discharged 
 from Joliet in 1878, and after that operated in St. Louis, New York, Philadelphia, 
 Boston, and other cities. 
 
 She was arrested in Boston, Mass., on March 24, 1883, in R. H. White's dry 
 goods store, for stealing a hand-bag, which was found on her person ; for this offense 
 she served six months in the House of Correction there. 
 
 She was arrested in New York City on March 26, 1884, for stealing a pocket-book 
 from a Mrs. H. S. Dennison, of Brooklyn, N. Y., in Macy's store on Fourteenth Street ; 
 for this she was sentenced to three months in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island on 
 April 2, 1884. 
 
 On the expiration of this sentence on July 2, 1884, she was arrested again on a 
 requisition from Boston, Mass., charged with the larceny of a satchel containing $260 
 in money from a store there. She was taken to Boston, and sentenced to two years in 
 the House of Correction in the latter part of July. She was subsequently transferred 
 to Deer Island, on account of her old age and infirmities. 
 
 Her picture is an excellent one, taken in March, 1883. 
 
 118 
 
 CHRISTENE MAYER, alias KID GLOVE ROSEY, 
 
 alias Mary Scanlon, alias Rosey Roder. 
 SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 description. 
 
 Thirty-nine years old in 1886. Born in Germany. Married. Housekeeper. Slim 
 build. Height, 4 feet 11 inches. Weight, about 125 pounds. Dark brown hair, dark 
 blue eyes, dark complexion. 
 
198 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Kid Glove Rosey is a well known New York shoplifter. She is also well known 
 in several other Eastern cities. 
 
 She was arrested in New York City, in company of Lena Kleinschmidt, alias 
 Louisa Rice, alias Black Lena (119), on April g, 1880, charged with stealing from the 
 store of McCreery & Co., corner of Eleventh Street and Broadway, two pieces of silk 
 containing 108 yards, valued at $250. The property was found in their possession, 
 together with some other property which had been stolen from Le Boutillier Brothers 
 on West Fourteenth Street, New York City. 
 
 Mayer was tried, convicted, and sentenced to five years in the penitentiary on 
 Blackwell's Island on April 30, 1880. Kleinschmidt, who had been bailed, left the city, 
 but was re-arrested, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to four years and nine months 
 on the same day by Recorder Smyth. 
 
 Mayer's sentence expired on November 30, 1883, and Kleinschmidt's on September 
 30, 1883. 
 
 " Rosey's" picture is a good one, taken in April, 1880. 
 
 119 
 
 LENA KLEINSCHMIDT, alias BLACK LENA, 
 
 alias Rice, alias Smith. 
 
 SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-one years old in 1886. Born in Germany. Married. Housekeeper. Stout 
 build. Height, about 5 feet 5 inches. Weight, about 150 pounds. Dark hair, dark 
 eyes, dark complexion. Wrinkled face. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Lena Kleinschmidt, or " Black Lena," is a notorious shoplifter. She is well 
 known from Maine to Chicago, and has been arrested and sent to prison several times, 
 three times in New York City alone. 
 
 She was arrested in New York City, in company of Christene Mayer, alias Mary 
 Scanlon, alias Kid Glove Rosey (118), on April 9, 1880, for the larceny of 108 yards of 
 silk dressings, valued at $250, from the store of McCreery & Co., Broadway and 
 Eleventh Street. The property was found on Lena ; and other property, stolen from 
 Le Boutillier Brothers, on Fourteenth Street, New York, was found on Rosey. 
 Kleinschmidt gave $500 bail, and left the city, but was re-arrested and brought back, 
 pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to four years and nine months in the penitentiary on 
 Blackwell's Island on April 30, 1880, by Recorder Smyth. 
 
 Rosey was tried, convicted, and sentenced to five years, the same day. 
 
 Lena's picture is a good one, taken in April, 1 880. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 199 
 
 120 
 
 MARY ANN CONNELLY, alias ELIZABETH 
 
 IRVING, 
 
 alias Haley, alias Taylor. 
 
 PICKPOCKET, SHOPLIFTER, AND BLUDGEON WORKER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Single. Very fleshy, coarse woman. 
 Height, about 5 feet 4 or 5 inches. Weight, 240 pounds. Black hair, black eyes, ruddy 
 complexion. Talks with somewhat of an Irish brogue. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Mary Ann Connelly is a well known New York pickpocket, shoplifter and 
 prostitute, and a coarse, vulgar woman, that would stop at nothing to carry her point. 
 
 She was arrested in New York City, and sentenced to six months in the 
 penitentiary, on January 12, 1875, for shoplifting in New York City. 
 
 She was arrested again in New York City, for picking pockets, and sentenced to 
 one year in State prison, by Judge Sutherland, on December 11, 1875. 
 
 Arrested again in New York, for picking a woman's pocket, and sentenced to six 
 months on Blackwell's Island, on April i, 1878, by Judge Gildersleeve. 
 
 She was arrested again in New York City, in company of Joseph Volkmer and his 
 wife Mary on November 27, 1879, ^o"" drugging and attempting to rob one Charles 
 Blair, a countryman, whom the trio met on a Boston boat. 
 
 She turned State's evidence, and was used against the Volkmers, who were tried, 
 found guilty, and sentenced to twelve years each in State prison, on December 15, 
 1879, by Judge Cowing, in the Court of General Sessions. She was discharged in this 
 case. 
 
 Her picture is an excellent one, taken in 1875. 
 
 121 
 
 MARY ANN WATTS, alias MARY WILSON, 
 
 alias Mary Walker. 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-eight years old in 1886. Born in United States. Dressmaker. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet 3^^ inches. Weight, about 145 pounds. Dark brown hair, hazel 
 eyes, ruddy complexion. Coarse features. 
 
200 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Mary Ann Watts is a well known New York female thief. She is considered a 
 very clever woman, and is known in all the principal cities East and West. She is 
 credited with having served one term in the House of Correction in Boston (Mass.), 
 one in Chicago and Philadelphia, besides two terms in New York State prison and two 
 in the penitentiary. 
 
 She was arrested in New York City under the name of Mary Wilson, pleaded 
 guilty to an attempt at grand larceny, and was sentenced to two years and six months 
 in State prison, by Recorder Hackett, on December 19, 1873. 
 
 She escaped shortly after, and was at large until her arrest in New York City again 
 for shoplifting. In this case she was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to three years 
 in State prison, by Judge Sutherland, on April 6, 1876. 
 
 After this last sentence expired she had to serve out about two years she owed 
 on the previous sentence, making about five years in all. 
 
 This is a clever woman, and well worth knowing. 
 
 Her picture is a good one, although taken ten years ago. 
 
 122 
 BERTHA HEYMAN, alias BIG BERTHA. 
 
 CONFIDENCE QUEEN. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-five years old in 1886. Born in Germany. Married. Very stout woman. 
 Height, 5 feet 4^ inches. Weight, 245 pounds. Hair brown, eyes brown, fair com- 
 plexion. German face. An excellent talker. Has four moles on her right cheek. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Bertha Heyman's maiden name was Bertha Schlesinger. She is a native of 
 Koblyn, near Posen, Prussia. Her father served five years in prison there for forging 
 a check. She was married twice, first to one Fritz Karko, when she first came to this 
 country in 1878. After living in New York a short time they went to Milwaukee, where 
 .she was afterwards married to a Mr. Heyman, although her first husband was still 
 living. She has been concerned in a number of swindling transactions, and has the 
 reputation of being one of the smartest confidence women in America. 
 
 In September, 1880, she was sued in the Superior Court of New York City for 
 obtaining by false pretenses $1,035 from E, T. Perrin, a conductor on a palace car, 
 whom she met in traveling from Chicago. 
 
 She was arrested in London, Ontario, on February 8, 1881, in company of one 
 Dr. J. E. Cooms, charged with defrauding a Montreal commercial man out of several 
 hundred dollars by the confidence game. 
 
I2i 
 
 122 
 
 r23 
 
 tx^olE^Sfii 
 
 Mf^RY ANN WATTS, 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOP LIFTER. 
 
 BERTHA HEY MAN, 
 CONFIDENCE. 
 
 ELLEN DARRIGAN, 
 
 ALIAS ELLEN MATTHEWS, 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 124 
 
 125 
 
 126 
 
 ELIZABETH DILLON, 
 
 ALIAS BRIDGET COLE 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 TILLY MARTIN, 
 
 ALIAS PHIEFER. 
 
 SNEAK. 
 
 MARY BUSBY, 
 
 ALIAS JOHNSON 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOP LIFTER. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 20I 
 
 She was tried in Richmond County, Staten Island, N. Y., in June, 1881, for 
 obtaining $250 in money and two gold watches from a Mrs. Pauline Schlarbaum, an 
 old lady of Southfield, S. I. She was acquitted in this case. 
 
 She was arrested on leaving the court and brought to New York City on June 29, 
 1 88 1, charged with obtaining, under false pretences, $960 from Mr. Charles Brandt, a 
 liquor merchant, at No. 19 Bowery, New York City; also $500 from Mr. Theodore W. 
 Morris, a glass importer, of No. 27 Chambers Street, New York. She was tried and 
 found guilty on the Morris indictment on October 26, and on Friday, October 29, 188 1, 
 she was sentenced to two years in the penitentiary by Judge Cowing. 
 
 While in prison on Blackwell's Island she made the acquaintance of a trustful 
 German named Charles Karpe. She was employed as a servant in the Warden's 
 house. Karpe visited her during her confinement there, and she finally, while a 
 prisoner, victimized the poor man out of $900, all the money he had in the world. 
 
 After her discharge from the Island, she went to live at the Hoffman House in 
 New York. On June 28, 1883, she visited Edward Saunders, of the firm of Saunders 
 & Hoffman, brokers, at Broadway and Fulton Street, New York, and induced him to 
 advance $40 on the representation that a check for $7,000 belonging to her was in the 
 Hoffman House safe. She obtained $215 more and a valuable diamond from him, and 
 $200 from his partner, by placing in their hands a sealed package of worthless papers 
 which she pretended were securities worth $87,000. In the course of these negotiations 
 she professed to be worth $8,000,000. Even this stupendous statement was received 
 with respectful attention until the worthlessness of the so-called securities in their safe 
 was discovered. In this case she was tried and convicted in the Court of General 
 Sessions, on August 22, 1883. An application for a new trial was denied, and she was 
 finally sentenced to five years in the penitentiary on August 30, 1883. Her sentence 
 will expire, allowing full commutation, on March 30, 1887. 
 
 This remarkable woman used to lodge at the leading hotels, and was always 
 attended by a maid or man servant. At the Windsor and Brunswick Hotels in New 
 York City she had elegant quarters. When plotting her schemes she would glibly 
 talk about her dear friends, always men well known for their wealth and social 
 position. She possesses a wonderful knowledge of human nature, and can deceive 
 those who consider themselves particularly shrewd in business matters. 
 
 Bertha's picture is a good one, taken in June, 1881. 
 
 123 
 
 ELLEN DARRIGAN, alias ELLEN MATTHEWS. 
 
 SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-three years old in 1886. Born in England. Married. Housekeeper. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 4^ inches. Weight, about 135 pounds. Red hair, 
 hazel eyes, light complexion. Her nose has been broken. 
 
202 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Ellen Darrigan Is a well known New York shoplifter. It is claimed that she 
 has been married three times, first to Jerry Dunn, next to John Mahaney, alias Jack 
 Shepperd (62). He is a thief who gained considerable notoriety on account of escaping 
 from a number of State prisons and penitentiaries. Billy Darrigan (180), the lady's 
 third spouse, is an old New York thief, whose picture is in several Rogues' Galleries 
 throughout the United States. Mrs. Darrigan was considered a pretty woman until 
 Billy broke her nose in December, 1875. She is well known as Ellen Matthews. 
 
 Ellen was arrested in New York City on December 13, 1875, for shoplifting, and 
 was sentenced to four years in State prison. She has served terms in several other 
 cities since. 
 
 She finally fell into the hands of the police again on April i, 1885, with Margaret 
 Bell, another notorious shoplifter. They were arrested after leaving Altman's dry 
 goods store, on Sixth Avenue, New York City, taken to police headquarters, and 
 searched. Nothing was found on Mrs. Bell, but a large pocket (" kick ") in Mrs. 
 Darrigan's skirt contained a piece of beaded cloth, valued at $50, the property of 
 James A. Hearn & Son, No. 30 West Fourteenth Street, New York. In this case they 
 were both tried in the Court of Special Sessions, in the Tombs prison, New York, on 
 April 9, 1885. Mrs. Bell was discharged, and Mrs. Darrigan was convicted and 
 sentenced to five months in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, by Justice Kilbreth, 
 the presiding magistrate. 
 
 Her picture is an excellent one, taken in 1875. 
 
 124 
 
 ELIZABETH DILLON, alias BRIDGET COLE. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-two years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Married. Housekeeper, Slim 
 build. Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, about 145 pounds. Brown hair, dark brown 
 eyes, swarthy complexion, high cheek bones. A remarkably tall, thin woman ; big lips. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Elizabeth Dillon, or Cole, is a well known female pickpocket. She has been 
 arrested in almost every city in the Union, and has done considerable service in State 
 prisons and penitentiaries throughout the country. She is well known in Baltimore, 
 Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Providence, R. I., and several other Eastern cities. 
 She is very quick in her actions and difficult to follow. 
 
 She was arrested in Providence, R. I., on February i, 1879, charged with picking 
 pockets, and sentenced to two years in State prison on March 11, 1879. Since then 
 she has served two terms in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, New York. 
 
 Her picture is a very good one, taken in March, 1879. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 203 
 
 125 
 
 TILLIE PHEIFFER, alias MARTIN, 
 
 alias Kate Collins. 
 
 HOTEL AND HOUSE SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Born in France. Servant, Married. Slim build. 
 Height, 5 feet 3 inches. Weight, 128 pounds. Dark brown hair, hazel eyes, dark 
 complexion. Mole on the right side of the nose under the eye. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 TiLLiE Pheiffer, or Martin, is a notorious house and hotel sneak thief. She 
 sometimes hires out as a servant and robs her employers ; but her specialty is to enter 
 a hotel or flat, and wander up through the house until she finds a room door open, 
 when she enters and secures whatever is handy and decamps. She is known in New 
 York City, Brooklyn, Paterson, N. J., and Baltimore, Md., where she also served a term 
 in prison. She is said to have kept a road-house near Paterson, N. J., some years ago. 
 
 Tillie was arrested in New York City a few years ago, endeavoring to rob the 
 Berkeley Flats, on the corner of Ninth Street and Fifth Avenue, and sentenced to one 
 year in the penitentiary, but subsequently released on habeas corpus proceedings in 
 
 1879- 
 
 She was arrested in Brooklyn, N. Y, disposing of a stolen watch in a pawnbroker's 
 shop. When arrested, she drew a revolver and attempted to shoot the officer. For 
 this she was sentenced to one year in the penitentiary there. 
 
 She was arrested again in New York City on June 15, 1881, taken to police head- 
 quarters and searched. There was found upon her person four pocket-books, which 
 contained money and jewelry. In one of them there was $10 in money, a gold hairpin 
 and earrings, and the address of Miss Jennie Yeamans, of East Ninth Street, New 
 Yo-rk City, who testified that her rooms had been entered by a sneak thief during her 
 absence, and the property stolen. Two other parties appeared against her and testified 
 that she had robbed them also. Tillie pleaded guilty in this case, and was sentenced to 
 one year in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, on June 23, 1881, by Judge Cowing. 
 
 She was arrested again in New York City on June 19, 1882, for entering the 
 apartments of Annie E. Tool, No. 151 Avenue B, and stealing a gold watch and chain 
 and a pair of diamond earrings valued at $300. For this she was sentenced to eighteen 
 months in the penitentiary on June 26, 1882, by Judge Gildersleeve. 
 
 Her picture is a fair one, taken in June, 1882. 
 
204 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 126 
 
 MARY BUSBY, alias JOHNSON, 
 
 alias Mitchell. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-eight years old in 1886. Born in England. Married. Stout build. Height, 
 5 feet. Weight, 221 pounds. Dark brown hair, gray eyes, dark complexion. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Mary Busby is a clever pickpocket and shoplifter, and is well known in all the 
 large cities. Harry Busby, alias Broken-nose Busby (135), her husband, is an old New 
 York pickpocket and "stall." 
 
 She was arrested in New York City for shoplifting on October 25, 1882, under the 
 name of Mary Johnson, and sentenced to six months in the penitentiary on October 
 30, 1882, by Judge Ford. 
 
 Arrested again in Boston, Mass., on May 3, 1883, for larceny of $40 worth of silk 
 garments from Jourdan & Marsh's dry goods store. For this she was sentenced to one 
 year in the House of Correction on May 18, 1883. After her discharge in Boston, she 
 went to New York City, and was arrested for the larceny of a bonnet from Rothschild's 
 millinery establishment on West Fourteenth Street. For this she was sentenced to 
 five months in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island on May 20, 1884. This time she 
 gave the name of Mary Mitchell. 
 
 Mary Busby had previously served two years on Blackwell's Island, and two years 
 in the House of Correction in Boston, Mass. 
 
 She was again sentenced to fourteen months in the Eastern Penitentiary on 
 September 14, 1885, for picking pockets in Wannemaker's store in Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 Her picture is an excellent one, taken in October, 1882. 
 
 127 
 
 ANNIE REILLY, alias LITTLE ANNIE, 
 
 alias Katie Cooley, alias Kate Connelly, alias Kate Manning. 
 
 DISHONEST SERVANT. 
 
 description. 
 
 Forty-two years old in 1886 ; looks younger. Born in Ireland. Married. Medium 
 build. Servant and child's nurse. Height, 5 feet i inch. Weight, 113 pounds. 
 Brown hair, gray eyes, fair complexion. Round, full face. Speaks two or three 
 languages. 
 
127 
 
 128 
 
 129 
 
 ANNIE REILLY, 
 
 ALIAS LITTLE ANNIE, 
 
 DISHONEST SERVANT. 
 
 SOPHIE LYONS, 
 
 ALIAS LEVY, 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND BLACKMAILER. 
 
 KATE RYAN, 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 r30 
 
 131 
 
 132 
 
 ANNIE MACK, 
 
 ALIAS BOND, 
 
 SNEAK AND SHOP LIFTER 
 
 LOUISA JOURDAN, 
 
 ALIAS LITTLE LOUISE, 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOP LIFTER, 
 
 CATHARINE ARMSTRONG, 
 
 ALIAS MARY ANN DOWO- DILLON- 
 PICKPOCKET 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 205 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Little Annie Reilly " is considered the cleverest woman in her line in America. 
 She generally engages herself as a child's nurse, makes a great fuss over the children, 
 and gains the good-will of the lady of the house. She seldom remains in one place 
 more than one or two days before she robs it, generally taking jewelry, amounting at 
 times to four and five thousand dollars. She is well known in all the principal Eastern 
 cities, especially in New York, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 Annie was arrested in New York City, for grand larceny, on complaint of Mrs. 
 A. G. Dunn, No. 149 East Eighty-fourth Street, and others, and committed for trial, 
 in default of $6,500 bail, by Judge Ledwith. She was convicted, and sentenced to four 
 years and six months in State prison, by Judge Sutherland, in the Court of General 
 Sessions in New York, on April 23, 1873, under the name of Kate Connelly. 
 
 She was arrested again in New York City, on August 3, 1880, for robbing the 
 house of Mrs. Evangeline Swartz, on Second Avenue, New York. She was convicted 
 of this robbery, and sentenced to three years in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, 
 on September 8, 1880, by Judge Gildersleeve, under the name of Kate Cooley. After 
 her release, in January, 1883, she did considerable work in and around New York. 
 She robbed the guests of the New York Hotel of $3,500 worth of jewelry, etc., while 
 employed there as a servant. She then went to Brooklyn, N. Y., and was arrested 
 there, under the name of Kate Manning, on June 5, 1884, for the larceny of a watch 
 and chain from Charles A. Jennings, of Macon Street, that city. At the time of her 
 arrest a bronze statuette was found in her possession, which was stolen by her from a 
 Mr. Buckman, of Columbia Street, New York City. 
 
 Annie pleaded guilty in Brooklyn, N. Y., on Saturday, June 27, 1884, and was 
 sentenced to four years and six months in the Kings County Penitentiary. Her 
 sentence will expire June 27, 1887, allowing full commutation. 
 
 This woman is well worth knowing. She has stolen more property the last fifteen 
 years than any other four women in America. She has served terms in prison in 
 Pennsylvania and on Blackwell's Island independently of the above. 
 
 Her picture is an excellent one, taken in August, 1880. 
 
 128 
 SOPHIE LEVY, alias LYONS. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND BLACKMAILER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Jew. Born in United States. Married. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet 2 inches. Weight, 115 pounds. Brown hair, gray eyes, light 
 complexion. Has four children, two boys (thieves) and two girls, who were brought up 
 in a convent in Canada, and are an exception to the rest of the family. 
 
2o6 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Sophie Lyons, or Levy, is a notorious shoplifter, pickpocket and blackmailer. 
 She has appeared before the public of late years as an adventuress, and has blackmailed 
 scores of business men throughout the country. She is the wife of Edward Lyons, 
 better known as Ned Lyons, the bank burglar (see No. 70), and is well known all over 
 the United States. 
 
 Sophie was arrested in New York City, and sentenced to five years in State prison, 
 on October 9, 1871, for grand larceny. She escaped from Sing Sing prison, with the 
 assistance of her husband and others, on December 19, 1872. 
 
 She was re-arrested at the Suffolk County, Long Island, N. Y., fair, with her 
 husband, caught in the act of picking pockets, and returned to Sing Sing on October 
 26, 1876. After serving out her time she went to Boston, Mass., where she made her 
 debut as a blackmailer, accompanied by Kate Leary, alias " Red Kate," wife of the 
 notorious Red Leary. She went to one of the principal hotels, where she attracted the 
 notice of a wealthy merchant, and lured him to her room. She secured his clothing 
 and threatened him with exposure if he did not comply with her demands. He sur- 
 rendered, filled out a check for $10,000, which was handed to her confederate, Kate, 
 who went straightway to the bank. It happened that his account fell short of the 
 amount required, and Kate being questioned, grew alarmed and made known the 
 whereabouts of the merchant, when a policeman being sent to the hotel, the plot was 
 exposed. Sophie and Kate were arrested, but their intended victim refused to appear 
 against them, and they were discharged. His money was saved, but his character was 
 ruined, and the result was the breaking up of a happy home. She continued black- 
 mailing people until February 6, 1883, when she was convicted at Ann Harbor, Mich., 
 and sentenced to three years in the Detroit House of Correction for larceny, in con- 
 nection with one of her schemes. Some months before that she made a daily practice 
 of sitting on a horse-block in front of the residence of one of her Grand Rapids, Mich., 
 victims, who was a very prominent man. He got rid of Mrs. Lyons by turning the 
 hose on her, and pounding an unfortunate theatrical agent who espoused her quarrel. 
 
 Sophie Levy was arrested again in New York City on June 2, 1886, charged by 
 Koch & Sons, dry-goods dealers on Sixth Avenue, with the larceny of a piece of silk. 
 She gave the name of Kate Wilson, and her identity was not established until the day 
 of her trial (June 10, 1886), when she was convicted, and sentenced to six months in 
 the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island. Of late she has become addicted to the opium 
 habit. 
 
 Sophie Elkins, an old-time shoplifter, is Sophie Levy's mother. She was 
 sentenced to four years in State prison, in New York City on November 22, 1876, by 
 Recorder Hackett, under the name of Julia Keller, for shoplifting. 
 
 Sophie Levy's picture is a good one. It was taken in 1886. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 207 
 
 129 
 KATE R Y A N. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Seamstress. Married. Stout build. 
 Height, 5 feet 3^ inches. Weight, 150 pounds. Dark brown hair, light hazel eyes, 
 dark complexion. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Kate Ryan is an old New York pickpocket and shoplifter. She works parades 
 and stores, and is known in Philadelphia and New York, and some of the Western 
 cities. 
 
 She was arrested in New York City on St. Patrick's day, March 17, 1876, charged 
 with picking pockets during the parade. She was convicted and sentenced to four 
 years in the penitentiary on March 28, 1876, by Recorder Hackett, in the Court of 
 General Sessions. 
 
 Kate has served time in State prison and in the penitentiary since the above. 
 
 Her picture is a good one, taken in March, 1876. 
 
 130 
 
 MARY MACK, alias BOND, 
 
 alias Brockey Annie. 
 
 SNEAK AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION.' 
 Twenty-five years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. No trade. 
 Stout build. Height, 5 feet 2 inches. Weight, 150 pounds. Brown hair, hazel eyes, 
 fair complexion. Very heavily pock-marked. Part of first joint of thumb off of right 
 hand. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Mary Mack is one of a new gang of women shoplifters and pennyweight workers. 
 She works with Nellie Barns, alias Bond, and Big Grace Daly. They have been 
 traveling all over the Eastern States the last two years, and many a jeweler and dry 
 goods merchant have cause to remember their visits. 
 
 Mary was arrested in New York City on August 24, 1885, i" company of Nellie 
 Barns and Grace Daly, coming out of O'Neill's dry goods store on Sixth Avenue. A 
 ring was found upon her person, which was identified as having been stolen from the 
 
2o8 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 store. For this she was sentenced to six months in the penitentiary on Blackwell's 
 Island on September 4, 1885. This woman, although young, is considered very clever, 
 and is well worth knowing. Barns and Daly were discharged in this case. 
 Her picture is an excellent one, taken in August, 1885. 
 
 131 
 
 LOUISE JOURDAN, alias BIGLOW, 
 
 alias Darrigan, alias Little Louisa. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-two years old in 1886. Born in England. Married. Medium build. 
 Height, 5 feet 3 inches. Weight, about 135 pounds. Brown hair, blue eyes, dark 
 complexion, round face. Is lady-like in manner and appearance. Wears good clothes. 
 
 ■RECORD. 
 
 Louise Jourdan, alias Little Louise, is an expert female thief, well known in 
 New York, Chicago, and all the principal cities in the United States as the wife of Big 
 Tom Biglow, the burglar. She was born in England. Her father once kept a public-house 
 in Manchester, England. She served a term in an English prison for larceny. Upon 
 her release she went to Brazil as a companion of a wealthy Spanish lady. While in 
 that country she stole all her mistress's diamonds, was arrested, convicted, and sentenced 
 to receive forty lashes at the whipping-post, and was condemned to have the lower part 
 of her right ear cut off. She wears her hair over her ears to cover this deformity. 
 
 Louise afterwards appeared in New York City as the mistress of Billy Darrigan, a 
 New York pickpocket. She was arrested for shoplifting at A. T. Stewart's dry goods- 
 store, and sent to -Blackwell's Island. After her release she operated in Boston, 
 Philadelphia, and other cities. 
 
 She was married several times after leaving Darrigan ; first to Tom McCormack, 
 the bank burglar, who killed Jim Casey in New York, some years ago, while disputing 
 over the proceeds of a robbery. After him, she took up with Aleck Purple, an Eighth 
 Ward, New York, pickpocket ; then with Dan Kelly, who was convicted and sentenced 
 to twenty years in State prison for a masked burglary, with Patsey Conroy and others. 
 After that she lived with a well-known New York sporting man, and finally married 
 Big Tom Biglow, and has been working the country with him since. She has been in 
 several State prisons and penitentiaries in America, and is considered one of the 
 smartest female pickpockets in this country. 
 
 Louise Jourdan was arrested again in Cincinnati, Ohio, under the name of Mary 
 Johnson, on May 19, 1886, in company of Sarah Johnson, a tall, blonde woman, charged 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 209 
 
 with picking the pocket of a woman named Kate Thompson of $90, in one of the 
 horse-cars. They both gave bail in $1,000, and at last accounts the case had not been 
 disposed of. 
 
 Her picture is an excellent one. 
 
 132 
 
 KATE ARMSTRONG, alias MARY ANN DOWD, 
 
 alias Dillon, alias Sanders. 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Born in England. Married. Cook. Stout build. 
 Height, 5 feet 2^ inches. Weight, 200 pounds. Dark brown hair, hazel eyes, florid 
 complexion. Wears gold eye-glasses. Has a large space between upper 'front teeth. 
 Vaccination mark on left arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Mary Ann Dowd (right name Catharine Armstrong) is a very clever woman. 
 She was arrested in the spring of 1876, during Moody and Sankey's revivals, in Madison 
 Square Garden, in New York City, for picking a lady's pocket, and sent to Sing Sing 
 for two years. 
 
 She was arrested again in Providence, R. I., on May 14, 1878, and sentenced to 
 two years in State prison in June of the same year, for picking a woman's pocket on 
 the street. 
 
 After her time expired in Providence she went West, and visited Chicago (111.) and 
 St. Louis. Mrs. Dowd generally works alone, and confines herself principally to opening 
 hand-bags, or stealing them. Her operations have been greatly aided by her respectable 
 appearance and her perfect self-control. 
 
 She was arrested in New York City on October 20, 1884, charged with the larceny 
 of a diamond, sapphire and pearl bar-pin, valued at $250, from the jewelry store of 
 Tiffany & Co., New York, on July 7, 1884. The pin was found on her person, with 
 the diamond removed and a ruby set in its place. For this she was tried by a jury, 
 convicted, and sentenced to five years in State prison. She obtained a new trial in this 
 case, which resulted in her discharge by Judge Cowing, on December 18, 1884. 
 
 She was arrested again in Philadelphia, Pa., at Wannemaker's grand depot, in 
 company of Harry Busby (135), on November 3, 1885, for picking pockets. Busby 
 was discharged and Mary Ann was convicted, and sentenced to two years and six 
 months in the Eastern Penitentiary on November 11, 1885. 
 
 Her sentence will expire on September 11, 1887. 
 
 Mrs. Armstrong's, or Dowd's, picture is a good one, taken in November, 1885. 
 
2IO PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 133 
 
 PATRICK MARTIN, alias ENGLISH PADDY, 
 
 alias Frank Hilton. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-nine years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Single. Laborer. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Weight, 148 pounds. Light hair, blue eyes, sandy 
 complexion. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Paddy Martin, or English Paddy, is an English thief. He has been traveling 
 through the country with a gang of Bowery (New York) pickpockets, and is considered 
 a pretty clever man. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on June 19, 1885, in company of another 
 pickpocket, named Frank Mitchell, for an attempt to pick a man's pocket on Bowling 
 Green, near the Battery, New York. Both of them were sentenced to one month in 
 the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, by Justice Duffy, on June 20, 1885. 
 
 Paddy was arrested again in Jersey City, N. J., on December 12, 1885, in the act 
 of robbing a Mrs. Margaret Peters, of Montgomery Street, Jersey City, on a 
 Pennsylvania ferry-boat. He tried to make her believe that he mistook her for his 
 wife, and offered her ten dollars to release him. She rejected his overtures, and held 
 on to him until a policeman arrived. He was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to 
 three years and six months in Trenton State prison on December 14, 1885, under the 
 name of Frank Hilton. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in June, 1885. 
 
 134 
 
 TERRENCE MURPHY, alias POODLE MURPHY. 
 
 alias Robinson. 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-seven years old in 1886. Born in Albany, N. Y. Married. Slim build. 
 Height, five feet 7 inches. Weight, 135 pounds. Hair, auburn, slightly mixed with 
 gray ; blue eyes, light complexion. Can grow a full red beard quickly. 
 
133 
 
 134 
 
 135 
 
 PADDY MARTIN, 
 
 ALIAS ENGLISH PADDY, 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 TERRANCE MURPHY, 
 
 ALIAS POODLE MURPHY, 
 
 PICKPOCKET, 
 
 HARRY BUSBY, 
 
 ALIAS MITCHELL, 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOP LIFTER. 
 
 136 
 
 137 
 
 138 
 
 mm i 
 
 
 
 ^^'i^'^B 
 
 
 ^kr: ■ ■ '.'^Mte^ ^^^ --t^ 
 
 
 
 TIMOTHY OATS, 
 
 ALIAS CLARK, 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 JAMES LAWSOPJ, 
 
 ALIAS NIBBS, 
 
 PICKPOCKET, 
 
 GEORGE MILLIARD, 
 
 ALIAS MILLER, 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 211 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Poodle Murphy" is the most notorious and successful pickpocket in America. 
 He is well known in every city in the United States as the leader of a Bowery (New 
 York) gang of pickpockets. He is an associate of James Wilson, alias Pretty Jimmie 
 (143), Dick Morris, alias Big Dick (141), Charley Allen, Aleck Evans, alias Aleck the 
 Milkman (160), Johnny Williams (149), Joe Gorman (146), Jim Casey (91), Nigger 
 Baker (195), Tom Burns (148), and others. 
 
 Murphy and Charley Woods were arrested in New York City on July 20, 1881, 
 and delivered to the police authorities of Philadelphia, charged with robbing ex-Secretary 
 of the Navy Robeson of a watch, on a railroad car in that city. After several days had 
 been set for the trial, and as many adjournments obtained, the Secretary became tired 
 and abandoned the case, and the thieves were once more given their liberty on 
 September 30, .1881. 
 
 Murphy is without doubt the smartest pickpocket in America. He is the man who 
 does the work, while his confederates annoy the victim and attract his attention. This 
 is what is called " stalling." He has been arrested in every large city in the Union, but 
 never sent to a State prison before. 
 
 He was arrested in Philadelphia on January 16, 1885, in company of James Wilson, 
 alias Pretty Jimmie (143), another notorious pickpocket, charged with robbing one 
 Shadrach Raleigh, of Delaware, of $526 in money and $3,300 in notes, etc., on a 
 Columbia Avenue car in that city, on December 24, 1884. For this he was sentenced 
 to three years in the Eastern Penitentiary, on March 16, 1885. There were four other 
 ■charges against him at the time, but they were not tried. 
 
 Pretty Jimmie, his partner, was also sent to the penitentiary for two years and six 
 months the same day. 
 
 Poodle's picture is an excellent one, although somewhat drawn. It was taken in 
 January, 1885. 
 
 135 
 
 HARRY BUSBY, alias WILLIAMS, 
 alias Mitchell. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-two years old in 1886. Born in London, England. Married. House- 
 painter. Stout build. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Weight, 170 pounds. Hair black, 
 mixed with gray; brown eyes, round face, ruddy complexion. Marks on face and neck 
 from skin disease. Short, pug nose. Has quite an English accent. 
 
212 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Busby is a well known Eastern pickpocket, and husband of Mary Busby (126), 
 one of the cleverest women in America in her line. He is known in all the principal 
 cities in the United States and in Montreal, Canada, 
 
 He was arrested in New York City and sentenced to two years and six months in 
 Sing Sing prison, under the name of Henry Williams, on May 19, 1873, for an attempt 
 at grand larceny, by Judge Sutherland. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York, on January 26, 1877, in company of John 
 Anderson, another pickpocket, charged with robbing one Wm. Smyth of a pocket-book 
 on a Fourth Avenue car, on January 22. They were discharged, as the complainant 
 failed to identify them. 
 
 Harry was arrested in Washington Market, New York, with Mary Kelly, as 
 suspicious characters, on March 27, 1886, and discharged by a Police Justice. 
 
 Busby's picture is an excellent one, taken in Philadelphia, Pa., where he has also 
 served a term in the penitentiary. 
 
 136 
 
 TIMOTHY OATS, alias TIM OATS, 
 
 alias Clark. 
 PICKPOCKET AND SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Speculator. 
 Stout build. Height, 5 feet 85^ inches. Weight, 198 pounds. Sandy hair, blue eyes, 
 sandy complexion. Generally wears a light-colored mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Tim Oats is an old New York panel thief and pickpocket. He was arrested in 
 New York City in 1874, with his wife Addie Clark, charged with robbing a man by the 
 panel game. They escaped conviction on account of the complainant's departure from 
 the city. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City, under the name of Timothy Ryan, 
 charged with robbing William Vogel, on July 30, 1875, of ^ diamond stud valued at 
 $200, while riding on an East Broadway railroad car. He was tried, convicted and 
 sentenced to four years in Sing Sing prison, on September 17, 1875, by Recorder 
 Hackett. 
 
 Tim was arrested again in New York City, under the name of Timothy Clark, on 
 January 11, 1879, '^^ company of James Moran, whose name is Tommy Matthews (156),, 
 charged with robbing a man named Michael Jobin, of Mount Vernon, N. Y., of $200,. 
 on a Third Avenue horse-car. Both were committed in default of $5,000 bail for trial. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 213 
 
 by Judge Murray. They pleaded guilty to larceny from the person and were sentenced 
 to two years in the penitentiary on February 6, 1879, t>y Judge Gildersleeve. 
 
 Tim Oats, Theodore Wiley (171) and William Brown, alias Wm. H. Russell, alias 
 "The Student," were arrested at Syracuse, N. Y., on January 4, 1883, charged with 
 grand larceny. They stole a tin cash-box from behind a saloon bar, containing $250, the 
 property of Seiter Brothers, No. 99 North Salina Street, Syracuse. Two other people 
 were with the above party but escaped. Oats played the "fit act" in the back room, 
 kicking over chairs and tables. The proprietor and all the parties in the store ran into 
 the back room to help the "poor fellow," when one of the party sneaked behind the 
 bar and stole the cash-box. 
 
 Tim Oats gave the name of Charles Oats, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 
 two years' imprisonment in Auburn State prison, on March i, 1883. His sentence 
 expired November i, 1885. 
 
 "The." Wiley gave the name of George Davis, alias George Marsh, and was tried 
 and convicted also. (See No. 171.) 
 
 Brown, alias Russell, alias "The Student," pleaded guilty in this case and was 
 sentenced to five years in Auburn prison, on March i, 1883. 
 
 Oats's picture is a very good one, taken in January, 1879. 
 
 137 
 
 JAMES LAWSON, alias "NIBBS," 
 alias *' NiBSEY." 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-three years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Single. No trade. Stout build. 
 Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, about 160 pounds. Black hair, gray eyes, dark com- 
 plexion ; generally wears a full black beard. Has a vaccination mark on his right arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " NiBBS " is an old-time Bowery, New York, pickpocket ; he is as well known in 
 Philadelphia, Chicago and Boston as he is in New York. He has been arrested in 
 almost every large city in the Union, and is considered a clever thief. He travels 
 all over the country, and can generally be seen with some of the local thieves. He is 
 an impudent fellow, and wants to be taken in hand at once. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City for attempting to pick pockets, and was 
 sentenced to one year in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, on March 18, 1875. 
 
 He was arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., on April 24, 1876, charged with picking a 
 man's pocket ; his picture was taken, and he was discharged. 
 
 He was arrested again in Jersey City, N. J., on December 20, 1876, charged with 
 robbing a German farmer of his pocket-book and money in the Pennsylvania Railroad 
 
214 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 depot. When searched at Police Headquarters, a kid glove was found in his pocket ; 
 in the finger of the glove was a large and beautiful diamond, valued at $i,ooo. In his 
 vest pocket was found the setting of the stone, a stud for a shirt front. It was 
 advertised, and turned out to be the property of Captain Wilgus, of Lexington, Ky., 
 who had been robbed of the stone by a mob of pickpockets while getting on a train in 
 Louisville, Ky. 
 
 " Nibbs " was -convicted of robbing the German in the depot, and sentenced to five 
 years in Trenton, N. J., State prison, on January 27, 1877. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on February 11, 1882, for robbing a man 
 on a Grand Street horse-car of his pocket-book. For this he was sentenced to three 
 years and six months in Sing Sing prison, on March 8, 1882. 
 
 Lawson is now at large. 
 
 " Nibbs's " picture is an excellent one, taken in 1876, 
 
 138 
 GEORGE MILLIARD, alias MILLER. 
 
 BURGLAR AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-four years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Saloon keeper. 
 Slim build. Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, 118 pounds. Brown hair, blue eyes, 
 light complexion, bald on front of head. Generally wears a full black beard. Has an 
 anchor in India ink on right fore-arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Milliard is an old New York pickpocket, burglar, and receiver of stolen goods. 
 He formerly kept a liquor saloon on the corner of Washington and Canal streets. New 
 York, which was the resort of the most desperate gang of river thieves and masked 
 burglars in America. 
 
 Milliard was arrested in New York City on January 5, 1874, in company of John 
 Burns, Big John Garvey (now dead), Dan Kelly, Matthew McGeary, Francis P. 
 Dayton, Lawrence Griffin, and Patsey Conroy (now dead), charged with being 
 implicated in several masked burglaries. One in New Rochelle, N. Y., on December 
 23. 1873 I another at Catskill, on the Hudson River, on October 17, 1873, a"^d one on 
 Staten Island, N. Y., in December, 1873, about a week after the New Rochelle robbery. 
 The particular charge against Milliard was receiving stolen goods, part of the proceeds 
 of these burglaries. He was tried in New York City, convicted, and sentenced to five 
 years in Sing Sing prison on February 13, 1874. The other parties arrested with him 
 at the time were disposed of as follows : 
 
 Dan Kelly, Larry Griffin, and Patsey Conroy were each sentenced to twenty years 
 in State prison for the New Rochelle burglary on February 20, 1874. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 215 
 
 Burns was sentenced to sixteen years in State prison for the Catskill burglary 
 on October 23, 1874. 
 
 Big John Garvey (now dead) was sentenced to ten years in State prison in New 
 York City on June 22, 1874. 
 
 McGeary was discharged on January 13, 1874. 
 
 Dayton was put under $1,000 bail for good behavior on January 13, 1874. 
 
 Shang Campbell, John O'Donnell, John Orr (now dead), and Pugsey Hurley (88), 
 were also arrested in connection with these burglaries, and sent to State prison. 
 
 Since Milliard's discharge he has been traveling through the country picking pockets 
 with Jimmie Lawson, alias " Nibbs " (137), and a Chicago thief named Williard. He 
 is considered a first-class man, and is known in all the principal cities in the United 
 States. He has been arrested several times, but manages to escape conviction. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in August, 1885. 
 
 139 
 THOMAS FITZGERALD, alias TOM PHAIR. 
 
 PICKPOCKET 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-nine years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Married. Carpenter. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 11 inches. Weight, about 200 pounds. Brown hair, blue eyes, 
 light complexion. Generally wears a sandy chin whisker and mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Big Tom Phair," the name he is best known by, is a clever thief, and generally 
 works with his wife, Bridget Fitzgerald, an old Irish pickpocket, or some other woman, 
 and can be found in the vicinity of funerals, ferry-boats, or churches. They are 
 mean thieves, generally robbing poor women. 
 
 Fitzgerald and his wife, and Mary Connors, were arrested in New York City on 
 May I, 1873, charged with robbing a woman named Sophie Smith, on Broadway, of 
 a pocket-book containing a quantity of checks and her husband's pension papers from 
 the United States Government. Tom pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years 
 and six months in State prison, on May 26, 1873. 
 
 Bridget, his wife, was discharged. 
 
 Mary Connors also pleaded guilty to an attempt at grand larceny, and was sen- 
 tenced to one year and nine months in State prison, the same day, by Judge Sutherland. 
 
 Fitzgerald and his wife were arrested again under the names of Tom and Sarah 
 Thayer, on a Staten Island ferry-boat, at the Battery, New York, which was conveying 
 the friends of the Garner family to Staten Island to attend the funeral of Wm. F. 
 Garner. Mrs. Fitzgerald was again discharged. Tom was held under the Habitual 
 Criminal Act, and sentenced to ninety days in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, 
 on July 27, 1876. He was afterwards discharged on habeas corpus proceedings. 
 
2i6 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 He has been very lucky of late years. Although arrested several times, he man- 
 ages to keep out of jail. 
 
 His picture is a very good one, taken in November, 1875. 
 
 140 
 EDWARD TULLY, alias BROKEN-NOSE TULLY. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION 
 
 Forty-one" years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Single. No trade. Stout build. 
 Height, 5 feet 6^ inches. Weight, 155 pounds. Dark hair, gray eyes, dark com- 
 plexion, broken nose. Rather large, long head. Wears a brown mustache. Easily 
 recognized by his picture. Has an Irish brogue and face. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Broken-Nose Tully " is an old and expert New York pickpocket, and is well 
 known in every large city in the Union. He travels with the best people in the business, 
 and is considered a clever pickpocket. He has a remarkable nose, vi^hich he claims 
 always "gives him away." 
 
 Tully was arrested in Philadelphia and sentenced to fourteen months in the East- 
 ern Penitentiary, on June 29, 1880, for picking the pocket of a small boy of $83. 
 
 He was arrested again in Boston, Mass., with Shinny McGuire (155), on July 16, 
 1 88 1, awaiting an opportunity to do a "turn trick" in the Naverick National Bank, 
 After getting a good showing up they were escorted out of town. 
 
 He was arrested again in Lancaster, Pa., for picking pockets, and sentenced to 
 eighteen months in the Eastern Penitentiary at Philadelphia, on November 18, 1884. 
 He is now at large. 
 
 Tully's picture is an excellent one, taken in Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 141 
 RICHARD MORRIS, alias BIG DICK. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION., 
 
 Forty-two years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Carpenter. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 10^ inches. Weight, 155 pounds. Brown hair, blue 
 eyes, fair complexion. Generally wears a light-colored beard and mustache, inclined to 
 be sandy. 
 
139 
 
 140 
 
 141 
 
 THOMAS FITZGERALD, 
 
 ALIAS TOM PHAIR. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 EDWARD TULLY. 
 
 ALIAS BROKEN NOSE TULLY 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 RICHARD MORRIS 
 
 ALIAS BIG DICK. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 142 
 
 143 
 
 144 
 
 JAMES ANDERSON, 
 
 ALIAS JIMMY THE KID, 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 JAMES WILSON, 
 
 ALIAS PRETTY JIMMY 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 GEORGE HARRISON, 
 
 ALIAS BOSTON and FRIDAY 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 21/ 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Big Dick " is a well known New York pickpocket. He works with Charles 
 Douglas, alias Curly Charley; Poodle Murphy (134), Shang Campbell (107), James 
 Wilson, alias Pretty Jimmie (143), and all the other good New York men. He has 
 traveled all over the United States, and is well known in all the principal cities. Morris 
 formerly kept a drinking saloon in New York that was a resort for nearly all the pick- 
 pockets in America, but business fell off and he went back to his old business again. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City, and sentenced to five years in Sing Sing prison, 
 January 7, 1872, for larceny from the person, under the name of Richard Morris. 
 
 He was arrested again in Albany, N. Y., by New York officers, and brought to 
 New York City, where he pleaded guilty to grand larceny, and was sentenced to one 
 year in the penitentiary on August 10, 1885, fqr stealing a coat from Rogers, Peet & 
 Co., some months previously. He gave bail in this case, which he forfeited, and was 
 subsequently re-arrested as above. 
 
 Morris's picture is a good one, taken in October, 1877. 
 
 142 
 
 JAMES ANDERSON, alias JIMMIE THE KID, 
 
 alias Evans. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-three years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Married. Tailor. Medium 
 build. Height, 6 feet. Weight, about 180 pounds. Hair black, turning gray; gray 
 eyes, light complexion. Generally wears a sandy mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Jimmie the Kid" is a clever old New York thief. He has been traveling through 
 the country for a number of years, and is well known in all the principal cities East and 
 West. He is a great big rough fellow, and will get the money at any cost. 
 
 He was arrested several times in New York, but never with a clear case against 
 him until April 10, 1876, when he was arrested for robbing George W. Mantel, on one 
 of the horse-cars, for which he was convicted, and sentenced to ten years in Sing Sing 
 prison, on June 16, 1876, by Recorder Hackett, in the Court of General Sessions, 
 New York His time expired on December 16, 1882. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in January, 1876. 
 
2l8 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 143 
 JAMES WILSON, alias PRETTY JIMMIE. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-two years old in 1886. Born in United States, Married. No trade. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Weight, 155 pounds. Brown hair, hazel eyes, 
 florid complexion. Has the following India ink marks on his person : a woman, in 
 short dress, in red and blue ink, with bow and staff in hand, on right arm ; another 
 woman, in short dress, holding in her left hand a flag, on which is a skull and cross- 
 bones, on left arm ; anchor on back of left hand ; a shield between thumb and forefinger 
 
 of left hand. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Pretty Jimmie" is an old New York pickpocket, and partner of Terrence, alias 
 Poodle Murphy (134). 
 
 He was arrested in Montreal, Canada, during the Marquis of Lome celebration, 
 with a gang of American pickpockets, from whom a box of stolen watches was taken. 
 He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment there. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City, and pleaded guilty to an attempt at 
 larceny from the person of Stephen B. Brague, and sentenced to one year in State 
 prison, on July 12, 1875, by Judge Sutherland, under the name of James Anderson. 
 
 Since 1876 Wilson and Murphy have robbed more people than any other four men 
 in America. 
 
 He was finally arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., on January 16, 1885, with Poodle 
 Murphy (134), charged with robbing one Shadrach Raleigh, of Delaware, of $526 in 
 money and $3,300 in notes, etc., on a Columbia Avenue horse-car, on December 24, 
 1884. He was tried, convicted, and sentenced to two years and six months in the 
 Eastern Penitentiary, on March 16, 1885. 
 
 Murphy, his partner, who did the work, was sentenced to three years. 
 
 There were four other charges against this team, which were not tried. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in January, 1885. 
 
 144 
 GEORGE HARRISON, alias - BOSTON," 
 
 alias " Friday." 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Born in Scotland. Single. Machinist. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet 9 inches. Weight, about 160 pounds. Black curly hair, gray 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 219 
 
 eyes, light complexion. Generally wears a brown mustache. Had weak eyes. Has 
 scar under right eye. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Boston," the name he is best known by, is a well known New York pickpocket. 
 He has been arrested in almost every large city in the Union. He is said to have 
 served terms in prison in Philadelphia and Boston. When he first appeared in New 
 York City he came from Boston, Mass., and the fraternity christened him after that city. 
 He is not able to do much alone, but is considered an excellent "stall." He works 
 sometimes with Jersey Jimmie (145), Charley Allen, and other New York pick- 
 pockets. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City, and sentenced to four years and six months 
 in Sing Sing prison on November 8, 1882, under the name of George Wilson, for grand 
 larceny from the person. His time expired, allowing him full commutation, on March 8, 
 1886. 
 
 " Boston's " picture is a good one, taken in 1876. 
 
 145 
 JAMES JOHNSON, alias JERSEY JIMMIE. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-two years old in 1886. Born in New York. Married. No trade. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 4)^ inches. Weight, 1 70 pounds. Dark brown hair, gray eyes, 
 florid complexion. Whiskers, when worn, are light brown. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Jersey Jimmie" is one of the luckiest thieves in America. He is known from 
 Maine to California, and has had the good fortune to escape State prison many a time. 
 He works with Joe Gorman (146), Boston (144), Curly Charley, Big Dick (141), and 
 nearly all the Bowery " mob " of New York, where he makes his home. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City, and sentenced to six months in the peni- 
 tentiary on Blackwell's Island, under the name of James Johnson, on April 22, 1869, 
 for an attempt to pick pockets. 
 
 He was sentenced again to one year in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, on 
 February 7, 1878, for picking pockets, and pardoned by Governor Robinson on May 8, 
 1878. 
 
 Since then he has been arrested in almost every city in the Union, but his usual 
 good luck stands to him, and he succeeds in obtaining his discharge. 
 
 Johnson's picture is an excellent one, taken in August, 1885. 
 
220 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 146 
 
 JOSEPH GORMAN, alias CLIFFORD, 
 
 alias Brown. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-seven years old in 1886. Born in New York. Married. Carpenter. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, about 130 pounds. Sandy hair, 
 blue eyes, small nose, thin face, light complexion. Has letter " J." in India ink on left 
 fore-arm ; dot of ink on left hand. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Joe Gorman is a very clever pickpocket. He generally does the work. He is 
 well known in all the large cities of the Union, and is as likely to be found, with two 
 or three other clever men, in Maine or California, as he is in New York, working the 
 cars, fairs, conventions, or any crowded place. He comes of a family that is criminally 
 inclined, as he has two brothers, Tom, a sneak and till-tapper, and John, a clever 
 general thief. Joe was born in New York, and makes it his home. Although arrested 
 several times of late years he has escaped State prison. He is one of the smartest 
 pickpockets in America, and a man well worth knowing. 
 
 He was sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment in Auburn prison, from New York 
 City, several years ago, for highway robbery, and was pardoned after serving six years. 
 
 Gorman's picture is a very good one, taken in September, 1885. 
 
 147 
 
 DENNIS CARROLL, alias WILLIAM THOMPSON, 
 
 alias Big Slim. 
 BURGLAR AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-eight years old in 1886. Born in United States. Single. No trade. 
 Slim build. Height, 5 feet 11 inches. Weight, about 150 pounds. Dark hair, dark 
 eyes, quite weak; dark complexion. Generally wears a light, thin mustache. Slightly 
 pitted with pock-marks. 
 
 RECORD. 
 " Big Slim," the name he is best known by, is a Chicago thief, and was formerly a 
 partner of Joe Parish (84). He is a bold, desperate thief, having shot an officer out 
 
145 
 
 146 
 
 147 
 
 JAMES JOHNSON, 
 
 ALIAS JERSEY JIMMY, 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 JOSEPH GORMAN, 
 
 ALIAS CLIFFORD, 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DENNIS CARROLL, 
 
 ALIAS THOMPSON— BIG SLIM, 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 148 
 
 149 
 
 150 
 
 '^^^ 
 
 ^~ii'. ^.V ?<£ -'^j. " -^ *«■ •^•' ' 
 
 THOMAS BURNS, 
 
 ALIAS COMBO — HAMILTON, 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 JOHN WILLIAMS, 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOP LIFTER. 
 
 JAMES WELLS, 
 
 ALIAS FUNERAL WELLS, 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 221 
 
 West who was trying to arrest him and Parish for picking pockets in one of the towns 
 that ex-President Garfield's body passed through. 
 
 He came East four or five years ago, and has been working the country with 
 Johnny Dobbs and his gang. 
 
 He was arrested in Lawrence, Mass., on March 3, 1884, in company of Johnny 
 Dobbs (64), Thos. McCarty, alias Day (87), and Frederick P. Grey (73). Carroll, or 
 Thompson, is the man that did the shooting. (See record of No. 64.) 
 
 Carroll and Dobbs pleaded guilty and were sentenced to ten years each, on June 9, 
 1884. Carroll was pardoned on September 23, 1885, by Governor Robinson, of Massa- 
 chusetts. It was claimed that he was suffering from an incurable disease. His health 
 returned, however, upon his release. When last seen he was in New York City, 
 apparently as well as ever. (See record of No. 87.) 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in March, 1884. 
 
 148 
 
 THOMAS BURNS, alias COMBO, 
 
 alias Hamilton. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION 
 Forty-nine years of age in 1886. Born in United States. Married. No trade. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 10^ inches. Weight, 165 pounds. Black hair, brown 
 eyes, dark complexion. Has scar on forehead ; mole on right cheek. Generally wears 
 a black beard, turning gray. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Combo" is a well known New York pickpocket. He works with "Jersey 
 Jimmie" (145), "Nigger" Baker (195), "Curly Charley," Dick Morris (141), "Aleck 
 the Milkman " (160), and the best people in the cities he visits. He was considered second 
 to none in the business ; but of late years he has fallen back, and does only " stalling," 
 on account of his love for liquor. He is pretty well known in Baltimore, Philadelphia, 
 New York, Boston and Chicago, and, in fact, in almost all the large cities in the States. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City, for the larceny of a watch from one Lawson 
 Valentine, on a Sixth Avenue horse-car, on February 8, 1875. He was tried, found 
 guilty, and sentenced to four years in State prison, on March 9, 1875, under the name 
 of Thomas Hamilton, by Judge Sutherland. 
 
 Combo was again arrested, at the Grand Central Railroad depot in New York City, 
 on November 24, 1885, in an attempt to ply his vocation. He was sentenced to one 
 year in the penitentiary on December i, 1885, in the Court of Special Sessions, New 
 York. 
 
 Burns's picture is an excellent one, taken in November, 1885. 
 
222 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 149 
 JOHN WILLIAMS. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-five years old in 1 886. Born in New York. Single. Jeweler. Slim build. 
 Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, about 140 pounds. Black hair, gray eyes, light 
 complexion. Generally wears a light brown mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Johnny Williams is a very clever New York pickpocket and shoplifter. He is 
 also well known in every Important city in the United States. He is an associate of 
 Poodle Murphy (134), Tim Oats (136), Nibbs (137), Big Dick Morris (141), Pretty 
 Jimmie (143), Boston (144), Jersey Jimmie (145), Joe Gorman (146), and all the clever 
 people. He is credited with purchasing almost everything that the New York 
 thieves steal. Since his return from State prison he has been traveling around the 
 country with a gang of pickpockets, and although arrested several times, he manages 
 to keep out of State prison. He is now keeping a jewelry store on Sixth Avenue, New 
 York City. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on April i, 1876, in company of John Meyers, 
 charged with stealing a roll of cloth from the store of Albert Schichts, No. 88 Greenwich 
 Street, New York City. 
 
 Meyers and Williams both pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to five years each in 
 State prison, by Judge Gildersleeve, on June 5, 1876. There were three other cases 
 against these people, at this time, which were not prosecuted. 
 
 Williams's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1876. 
 
 150 
 JAMES WELLS, alias "FUNERAL WELLS." 
 
 PICKPOCKET 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-four years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. No trade. Slim 
 build. Height, 5 feet 9^ inches. Weight, 145 pounds. Gray hair, gray eyes, light 
 complexion. Generally wears a full beard, light color. His eyes are small, weak and 
 sunken. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Funeral Wells" is an old and expert New York pickpocket. His particular 
 line is picking pockets at a funeral, with a woman. The woman generally does the 
 
PROFESSWNAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 223 
 
 work and passes what she gets to Wells, who makes away with it, the woman remaining 
 behind a little time to give him a chance to escape. 
 
 Wells has served a term in Sing Sing prison and in the penitentiary on Blackwell's 
 Island, New York, and is known in all the principal cities. He has been traveling 
 through the country lately (1886) with Billy Peck (157), and Jimmy Murphy, two other 
 New York pickpockets, working the fairs, churches, etc. 
 
 He was arrfested in New York City on April 3, 1880, charged with having attempted 
 to rob one Ambrose P. Beekman, a merchant, residing in Jersey City, N. J., while the 
 latter was riding on a cross-town horse-car. The complainant was unable to identify 
 him, and he was discharged. 
 
 Wells was arrested again in New York City, on June 19, 1885, under the name of 
 James Hayden, in company of James McKitterick, alias "Oyster Jim," and sentenced 
 to three months each in the penitentiary, on June 30, 1885, in the Court of Special 
 Sessions, for an assault with intent to steal as pickpockets. 
 
 McKitterick is a hotel and sleeping-car thief, pickpocket, and banco man. His 
 home is in Hudson, N. Y. He is a great fancier of dogs and fighting cocks. Some- 
 times he has a full beard, and again a smooth face ; at other times, chin whiskers. He 
 was arrested in Schenectady in 1883, tried in Albany for picking pockets, and settled 
 the matter by paying a fine of $800. He has been the counsel and adviser of thieves 
 for years, and has been what is termed a "steerer." For a partner he has had James, 
 alias " Shang" Campbell, Thomas Hammill, Funeral Wells, Peck, alias Peck's Bad Boy, 
 and others of note. He was arrested some years ago in Brooklyn, N. Y., for picking a 
 man's pocket. A Brooklyn judge who met him on the steamer for Florida identified 
 him as his gentleman companion, and he was discharged. Soon after the close of the 
 war, on the Mississippi he robbed a woman of $1,700. She demanded a search of all 
 on the steamer. Jim had been so kind and attentive to her that he was not searched. 
 A short time ago he was stakeholder for a dog fight in Boston to the amount of $300, 
 and made off with the funds. 
 
 He took $1,000 worth of bonds from a gentleman in Philadelphia in 1868. His 
 first experience in the East was when the Ball robbery was committed in Holyoke, 
 Mass. He was in it, and was the principal. 
 
 He, with another, about two years ago, followed a well known lady of Springfield 
 from New Haven to her home for the purpose of stealing her sealskin cloak. The 
 theft was left to his partner, who failed for want of heart to do his work. This noted 
 thief has been known in New York and all the principal cities of the United States 
 under fifty different names. About two years ago, at Bridgeport, Conn., he was on a 
 wharf to see an excursion party land from a steamboat. A man fell in the dock. A 
 policeman standing on the edge of the wharf helped to get the man up. Jim, for fear 
 he might fall into the dock again, kindly put his arms around him to hold him, and 
 robbed him of his watch and eight dollars in money. 
 
 In 1880, when the Armstrong walk occurred on the Manhattan Athletic grounds, 
 New York City, Jimmy was stakeholder for $480 wagered on the event. Jimmy 
 "welshed," and the winners never saw the color of their money. 
 
 Wells's picture is an excellent one, taken in December, 1885. 
 
2 24 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 151 
 OSCAR BURNS, alias JOHN L. HARLEY. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Cigar maker. 
 Stout build. Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, 162 pounds. Dark brown hair, brown 
 eyes, dark complexion, heavy nose-lines. Generally wears a heavy brown mustache. 
 Looks like a man that dissipates. Has a pearl in his right eye. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Oscar Burns is well known all over the United States. He is known out West 
 as a "stall" and "hoister" — a Western term for a shoplifter. He works with Jim 
 Barton, who is well known in Boston and Medford, Mass. They were both arrested in 
 Springfield, Mass., for burglary. Burns gave bail, which was forfeited, and Barton was 
 discharged from custody in February, 1881. 
 
 Burns was arrested again in New York City, on December 23, 1881, for a burglary 
 committed in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was delivered to the Michigan officers, 
 taken there, and pleaded guilty to the crime, and was sentenced to ten years in State 
 prison on December 29, 1881, by Judge Parrish, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. See 
 Michigan Commutation Law for expiration of sentence. 
 
 Burns's picture is an excellent one, taken in Buffalo, N. Y. 
 
 152 
 
 ABRAHAM GREENTHAL, alias GENERAL 
 
 GREENTHAL, 
 
 alias Meyers. 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Sixty years old in 1886. Jew, born in Poland. Calls himself a German. Widower. 
 No trade. Stout build. Height, 5 feet 85^ inches. Weight, about 185 pounds. Dark 
 hair, turning quite gray. Prominent nose-lines ; mole near one of them. Beard, when 
 grown, is a sandy gray. Generally has a smooth face. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " General" Greenthal is known all over the United States as the leader of the 
 " Sheeny mob." He is acknowledged to be one of the most expert pickpockets in 
 
151 
 
 152 
 
 153 
 
 OSCAR BURNS, 
 
 ALIAS JOHN L. HARLEY, 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND BURGLAR. 
 
 ABRAHAM GREENTHAL, 
 
 ALIAS GENERAL GREENTHAL, 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 HERMAN GREENTHAL. 
 
 ALIAS HARRIS GREENTHAL, 
 
 PICKPOCKET, 
 
 154 
 
 155 
 
 156 
 
 JAMES PRICE, 
 PICKPOCKET 
 
 JOHN F. McGUIRE, 
 
 ALIAS SHINNY McGUIRE, 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 TOMMY MATTHEWS. 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 225 
 
 America. His home is in the Tenth Ward in New York City, and he has been a thief 
 and receiver of stolen goods for the last thirty years. He has served time in several 
 prisons and penitentiaries, but has generally obtained his release before his sentence 
 expired. He is a clever thief, and will fight when forced to. 
 
 The "General" was arrested in Rochester, N. Y., on March i, 1877, in company 
 of his brother, Harris, and Samuel Casper, his son-in-law, for robbing a man (see record 
 of No. 153), and sentenced on April 19, 1877, to twenty years in Auburn, N. Y., State 
 prison. He was pardoned in the spring of 1884 by Governor Cleveland. 
 
 He was arrested again in Brooklyn, N. Y., on December 30, 1885, in company of 
 Bendick Gaetz, alias " The Cockroach," for robbing Robert B. Dibble, of Williamsburg, 
 N. Y., of a pocket-book containing $795 in money, on a cross-town horse-car in that 
 city. The " General " pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the second degree, on March 
 23, 1886, and was sentenced to five years in Crow Hill prison by Judge Moore, in the 
 Brooklyn Court of Sessions. 
 
 The " General " is an old friend of Mrs. Mandelbaum, who is now in Canada. 
 
 Greenthal's picture is a splendid one, taken in March, 1877. 
 
 153 
 
 HARRIS GREENTHAL, alias HERMAN 
 GREENTHAL, 
 
 alias Brown. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-eight years old in 1886. Jew, born in Poland. Married. No trade. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet 5 inches. Weight, about 150 pounds. Brown curly hair, turning 
 quite gray ; brown and gray whiskers, high forehead. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Harris Greenthal, a brother of the " General's " (152), is also an old New York 
 thief and member of the "Sheeny gang" of pickpockets, who have been traveling 
 through the country robbing people for a number of years. He resides in New York 
 City, and is well known in all the principal cities in the United States and Canada. 
 
 Harris Greenthal, ahas Brown, the " General," alias Meyers, and Samuel Casper, the 
 "General's" son-in-law, were arrested in Rochester, N. Y., on March i, 1877, charged 
 with robbing William Jinkson of $1,190 in money, at the Central Railroad depot. 
 Jinkson was a farmer who sold his farm in Massachusetts, and with the proceeds had 
 started West. The " Sheeny gang " had seen him showing his money in Albany, 
 N. Y., and had followed him from that city. At the Central depot in Rochester they 
 told him he would have to change cars. One of the trio took his valise, and the entire 
 
2 26 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 party entered another car. In jostling through the crowd the " General " relieved 
 Jinkson of his pocket-book containing the money, which was in bills. They escaped, 
 but were arrested about an hour afterwards. They were indicted, tried, and convicted. 
 
 The " General," alias Meyers, was sentenced on April 19, 1877, to twenty years at 
 hard labor in Auburn, N. Y., State prison. Harris Greenthal, alias Brown, received a 
 sentence of eighteen years, and Casper fifteen years. 
 
 Harris and Casper were pardoned by Governor Cleveland in December, 1884, 
 the " General" having been pardoned some months before. (See record of No. 84.) 
 
 Harris's picture is an excellent one, taken in March, 1877. 
 
 154 
 JAMES PRICE, alias JIMMY PRICE. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Born in New York. Married. No trade. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 7^ inches. Weight, 170 pounds. Brown hair, dark eyes, thick 
 nose, dark complexion. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Jimmy Price is an old New York pickpocket. He has been a " Moll Buzzer" (one 
 who picks a woman's pocket) ever since he was a boy, and confines himself generally 
 to that particular branch of the business. This big, lazy thief has sent many a poor 
 woman home minus her few hard-earned dollars, after her visit to a crowded market, fair, 
 or railroad car. He is a brother of Tommy Price, alias " Deafy " Price, the pickpocket 
 (158), and Johnny Price, the bank sneak. (See record of No. 9.) He is well known 
 in all the principal cities in the United States and Canada. He has served terms in 
 Sing Sing prison and on Blackwell's Island. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City, and sentenced to one year in Sing Sing prison, 
 on October 20, 1876, under the name of William A. Hoyt, for grand larceny from the 
 person. Since then he has done service for several States, and is now at large. 
 
 Price's picture is not so good as it might have been, on account of some difficulty 
 he had with the officer, at the time of his arrest, in 1877. 
 
 165 
 JOHN McGUIRE, alias SHINNY McGUIRE. 
 
 SNEAK AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-four years old in 1886. Born in New York. Married. No trade. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Weight, about 145 pounds. Black hair, gray eyes. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 227 
 
 ruddy complexion. Has letter " F " in India ink on left arm. Generally wears a dark 
 brown beard. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Shinny " McGuire is considered one of the cleverest pickpockets in America. 
 Tom Davis, the sawdust swindler, who was shot and killed in New York on August 31, 
 1885, by T. J. Holland, of Abilena, Texas, married two of McGuire's sisters. He is an 
 associate of Joe Gorman (146), Jersey Jimmie (145), Charley Allen, and several other 
 New York pickpockets, and is well known in all the principal cities. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on October 11, 1878, charged with the larceny 
 of a pocket-book from a man who had just left the Seaman's Savings Bank, corner of 
 Pearl and Wall streets, and was sentenced to two years in the penitentiary on Black- 
 well's Island, on July 2, 1879, by Recorder Hackett. 
 
 He escaped from the penitentiary library, where he was engaged as librarian, on 
 July I, 1879. He gave New York a wide berth, working the other cities, until Sep- 
 tember 21, 1885, when he was arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., and returned to Blackwell's 
 Island to finish his unexpired time. 
 
 He will be discharged on December 20, t886. 
 
 McGuire's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1876. 
 
 156 
 THOS. MATTHEWS, alias TOMMY MATTHEWS. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION, 
 Forty-seven years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Cooper by 
 trade. Medium build. Height, 5 feet 5 inches. Weight, 133 pounds. Hair gray, 
 eyes gray, nose a little flat, ruddy complexion. Generally wears a full, dark beard and 
 mustache, turning very gray. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Tommy Matthews is an old and expert thief. He has been on the road for at 
 least twenty years, and has served terms in a dozen prisons throughout the United 
 States. He is known in all the large cities from Maine to Colorado, and although 
 getting old, is quite clever yet. He generally associates with the best local talent, and 
 is a very careful worker of late, preferring to lose a " trick" than to take any chances 
 of going to State prison. 
 
 Matthews was arrested in New York City, on January 11, 1879, in company of 
 Tim Oats (136), charged with robbing a man named Michael Jobin of $200, on a Thjrd 
 Avenue horse-car. Both were committed in $5,000 bail for trial. They pleaded guilty, 
 and were sentenced to two years each in the penitentiary on February 6, 1879, by 
 Judge Gildersleeve, in the Court of General Sessions. In this case he gave the name 
 of James Moran. 
 
2 28 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Matthews was arrested again in New York City, under the name of Morgan, for 
 picking pockets. He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two years and six months in 
 State prison at Sing Sing, on October 29, 1885, by Recorder Smyth. (See records of 
 Nos. 136, 161.) 
 
 Matthews' picture is a pretty good one, taken in January, 1879. 
 
 157 
 WILLIAM PECK, alias PECK'S BAD BOY, 
 
 alias Parks. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-six years old in 1886. Born in New York. Single. No trade. Slim 
 build. Height, 5 feet 9 inches. Weight, 140 pounds. Dark brown hair, hazel eyes, 
 light complexion. Has two moles, and two scars from burns, on his right arm. 
 Generally wears a small brown mustache and side-whiskers. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Billy Peck is one of a new gang of pickpockets which are continually springing 
 up in New York City. He is an associate of all the Bowery (New York) "mob" of 
 pickpockets, and is considered a promising youth. He is known in Philadelphia, New 
 York, Albany, Boston, and several other Eastern cities. With the exception of a short 
 term in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, nothing is known about him, except that 
 he is a professional thief. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on January 3, 1885, in company of another 
 pickpocket, named William Davis, for attempting to pick pockets on one of the horse- 
 cars. No complaint was obtained against him, and he was discharged, after his picture 
 was taken for the Rogues' Gallery. 
 
 He was arrested again in Albany, N. Y., in August, 1885, during Grant's obsequies, 
 in company of a gang of New York pickpockets, locked up until after the funeral, and 
 then discharged. 
 
 He was arrested again in Boston, Mass., on December 21, 1885, i" company of 
 James Wells, alias Funeral Wells (150), and Jimmie Murphy, two other New York 
 pickpockets, attempting to ply their vocation in Mechanics' Hall, during one of Dr. W. 
 W. Downs's sensational lectures. He was in luck again, for, after having their pictures 
 taken, they were escorted to the train and ordered to leave town. 
 
 This is a very clever thief, and may be looked for at any moment in any part of 
 the country. 
 
 He was arrested again in Hoboken, N. J., under the name of William Parker, on 
 February 16, 1886, charged with attempting to pick a lady's hand-satchel, and sentenced 
 to three months in jail there. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in December, 1885. 
 
157 
 
 158 
 
 159 
 
 WILLIAM PECK, 
 
 ALIAS PECK'S BAD BOY, 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 THOMAS PRICE, 
 
 ALIAS DEAFY PRICE, 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 AUGUSTUS GREGORY, 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 160 
 
 161 
 
 162 
 
 ■ALEXANDER EVANS, 
 
 ALIAS ELECK THE MILKMAN, 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 FREDERICK LAUTHER, 
 
 ALIAS WILSON, 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 WILLIAM BURKE, 
 
 ALIAS BILLY THE KID, 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 229 
 
 158 
 THOMAS PRICE, alias " DEAFY PRICE." 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 About forty-four years old in 1886. Born in New York. Single. No trade. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, about 150 pounds. Brown hair, 
 dark eyes, sallow complexion, high forehead, an Irish expression, and is very deaf. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Deafy Price" ought to be well known all over America, as he has been a thief 
 for at least twenty-five years. He is one of the old Bowery gang of pickpockets, and 
 an associate of Old Jim Casey, "Jimmy the Kid" (142), "Big Dick" Morris (141), 
 "Pretty Jimmy" (143), " Jersey Jimmy" (145), "Combo" (148), "Nibbs" (137), 
 "Funeral" Wells (150), and, in fact, all the old timers. He is a brother of Jimmy 
 Price, the "Moll Buzzer" (154), and Johnny Price, the bank sneak. (See record of 
 No. 9.) He is a saucy, impudent thief, and wants to be taken in hand at once. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City and sent to the work-house on Blackwell's 
 Island, N. Y., on July 3, 1866. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City, in company of another man who has 
 since reformed, for an attempt to pick pockets, and sentenced to four months in the 
 penitentiary, on October 17, 1866, by Judge Dodge. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City again on July 21, 1875, charged with violently 
 assaulting Samuel F. Clauser, of No. 38 East Fourth Street, New York, while that 
 gentleman was walking down Broadway. He was placed on trial on July 27, 1875, i" 
 the Court of Special Sessions, in the Tombs prison building, on a charge of assault 
 with intent to steal, as a pickpocket. The evidence of the complainant was not strong 
 enough to convict him of the intent to steal, and he was discharged. 
 
 He was arrested again on September 8, 1876, in company of George Williams, 
 alias " Western George " (now dead), at the Reading Railroad depot, near the 
 Centennial Exhibition Grounds, in Philadelphia, Pa. They were taken inside the 
 grounds, and sentenced to ninety days in the penitentiary on September 9, 1876, under 
 a special law passed to protect visitors to the Exposition from professional thieves. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on December 25, 1879, charged with 
 attempting to rob one Marco Sala, an Italian gentleman, while riding on a horse-car. 
 He was committed for trial by the police magistrate, and afterwards discharged by 
 Judge Cowing, in the Court of General Sessions, on January 30, 1880. 
 
 Price's picture is a good one, although taken fifteen years ago, in New York City. 
 
230 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 159 
 AUGUSTUS GREGORY, alias GEO. SCHWENECKE. 
 
 HOTEL THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty years old in 1886. Born in United States, of German parents. Lived in 
 New York. Single. No trade. Slim build. Height, 5 feet 9 inches. Weight, 126 
 pounds. Light-colored hair, light eyes, long nose, thin face, light complexion. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Gregory is a very clever boy. He was in prison in Colorado, and after he was 
 liberated he worked all the hotels in all the principal cities from there to New York. 
 
 The following is an interesting account of his doings in New York, clipped from 
 one of the papers at the time : 
 
 No Will-o'-the-wisp was ever more ubiquitous than a clever hotel sneak thief who for the past month 
 has led the detective force such a dance that they were almost despairing of catching their game, when, by 
 one of those mistakes which even the most experienced criminal sometimes makes, he gave the detectives 
 the clue for which they were seeking, that led to his capture. 
 
 The first intimation of the fellow's operations came on the 25th of September, 1884, through the 
 proprietor of the Hoffman House, New York, one of whose guests had been robbed of $350 worth of 
 jewelry, which had been taken from his room. The thief had entered and departed through the transom, 
 but no one in the hotel had any idea who he could be. Three days later another robbery occurred at the 
 hotel. A week afterward a similar robbery was committed at the St. Denis Hotel, where a guest lost $300 
 worth of jewelry from his room. 
 
 When Detective-Sergeants Lanthier, Mulvey and Wade went to the hotel, they learned that the only 
 person whom they could suspect was a slim young man, dressed in rather dudish attire, who had been seen 
 loitering about the hotel. Another complaint came on the 7th of October from the Murray Hill Hotel, 
 where two guests had been robbed of $1,200 worth of jewelry by a sneak thief who had climbed through the 
 transom. Again the detectives were puzzled ; but in the course of their inquiries they learned that a slim 
 young man, who had registered under the name of Edward Sussey, had arrived the day before the robbery 
 and left two days afterward. 
 
 The next sufferer from the adroit thief's operations was the Park Avenue Hotel, where five rooms were 
 ransacked one evening, and $1,500 worth of jewelry taken. Following this robbery came a complaint from 
 the Rossmore Hotel, where a guest lost a small sum of money and a few articles of jewelry from his room, 
 and on the 31st of October a guest at the Coleman House discovered that during his absence from his 
 apartment a thief had entered and stolen two watches, one gold and the other platinum, worth $800. 
 
 Brooklyn next enlisted the thief's attention, and the Pierrepont House and Mansion House guests 
 found occasion to regret his visits. 
 
 The Chief of Detectives, who had been visited by the irate hotel keepers bristling with indignation at the 
 apparent inability of the detectives to catch the thief, tried vainly for a time to gain some clue to his 
 identity. The slim young man who had been seen around nearly all the hotels robbed was, he thought, the 
 culprit, as no one but a slight and muscular man could squeeze through some of the narrow transom 
 windows which furnished the thief with the means of ingress and egress. 
 
 There was no doubt of his cleverness, as well as the fact that he was an expert who would not readily 
 fall into the ordinary traps of the thief catchers. Chance, the great ally of the detectives, threw them on 
 the right scent. The platinum watch which he had stolen from the Coleman House was of so peculiar a 
 character that a few days ago, when Detective-Sergeant Lanthier heard that one had been pledged, he at 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 231 
 
 once went to the pawnbroker, and from a description in his possession he found that it was the identical 
 watch for which he and his associates had been on the lookout. 
 
 The pawnshop was watched, and on Saturday, November i, 1884, when a waiter in a Bowery saloon 
 presented a ticket for the watch, he was interviewed by the officer. The man was frightened, and willingly 
 pointed out a notorious Fourth Ward cyprian as the person from whom he had obtained the ticket. A close 
 surveillance was kept upon the woman, who, it was found, was frequently in the company of a slim young 
 man who passed by the name of White. 
 
 Under the name of August Gregory the young man lived with his mother at No. 171 East Eighty- 
 seventh Street. On Monday night, November 3, 1884, Detective-Sergeants Lanthier, Mulvey and Wade took 
 the young man into custody and locked him up at police headquarters. 
 
 When the detectives began to look up Gregory's antecedents they found that he was the son of a 
 keeper of a Cherry Street, New York, sailor boarding-house, and, as a youth, had displayed pilfering pro- 
 clivities. Four years before, when 17 years old, he went with his mother, who had left her husband, to 
 Denver, Col. There he robbed his mother of $4,500, but was arrested before he had spent but a few 
 hundred dollars of the money. He was not punished for the crime, and, emboldened by this, he began his 
 career as a hotel sneak thief. He was lithe and muscular, and managed, by a course of gymnastic training, 
 to be able to perform feats which an ordinary thief would hesitate at. 
 
 Twice he was arrested, but for lack of evidence escaped free. The third time, however, he was 
 convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment in Colorado. What he did not know about criminal 
 ways he was not long in learning in jail, where he received his finishing lessons in thievery. 
 
 In August, 1884, he was discharged from the Colorado prison, an accomplished thief, and came with 
 his mother to New York City, where she hired apartments at No. 171 East Eighty-seventh Street. Not 
 long after his arrival here he resumed his old ways, and found in the hotels a splendid field for his peculiar 
 talent. His address and manner were prepossessing, and he had gathered a fund of knowledge about 
 hotels that served him in good stead. As he freely confessed on his trial, he found the meal hours the best 
 time for his operations, and while the guests were in the dining-room he would scale the transom and make 
 his way into the vacant room. He was clever enough not to dispose of his booty in the shape in which he 
 had stolen it, but would generally take out the stones in the jewels and sell them separately, and melt up 
 the gold. 
 
 Some articles, however, which he did not care to destroy thus, he sold in Philadelphia. He confessed 
 everything to Inspector Byrnes, and gave information as to the whereabouts of a considerable amount of 
 his booty. 
 
 "Gus" Gregory, the swell hotel thief, was sentenced on November 17, 1884, in General Sessions, to 
 ten years' hard labor at Sing Sing. Recorder Smyth made a few remarks on the occasion. Looking 
 severely at the prisoner as he stood at the bar carelessly twirling his fashionable Derby hat, the Judge said : 
 
 " You have a mother, young man, and I sympathize very deeply with her in having such a son. You 
 are an unmitigated scoundrel, and employ yourself in cleaning out the various hotels of everything of value 
 that you can lay your hands on. You have already served a term of imprisonment for stealing in the State 
 of Colorado. You are wanted also in Wyoming Territory for burglary. Inside of seven or eight weeks you 
 have robbed about ten hotels in New York and Brooklyn of considerable property, and you have made no 
 effort toward restitution. You have the nature of a thief without a redeeming quality. I shall make an 
 example of you in sending you to prison for ten years — the full term allowed by law." 
 
 The prisoner is twenty years of age, slim in build and of gentlemanly appearance. He made no sign 
 when he was sentenced, and took no notice of the burst of approval which came from the spectators. 
 There were three indictments against him, two for burglary, on which he pleaded guilty, and one for grand 
 larceny, which is still held over him. William A. Boyce, deputy warden of the Colorado State Penitentiary 
 at Canyon City, wrote to Inspector Byrnes, and stated that "Gregory is one of the slickest sneak thieves 
 that ever struck this country." His real name is George Schwenecke, and his aliases are many. Gregory 
 had robbed guests at the Hoffman House, St. Denis, Park Avenue, Rossmore, and Murray Hill hotels in 
 New York, and also at the Mansion House, Brooklyn. He secured in one haul from the Pierrepont House, 
 Brooklyn, over $4,500 in diamonds. Altogether Gregory has stolen about $15,000 worth of jewelry from 
 various hotels during his Eastern trip. 
 
232 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 The two complainants on the present indictments are Samuel B. Wellington, a broker, of Room 
 No. 234 Coleman House, from whom the prisoner stole $800 worth of jewelry, and Claudia Guernsey, of 
 Room No. 553 Park Avenue Hotel, from whom he stole about $400 worth. In both cases he entered the 
 rooms of the guests with false keys. He is described on the record as a student. He is well educated, and 
 has a most polite manner. On leaving the bar he bowed respectfully to the Court, and whispered, " Thank 
 you." The police speak of him as an adroit, cunning rascal, who lives by his wits. When Gregory left the 
 court he was handcuffed to a dirty, ferocious looking prisoner, who regarded his dainty, elegantly dressed 
 companion with contempt. 
 
 Gregory's picture is an excellent one, taken in November, 1884. 
 
 160 
 
 ALEX'R EVANS, alias ALECK THE MILKMAN, 
 
 alias Charles Watson. 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-eight years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Peddler. 
 Stout build. Height, 5 feet 5^^ inches. Weight, 207 pounds. Brown hair, hazel 
 eyes, florid complexion. Bald on front of head. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Aleck The Milkman " is a professional thief, and one of the Bowery, New 
 York, gang of pickpockets. He is known from Maine to California. He "stalls" 
 generally, but is credited with being a clever "wire" (a term for one who actually picks 
 the pocket). 
 
 He has served terms in Sing Sing prison and Blackwell's Island, N. Y. 
 
 His last arrest was in New York City, for an attempt at grand larceny, for which 
 he was convicted and sentenced to two years and six months in State prison at Sing 
 Sing, N. Y., on June 23, 1885, under the name of Charles H. Williamson. Evans' sen- 
 tence will expire, allowing him full commutation, on April 23, 1887. 
 
 Evans's oldest son, Geo. W. Evans, who, unlike his father,, is not a thief, was 
 sentenced to fifteen years in State prison on January 22, 1886, for shooting and killing 
 a negro named Thos. Currie in an altercation as to the janitorship of a flat house in 
 West Twenty-first Street, on the night of January 30, 1885. 
 
 His picture resembles him, although his eyes are closed. It was taken in April, 
 1881. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 161 
 FREDERICK LAUTHER, alias FREDDIE 
 
 LOUTHER, 
 alias F. R. Wilson, 
 
 SNEAK AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. No trade. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, 145 pounds. Dark hair, dark gray 
 eyes, dark complexion. Generally wears a heavy sandy beard ; sometimes dyes it. 
 Has numbers " 33 " in India ink on his left fore-arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Lauther is an old New York sneak thief and pickpocket. He formerly kept a 
 drinking saloon in the Tenth Ward, New York City, which was the resort of a large 
 number of the professional thieves in America. He is the husband of Big Mag Shaffer, 
 a very clever old-time shoplifter and pickpocket. 
 
 Lauther was arrested in New York City, and sentenced to Sing Sing prison for 
 two years and six months on April 20, 1874, for grand larceny under the name of 
 Robert Campbell. 
 
 He was arrested again in Philadelphia, Pa., on February 21, 1878, under the name 
 of Shaw, his picture taken, and discharged. 
 
 Arrested again with George Milliard (138), and Tommy Matthews (156), in New 
 York City, on the arrival of the Fall River steamer Newport, on April 12, 1879, ^O"" 
 the larceny of a watch and $12 in money from Daniel Stein, during the passage from 
 Boston to New York. So cleverly was the robbery committed that Judge Otterbourg 
 was forced to discharge them. 
 
 He was arrested and convicted in Harrisburg, Pa., in June, 1879. Again, on 
 April 3, 1880, in Philadelphia, in company of Will Kennedy, for larceny from the 
 person, and sentenced to eighteen months' solitary confinement in the Eastern Peni- 
 tentiary. 
 
 He has been arrested from time to time in almost every city in the Union. He 
 has served terms in Sing Sing prison and the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, N. Y., 
 and is a man well worth knowing. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in June, 1885. 
 
2 34 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 162 
 
 WILLIAM BURKE, alias BILLY THE KID, 
 
 alias Murphy, alias Petrie, etc. 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Twenty-eight years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Printer. 
 Stout build. Height, 5 feet 6J^ inches. Weight, 140 pounds. Dark brown hair, dark 
 gray eyes, straight nose, round face, florid complexion. Small ears. Upper lip turns 
 up a little. Cross in India ink on his left hand, near thumb. Dot of ink on right hand, 
 between thumb and forefinger. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Billy the Kid " is one of the most adroit bank sneaks in America. He is now 
 about twenty-eight years old, of pleasing address, and claims Chicago, 111., as his home. 
 He is known in all the principal cities in America and in Canada. This young man is 
 credited with being the nerviest bank sneak in the profession. He is an associate of 
 Rufe Minor (i), Minnie Marks (187), Big Ed Rice (12), Georgie Carson (3), Johnny 
 Jourdan (83), and several other clever men. He has been arrested one hundred times, at 
 least, in as many different cities, and although young, has served terms in three prisons. 
 
 At 12.30 p. M. on August I, 1 88 1, a carriage containing two men drove rapidly up 
 to the Manufacturers' Bank at Cohoes, N. Y. At the same moment a man walked 
 briskly into the bank, and toward the directors' room, in the rear. One of the men in 
 the carriage jumped out, and entering the building, asked the cashier, N. J. Seymour, 
 to change a $20 bill. While the change was being made the man at the rear of the 
 bank forced the door of the directors' room and obtained entrance to the space behind 
 the desk. He rushed up to the safe, the door of which stood open, and snatched a 
 large pile of bills, done up in packages of $100 and $500 each, and amounting in all to 
 over $10,000. James I. Clute, the discount clerk, who sat at the desk at the time, not 
 more than ten feet from the safe, sprang from his seat, grasped a revolver, and followed 
 the thief. The burglar was so quickly pursued that he dropped the packages of money 
 in the directors' room. Clute kept after him, and tried to bar the w^ay at the door, 
 when the thief pushed him aside and ran quickly down two or three streets, crossed the 
 canal, and fled toward the woods. The thief who remained in the carriage drove 
 furiously down the street, and the man who asked for the change meanwhile had left 
 the bank. He met the carriage a short distance from the scene, jumped in, and was 
 driven out of the city. The thief who fled toward the woods succeeded in eluding his 
 pursuers, and shortly after entered the house of a Mrs. Algiers and took off his clothes 
 and crawled under the bed. A man who was at work in a mill opposite the house saw 
 the man's proceedings, and notified the police. The house was surrounded, and the 
 intruder captured. A search of his clothing revealed a false mustache, a watch, $45 cash, 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 235 
 
 two pocket-books, some strong cord, and other things. He was afterwards identified 
 as Billy Burke. After remaining in jail some little time he was released on $10,000 bail. 
 
 On September 9, 1881, an attempt was made to rob the vault of the Baltimore 
 Savings Bank, in Baltimore, Md. Four men (no doubt Burke, Jourdan, Marks, and 
 Big Rice) entered the treasurer's room, where were several customers of the bank, and 
 one of them engaged the attention of the treasurer by asking him about investments, 
 holding in his hands several United States bonds. Another then walked back toward 
 the vault, in a rear apartment, but his movements were observed by one of the clerks, 
 who followed and arrested him in front of the vault. The other three retreated hastily 
 and escaped. 
 
 The party arrested gave the name of Thomas Smith, but was recognized by the 
 police as Billy Burke, alias " Billy the Kid." In this case, as at Cohoes, N. Y., he was 
 bailed, went West, and was arrested in Cleveland on December 12, 1881, and delivered 
 to the police authorities of Albany, N. Y., taken there, and placed in the Albany County 
 jail, from where he escaped on January 7, 1882. A reward of $1,000 was offered at the 
 time for his arrest. 
 
 He was finally re-arrested at Minneapolis, Minn., on March 13, 1882, in an attempt 
 to rob a bank there, but afterwards turned over to the Sheriff of Albany County, N. Y., 
 taken there, tried, convicted, and sentenced to five years' imprisonment in the Albany 
 Penitentiary by Judge Van Alstyne (for the Cohoes bank robbery), on March 31, 1882. 
 
 He was tried again the same day for breaking jail, convicted, and sentenced to one 
 year more, making six years in all. Burke was sentenced in this case under the name 
 of John Petri e. 
 
 His sentence expired on June 2, 1886. Warrants were lodged against him at the 
 penitentiary some time previous from Lockport, N. Y., Detroit, and Baltimore. He 
 was re-arrested, as soon as discharged, on the Lockport warrant, which, it is said, was 
 obtained by his brother-in-law, for an alleged assault. The scheme was to prevent him 
 from being taken to either Detroit or Baltimore, where there are clear cases against him. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in March, 1880. 
 
 163 
 BENJAMIN B. BAGLEY, alias BENTON BAGLEY. 
 
 SNEAK THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-five years old in 1886. Born in the United States. Married. No trade. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 9^ inches. Weight, 153 pounds. Brown hair, gray 
 eyes, dark complexion. Has scar on chin. Has a peculiar expression in one eye ; it is 
 hardly a cast. 
 
236 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Bagley is a very clever sneak thief. He works houses, churches, receptions and 
 weddings, and is pretty well known in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and in the 
 Eastern States generally. He starts out occasionally and travels South and West, and 
 is liable to turn up anywhere. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City, and sentenced to five years in Sing Sing 
 prison, on February 21, 1872, under the name of Benton B. Bagley, for grand larceny. 
 He has done service since. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on January 22, 1883, in company of 
 Frank Shortell (168), and John T. Sullivan, two other expert sneaks, for the larceny of 
 a sealskin dolman, valued at $350, from the Church of the Incarnation, Thirty-fifth 
 Street and Madison Avenue, during a wedding, on December 27, 1882. Bagley and 
 Sullivan were discharged on January 30, 1883, and Shortell was sent to the Elmira 
 reformatory, by Judge Cowing, on February 5, 1883. 
 
 Bagley's picture is a good one, taken in January, 1883. 
 
 164 
 WESTLEY ALLEN, alias WESS. ALLEN. 
 
 PICKPOCKET, SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-six years old in 1886. Born in New York. Widower. No trade. Slim 
 build. Height, 5 feet 10 inches. Weight, 155 pounds. Right eye gray, left eye out, 
 and replaced at times by a glass one. He sometimes wears green goggles, or only a 
 green patch over the left eye. Dark hair, mixed with gray ; sallow complexion. 
 Generally wears a black mustache. Scar on left side of face. Has letters " W. A.," 
 an anchor, and dots of India ink on left fore-arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Wess." Allen is probably the most notorious criminal in America, and is well 
 known all over the United States. He is a saucy, treacherous fellow, and requires to 
 be watched closely, as he will use a pistol if an opportunity presents itself. 
 
 Wess.'s brothers are Theodore Allen, well known as " The. Allen," a saloon 
 keeper in New York, John Allen, a jeweler in New York, Martin Allen, a burglar, now 
 in Sing Sing State prison, sentenced to ten years on November i, 1883, for burglary in 
 New York City (a house robbery, second offense), and Jesse Allen, a burglar (now 
 dead). 
 
 Wess. has been a thief for many years, but has not served much time in prison. 
 
163 
 
 164 
 
 165 
 
 BENJAMIN B. BAGLEY, 
 GENERAL THIEF. 
 
 WESLY ALLEN. 
 
 ALIAS WES ALLEN, 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND BURGLAR. 
 
 JAMES BURNS, 
 
 ALIAS BIG JIM, 
 
 BANK SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 166 
 
 167 
 
 163 
 
 JOHN RILEY, 
 
 ALIAS MURPHY. 
 
 SNEAK AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 EDWARD McGEE, 
 
 ALIAS EDDIE McGEE, 
 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
 THOMAS SHORTELL, 
 GENERAL THIEF. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 237 
 
 He was arrested in New York City for an attempt to break into a silk house, and 
 sentenced to five years in Sing Sing prison, on July 7, 1873, under the name of Charles 
 W. Allen. 
 
 Since his release, in 1877, he has been arrested in almost every city in America, 
 but always manages to escape conviction. The following are a few of his arrests since 
 1880: 
 
 He was arrested in New Haven, Conn., on January 29, 1880, in company of Wm. 
 Brown, alias Burton, and James H. Johnson, at the Elliott House, whither they had 
 followed Parnell and Dillon, the agitators. After a few days' detention he was 
 discharged. 
 
 He was discharged from custody at Reading, Pa., on April 14, 1880, where he was 
 detained on five indictments for picking pockets at a fair there in the fall of 1879. 
 
 He proved an alibi, and was acquitted by a jury in the Kings County Court of 
 Sessions in Brooklyn, N. Y., on December 23, 1880. He was charged with picking the 
 pocket of Thomas Rochford of his watch, on the night of October 29, 1880, near the 
 City Hall in Brooklyn. 
 
 He was arrested in New Haven, Conn., on August 30, 1883, for an attempt to 
 pick the pocket of John McDermott on a railroad train. As usual, he was discharged. 
 
 He was discharged from arrest in the Jefferson Market Police Court, New York 
 City, on July 30, 1884. The complainant, Edward P. Shields, a barkeeper for Theodore 
 Allen, Wess.'s brother, charged him with "jabbing two of his fingers in his left eye." 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City, after a severe tussle, on September 13, 
 1885, while attending the funeral of his wife, Amelia, on a warrant issued by Justice 
 MulhoUand, of Syracuse, N. Y., charging him with grand larceny. He was delivered 
 to a detective officer, who took him back to Syracuse, where he again escaped his just 
 deserts. 
 
 In November, 1885, two men of gentlemanly appearance called upon an Alleghany 
 City, Pa., tailor named Rice, and were measured for some suits of clothing. " Send 
 them C. O. D. to West Jefferson, Ohio, when they are finished," they said, and bowed 
 themselves out, after giving their names as Fisher and Grimes. The clothes, valued at 
 $146, were shipped by Adams Express a week later, and the night they arrived in .West 
 Jefferson the express office was broken into and the clothing stolen. Fisher proved to 
 be Wess. Allen. He had assumed his father-in-law's name, Martin Fisher, whose 
 house in New York City was searched by the police, and they found three of the 
 missing suits there and also some silk. Fisher and his wife were taken into custody as 
 receivers of stolen goods, and subsequently discharged. The former is over seventy 
 years old, and the latter only a few years younger. 
 
 Allen could not be found, as from the latest accounts he had gone to England to 
 try his fortune there. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, the best in existence, taken in March, 1880. 
 
238 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 165 
 
 JAMES BURNS, alias BIG JIM, 
 alias Boston Jim, alias Baker, alias James Boyle, alias John 
 
 BowEN, alias Hawkins, etc. 
 SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-six years old in 1886. Born in Boston, Mass. Single. No trade. A 
 large, well-built man. Height, 5 feet 8^ inches. Weight, about 200 pounds. Brown 
 hair, dark hazel eyes, dark complexion. Has fine spots of India ink between thumb 
 and forefinger of left hand. Generally wears a sandy-brown mustache and whiskers. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Jim Burns, alias Big Jim, is a celebrated bank sneak, burglar and forger. He is a 
 native of Boston, Mass., and is called by the fraternity " The Prince of Thieves," on 
 account of his great liberality with his money, and the many charitable acts performed 
 by him. It is a well known fact that he has always contributed to the support of the 
 wives and families of his associates whenever they were in trouble. 
 
 Some years ago, after a large and successful bank sneak robbery. Burns, and the 
 others who were with him, returned to New York and went to their usual rendezvous, 
 a saloon corner of Fourth Street and Broadway, New York, kept by one Dick Piatt. 
 The entire party imbibed quite freely and Burns fell asleep. When he awoke he found 
 that he had been robbed of his portion of the plunder. On being informed by one of 
 his companions who had done it, Burns said, " It was hard, that after doing a lot of 
 work, and getting a good lump of money, to have an associate rob me. He can't be 
 much good, and will die in the gutter." The fact is, that about one week after the 
 occurrence the party referred to was walking down Broadway and was stricken with 
 paralysis, fell into the gutter, and died before any assistance could be rendered him. 
 
 Burns was connected with all of the most celebrated criminals in this country, and 
 took part in a large number of the most prominent bank robberies. 
 
 Owing to his genial good-nature he never was able to save a dollar. He has 
 served terms in prison in Sing Sing, New York, and Boston, Mass., and is well known 
 all over America and Europe. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on March 11, 1878, for the larceny of a carriage 
 clock, valued at $52, from Howard, Sanger & Co., Broadway and Grand Street. He 
 was released on $500 bail, and when his case was called for trial he failed to appear. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on December 17, 1878, for attempting to 
 rescue " Red " Leary from a private detective. He was indicted, and again admitted 
 to bail. While at large, he was arrested with George Carson (3) for the larceny of 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 239 
 
 $12,000 in money from the Government Printing Office, in Washington, D. C. No 
 case being made out against them, they were discharged on July i, 1879, by Commis- ' 
 sioner Deuel, at Washington. 
 
 Burns was arrested upon his discharge on a bench warrant in the old clock case, 
 brought to New York City, tried, convicted of grand larceny, and sentenced to three 
 years and six months in Sing Sing prison, on July 11, 1879, by Judge Cowing. 
 
 He made his escape from Raymond Street jail in Brooklyn, N. Y., on Friday 
 night, July 31, 1883, where he was confined for the larceny of a package containing 
 $3,000 in money from the desk of the postmaster of Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 After his escape he went to London, England, and from there to Paris, where he 
 devoted his talents to picking pockets, and had to leave there to keep out of the 
 clutches of the police. When next heard from he was in Stockholm, Sweden, with 
 Billy Flynn, alias Connolly, and Bill Baker, alias Langford, where the party obtained 
 about eighteen hundred kroners from a bank in that city. They were arrested for the 
 robbery, but having no evidence against them a charge of vagrancy was preferred, 
 and they were imprisoned for six months as vagrants. A few months after their time 
 expired they went to Hamburg, Germany, where, on June 22, 1885, they succeeded in 
 robbing the Vereins Bank of 200,000 marks, about $44,000. On July 15, 1885, the bank 
 offered a reward of 10,000 marks, about $2,200, for them. They were all arrested in 
 London, England, in the latter part of July, 1885, and returned to Paris, France, they 
 having been tried, convicted and sentenced to one year's imprisonment each for an 
 offense committed in that city. According to French law, any person may be tried 
 convicted, and sentenced for an offense during his absence. After their sentence expires 
 they will be taken to Hamburg for trial for the larceny of the 200,000 marks. 
 
 Burns's picture is an excellent one, taken in 1882. 
 
 166 
 JOHN RILEY, alias JOHN MURPHY. 
 
 SNEAK, PICKPOCKET AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-one years old in 1886. Born in Ireland. Married. Printer. Medium build. 
 Height, 5 feet 8^ inches. Weight, 142 pounds. Light hair, blue eyes, sandy com- 
 plexion ; whiskers, when worn, are sandy. Has letters " J. R." in India ink on his left 
 
 arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Johnny Riley is an old New York pickpocket, sneak and shoplifter. He 
 generally works with his wife, Annie Riley, and pays considerable attention to funerals 
 and markets. His wife is a very clever pickpocket, John generally doing the " stalling " 
 for her. He has served terms in prison in Philadelphia, Sing Sing, and on Blackwell's 
 Island, New York. He lives in New York, but is well known in several of the Eastern 
 cities. 
 
240 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Riley, Annie his wife, Fred. Benner, alias Dutch Fred (8i), and Mag. Sweeny, 
 alias Bell, were arrested in New York City on August i, 1885, for picking the pocket 
 of a woman named Eliza J. North, in Washington Square Park. Riley and Benner 
 were sentenced to one year in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island on August 12, 
 1885. Mrs. Riley and Sweeny were sentenced to six months in the penitentiary the 
 same day by Judge Gildersleeve. 
 
 Riley's picture is a good one, taken in May, 1877. 
 
 167 
 EDWARD McGEE, alias EDDIE McGEE. 
 
 SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-nine years old in 1886. Southerner by birth. A baker by trade. Height, 
 5 feet loy^ inches. Weight, 130 pounds. Tall, slim man. Brown hair, dark eyes, 
 dark, sallow complexion. Has a coat-of-arms and sunburst in India ink on his right 
 fore-arm. Dark mustache and chin whiskers ; grows thin. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Eddie McGee is one of the cleverest burglars, sneak thieves and pennyweight 
 workers there is in the country. He is a partner of Johnny Curtin, alias Cunningham, 
 alias Roberts (169), another daring and desperate thief. McGee is well known in all 
 the principal cities of the United States, especially Chicago, Philadelphia (Pa.), New 
 York and Boston, in all of which he is said to have been sent to prison. 
 
 McGee and Curtin were arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., for shoplifting, and sentenced 
 to eighteen months each in the Eastern Penitentiary. When their time expired, on 
 August 14, 1883, they were both arrested by New York oflficers, at the penitentiary 
 gate, and brought to New York City, to answer an indictment charging them with the 
 larceny of $1,200 worth of jewelry from Theodore Starr, a Fifth Avenue jeweler, in 
 January, 1882. In this case there was no conviction. 
 
 Shortly after their release they went to England. Curtin was arrested there and 
 sent to prison. McGee returned to America, and was arrested in Brooklyn, N. Y., on 
 February 12, 1884, for burglary, and sentenced to five years and six months in the 
 Kings County Penitentiary on April 16, 1884, under the name of B. C. Earl. 
 
 McGee's picture is an excellent one, taken in August, 1883. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 241 
 
 168 
 THOMAS SHORTELL, alias FRANK SHORTELL. 
 
 SNEAK THIEF AND DEALER IN COUNTERFEIT MONEY. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-seven years old in 1886. Born in New York. Single. Conductor. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, 148 pounds. Brown hair, gray eyes, 
 dark complexion. Eyebrows meet ; high cheek bones. Has an anchor in India ink on 
 back of right hand. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Shortell, although young in the business, is a very clever sneak thief. He was 
 formerly a conductor on one of the New York railroad cars, and first made the 
 acquaintance of the police in New York City on November 20, 1880, when he was 
 arrested for perjury in a seduction case — Murry vs. Cronin — which was being investi- 
 gated in one of the police courts. In this case he was not convicted. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on January 22, 1883, in company of 
 Benton B. Bagley (163) and John T. Sullivan, two other expert sneak thieves, for the 
 larceny of a sealskin dolman, valued at $350, from the Church of the Incarnation, on 
 Madison Avenue, New York City, during a wedding, on December 27, 1882. 
 
 Bagley and Sullivan were discharged on January 30, 1883, and Shortell was sent 
 to the Reformatory at Elmira, New York, by Judge Cowing, on February 5, 1883. 
 
 Shortell was arrested again, under the name of Frank Wilson, in company of 
 Tommy Connors, another New York thief, who gave the name of Thomas Wilson, at 
 Nashville, Tenn., for picking pockets during the race week, in May, 1885. On 
 searching their baggage in their rooms it was found to contain $1,000 in counterfeit 
 $10 United States Treasury notes. They were indicted in the Federal Court, and the 
 charge of picking pockets withdrawn. They were delivered to the United States 
 authorities, tried, and both sentenced to a fine of $100 and five years' imprisonment in 
 Chester (111.) prison on May 26, 1885. 
 
 Shortell's picture is a very good one, taken in January, 1883. 
 
 169 
 JOHN CURTIN, alias REYNOLDS. 
 
 SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Born in the United States. Single. Carver by 
 trade. Stout build. Height, 5 feet 5>^ inches. Weight, 182 pounds. Brown hair. 
 
242 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 gray eyes, dark complexion, dark brown whiskers, bald head. Bracelets In India ink 
 on each wrist ; stars and eagle in ink on left fore-arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Johnny Curtin is one of the most notorious shoplifters and burglars in America. 
 He is known all over America and in several European cities. He is credited with 
 escaping from court-rooms and jails in California, Ohio, Indiana, New Jersey, Philadel- 
 phia, Pa., and Chicago, 111. He is a desperate man, and requires watching. He is a 
 partner of Eddie McGee (167). 
 
 On September 11, 1878, Curtin went into the jewelry establishment of Taylor 
 Brothers, No. 676 Broadway, New York City, and asked to be shown a gold watch and 
 chain. After looking at several watches he left, promising to return at three o'clock in 
 the afternoon and purchase a watch and chain from a clerk named Heiser. He was on 
 hand at three o'clock, when the clerk left him in the store while he went out to get 
 some money changed. Heiser returned in a few minutes, and found Curtin standing in 
 front of the store. He asked him to go inside, but he refused to do so, saying that he 
 had an engagement and could not wait. Shortly after his departure it was discovered 
 that fifteen diamond rings, valued at $747, and $15 worth of razors had been stolen 
 from a table near which Curtin had stood. 
 
 Curtin left New York, and was arrested in Chicago, 111., on October 14, 1878, 
 thirty-three days after, under the name of Cunningham, for the larceny of a diamond 
 ring from one of the jewelry stores. He had on his person when arrested $50 in money 
 and nineteen loose diamonds — four more than were stolen from Taylor Brothers, in 
 New York. 
 
 Curtin made his escape from the Chicago jail on October 26, 1878, twelve days 
 after his arrest, and returned to New York, where he was again arrested on October 
 29, 1878, for the Taylor Brothers robbery. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 
 four years and six months in State prison at Sing Sing, on November 17, 1878, under 
 the name of James Roberts, by Judge Gildersleeve. 
 
 Curtin and Eddie McGee (167) were arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., in June, 1882, 
 and sentenced to eighteen months each in the Eastern Penitentiary for shoplifting. 
 Upon their release from prison on August 14, 1883, they were both arrested at the 
 penitentiary gate and brought to New York City, to answer an indictment charging 
 them with the larceny of $1,200 worth of jewelry from Theodore Starr, a Fifth Avenue, 
 New York, jeweler, in January, 1882. In this case there was no conviction. 
 
 Shortly after their discharge Curtin and McGee went to Europe, where Curtin fell 
 into the hands of the police, and was sentenced to four years in prison in Paris, 
 France, in March, 1884. He, however, succeeded in having his sentence reduced to 
 two years, and obtained his release about April 15, 1886. 
 
 McGee returned to America when Curtin was arrested, and is now (September, 
 1886) in Crow Hill prison, Brooklyn, N. Y. (See his record, No. 167.) 
 
 After Curtin's release in Paris he came to America, and visited his home in Cohoes, 
 N. Y., where he was arrested on suspicion. He was released from Cohoes, and while 
 returning from the Troy jail, where he had been paying his friend Billy Porter a visit, 
 
169 
 
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 171 
 
 
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 J 
 
 ^v:v-.^li^a 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 w 
 
 f 
 
 p' 
 
 :.M^' 
 
 JOHN CURTIN, 
 
 ALIAS REYNOLDS, 
 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK, 
 
 JAMES McMAHON, 
 3URGLAR AND RIVER THIEF. 
 
 THEODORE WILDEY, 
 
 ALIAS THEE WILEY, 
 SNEAK. 
 
 172 
 
 173 
 
 174 
 
 GEORGE LITTLE, 
 
 ALIAS TIP LITTLE, 
 
 SNEAK AND FORGER 
 
 DAVID MOONEY, 
 
 ALIAS LITTLE DAVE, 
 
 SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 WILLIAM WRIGHT, 
 
 ALIAS ROARING BILL, 
 
 GENERAL THIEF 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 243 
 
 he had some difficulty with a policeman on the streets of Troy, N. Y., and was arrested 
 and heavily fined for assault. 
 
 After getting out of this trouble in Troy he returned to Europe, sailing from 
 Boston. He stated to associates in Troy, before sailing, that Porter would be bailed 
 and would join him in Europe, and together with Frank Buck, alias Bucky Taylor (27), 
 who is also in Europe, they would make a tour of the Continent, as they had 
 considerable work laid out for them by Adam Worth, a noted receiver of stolen goods 
 in London, who formerly resided in the United States, and to whom all the American 
 thieves go, on their arrival in London, for points. Worth was formerly a bank burglar 
 in the United States, but has lived in London for a number of years, and is very rich. 
 Curtin said this would enable Porter to make up for losses he had met with in 
 connection with his arrest for the Marks burglary, at Troy, N. Y. Porter, however, 
 found some trouble in giving the large amount of bail asked by the Court for his 
 appearance for trial in October, 1886. He was therefore delayed in leaving this country. 
 Curtin concluded to make expenses while waiting for Porter's arrival, and on June 7, 
 1886, he sauntered into the establishment of the association of diamond merchants. No. 
 6 Grand Hotel Building, Charing Cross, London, and was arrested under the name of 
 John Colton, charged with the larceny of a small package of diamonds, valued at sixty 
 pounds sterling. 
 
 Mr. George W. BuUard, the manager of the store, testified that Curtin, or Colton, 
 as he called himself, entered the store on Monday afternoon, June 7, 1886, and asked 
 to be shown some diamonds. He opened a parcel containing six thousand pounds' 
 worth of loose diamonds. Mr. Bullard's attention was attracted to the window, and in 
 the meantime Curtin secreted a small package of diamonds, valued at sixty pounds, 
 upon his person. His action was witnessed by one of Mr. Bullard's assistants, who 
 immediately gave him information. Curtin attempted to leave the store, but was 
 prevented. He was then observed to slip a parcel on the counter, which upon being 
 examined was found to be the one missing. The door of the store was secured, and a 
 constable was sent for. Curtin was taken to the police station in a cab at his own 
 request. On the way he was seen to tear up some papers. He put one piece in his 
 mouth and swallowed it, and threw the remainder out of the cab window into the 
 roadway, which was picked up, and after being placed together, was found to be a letter 
 dated from New York, addressed to John W. Curtin, Box 126, Cohoes, N. Y. The 
 letter requested the return of a check drawn on a Paris house for 16,000 francs. Curtin 
 was committed for trial, and shortly after he was sentenced to eighteen months' 
 imprisonment at hard labor from the Middlesex Sessions. 
 
 Curtin's picture is a good one, taken in August, 1883, 
 
244 FROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 170 
 JAMES McMAHON. 
 
 BURGLAR AND RIVER THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Born in New York. Single. No trade. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Weight, 163 pounds. Light hair, blue eyes, light 
 complexion, big nose, thick lips. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 McMahon is a well known New York burglar and river thief. He has served a 
 term on Blackwell's Island, and is a desperate man. He is also well known in 
 Philadelphia and other cities. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on May 16, 1880, charged with robbing the 
 schooner Victor, of Prince Edward's Island, while lying at one of the wharves. 
 McMahon was detected in the act of robbing the vessel by the mate, John Williams,, 
 who, while in an attempt to arrest McMahon, was terribly beaten by him. 
 
 McMahon was committed for trial in default of $3,000 bail, by Justice Morgan, on 
 May 15, 1880, indicted on May 18, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to ten years in 
 State prison on May 18, by Recorder Smyth, in the Court of General Sessions, New 
 York City. His sentence expires on September 18, 1886. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in May, 1880. 
 
 171 
 
 THEODORE WILDEY, alias THE. WILEY, 
 alias George Davis, alias George Brewster. 
 
 SNEAK AND GENERAL THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-four years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Printer. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet 11 inches. Weight, 166 pounds. Brown hair, brown eyes, dark 
 complexion, dark brown mustache, high forehead. Two joints off fingers of right hand.. 
 "Josephine," and numbers " 1858," in India ink on left fore-arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " The." Wiley is a clever sneak thief, burglar and pickpocket. He is what might 
 be called a good general thief, as he can turn his hand to almost anything. He is well 
 known in New York and nearly all the principal cities in the United States. He is an 
 old criminal, and has served terms in Sing Sing and other prisons. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 245 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on August 14, 1875, and delivered to the 
 Brooklyn (N. Y.) police authorities, for robbing a safe in Calvin Cline's jewelry store 
 on Fourth Street, that city, of $5,000 worth of diamonds, on August 12, 1875. He 
 was tried in the Kings County Court of Sessions in Brooklyn, on October 6, 1875, 
 convicted, and sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary by Judge Moore, for burglary 
 in the second degree, under the name of George Marsh. He cut off the fingers 
 of his right hand, while confined in the Kings County Penitentiary, so he would not 
 have to work. His sentence expired on April 5, 1882. 
 
 He was arrested again in Syracuse, N. Y., on January 4, 1883, in company of 
 Timothy Oats (136) and William A. Brown, alias " The Student," charged with stealing 
 a tin box containing $250 in money from a saloon there. (See record of No. 136.) 
 Wiley gave the name of George Davis, alias George Marsh, and was tried, convicted, 
 and sentenced to five years in Auburn (N. Y.) State prison, on March i, 1883. His 
 sentence expires October i, 1886. Oats pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years 
 on the same day in this case. Russell also pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to five 
 years in Auburn prison at the same time. 
 
 Wiley's picture is an excellent one, taken in September, 1882. 
 
 172 
 
 WM. H. LITTLE, alias ''TIP LITTLE," 
 
 alias Austin. 
 SNEAK, CONFIDENCE AND FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Born in New York, Married. No trade. Slim 
 build. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Weight, 140 pounds. Dark curly hair, gray eyes, 
 dark complexion. Generally wears a black curly beard. Has a peculiar expression 
 about the eyes. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Tip " Little is an old New York " panel thief," confidence man, sneak thief and 
 forger. He is well known as the husband of Bell Little, alias Lena Swartz, alias Eliza 
 Austin, a notorious pennyweight worker, shoplifter and "bludgeon thief." This team 
 is well known all over the United States. They worked the " panel game " in New 
 York and other cities for years, and their pictures adorn several Rogues' Galleries. Of 
 late they have been working the " bludgeon game " or " injured husband racket " with 
 considerable success, as their victims are generally married men and will stand black- 
 mailing before publicity. 
 
 " Tip " and " Bell " have been arrested in New York City several times, but with 
 the exception of a few short terms in the penitentiary, they have both escaped their 
 just deserts (State prison) many a time. 
 
246 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Little was arrested in New York City on November 28, 1885, in company of a 
 negro accomplice named Isaac Hooper, for attempting to negotiate a check that had 
 been raised from $4 to $896. About one week before the arrest Hooper obtained a 
 check for $4, on the Nassau Bank of New York, from Henry Carson, a grocer, of 
 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, N. Y., by pretending that he wanted to send money to a 
 relative, and that he had only silver dollars. He raised the check himself from $4 to 
 $896, and also made a spurious check for $1,200, on the Nassau Bank of New York, 
 and signed Carson's name to it. With the $1,200 check. Tip Little, on November 25, 
 1885, went to Wm. Wise & Son's jewelry store on Fulton Street, Brooklyn, and select- 
 ing articles worth $400, tendered the check in payment. He was so indignant when it 
 was suggested that it would be nothing more than a common business transaction to 
 ask Mr. Carson if the check was all right, that he snatched it up and left the store. 
 
 Then he planned to swindle Daniel Higgins, a furniture dealer on Eighth Avenue, 
 New York City, with the raised check of $896, which had been certified by the cashier 
 of the Nassau Bank. He visited Mr. Higgins on November 27, 1885, and selected 
 furniture worth $300. Higgins went to the West Side Bank, which was close by his 
 store, and its cashier ascertained by telephone that Mr. Carson repudiated the check. 
 When Mr. Higgins returned to the store, "Tip" had left without his change. 
 
 Hooper (the negro) was tried, convicted, and sentenced to seven years in State 
 prison on January 15, 1886, by Recorder Smyth, in the Court of General Sessions, 
 Part L He had been previously convicted and sentenced to State prison for 
 forgery in Providence, R. L 
 
 " Tip " Little pleaded guilty on January 15, 1886 (the same day), and was sentenced 
 to five years in Sing Sing prison, by Judge Gildersleeve, in the Court of General 
 Sessions, Part H. 
 
 " Little's" picture is a very good one, taken in April, 1879. 
 
 173 
 
 DAVID MOONEY, alias LITTLE DAVE, 
 
 alias Hill, alias Farrell. 
 
 SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-eight years old in 1886. Born in New York. Single. Shoemaker. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 4 inches. Weight, 147 pounds. Dark wavy hair, dark 
 eyes, dark complexion ; dark brown beard, when grown. The lower lip is quite thick 
 and projecting ; high and expansive forehead. A noticeable feature is his eyes, which 
 seem to twinkle behind eyelids almost closed, thus giving him a sharp expression. Has 
 letters " N. E. S.," and figures " 13," and two dots of India ink on left wrist. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 247 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Little Dave" Mooney is a well known New York thief. His specialty is private 
 house work, entering generally by the second story window while the people are down 
 stairs at their meals. He is well known in all the principal cities in the United States, 
 and is considered a very clever " second-story man." 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on August 19, 1874, and delivered to the police 
 authorities of Hunter's Point, Long Island, N. Y., where he was wanted for burglary. 
 He was convicted and sentenced to two years in State prison at Sing Sing, in the 
 Queens County Court of Sessions at Hunter's Point, on October 19, 1874, by Judge 
 Pratt, under the name of John H. Smith. 
 
 He was arrested again in Albany, N. Y., on December 30, 1880, and taken to 
 Boston, Mass., for the murder of his partner in crime, Edmond Lavoiye, alias Frenchy 
 Lavoiye, and Charles E. Marshall, at No. 22 Florence Street, Boston, where they were 
 rooming, on the night of February 12, 1880. He was also charged with breaking and 
 entering the house of - George Norman, in Boston, on the night of February 11, 1880, 
 and stealing therefrom bonds and jewelry valued at $1,500. He was tried in the 
 Supreme Judicial Court of Boston on September 16, 1881, and found guilty of murder 
 in the second degree, and sentenced to Concord prison for life on September 19, 1881. 
 
 The following article clipped from the Boston Herald, of January i, 1880, gives a 
 detailed account of his arrest and statement concerning the murder : 
 
 Manacled Mooney. — Particulars of His Arrest in Greenbush, N. Y. — His Whereabouts Since 
 His Flight from Boston. — He Denies Committing the Lavoiye Murder. 
 
 David Mooney, alias John H. Hill, alias James P. Brady, who was arrested in Greenbush, N. Y., 
 Thursday night, December 30, 1880, on the charge of murdering his pal, Edmund A. Lavoiye, at the house 
 No. 22 (now No. 20) Florence Street, this city, reached here last evening in custody of Inspectors Gerraughty 
 and Mahoney. The murder was committed on the evening of February 12, but was not discovered until 
 several days after, when the body of the victim was found in an advanced state of decomposition by Mr. 
 Orpen, the landlord of the house. 
 
 It appears, according to the Albany authorities, that Mooney has been residing in Greenbush, a 
 suburb of Albany, for some time, being known to his neighbors as " David Farrell." For about four weeks 
 Detecti.ve Riley, of Albany, has suspected him to be the fugitive, but it was not till within a few days that 
 he became confident that Farrell was really Mooney. The detective Thursday evening went to Greenbush 
 about nine o'clock, and, after waiting quietly in a beer saloon on Broadway, smoking a cigar, he soon had 
 the satisfaction of seeing the man he was in search of come in with a tin pail, for the purpose of getting 
 beer. He had no sooner set the pail on the counter than Riley approached him, and stated that he was 
 wanted in Albany to give some information about a diamond pin that had been stolen. Detective Brennan 
 was in company with Riley, and together they brought Mooney across the river and took him to the chief's 
 office, where it was found that he corresponded in every particular to the description contained in the 
 circular, thus leaving no doubt of his being the right party. He was then committed to jail by Chief 
 Malloy. 
 
 In answer to questions put to him, Mooney stated that he had been living in Greenbush for the past 
 three months, and had also stopped at Newburg, Hudson, and other river towns, and admitted having been 
 in Boston quite frequently in his lifetime. On going up to the jail he said to Riley, who had previously told 
 him what he was arrested for : "Young fellow, the parties that gave you the 'tip' gave it to you straight." 
 The chief telegraphed to Supt. Adams, informing him of the arrest, and soon afterwards officers went to ' 
 Albany. During the night Mooney maintained a sullen disposition, but early yesterday morning exhibited 
 an inclination to be defiant. He told one detective (Dewire) that he would not be taken to Boston alive, 
 
248 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 and said it in such a way that the detective became suspicious that he might attempt to make good his 
 tlireat. The officer searched him, and found, carefully concealed in his clothing, it is claimed, a piece of 
 steel wire, some four inches long, filed down to a sharp point at one end. Mooney felt quite chagrined, but 
 repeated his threat. He was carefully looked over, and all the marks contained in the description given of 
 him in the Boston Herald at the time of the murder were found on him. 
 
 At one o'clock p. m.. Detectives Gerraughty and Mahoney, of Boston, with Mr. Henry Orpen, at whose 
 house the murder was committed, on Florence Street, arrived here. They presented their papers to Chief 
 Malloy, who pronounced them in proper form and all right. Detectives Riley and Brennan at once 
 proceeded to the jail, and soon after brought Mooney to police headquarters. The prisoner's appearance 
 was in sad contrast to that which marked him while in the " Hub." He was dressed in rough and ill-fitting 
 garments, in place of the broadcloth in which he was wont to appear while mingling in society in Boston. 
 He wore a plush jockey cap, and, with his short and newly-grown bushy whiskers, looked more like a 
 recently-arrived Canadian than the American he has been described. On being introduced to the Boston 
 officers his face changed to an ashy hue, but he said nothing until placed directly before Mr. Orpen, \yho, 
 without hesitation, said : " That is the man who was at my house with the murdered Lavoiye." Mr. Orpen, 
 continuing, said : "Well, Hill, you look somewhat changed since I saw you last. Don't you know me ? " 
 
 Mooney — " Oh, yes ; I know you. I don't deny that I was there. It's kind of hard. Well, I am 
 somewhat changed, but not altogether so good-looking." 
 
 Mr. Orpen — "Well, it's many a dollar your doings at my house has cost me." 
 
 Mooney — " Well, I am sorry for it ; but I suppose you will, or ought to, get your share of the reward." 
 
 Mooney soon after was questioned by Detective Gerraughty as to his threat that he would not be 
 taken to Boston alive, whereupon the prisoner remarked he would give his word of honor that he would go 
 to Boston peaceably and without trouble. The officers, with their man, left for Boston on the 2:30 train, 
 and arrived here at 9:45 last evening. 
 
 During the evening a Herald reporter had an extended interview with Mooney. At first he declined 
 positively to say anything bearing on the subject of the murder of Lavoiye or the robbery of Mr. George 
 H. Norman's house, until he could have an opportunity of consulting counsel, but he finally yielded to 
 persuasive pressure, and said : 
 
 "Why, one would think from the manner I was arrested at Greenbush that I was some sort of a wild 
 animal. Those officers of Albany are a hard lot. After I left Boston I visited several places, but most of 
 the time I spent at Greenbush, where I boarded and roomed nearly the whole time. It is an easy thing to 
 try a man on circumstantial evidence, especially before he is brought before a proper jury, and I feel certain 
 that at the proper time my claim of innocence of the crime with which I am now charged will be satisfac- 
 torily established. I can conscientiously say that I am not guilty of the murder of Lavoiye ; neither do I 
 know anything about the robbery of Mr. Norman's house. I do not, however, claim to have a fair or 
 unblemished character, and, more than that, I do not claim to have always been honest. To make such 
 claims would be foolish under the circumstances in which I am now placed. 
 
 " It is hardly necessary for me to go into the details of what my professional calling has been. It is 
 enough to say that it is not altogether complimentary to myself ; but yet I can truthfully say that I have 
 never committed murder, neither have I garroted a person or broken into a house. I am now thirty years 
 of age, and I am sorry to say that my education has been sadly neglected. I was born in New York City, 
 and during the war my father kept a hotel on the Hudson River. He died ten years ago. My mother, a 
 brother and sister are of good character and above reproach. I am grieved at the sorrow I have caused 
 them. I suppose I may attribute my misfortunes to the company I kept in my youth. I have for a long 
 time been well acquainted with Boston, and was here off and on several months before the murder of 
 Lavoiye. I never knew him by that name, however, but was always under the impression his name was 
 Charles E. Marshall, and I called him Charley. I met him during a visit here, and went to lodge with him, 
 but not with any desire to be connected with him in the busmess he followed. He was a quiet and very 
 peaceable man, and always kept his business to himself, as I did mine. While at the house I never had any 
 , trouble with any one, and always paid my bills and treated everybody decently. I sometimes drank a glass 
 of lager and occasionally a glass of whiskey, but never indulged in strong liquors to excess. I was seldom 
 with my companion when he was out of the house, and never saw anything about him or the room that 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 249 
 
 would indicate his calling. I did not know that he carried a revolver, and did not know anything about the 
 robbery of Mr. Norman's house, on Beacon Street, until the day after it is said to have been committed, 
 when I read it in the Boston Herald. Marshall, I suppose, also saw a report of the robbery — although he 
 did not tell me of it — as he was in the habit of reading the daily papers. 
 
 " I remember something I read about calling on Mr. Orpen relative to the key of my room. It 
 happened that Marshall was out, and had the key of the room with him, on the day it was said I left. Mr. 
 Orpen said he would get a key, and I finally said, ' No matter,' and later on met Marshall and got his key. 
 I did not leave Mr. Orpen's house on the day after the Norman robbery, but went away some days 
 afterwards, and when I last saw Marshall he was alive and well. The day I left him I told him I was going 
 away to be absent some time, but would return. I went to New York. While there I saw in a paper an 
 account of Marshall's murder. I was astounded, and could hardly believe it, and read the report over, and 
 over again. I soon realized my position, felt almost bewildered, and went to get the opinion of some of my 
 intimate friends, to see what was best for me to do. My first impulse was to surrender myself to the 
 authorities of Boston. My friends urged me to wait, as they said a certain cop or other party was going to 
 Boston to see if he could identify Marshall. I concluded to wait, and after the identification was established 
 again proposed to give myself up and stand trial. On second reflection I concluded that on account of the 
 excited state of the community, it would be best for me to wait until the heat of the people had time to cool 
 off. I argued that if I went among strangers without money I would stand a poor chance of getting justice; 
 so I concluded to keep out of the way, with the intention of waiting until I got together sufficient money to 
 employ able counsel ; but this wish I have never been able to realize, although I have managed to live 
 comfortably. I soon left New York, and came up in the vicinity of Greenbush, a very retired place. I 
 secured board and lodging in a very respectable family, which never until now suspected my calling. One 
 night, shortly after my arrival at my new abode, I was in a saloon on South Pearl Street, Albany, when two 
 naen, representing themselves as Boston detectives, came into the place. One of these men was quite drunk, 
 and loudly proclaimed he had come to Albany to get Mooney and the reward offered for his arrest. I stood 
 facing him, and as he spoke he exhibited before my astonished gaze a copy of my photograph, which has 
 been spread broadcast throughout the country. Although startled I tried to keep cool, and left the place 
 without any delay, without exciting any suspicion. I went to several places from time to time, but continued to 
 hold my residence in Greenbush. In the latter place, soon after my arrival, I learned that a woman had been 
 attracted by a certain resemblance between me and a cut of myself in the Police Gazette. She made allusion 
 to it, but hearing nothing further from her, I came to the conclusion that she had forgotten all about the 
 matter. During last summer I went once or twice to Springfield, where I had friends interested in horses, 
 and was not discovered, or ' given away.' I felt at times that I would not be discovered, because my brother, 
 since Marshall's death, has twice been mistaken for me by officers. I felt, however, that at some time or 
 another I must surely stand my trial. For weeks I have anticipated arrest. Several times I again thought 
 of surrendering myself, but the old fear — lack of money to supply desirable counsel — would always come up, 
 and I would give up the idea. I am now glad, however, that I am arrested, and that I will be tried, as the 
 agony I have suffered has been terrible; not because of any crime I have committed, but simply because 
 the charge of murder was constantly hanging over my head. All I ask now is a fair trial, and I am willing 
 to abide by whatever may be the result. I understand one suspicious circumstance counted against me is 
 the fact that I stood with the door of my room ajar while the little girl of Mr. Orpen came up to deliver 
 towels on the day the murder was committed. The inference I draw is that I was supposed to have kept 
 the little girl out so that she could not see anything that had occurred within. This is a very funny 
 circumstance if it is to be considered as evidence, considering that both Marshall and myself commonly 
 stood in the doorway in the same way when either of us was lying on the bed and did not want to be seen. 
 Then it is hinted that I wrote the slip which was found in the room with the body, and signed ' Charles E. 
 Marshall.' I can hardly read, let alone writing. The letter which was sent to Miss Annie Sullivan, the 
 young girl who worked in a restaurant on Harrison Avenue, and who resided in South Boston, was written 
 by Marshall for me. He signed the name ' John H. Hill,' and the letter was purely in fun. That is how I 
 suppose, I have got the alias of ' Hill.' I never heard myself called James H. Brady until the police of 
 Boston sent out their circulars for the purpose of effecting my arrest. I suppose I will find myself possessed 
 of other aliases before I get through with Boston. Now, in relation to the Sullivan girl, I always considered 
 
2 50 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 her a good young lady. I never courted her, or proposed marriage to her. My relations to her were like 
 those of a person charitably inclined. I have never been troubled about women, and I never have intrusted 
 any of my secrets with them. I do suspect, however, that the woman who thought she saw a similarity 
 between my face and the police photograph was the woman who finally caused my arrest by apprising 
 Detective Riley of her suspicions. When the detectives appeared in the beer saloon in Greenbush I 
 supposed they were a crowd of railroad men who had dropped in to pass away a few hours. The first I 
 knew, I was pounced upon by five of them, and although I called for an explanation, they hustled me off in 
 a hurry towards Albany. They carried me to the ferry, and then only did they condescend to tell me a 
 falsehood when they said I was wanted in the city for the larceny of a diamond pin. When I reached 
 headquarters I was shown my photograph, and of course at once surmised the real object of my arrest. In 
 regard to my friend Marshall, I wish to say that while I was with him in Boston he frequently had other 
 men call at the house, 22 Florence Street, to see him. I knew them by sight, and probably could recall 
 some of the places they were in the habit of visiting. I knew them by their given names simply; they came 
 frequently, at all hours, and it is possible that some one of them might have murdered Marshall. I know 
 of one instance, when I came home from the ' road ' one morning, that I found a man asleep with Marshall. 
 Another circumstance which has been held up to sustain the supposition that I committed murder is that 
 the gold watch owned by the murdered man was missing when the body was found. Now I know that in 
 January, prior to the murder, Marshall pawned his watch in Providence, because he told me he did. I asked 
 him why he did not borrow from me, but he said he had rather pawn the watch. I had plenty of ready 
 money at the time. I also know that Marshall had a large account in some bank in one of the Eastern 
 cities, but he never told me which city. I am willing to bet that bank account is still standing, but I suppose 
 it will be hard to find it, as it cannot be ascertained under what name he made the deposits. I think 
 Marshall had considerable money, but cannot say how much. While living on Florence Street he frequently 
 made trips to New York, but for what purpose I cannot say. I was acquainted with a man named Glover 
 in New York, and I suppose Marshall also knew him. I never had any dealings with the man. I never 
 saw anything about Marshall to indicate that he was mixed up with the Norman robbery, and I do not 
 know anything about the bonds said to have been stolen at the time. I never saw any crucibles about the 
 room for melting jewelry ; neither did I, to my recollection, hire a hack on Kneeland Street, in which I was 
 said to have dropped a diamond ring which was claimed to have been stolen from the house of Mr. Norman. 
 I did not get shaved on the day I left Boston ; I had nothing I wished to shave off. It is very funny how 
 stories get started. Time will show my innocence of the charges against me, and all I ask is that the press 
 and the people will give me a fair chance." 
 
 After arriving at the central office in Boston, Mooney was, after a short delay, placed in a cell in the 
 basement of the City Hall, in charge of an officer. He appeared quite fatigued, and soon after reaching 
 his cell fell into a sound slumber. He will be committed to jail to-day, to await trial. 
 
 The following article also appeared in one of the New York papers : 
 
 A Murderer's Confession. — Why One Burglar Killed Another. — A Woman and Diamonds 
 
 THE Cause. 
 
 {Special Dispatch to the New York Evening Telegram?) 
 
 Boston, September 27, 1881. — Mooney, the New York burglar, recently sentenced to imprisonment 
 for life for kiUing his confederate, Lavoiye, has confessed his guilt. A quarrel arose, it appears, about a 
 pair of diamond earrings. Mooney discovered that Lavoiye had given them to a woman, and Lavoiye denied 
 the fact. Mooney, who had obtained them from the woman, then drew them from his pocket. Lavoiye 
 became angered, and attempted to draw his pistol, when Mooney shot him. The earrings were stolen 
 property, and Mooney feared they might serve as a clew. 
 
 Mooney's picture is an excellent one, taken in January, 1881. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 251 
 
 174 
 WILLIAM WRIGHT, alias ROARING BILL. 
 
 GENERAL THIEF. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-three years old in 1886. Born in United States. Single. No trade. Slim 
 build. Height, 5 feet 4^ inches. Weight, 130 pounds. Brown hair, turning gray; 
 gray eyes, sallow complexion. Generally wears a mustache, which is quite gray. Scars 
 on right eyebrow, under lower lip, and on chin. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Roaring Bill" is an old New York thief. He has spent the best portion of his 
 life in State prisons and penitentiaries, and is well known in all the principal cities in 
 America. He is a general thief, can turn his hand to almost anything, and is considered 
 a very clever man. He is credited with having served four years for an express-train 
 robbery in Colorado ; also, with robbing an Adams Express Co. money-car, out West, 
 of $15,000. 
 
 Bill was arrested in Providence, R. I., and sentenced to four years in the Rhode 
 Island State prison on March 21, 1881, for the larceny of a valise containing a sealskin 
 sack and several other things from a railroad train between New York and Providence. 
 His sentence expired on October 25, 1884. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on August 10, 1885, and committed to 
 Blackwell's Island for three months, in default of $500 bail, as a suspicious person, by 
 Justice Murray. 
 
 Wright's picture is a good one, taken in August, 1885. 
 
 175 
 WILLIAM PERRY, alias BILLY PERRY, 
 
 alias Wilson^ alias Graham. 
 
 PICKPOCKET, SNEAK AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-seven years old in 1886. Born in Virginia. Married. No trade. Slim 
 build. Height, 5 feet 41^ inches. Weight, 115 pounds. Light hair, gray eyes, light 
 complexion. Generally has a clean-shaven face. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Billy Perry is one of the most expert and successful professional thieves in 
 America. He has been traveling around the country for years, generally working with 
 a woman. He is well known in all the large cities, and is considered a first-class man. 
 
252 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Perry was arrested, and sentenced to three years in State prison, in Richmond, Va., 
 in 1871, for picking pockets. He served two years in Sing Sing prison since. 
 
 On June i, 1882, Eldridge G. Rideout, a publisher on Barclay Street, New York, 
 was robbed of his gold watch at the South Ferry, New York. Perry was arrested, and 
 recognized as the thief. 
 
 Soon after his release on bail in this case he was arrested again, for robbing a man 
 of a gold watch on one of the Coney Island boats. When Perry was brought to court 
 in New York City he was discharged, because the crime with which he was charged 
 had been committed out of the jurisdiction of the court. 
 
 When Perry's case, for stealing of Mr. Rideout's watch, was set down for trial in 
 the Court of General Sessions he had disappeared, and his bail was forfeited. He was 
 re-arrested, bailed again, and when the case was set down again for trial the pickpocket 
 could not be found. 
 
 Nothing was heard of him until the arrival of the survivors of the Greely Arctic 
 expedition at Newburyport, Mass., on August 13, 1884, when he was arrested there, 
 with a number of other professional thieves. Before the New York officers could reach 
 Newburyport, Perry had been handed over to the Portsmouth (N. H.) authorities for 
 a theft which he had committed there a few weeks before. On that charge he was 
 sentenced to one year's imprisonment in the Portsmouth jail on August 27, 1884. 
 Perry's sentence expired on August 27, 1885, when he was arrested, at the jail door, 
 brought to New York City, committed to the Tombs prison on August 30, 1885, and 
 subsequently discharged again on bail. 
 
 Perry's picture is an excellent one, taken in August, 1884. 
 
 176 
 MARK SHINBURN. 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-eight years old in 1886. Born in Germany. Height, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches. 
 Weight, about 170 pounds. Very erect, broad shoulders, thick neck, broad full face; 
 small, sharp, light blue eyes ; a very deep dimple in a small chin ; dark hair, parted 
 behind. Generally wears a black mustache and side whiskers, now quite gray. Has 
 India ink rings on the first and third fingers of left hand. Speaks at times with just a 
 perceptible German accent. Dresses well. Quite gentlemanly in manner. Always 
 stops at first-class hotels. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Mark Shinburn. This celebrated criminal is a German by birth. He arrived in 
 New York in 1861, and boarded at the Metropolitan and other first-class hotels for 
 several years. He was the associate of sporting men and gamblers, in consequence of 
 which he was under the surveillance of the police. 
 
175 
 
 176 
 
 177 
 
 WILLIAM PERRY, 
 
 ALIAS BILLY PERRY. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SNEAK, 
 
 MARK SHIN BORN, 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 HENRY CLINE, 
 
 ALIAS WESTON, 
 
 SNEAK. 
 
 178 
 
 179 
 
 rso 
 
 JOSEPH COLON, 
 
 ALIAS RYAN, 
 
 HOUSE BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
 ROBERT HOI/AN, 
 
 ALIAS MUNROE and PARKER, 
 
 HOUSE SNEAK AND BURGLAR. 
 
 WILLIAM DARRIGAN, 
 
 ALIAS BILLY DERRIGAN, 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 253 
 
 On April 21, 1865, the Walpole Savings Bank of Walpole, New Hampshire, was 
 robbed by Shinburn, George Bliss, alias White, and Dave Cummings (50). 
 
 Shinburn was arrested in Saratoga, N. Y., on July 26, 1865, and seven one- 
 thousand dollar bonds were found upon his person, all of which were identified as a 
 portion of the proceeds of that robbery. He had also in his possession a number of 
 clipped coupons from off other government bonds, which were also part of the proceeds 
 of that robbery. For this offense he was convicted at Keene, N. H., and sentenced to 
 ten years at hard labor in the Concord, N. H., State prison, by Judge Porter. 
 
 On the night after the day of his conviction (November 2, 1865), he, by the aid of 
 confederates, effected his escape, and was not heard of again until May, 1 866, when he, 
 with others, attempted to rob the St. Albans Bank, at St. Albans, Franklin County, 
 Vt. They were surprised by the watchman of the bank, who fired upon them. They 
 all escaped, Shinburn taking refuge in a car of a slowly passing train of the Vermont 
 Central Railroad, in which he pretended to fall asleep. 
 
 One of the passengers who had been a juryman on his trial at Keene, N. H., 
 recognized him, and suspecting something wrong called an officer, on stopping at the 
 first station, and he was arrested. He was subsequently returned to the New Hamp- 
 shire State prison to serve out his ten-year sentence. 
 
 After serving about nine months he again escaped, with the aid of his friends, and 
 was not heard from again until 1867, when he was arrested at Wilkesbarre, Pa, for the 
 robbery of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Hudson Canal Company's safe of $33,000. 
 An officer arrested him for this last offense, and was obliged to remain in 
 Wilkesbarre that night owing to the trains not running. A room was engaged at the 
 Valley Hotel, Wilkesbarre, and on their retiring to bed the prisoner was handcuffed to 
 the officer, who, on awakening in the morning, discovered his prisoner had escaped 
 by picking the lock of the cuffs with a small piece of steel which it is supposed he had 
 concealed in his mouth. He also carried away with him the officer's watch and money. 
 
 The next heard from Shinburn was after the robbery of the Ocean National Bank 
 of New York City, in 1868, when he and his confederates secured over one million of 
 dollars, since which time he has been a fugitive from justice, and, I understand, has 
 been living in France and Switzerland, where he bought himself a title and castle. 
 
 Shinburn, if cleanly shaven, has a deep dimple in his chin. He speaks English 
 fluently, and is a most polished conversationalist. He might be called a good-looking 
 
 man. 
 
 When arrested at Saratoga, N. Y., for the Walpole Savings Bank robbery, his 
 house was searched, and on the top floor was found a complete workshop for the 
 manufacture of burglars' tools. A number of wax impressions of keys were found, 
 which, upon investigation, proved to be of keys fitting the Cheshire County Bank at 
 Keene, N. H., and also fitting its vaults and steel money chests, which contained at 
 that time $232,000 in money. 
 
 Mark Shinburn's specialty was the taking of wax impressions of bank and safe 
 keys, which he obtained by ascertaining that the bank officials carried them, and then 
 effecting an entrance to their sleeping-room at night, and abstracting them from their 
 pockets. 
 
254 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 George White, alias Bliss, was associated with Shinburn in all the above transac- 
 tions. He was convicted in September, 1875, and sentenced to fourteen years in State 
 prison for robbing the Barre Bank of Vermont. 
 
 White, while arranging to rob the Walpole Bank, to give color to his appear- 
 ance in Walpole, and also to assist the robbery, got up a grand gift enterprise there, and 
 while doing this he ascertained the habits of the bank people, and gave Shinburn an 
 opportunity to get impressions. The jury disagreed on this trial for this robbery, and 
 with the aid of confederates he escaped from the county jail. 
 
 Dave Cummings (50), who was with Shinburn and White in this robbery, was dis- 
 charged for want of jurisdiction, as it could not be proved that he sold any of the bonds 
 in the State of New Hampshire. He did sell some in New York and Pennsylvania. 
 
 Shinburn was next heard from in attempting to dispose of the proceeds of a bank 
 robbery at Baltimore, Md., in the office of a prominent lawyer in New York City. The 
 go-between in this transaction was a noted receiver of stolen goods in New York City, 
 who negotiated with this lawyer to purchase the bonds; the lawyer made an appoint- 
 ment, and then notified the police. 
 
 Shinburn not willing to trust the receiver with the bonds, accompanied him to the 
 lawyer's office, where the police arrested them both and secured the recovery of 
 $137,000 in bonds. The prisoners were wanted in Baltimore, and being willing to go 
 there without a requisition, were handed over to the Baltimore detectives. When they 
 arrived in Jersey City their counsel demanded the authority on which they took them 
 through the State of New Jersey, and they not having any, the prisoners were 
 discharged. 
 
 During the month of November, 1863, a number of $500 bills of the Haverhill 
 Bank were circulated in the city of Boston, Mass., for which Charley Bullard was 
 arrested in New York City, and by requisition he was conveyed to Boston, where, upon 
 an examination, he was held in $5,000 bail to answer, and on being liberated fled from 
 justice and concealed himself in some of our Western cities. 
 
 In 1866 or 1867, a baggage car of the New Haven Railroad Company was entered 
 and a safe thrown off at a point between New York and Bridgeport, Conn., which con- 
 tained a large amount of money, the property of Adams Express Company of New 
 York City. For this offense Bullard was arrested in Canada, brought to this country, 
 and lodged in jail at White Plains, N. Y., from which, in a few months, he escaped, 
 and left for Europe, landing at Liverpool, England, where he married a pretty 
 "bar-maid," with whom he went to Paris, and was next heard of as the proprietor of 
 the American cafe in Paris, a place much frequented by Americans abroad. 
 
 Here he became dissipated and impoverished, and again returned to this country, 
 where he was arrested charged with robbing the Boylston Bank of Boston, Mass., to 
 which he pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment. 
 
 He remained in Concord, Mass., State prison about one year, when he again made 
 his escape to Canada, and while at Toronto, Canada, was arrested for burglary, and 
 upon conviction sentenced to five years' hard labor, which sentence he served. On his 
 being released he left for Europe, fell in with Shinburn, and was arrested with him 
 leaving the yard of a small bank in Viveres, in Belgium, in September, 1883. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. i!55 
 
 The arrest of Shinburn and Bullard in Belgium is very interesting. It appears 
 that Shinburn became straitened in circumstances and was very short of money. He 
 therefore took a look around for a good place to get some, and finally decided that the 
 Provincial Bank at Viveres, in Belgium, was an easy one to rob. The next thing to 
 do was to get a good man to help him. He finally hunted up Charley Bullard, who 
 was then in Europe, and told him he had a chance to get some money, and if he 
 (Bullard) would help him, he would give him $6,000 if the job was successful, Shinburn 
 firmly believing that if he was successful in robbing the bank he would obtain at least 
 $100,000. So hungry was Shinburn for the money, that he would not take Bullard in 
 the robbery and share it with him. After all their arrangements were made, they both 
 visited the bank one night, "to look it over." They approached it from the rear, 
 entering the yard by fitting a key to the gate, after which their progress was barred by 
 an old-fashioned oak and iron door, which had an immense lock on it on the inside. 
 Shinburn proceeded to remove a large keyhole plate that was upon the outside of the 
 door, by unscrewing a number of small screws that were in it ; these he placed in his 
 vest pocket, so he could find them again when wanted. After the plate was removed 
 there was not much difficulty in picking the old-fashioned lock. Before entering the 
 bank they both removed their shoes and placed them in the corner of the yard, then 
 entered and made a general survey of the premises, after which they decided to return 
 the next night and proceed to force the safe. 
 
 While they were engaged inside the bank, an officer appeared whose custom it was 
 to come down the back way and try the gate, which, in their hurry, they had neglected 
 to fasten. Finding it open, he flashed his bull's-eye light around the yard and discov- 
 ered the shoes. He picked them up, and after examining them, became suspicious, and 
 started at once for the police station with them. During the time that the officer had 
 taken to go to the police station and return with a posse of men, who stationed them- 
 selves outside the bank, front and rear, to await developments, Shinburn and Bullard 
 had left the bank and were in the act of replacing the keyhole plate, previous to their 
 departure, when it was discovered that one of the small screws was missing. After 
 searching in vain for it, Shinburn finally took a small piece of wax from a larger piece 
 that he had in his pocket, and filled the hole with it, forming a head on it by drawing 
 his finger-nail through it. They then proceeded to leave the yard, first going to where 
 they had left their shoes, which were missing. This aroused their suspicions, and 
 thinking that they were detected, approached the gate cautiously. Shinburn tried it 
 and found it open, and it was not until Bullard had assured him that he had forgotten 
 to fasten it, that they decided to leave the yard. 
 
 Immediately after leaving the yard they were arrested. Bullard broke away, and 
 while the officers were pursuing him he fired several shots at them from a revolver. 
 He was finally run down, and lodged in jail with Shinburn. They were both searched, 
 but nothing of importance was found upon them, except the piece of wax that Shinburn 
 had in his vest pocket. This, however, they paid no particular attention to, as it was 
 evident that they did not know its use. 
 
 The authorities then proceeded to make a thorough examination of the bank, and 
 found everything as usual. They were about discharging the prisoners, who had satis- 
 
256 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 factorily explained their presence in the bank yard, when they decided to call in some 
 experts and re-examine the bank and its surroundings. One of the experts, a chemist, 
 took the piece of wax for the purpose of examining and analyzing it, and while so doing 
 he found deeply imbedded in it a small screw. They then proceeded to the bank, in 
 company of the other expert, a locksmith, who examined the door in the yard, and found 
 one of the screw holes filled up with wax and the screw missing. The wax that was 
 taken from the hole was saved, analyzed, and found to contain the same ingredients as 
 the piece found in Shinburn's pocket. The screw was a fac-simile of the others in the 
 plate, all of which showed recent marks upon them. It was this series of circumstantial 
 evidence, and their previous record, sent to Viveres, Belgium, by the police authorities 
 of New York City, that convicted them. 
 
 Shinburn and Bullard were tried for the attempt upon this bank and found guilty. 
 Shinburn received a sentence of seventeen years and six months, and Bullard sixteen 
 years and six months. 
 
 For further particulars of Shinburn, see also record of No. 70. For George 
 White, or Bliss, see also records of Nos. 20, 70, 80, 89 and 1 10. For Dave Cummings, 
 see No. 50. 
 
 177 
 
 HENRY CLINE, alias WESTON, 
 
 alias Klein. 
 BURGLAR, SNEAK AND COUNTERFEITER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-one years old in 1886. German, born in the United States. Married. 
 Machinist. Medium build. Height, 5 feet 9 inches. Weight, 148 pounds. Black 
 hair, brown eyes, dark complexion. Has a scar on his forehead ; mole under the right 
 eye. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Cline is one of the most expert house and office sneaks there is in this country. 
 He generally works with another man, who enters the room or office under pretense of 
 selling something, thereby occupying the attention of whoever may be there, while 
 Cline sneaks in and gets what he can. He is an expert machinist. One of the finest 
 set of " house-workers' " tools that was ever captured was taken from him at the time 
 of his arrest on April 24, 1885. He claimed to have made them while confined in 
 prison. 
 
 Cline has served several terms in the penitentiary of New York City. He was 
 sentenced to three months on January 11, 1876, for petty larceny, in New York City, 
 and again in May, 1879, for six months. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 257 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on July 6, 1885, under the name of 
 Henry Weston, in company of a girl named Kitty Wilson, charged with counterfeiting 
 United States silver coins. The United States officers searched the rooms occupied 
 by them, and found twenty-five sets of plaster moulds, such as are used in making 
 counterfeit coins, batteries, chemical solutions, and a number of spurious coins, among 
 which were two hundred bogus United States standard dollars. They were rather 
 poor imitations of the genuine, and could be readily detected. 
 
 Kitty Wilson, who is about twenty-five years of age, is of German descent, and is 
 well known as one of the women who frequent the disreputable resorts in the vicinity 
 of the Bowery, and Bleecker and Great Jones streets, New York. She formerly lived 
 with a man named Wilson, and took his name. She met Cline a short time before 
 their arrest, and went to live with him at No. 44 First Avenue, New York, and began 
 the coining of counterfeit silver pieces in their apartments on the third floor. Weston 
 and Kitty were committed to jail, in default of $5,000 bail, by United States Commis- 
 sioner Shields, on July 7, 1885. Weston, or Cline, was sentenced to three years in 
 State prison at Buffalo, N. Y., by Judge Benedict, in the United States Court in New 
 York City, on October 28, 1885. Kitty Wilson was discharged. 
 
 Cline's picture is an excellent one, taken in May, 1879. 
 
 178 
 
 JOSEPH COLON, alias JOHNSON, 
 alias Joseph Rogers. 
 
 PICKPOCKET, SNEAK, HOUSE BURGLAR AND SLEEPING-CAR 
 
 WORKER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-nine years old in 1886. Born in New York. Single. No trade. Slim 
 build. Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, 138 pounds. Brown hair, brown eyes, nose 
 flat and turns up at the end, sandy complexion ; sandy mustache or beard, when grown. 
 Has scar on side of head ; mole on the left cheek. A woman's head on right fore-arm, 
 and a star on the right hand in India ink. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Joe Colon is a very clever sneak thief and house man. He may be found around 
 boat regattas, fairs, etc., and sometimes works with a woman. Of late he has been 
 doing considerable house work. He travels all over and has been quite successful, as 
 he drops into a town or city, does his work, and takes the next train out of it. 
 
 Colon first made the acquaintance of the New York police on October 23, 1877, 
 when he was arrested at the Grand Central Railroad depot, on the arrival of a Boston 
 train, for having in his possession a vest, watch and chain belonging to Elliot Sanford, 
 
258 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 a broker, in New York, which he had stolen from a sleeping-car. Mr. Sanford, after 
 getting his property back, refused to go to court, and Colon was discharged, after his 
 picture was taken for the Rogues' Gallery. 
 
 Colon was arrested at Troy, N. Y., on August 20, 1884, under the name of Joseph 
 Rogers, for the larceny of a gold watch and chain, the property of George L. French, 
 from a locker in the Laureate Club boat-house during a regatta. He was convicted 
 under Section 508 of the New York Penal Code, and sentenced to one year in the 
 Albany, N. Y., penitentiary, and fined $500, on Saturday, August 30, 1884. He was, 
 however, discharged before his time expired. 
 
 He was arrested again in Boston, Mass., on November 11, 1885. Tools for doing 
 house work, consisting of a palet-knife for opening windows, a screwdriver, soft black 
 hat, rubber shoes, and a one-inch wood-chisel for opening drawers, etc., were found in a 
 satchel he was carrying. His picture was taken, and he was discharged, as no complaint 
 could be obtained against him. 
 
 Colon's picture is a good one, taken on November 11, 1885. 
 
 179 
 
 ROBERT HOVAN, alias ROBERT M UN ROE, 
 
 alias Henry Parker, alias Paul Harrington, 
 alias Charles H. Adams. 
 
 BURGLAR AND HOUSE SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-four years old in 1886. Born in the United States. Married. Produce 
 dealer. Medium build. Height, 5 feet 95^ inches. Weight, 160 pounds. Hair, light 
 brown. Hazel eyes, fair complexion. Generally wears a full, sandy beard. Has an 
 anchor on the right fore-arm, a star on the left fore-arm, and five dots of India ink on 
 right hand. Inclined to be feminine in his actions. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Bob Hovan is a very clever house sneak and burglar. He is a brother of Horace 
 Hovan, alias Little Horace (25), the bank sneak; also, a brother-in-law of Bill Vosburg 
 (4), another notorious bank sneak. Hovan is pretty well known in all the principal 
 cities in America. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City, on June 18, 1880, for a house robbery, and 
 sentenced to one year In the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, by Judge Cowing, on 
 June 28, 1880, under the name of Charles H. Adams. 
 
 In December, 1882, Hovan, or Harrington, as he then called himself, was arrested 
 by the police in Brooklyn, N. Y. He had no difficulty in securing his release upon 
 bail, which, when the case was called for trial and Harrington did not appear, proved 
 
FROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 259 
 
 valueless. A warrant was issued, and detectives Corr and Looney, of Brooklyn, came 
 to New York, and located Harrington at No. 1225 First Avenue, where he was living 
 with a Mrs. Adams, or Charlotte Dougherty, Horace Hovan's wife. The detectives, 
 soon after dark, on the night of February 17, 1883, stationed themselves in an 
 opposite door-way, and patiently watched. They had not long to wait, and in the 
 twilight they could see a man entering the house who in build and general appearance 
 resembled Harrington. He, however, did not wear a full beard like that usually worn 
 by the burglar, but had his chin cleanly shaven, and had a mustache and small side- 
 whiskers. They waited for him to come out, and after half an hour's watch the man 
 they suspected came ou.t of the house. Corr and Looney came to the conclusion that 
 it was Harrington. They followed him to the corner of Sixty-fifth Street, where he 
 caught sight of them, and apparently it flashed across him who his pursuers were. He 
 quickened his pace, and the two detectives did likewise. Near the corner of Second 
 Avenue, Corr said to Looney, "That's our man ; let us close in on him." They moved 
 forward rapidly, and as they did so Harrington made a feint as if to ascend the stairs 
 leading to the Elevated Railroad station. The detectives and the fugitive at that time 
 were the only people in sight. Looney was about six feet in advance of his companion, 
 and when he came within two or three paces of the fugitive there was a flash and a 
 report from a weapon which Harrington held in his outstretched hand. With the 
 report Looney fell prostrate into the gutter, shot in the neck. With the flash Corr 
 whipped out his weapon, and as he brought it to bear on the burglar the fellow fired a 
 second shot, which missed the officer. Corr returned the fire, and discharged two shots 
 from his revolver. As he was about to fire a third shot he received a bullet from 
 another chamber of the burglar's pistol, which passed through his cheek and buried 
 itself in his neck. Before the officers could recover from the shock of their wounds 
 Harrington had made good his escape. 
 
 Hovan was arrested again on March 18, 1883 — a little over a month after he shot 
 Looney and Corr — in the east end of Allegheny City, Pa., for robbing a safe in a feed 
 store. He was shortly after sentenced to three years in the Western Penitentiary, at 
 Allegheny City, under the name of Henry Parker. His time expired on November 28, 
 1885, when he was re-arrested on a requisition by New York officers and returned to New 
 York City, to answer an indictment for assault in the first degree. His case went to 
 trial in the Court of General Sessions, but Judge Cowing allowed Hovan, during the 
 progress of the trial, to plead guilty to one of the indictments. He was remanded until 
 December 10, 1885, and in the time intervening several church people interceded for 
 him, and Judge Cowing sentenced him to five years' imprisonment in Sing Sing prison 
 — this being his fourth term served in that prison. 
 
 Hovan's sentence will expire on July 10, i88g, allowing him commutation. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in June, 1880. 
 
26o PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 180 
 
 WILLIAM DARRIGAN, alias BILLY DERRIGAN, 
 
 alias Wilson, alias Drake. 
 
 PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-eight years old in 1886. Born in New York. Married. No trade. Stout 
 build. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Weight, 150 pounds. Dark hair, brown eyes, dark 
 complexion. A short, thick-set, saucy fellow. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Billy, or Hugh, Darrigan is a well known New York pickpocket. He was an 
 associate of Jersey Jimmie (145), Combo (148), Shinny McGuire (155), Freddie 
 Louther (161), and Johnny Price (150). He has spent the best portion of his life in 
 State prisons and penitentiaries all over the United States. Some years ago he was 
 considered a very clever man, but he cannot be relied upon now on account of his love 
 for liquor. The "clever" ones shun him, as he is what is termed a "marker" — one 
 known by everybody. He is very well known in all the large cities, also in Canada. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on February 21, 1872, for picking pockets, and 
 sentenced to four years in Sing Sing prison, under the name of Hugh Derrigan, by 
 Recorder Hackett, on March 4, 1872. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on the night of October 20, 1880, for the 
 larceny of a gold watch and chain from John H. Ford, in Tammany Hall. He pleaded 
 guilty, and was sentenced to one year and six months in Sing Sing prison, under the 
 name of William Davis, by Judge Cowing, in the Court of General Sessions, on 
 November 10, 1880. 
 
 His picture is a good one. 
 
 181 
 
 PETER LAMB, alias DUTCH PETE, 
 alias Hall, alias Peter Hart, alias John Willett, alias 
 
 Henry Minor, alias Miller. 
 SHOPLIFTER AND BURGLAR. 
 
 description. 
 
 Forty-six years old in 1886. German, born in United States. Married. An 
 auctioneer. Stout build. Height, 5 feet 10^ inches. Weight, 210 pounds. Brown 
 hair, brown eyes, light complexion. Generally wears a light brown mustache. 
 
181 
 
 182 
 
 183 
 
 PETER LAMB, 
 
 ALIAS DUTCH PETE, 
 
 SHOP LIFTER. 
 
 FRANK LOEDITHAL, 
 
 ALIAS SHEENY ERWIN, 
 
 SHOP LIFTER. 
 
 WILLIAM SCOTT, 
 
 ALIAS SCOTTY, 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOP LIFTER. 
 
 184 
 
 185 
 
 186 
 
 RUDOLPH LEWIS, 
 
 ALIAS YOUNG RUDOLPH, 
 
 SHOP LIFTER. 
 
 GEORGE LEVY, 
 
 ALIAS LEE, 
 
 SHOP LIFTER. 
 
 WM. DOUGHERTY, 
 
 ALIAS BIG DOCK, 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SNEAK. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 261 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Dutch Pete," or Peter Rinehart, which is his right name, is a very clever 
 shoplifter and burglar. He is well known in New York, Boston, Chicago, and several 
 of the other large cities. He has served three terms in Sing Sing prison, N. Y. 
 
 Pete was arrested in New York City on December 4, 1879, i'^ company of John 
 Cass, alias Big Cass, another notorious burglar, charged with committing a burglary at 
 No. 329 Canal Street, New York, a Russia leather establishment. He was also charged 
 with another burglary, committed at No. 73 Grand Street, New York City, where the 
 burglars carried away $2,000 worth of silks. For the latter offense he was sentenced 
 to three years in Sing Sing prison, on December 18, 1879, ^y Judge Cowing, in the 
 Court of General Sessions. 
 
 Lamb was arrested again in New York City, in December, 1882, for the larceny of 
 some penknives (a sneak job) from a safe in a store on Broadway, near Duane Street, 
 New York. For this he was sentenced to four years in Sing Sing prison (his third 
 term), for grand larceny in the second degree, on January 3, 1883, by Judge Gilder- 
 sleeve, under the name of John Willet. His sentence expired on January 3, 1886. 
 
 Lamb's picture is a good one, taken in April, 1879. 
 
 182 
 
 FRANK LOWENTHAL, alias SHEENY IRVING, 
 
 alias August W. Erwin. 
 SHOPLIFTER AND RECEIVER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-two years old in 1886. Jew, born in United States. Married. Telegraph 
 operator and jewelry dealer. Slim build. Height, 5 feet 3 inches. Weight, 121 
 pounds. Brown hair, hazel eyes, dark complexion. Jewish appearance. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Frank Lowenthal, alias "Sheeny Irving," is a noted shoplifter and receiver of 
 stolen goods. He shot his wife, Delia, and then himself, in the AUman House, in East 
 Tenth Street, New York City, on July 15, 1885. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on September 28, 1882, for the larceny of some 
 opera glasses from a jewelry store in Maiden Lane, New York. Julius Klein, alias 
 "Sheeny" Julius (191), another notorious young thief, was arrested with him for the 
 same offense, but was not held. Erwin, however, was committed in $500 bail for trial, 
 which he furnished. His case had not come to trial up to the time of his arrest for 
 assaulting his wife. 
 
 Erwin is a man of good education, and speaks German fluently. He says that he 
 was born in Cincinnati of wealthy parents, who sent him to Germany to be educated. 
 
262 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 After spending two years at the high school at Magdeburg, he entered the University 
 of Heidelberg as a student of the natural sciences, and graduated with the degree of 
 B. A. After his return to the United States he was connected with a St. Louis news- 
 paper ; he afterwards came to New York, and commenced his criminal career. Erwin 
 was prompted to shoot his wife by rum and unhappy domestic experience. She was 
 going to Europe with her father, who was anxious to separate them when he found out 
 that Erwin was a thief. Mrs. Erwin recovered from her wounds, and Erwin pleaded 
 guilty to assault in the second degree, and was sentenced to five years in State prison 
 and fined $i,ooo, by Recorder Smyth, in the Court of General Sessions, New York 
 City, on September 21, 1885. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in September, 1882. 
 
 183 
 
 WILLIAM SCOTT, alias SCOTTY, 
 
 alias Wm. Clark, alias Kirby. 
 
 SHOPLIFTER AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-six years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. Marble-cutter. 
 Stout build. Height, 5 feet 6^ inches. Weight, 183 pounds. Black hair, brown 
 eyes, light complexion. Generally wears a dark brown mustache. Short nose, with 
 scar on it. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Scotty" is an old professional pickpocket and shoplifter. He is well known in 
 New York and all the principal cities in the United States. His picture adorns several 
 Rogues' Galleries. He has served two terms in State prison in New York State, and 
 three in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, N. Y. He pays considerable attention 
 to funerals and fairs, and sometimes works with a very clever woman. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City for shoplifting, and sentenced to two years and 
 six months in Sing Sing prison, on April 17, 1879, ^7 J"^g^ Cowing, in the Court of 
 General Sessions, New York City. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City for picking pockets, pleaded guilty to 
 grand larceny, and was sentenced to four years in State prison at Sing Sing, N. Y., on 
 July 12, 1882. 
 
 His sentence expired on July 12, 1885. 
 
 Scott's picture is an excellent one, taken in May, 1878. 
 
PROFESSIOlSrAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 263 
 
 184 
 
 RUDOLPH LEWIS, alias YOUNG RUDOLPH, 
 
 alias Rudolph Miller. 
 
 SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-one years old in 1886. German, born in the United States. Single. No 
 trade. Slim build. Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, 130 pounds. Brown hair, hazel 
 eyes, sallow complexion. Three dots of India ink on inside of left fore-arm. Large 
 ears. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Young Rudolph is, perhaps, one of the smartest young thieves in America. He 
 has just started out, and from his career so far he is calculated to develop into a first- 
 class man. He is pretty well known in all the Eastern cities, especially in New York 
 and Boston, where his picture is in the Rogues' Gallery. He is an associate of Frank 
 Watson, alias Big Patsey, Little Eddie Kelly, Jack McCormack, alias Big Mack, and 
 Charles Lewis, all notorious east side. New York, thieves. 
 
 Lewis was arrested in New York City on September 22, 1883, charged with stealing 
 a piece of silk, valued at $100, from the store of Lewis Brothers, No. 86 Worth Street, 
 New York. He forfeited his bail and went to Boston, Mass., where he was arrested for 
 shoplifting, and sentenced to eighteen months in the House of Correction, on November 
 19, 1883, under the name of Rudolph Miller. His time expired in Boston on April 25, 
 1885, when he was re-arrested on a requisition, and brought back to New York, to 
 answer for the larceny of the piece of silk. 
 
 Lewis pleaded guilty in the silk case, and was sentenced to two years in Sing Sing 
 prison, on April 3, 1885, by Judge Cowing. His sentence will expire on December 30, 
 1886. 
 
 Young Rudolph's picture is a good one, taken in September, 1883. 
 
 185 
 GEORGE LEVY, alias LEE. 
 
 SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-six years old in 1886. Jew, born in Poland. Single. No legitimate trade. 
 Slim build. Height, 5 feet 105^ inches. Weight, 135 pounds. Brown hair, hazel 
 eyes, dark complexion, mole on right cheek. Three Indik ink marks on left arm. 
 Generally wears brown mustache and chin whisker. 
 
264 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Levy is a smart sheeny shoplifter and sneak thief, who has been traveling through 
 the Eastern cities for years. He is as liable to sneak into a bank as into a store. He 
 is considered quite clever, and is pretty well known in all the Eastern cities, especially 
 in New York, where he has served time in State prison at Sing Sing, and in the 
 penitentiary on Blackwell's Island. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on June 7, 1882, for the larceny of $24 worth 
 of Japanese articles from the store of Charles W. Fuller, No. 15 East Nineteenth Street. 
 He was tried in the Court of Special Sessions, in the Tombs building, on June 12, 
 1882, and discharged by Justice Murray, who was ignorant of his character. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City again on September 9, 1885, in the fur store of 
 Solomon Kutner, No. 492 Broome Street. Mrs. Kutner noticed that a light overcoat 
 that he carried over his arm was much larger than when he entered. She shut the door, 
 and stood before it. Finding himself locked in, he threw the bundle to the floor, seized 
 the woman, and pushed her to one side. He found that he had been foiled again, as 
 she had taken the key out of the door after locking it. Mrs. Kutner shouted, and her 
 son and husband held Levy until an ofificer arrived and arrested him. The property he 
 attempted to steal consisted of a sealskin sacque, valued at $170; two pairs of beaver 
 gloves, and a roll of satin lining. Levy pleaded guilty in this case, and was sentenced 
 to three years in State prison at Sing Sing, on September 21, 1885, by Judge Cowing, 
 in the Court of General Sessions, New York. 
 
 Levy's picture is a good one, although he tried to avoid it. It was taken in June, 
 1882. 
 
 186 
 
 WILLIAM DOUGHERTY, alias BIG DOCK, 
 
 alias William Gleason. 
 SNEAK AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty years old in 1886. Born in New York. Married. No trade. Stout build. 
 Height, 5 feet 11 inches. Weight, about 180 pounds. Dark brown hair, dark eyes, 
 dark complexion. Generally wears a brown mustache. Hair worn long and inclined 
 to curl. He is a tall, fine-looking man. Dresses well. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 " Big Dock " is an old Eighth Ward New York pickpocket and sneak thief. He 
 is well known in a number of the principal cities in the United States and Canada, and 
 is an escaped prisoner from Sing Sing prison, New York. There is a standing reward 
 of fifty dollars for any officer in the United States who arrests and holds him until the 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 265 
 
 prison authorities can come for him. He is a big, desperate fellow, and requires 
 watching before and after arrest. 
 
 Dougherty has served terms in Sing Sing prison (New York), and in the peniten- 
 tiary on Blackwell's Island; also, in Canada. He is an associate of "Curly" Charley, 
 " Big Dick" Morris (141), "Jimmy the Kid" (143), Freddie Louther (161), "Aleck the 
 Milkman" (160), and several other first-class pickpockets. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on October 7, 1875, for grand larceny and 
 felonious assault. Mr. Joseph Wolf and his wife got on board of a Third Avenue car 
 in Park Row, intending to go up-town. Before the car had proceeded far, his watch 
 was torn from his pocket by Dougherty, who then jumped off the platform and ran 
 away. Mr. Wolf gave chase to the fugitive, and overtook him in Nassau Street. The 
 thief struck him a blow in the face, and continued his flight, still pursued by Mr. Wolf. 
 The latter again overtook the runaway, in Theatre Alley, when Dougherty turned upon 
 him, knocked him down, and while he was lying upon the ground fired a shot at him 
 from a revolver. When Mr. Wolf came to his senses the thief was out of sight. An 
 officer who was in the vicinity heard the shot, and arrived on the scene in time to pursue 
 the culprit, whom he captured. 
 
 Dougherty was tried, found guilty, and sentenced, on November 11, 1875, to ten 
 years in State prison for the larceny, and five years for the assault, making fifteen years 
 in all, by Recorder Hackett. He gave the name of William Gleason. "Big Dock" 
 escaped from Sing Sing prison on January 30, 1876, and is now wanted by the prison 
 authorities. The white affair on his breast is a pocket-handkerchief which he placed 
 there to hide a bloody shirt when his picture was taken. 
 
 Dougherty's picture is a good one, although taken fifteen years ago. 
 
 187 
 
 EMANUEL MARKS, alias MINNIE MARKS, 
 alias The Red-headed Jew. 
 
 BANK SNEAK, CONFIDENCE MAN AND SKIN GAMBLER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-four years old in 1886. Jew, born in Illinois. Married. No trade. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 10 inches. Weight, about 160 pounds. Florid com- 
 plexion, bushy brown hair, almost sandy. He is a little stooped shouldered. Blue 
 eyes that have a bold, searching look. Walks with a very slouchy gait. He is a good 
 talker, and rattles away at a furious rate. Speaks good English, German and Hebrew. 
 Used to dress well, but getting careless of late. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Minnie Marks, alias The Red-headed Jew, is a Chicago thief, and is well known 
 in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Baltimore, and New York. He received considerable 
 
266 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 notoriety when arrested In New York City, on October 21, 1881, and was delivered to 
 the poHce authorities of Detroit, Mich., charged with robbing the First National Bank 
 of that city of $2,080. It was a sneak robbery, which was done by four men, with a 
 light wagon, on June 22, 1881. 
 
 In Chicago, where Marks is well known, he is not considered a very smart thief,, 
 although other people who know him say he is a good man. He works with men 
 like Rufe Minor (i), Mollie Matches (11), Johnny Jourdan (83), Georgie Carson (3), 
 Big Rice (12), Billy Burke (162), Paddy Guerin, and other celebrated thieves. 
 
 Marks's picture is in the Rogues' Gallery at New York, Chicago and Detroit. He 
 is said to have been with Jourdan, Minor, Carson and Horace Hovan in the Middle- 
 town Bank robbery in July, 1880. He is also said to have been one of the men who, in 
 April, 1 88 1, attempted to rob the bank at Cohoes, N. Y. 
 
 Marks succeeded in making his escape from the jail in Detroit, Mich., on March 
 12, 1882, with twelve other prisoners, and has never been recaptured. Since that time 
 he has served two years in St. Vincent De Paul prison in Montreal, Canada. The 
 latest accounts say that he is now employed as a porter in a first-class hotel in Montreal, 
 Canada. 
 
 Marks's picture is a very good one, taken in Detroit, Mich. 
 
 188 
 
 CHARLES BENNET, alias CHARLEY BENNETT, 
 
 alias Agnell, alias Bentley. 
 
 SNEAK, BURGLAR AND WINDOW SMASHER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-seven years old in 1886. Height, 5 feet 7 inches. Weight, 145 pounds. 
 Dark complexion. Had cast in one eye, which was operated upon, and is hardly 
 noticeable now. Very genteel-looking. Good talker and writer. Dark brown hair. 
 Generally wears a full dark beard, or mustache and whiskers, as in picture. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Bennett is a very daring thief. He was an* old partner of Fairy McGuire (78) 
 and Sleepy Gus, and traveled through the country with them smashing in windows 
 and robbing them. He is an expert burglar, and is well known in all the large cities, 
 especially Philadelphia and New York. 
 
 Bennett was arrested in Middletown, Conn., on December 5, 1878, with a lot of 
 burglars' tools in his possession. He was tried and sentenced to two years in State 
 prison, by Judge Morton, on the same day of his arrest. He has served terms in 
 Sing Sing and the Eastern Penitentiary in Philadelphia since. This man, of late years, 
 is not relied upon much by the fraternity, on account of his fondness for liquor. 
 
 Bennett's picture is an excellent one, taken in December, 1878. 
 
187 
 
 188 
 
 189 
 
 EMANUEL MARKS, 
 
 ALIAS MINNIE MARKS AND THE 
 RED-HEADED JEW, 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 CHARLEY BENNETT, 
 BURGLAR AND WINDOW SMASHER. 
 
 HERMAN PALMER, 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 190 
 
 HENRY HOFFMAN, 
 
 ALIAS MEYERS, 
 
 RECEIVER. 
 
 JULIUS KLEIN, 
 
 ALIAS YOUNG JULIUS, 
 
 SNEAK AND SHOP LIFTER. 
 
 JOHN CARROLL, 
 
 ALIAS KID CARROLL, 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 267 
 
 189 
 HERMAN PALMER, alias DUTCH HERMAN. 
 
 BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-nine years old in 1886. German, born in New York. Single. Shoemaker 
 and carpenter. Stout build. Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, 167 pounds. Light • 
 hair, small gray eyes, light complexion, thick lips. German appearance. Hair inclined 
 to be curly. A good, stout lump of a man. Has plenty of nerve. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Herman Palmer is a brother of August Palmer (63), both of whom are well 
 known in all the Eastern cities, especially in Philadelphia and New York, where they 
 made a specialty of blowing open pawnbrokers' safes. They are both expert safe 
 burglars, and have a quick and noiseless method of opening a safe in a very short time. 
 Herman has served terms previously in Sing Sing prison and on Blackwell's Island, N. Y. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on February 17, 1881, charged with robbing a 
 safe in Meyer's pawnshop, at No. 528 Second Avenue, on the night of April 30, 1880, of 
 $6,000 worth of watches and jewelry. His brother August was arrested in this case, 
 tried, convicted, and sentenced to five years in State prison at Sing Sing, N, Y., on 
 June 28, 1880. Herman was discharged in this case, as there was no evidence against 
 him. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on July 19, 1884, charged with burglar- 
 izing a hardware store at No. loii Third Avenue, on July 17, where he obtained $800 
 worth of silverware. For this he was convicted of receiving stolen goods, and was. 
 sentenced to four years in Sing Sing prison on August 12, 1884. 
 
 Ferdinand H. Hoefner, who had bought $200 worth of the stolen property from 
 Herman, and who was used as a witness against him on the trial, was assaulted and 
 terribly beaten by August Palmer, Herman's brother. For this August was sentenced 
 to three years in State prison, for assault in the third degree, on September 19, 1884, 
 
 Herman's sentence will expire on August 12, 1887. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in February, 1881. 
 
 190 
 HENRY HOFFMAN, alias MEYERS, 
 
 alias James, alias May, alias Tanner, alias Francis. 
 GENERAL THIEF AND RECEIVER OF STOLEN GOODS. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-two years old in 1886. Jew, born in United States. Married. No trade. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 8J^ inches. Weight, 154 pounds. Black hair, dark 
 
268 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 eyes, dark complexion. Generally wears a black mustache. Big nose. Parts his hair 
 in the middle. Has a Jewish appearance. Has " H. H." near wrist on right arm. 
 Scar on left cheek. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Hoffman, which is his right name, is a well known New York thief and receiver, 
 and has been arrested from time to time in almost every city in the United States. He 
 has served two terms in State prison for burglary, and is a man well worth knowing. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City on October 14, 1882, in company of Frank 
 Watson, alias Big Patsey, and Julius Klein (191), and delivered to the police authorities 
 of Boston, Mass. Hoffman, Watson and Klein were arraigned in court in Boston, Mass., 
 on November 24, 1882, and pleaded guilty to breaking and entering the store of Mr. 
 Thomas, No. 35 Avon Street, that city, and carrying away velvet and cloth valued at 
 $1,000. 
 
 Hoffman and Watson were sentenced to three years each in Concord prison. 
 Their sentence expired on July 3, 1885. Klein was sentenced to two years in the House 
 of Correction at South Boston. His sentence expired on October 2, 1884. 
 
 During the months of October and November, 1885, two express wagons and their 
 contents were stolen in Boston, Mass. The wagons were recovered, but their contents, 
 valued at $4,000, were only partly recovered. Shortly after the robbery two notorious 
 wagon thieves, named Stephen Dowd and WiUiam W. Alesbury, were arrested in 
 Boston for the offenses. In Dowd's pocket was found the directions of Hoffman's 
 house in New York City. Hoffman was arrested in New York, and part of the stolen 
 property found in his possession. He was taken to Boston on December 15, 1885, and 
 used as a witness against Dowd and Alesbury, who were convicted and sentenced to 
 four years each in the Charlestown State prison. Alesbury has previously served a 
 •three years' sentence in the same prison for a similar offense. 
 
 Hoffman was arrested again in Baltimore on May 7, 1886, under the name of 
 Henry Stiner, charged with burglary. He pleaded guilty on June 3, 1886, and was 
 sentenced to five years in State prison. 
 
 His picture is an excellent one, taken in May, 1886. 
 
 191 
 
 JULIUS KLEIN, alias YOUNG JULIUS, 
 
 alias Samuel Frank. 
 SNEAK, SHOPLIFTER AND PICKPOCKET. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-four years old in 1886. Born in Germany. Single. Furrier by trade. 
 Slim build. Height, 5 feet 7^ inches. Weight, 122 pounds. Brown hair, hazel eyes, 
 light complexion. Strong bushy hair. Has a mole on his left arm. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 269 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Young' Julius is a very smart young sneak thief and shoplifter. He is well 
 known in a number of the Eastern cities, especially in New York and Boston, where 
 he has served terms in State prison. He is a sneak thief well worth knowing. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City in June, 1882, for the larceny of a gold watch 
 from a passenger on a Long Branch boat. He obtained $1,000 bail and was released. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City in October, 1882, for the larceny of $100 
 from a lady while she was admiring the bonnets displayed in a Sixth Avenue window. 
 Although morally convinced that Klein was the party who robbed her, the lady 
 refused to make a complaint against him and he was discharged. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City on October 14, 1882, in company of 
 Henry Hoffman (190) and Frank Watson, alias Big Patsey, two other notorious New 
 York sneaks and shoplifters, charged with robbing the store of W. A. Thomas & Co., 
 dealers in tailors' trimmings, No. 35 Avon Street, Boston, Mass., of property valued at 
 $3,500. All three of them were delivered to the Boston police authorities, taken there, 
 tried and convicted. Hoffman and Watson were sentenced to three years in Concord 
 prison, on November 24, 1882, and Klein to two years in the House of Correction. 
 
 Julius was arrested again in New York City on November 27, 1885, in company 
 of Frank Watson, alias Big Patsey, charged with (shoplifting) the larceny of some 
 velvet and braid, valued at $60, from the store of A. C. Cammant, No. 173 William 
 Street. Both pleaded guilty and were sentenced to one year in the penitentiary on 
 Blackwell's Island, New York, on December 17, 1885, in the Court of General Sessions. 
 
 Klein's sentence will expire on December 16, 1886. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in April, 1882. 
 
 192 
 
 JOHN CARROLL, alias THE KID, 
 
 alias Barnes. 
 
 BANK SNEAK. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Twenty-three years old in 1886. Born in New York. Single. No trade. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet 3^ inches. Weight, 115 pounds. Brown hair, blue eyes, straight 
 nose, slim face, light complexion. Has India ink spot on left arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Young Carroll is a first-class bank sneak. He traveled through the country with 
 Charles J. Everhardt, alias Marsh Market Jake (30), working the banks. Carroll was 
 known as " Marsh Market Jake's Kid." A number of people claim that this is the boy 
 
2 70 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 that used to work with Rufe Minor, alias Pine (i). Such is not the case, as Jake 
 brought this boy out and left him behind him in Baltimore. He is not the first man 
 that Jake left behind. 
 
 Jake and " The Kid " entered the Citizens' Bank in Baltimore, Md., on October 
 22, 1885, and did what is called a " turn trick." A citizen, named Jeremiah Townsend, 
 had drawn some money and was in the act of counting it, when Carroll, who gave the 
 name of James F. Barnes, called his attention to some bills on the floor. While Mr. 
 Townsend was in the act of picking up the money from the floor, Carroll snatched 
 $525 of the money from the desk. He was not quick enough, however, as Mr. 
 Townsend caught him and held him until he was arrested. Jake, as usual, made good 
 his escape. 
 
 Carroll, alias Barnes, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years and six months 
 in the Maryland penitentiary, at Baltimore, on October 24, 1885. 
 
 See Commutation Laws of Maryland for expiration of sentence. 
 
 Carroll's picture is an excellent one, taken in October, 1885. 
 
 193 
 GEORGE BELL, alias WILLIAMS. 
 
 PICKPOCKET, SNEAK AND FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty years old in 1886. Born in United States. Single. No trade. A well- 
 built man. Height, 5 feet 115^ mches. Weight, 180 pounds. Brown hair, hazel eyes, 
 light complexion. Vaccination mark on right arm. Small scar on right arm, above the 
 wrist. Scar on right temple, over the eye. He is generally clean-shaven, and affects a 
 staid and religious air during his operations. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 George Bell is as good a general thief as there is in this country. He is well 
 known in most of the principal cities in the United States and Europe, having operated 
 with Charles O. Brockway, alias Vanderpool (14), the celebrated forger, on both sides 
 of the water, and was considered one of Brockway's cleverest men. Bell has traveled 
 considerably, but claims New York City as his home. He has been a professional thief, 
 forger and manipulator of forged paper for years. 
 
 He was arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., on March 25, 1876, and sentenced to one 
 year in Cherry Hill prison. Shortly after his discharge he was arrested again, in 
 Philadelphia, for a " pennyweight " robbery, and sentenced to eighteen months in the 
 Philadelphia County prison. Early in 1880 Bell went to Europe with Al. Wilson, 
 Cleary and others, for the purpose of flooding the Continent with forged circular notes. 
 The scheme, which was managed by George Wilkes, Engle and Becker, proved a failure, 
 and they returned to America. 
 
193 
 
 194 
 
 195 
 
 GEORGE BELL, 
 PICKPOCKET, SNEAK, AND FORGER. 
 
 CHARLES WOODWARD, 
 
 ALIAS THE DIAMOND SWALLOWER, 
 
 SNEAK AND PENNY WEIGHT. 
 
 JOSEPH RICKERMAN, 
 
 ALIAS NIGGER BAKER, 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND BURGLAR. 
 
 196 
 
 197 
 
 198 
 
 WILLIAM HAGUE, 
 
 ALIAS CURLEY HARRIS, 
 
 BURGLAR AND SNEAK. 
 
 WALTER PRICE, 
 
 ALIAS HENRY LEWIS, 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOP LIFTER. 
 
 JOHN PETTINGILL, 
 BURGLAR AND FORGER. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 271 
 
 Bell, Charles Farren, alias the " Big Duke," and Henry Cleary, were arrested in 
 New York City on July 27, 1880, charged with having defrauded the Merchants' 
 National Bank and the Third National Bank of Baltimore, Md., to the amount of 
 $12,000, by forged checks, on July 16 and 17, 1880. 
 
 Farren was discharged for want of evidence. 
 
 Cleary was claimed by the Albany (N. Y.) police authorities, and delivered to 
 them, to answer a charge of forgery (a check for $490), for which he was tried, 
 convicted, and sentenced to two years and six months in Dannemora prison, New York 
 State, in November, 1880. 
 
 Bell was delayed in New York City, by habeas corpus proceedings, until August 
 1880, when he was delivered to Deputy Marshal Prey, of Baltimore, Md., and taken 
 to that city by him. He was tried in Baltimore on November 30, 1880. The trial 
 lasted until December i, when the jury disagreed. He was tried again on December 
 16 and 17, 1880, with the same result. The venue was changed, and he was again tried, 
 in an adjoining county. This trial resulted in a conviction, and he was sentenced to 
 ten years in State prison on July 9, 1881. 
 
 Bell's sentence will expire on October 9, 1889. (See records of No. 37 and George 
 Wilkes.) 
 
 When Henry Cleary's sentence expired in the Albany (N. Y.) case he was arrested 
 at Clinton prison, Dannemora, N. Y., and taken to Baltimore, Md., where he pleaded 
 guilty to forgery, and was sentenced to the Maryland penitentiary for five years on 
 January 17, 1883, by Judge Phelps, of Baltimore, Md. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in 1876. 
 
 194 
 
 CHARLES WOODWARD, alias WILLIAMS, 
 alias The Diamond Swallower, alias Hoyt, alias C. B. 
 
 Anderson, alias Henderson, 
 
 SNEAK AND PENNYWEIGHT. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-five years old in 1886. Jew, born in America. Married. No trade. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 8^ inches. Weight, about 150 pounds. Dark hair, 
 turning gray ; dark eyes, dark complexion. Generally wears a black mustache. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Woodward, alias Williams, is one of the most notorious sneak thieves and 
 shoplifters there is in America. He is known all over the United States and Canada 
 as the " Palmer House Robber." This thief was arrested in New York some years ago 
 
2 72 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 for the larceny of a diamond from a jewelry store. When detected he had the stone in 
 his mouth, and swallowed it. He has served terms in State prison in New York, 
 Pennsylvania, Illinois and Canada, and is considered a very smart thief. 
 
 He was arrested in Chicago, 111., and sentenced to one year in Joliet prison on 
 January 31, 1879, for the larceny of a trunk containing $15,000 worth of jewelry 
 samples from a salesman in the Palmer House. The jewelry was recovered. 
 
 Another well known sneak thief was also arrested in this case, and sentenced to 
 five years in Joliet prison on February i, 1879. Since then, it is claimed, he has 
 reformed, and I therefore omit his name. 
 
 Woodward, alias Williams, was arrested again in Philadelphia, on April 16, 1880, 
 in company of William Hillburn, alias Marsh Market Jake (38), and Billy Morgan (72), 
 for the larceny of $2,200 in bank bills from a man named Henry Ruddy. The trio 
 were tried, convicted and sentenced to eighteen months in the Eastern Penitentiary on 
 April 26, 1880. 
 
 Woodward was arrested again at Rochester, N. Y., under the name of Charles B. 
 Anderson, alias Charles B. Henderson, and sentenced on September 18, 1883, to two 
 years in the Monroe County (N. Y.) Penitentiary, for grand larceny in the second 
 degree ; tried again the same day, convicted, and sentenced on another complaint of 
 grand larceny in the second degree to two years more, making four years in all, by 
 Judge Rouley, Judge of Monroe County, N. Y. 
 
 His sentence will expire, allowing him full commutation, on September 18, 1886. 
 
 His picture is a fair one, taken in April, 1880. 
 
 195 
 JOE RICKERMAN, alias NIGGER BAKER. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Thirty-nine years old in 1886. Born in New York. Single. No trade. Medium 
 build. Height, 5 feet 6^ inches. Weight, 145 pounds. Black hair, hazel eyes, dark 
 complexion. Generally wears a black mustache. Two vaccination marks on right 
 arm. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Joe Rickerman, alias "Nigger" Baker, so called on account of his very dark 
 complexion, is a well known New York burglar and pickpocket. He is an associate of 
 Will Kennedy, Joe Gorman (146), Big Jim Casey (91), "Poodle" Murphy (134), 
 "Pretty" Jimmie (143), Jimmy Scraggins, and other well known New York thieves and 
 pickpockets. He is pretty well known in all the Eastern cities, especially in Philadelphia 
 and New York, where his picture is in the Rogues' Gallery. He has served terms in 
 prison in Philadelphia (Pa.), Sing Sing (N. Y.), and in the penitentiary on Blackwell's 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 273 
 
 Island, and is considered a very handy man with a set of tools. Of late years Joe has 
 been traveling through the country, " stalling " for a gang of pickpockets. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City and sentenced to three years and six months 
 in Sing Sing prison for burglary, on September 15, 1881. 
 
 His sentence expired on July 15, 1884. 
 
 Rickerman's picture is a good one, taken in November, 1878. 
 
 196 
 
 WILLIAM HAGUE, alias CURLY HARRIS, 
 
 alias James Martin. 
 
 BURGLAR, HOTEL SNEAK AND MURDERER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 
 Forty-three years old in 1886. Jew, born in United States. Married. No trade. 
 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 5^ inches. Weight, about 140 pounds. Looks like, 
 
 and is, a Jew. Dark eyes, black curly hair, dark complexion. Generally wears a black 
 
 mustache. Four dots of India ink on left arm. Has a vaccination mark and mole on 
 
 right arm above the elbow. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Curly" Harris is one of the most desperate thieves and ruffians in America. 
 He is well known in all the large cities in the United States, especially in Philadelphia, 
 where he makes his home. 
 
 Harris, with " Brummagen Bill" and James Elliott, two other notorious Philadelphia 
 thieves, robbed Hughy Dougherty, the minstrel performer, in a saloon on Ninth Street, 
 above Jayne, in Philadelphia, some years ago. The thieves subsequently, in passing 
 the corner of Sixth and Market streets, were accosted by Officer Murphy, whereupon 
 Harris deliberately drew his revolver and fired. The ball, fortunately for the officer, 
 struck the buckle of his belt, which saved his life. " Brummagen Bill " and Elliott were 
 arrested and convicted, and sentenced respectively to eleven and sixteen years' impris- 
 onment in the Eastern Penitentiary. Harris escaped, but was afterwards arrested in 
 Pittsburg, Pa. The authorities of Philadelphia chartered a special car, and traveled 
 westward after the fugitive criminal. While returning, Harris, with his hands still 
 manacled, escaped from his captors, and although the train was traveling at the rate of 
 forty miles an hour, he jumped from the rear platform of a car, and a diligent search 
 failed to reveal his whereabouts. 
 
 Nothing was heard of "Curly" for some years, and this was owing to the fact that 
 he had been arrested and convicted in the northern part of the State of New York for 
 a hotel robbery, and sentenced to six years in State prison. 
 
2 74 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 After his release he boldly went back to Philadelphia, and was arrested there for 
 robbing the American Hotel. He was acquitted, however, and when the old charge 
 against him for the Dougherty affair was spoken of, it was found that the minstrel 
 performer and the officer could not be found to prosecute him. 
 
 Harris was arrested again in New York City on May 6, 1880, and delivered to the 
 police authorities of Philadelphia, charged with the murder of James Reilly, alias John 
 Davis, another hotel thief. The murder was committed on August 25, 1879. Reilly 
 resided with his wife on Orange Street, Philadelphia. Upon the day mentioned he 
 was picked up bleeding in front of a saloon at Eighth and Sansom streets. On 
 September 13, 1879, the wounded man died from a fracture of the skull. From facts 
 subsequently gathered it appears that Harris met Reilly and asked him for some 
 money, and the latter replied that he had none. He was then told to go to his wife 
 and obtain some, which he abruptly declined to do. Harris, in his usual cowardly 
 manner, drew a revolver, aimed it directly at his partner in crime and pulled the trigger. 
 The cartridge did not explode, and the desperado then pushed the barrel of his pistol 
 with so much force into one of Reilly's eyes as to fracture his skull and cause his death. 
 Harris was tried and convicted in June, 1880, and sentenced to ten years in State prison 
 on July 3, 1880, by Judge Yerkers, in Philadelphia. His sentence will expire on June 
 3, 1888. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in 1876. 
 
 197 
 
 WALTER PRICE, alias HENRY, 
 alias Lewis, alias Gregory. 
 
 PICKPOCKET AND SHOPLIFTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-seven years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. No trade. 
 Stout build. Height, 5 feet 8 1^ inches. Weight, 180 pounds. Sandy hair, gray eyes, 
 light complexion. Sometimes wears a light beard ; generally shaved clean. Quite a 
 clerical-looking old fellow. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Price is no doubt one of the most expert old pickpockets and shoplifters in America. 
 He is known from Maine to California, and has served terms in prison in almost every 
 State in the Union. This man generally works with a smart woman, doing the 
 "stalling" for her ; he, however, is quite handy himself, and does considerable work 
 alone. 
 
 He was arrested in New York City, in company of one George Williams, for shop- 
 lifting. He was charged with the larceny of a silver watch from a jewelry store. In 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 275 
 
 this case Price and Williams, on a plea of guilty, were sentenced to six months in the 
 penitentiary on February 18, 1875, i"^ the Court of General Sessions. Price gave the 
 name of Louis Lewis. 
 
 After this he is credited with serving another term in Sing Sing prison. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City, on November 24, 1879, under the name of 
 George W. Henry, in company of Mary Grey, alias Ellen Clegg (i 15), another notorious 
 female pickpocket and shoplifter. The complainant testified that Price and Ellen 
 visited his establishment on November 24, and while Price engaged the attention of 
 one of the salesmen by exhibiting a sample piece of silk, stating he wanted a large 
 quantity of the pattern, Ellen, who carried a large bag or "kick," quietly slipped into 
 its recesses $120 worth of silk which lay on the counter. As they were leaving the 
 store, which was at No. 454 Broome Street, New York City, one of the salesmen missed 
 the goods and caused their arrest. On the way to the police station, Ellen tried to 
 drop the bag which was under her dress, but she was detected in the act. Both pleaded 
 guilty in the Court of General Sessions, before Judge Gildersleeve, on December 16, 
 1879, when Price was sentenced to three years in State Prison at Sing Sing, and Clegg 
 to three years in the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, New York City. 
 
 Price's picture is a very good one, although taken ten years ago. 
 
 198 
 JOHN, alias "JOE," PETTENGILL. 
 
 BURGLAR, FORGER AND COUNTERFEITER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-one years old in 1886. Born in the United States. Single. No trade. 
 Stout build. Height, 5 feet 6 inches. Weight, about 150 pounds. Blue eyes, very 
 weak; light hair, Hght complexion. Thick lower lip, broad, high forehead. Has India 
 ink marks on left arm and back of left hand. Small scar on back of neck from a boil. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Pettengill is an old New York thief. He is what may be called a general thief, 
 as he can turn his hand to almost anything — burglary, boarding-house work, handling 
 forged paper or bonds, counterfeiting, etc. He has been arrested in almost every State 
 from Maine to CaUfornia, and has spent considerable of his life in State prison. He is 
 well known in all the cities, and is considered more of a tool than a principal. 
 
 He was arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., on June 24, 1875, and sentenced to two years 
 in Cherry Hill prison. Since then he has served terms in Sing Sing prison. New York, 
 and other places. 
 
 He was finally arrested in the ferry house in Hoboken, N. J., on April 18, 1885, in 
 company of Theodore Krewolf, charged with passing a number of counterfeit ten- 
 dollar bills, of the series of 1875, on several shopkeepers in Hoboken. He was 
 sentenced to six years in Trenton State prison for this offense, on July 22, 1885. 
 
 His picture is a good one, taken in June, 1875. 
 
276 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 199 
 SAM FERRIS, alias WORCESTER SAM. 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-six years old in 1886. Born in Canada. A French Canadian. Single. No 
 trade. Height, 5 feet 8 inches. Weight, about 180 pounds. Looks something like a 
 Swede or German. Brown hair, blue eyes, light complexion. Face rather short. Has 
 a prominent dimple in his chin. Is thick set and very muscular. Has a quick, careless 
 gait. Speaks English without French accent ; also, French fluently. He changes the 
 style of his beard continually, and is " smooth-faced " a part of the time. Generally 
 wears some beard on account of his pictures having been taken with smooth face. He 
 drinks freely and spends money rapidly. He has a scar from a pistol-shot on his right 
 eyebrow. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Worcester" Sam is one of the most notorious criminals in America. He has 
 figured in the annals of crime in the Eastern and New England States for years. He 
 is an associate of Old Jimmie Hope (20), Mike Kerrigan, aHas Johnny Dobbs (64), and 
 all the most expert men in the country. He has no doubt participated in every bank 
 robbery of any magnitude that has taken place in the United States for the past twenty 
 years. He is a man of undoubted nerve, and has a first-class reputation among the 
 fraternity. His specialty is banks and railroad office safes. 
 
 Sam is wanted now by the Worcester (Mass.) police ; also, for the robbery and 
 alleged murder of Cashier Barron, of the Dexter Bank of Maine. He was in custody 
 at Worcester, Mass., but escaped from jail there on April 5, 1872. He has never been 
 recaptured, although there is a standing reward of $3,000 offered for him by the county 
 commissioners. (See records of George Wilkes and No. 50.) 
 
 Perris's picture is the best in existence. It was copied from one taken with a 
 companion, and resembles him very much. 
 
 200 
 JOSEPH BOND, alias PAPER COLLAR JOE. 
 
 BANCO STEERER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Thirty-six years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. No trade. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 75^ inches. Weight, about 148 pounds. Dark hair, 
 hazel eyes, light complexion. Generally wears sandy side-whiskers and mustache. 
 High forehead. Looks somewhat like a Jew. 
 
199 
 
 200 
 
 201 
 
 SAM FERRIS, 
 
 ALIAS WORCESTER SAM, 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 JOSEPH BOND. 
 
 ALIAS PAPER COLLAR JOE, 
 
 BANCO. 
 
 TOM McCORMACK, 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 202 
 
 203 
 
 204 
 
 CHARLES WILLIAMSON. 
 
 ALIAS PERRINE, 
 
 BANK OF ENGLAND FORGER. 
 
 JACOB SONDHEIM. 
 
 ALIAS ALBERT WISE AND WILSON, 
 
 PICKPOCKET, SNEAK, 
 CONFIDENCE AND FORGER. 
 
 LOUIS BROWN, 
 
 ALIAS FRENCH LOUIE, 
 
 BURGLAR, TOOL AND KEY MAKER. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 277 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 "Paper Collar" Joe is a well known banco man. He formerly hailed from 
 Philadelphia, but is well known in New York and other large cities. He is considered 
 one of the smartest men in the banco business. 
 
 Bond was arrested in Philadelphia during the Centennial, and sentenced to one 
 year in Cherry Hill prison on August i, 1876, for plying his vocation on a stranger. 
 He has been arrested time and time again, but like all the men in that line of business, 
 is seldom punished. He is credited with fleecing a man in Pennsylvania out of five 
 thousand dollars in October, 1885, and at last accounts he had taken a trip to Europe. 
 
 Joe's picture was taken in August, 1876. 
 
 201 
 THOMAS McCORMACK, alias TOM McCORMACK. 
 
 BANK BURGLAR. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-three years old in 1883. Born in United States. Married. Machinist. 
 Medium build. Height, 5 feet 8^ inches. Weight, 150 pounds. Hair black, turning 
 gray ; dark gray eyes, very dark complexion. Looks like a Spaniard. Generally wears 
 a full black whisker and mustache. Dresses well, and is a great wine drinker. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Thomas McCormack has had a checkered career and is a desperate man. He was 
 associated from time to time with all the first-class bank burglars, and was implicated 
 in many important bank robberies. Several years ago he shot and killed Big John 
 Casey, another burglar, over a quarrel on the division of the moneys stolen from the 
 Kensington Savings Bank in Philadelphia, which they and others had robbed on 
 February 4, 1871, of a large amount of money. 
 
 The bank referred to was robbed by McCormack, Casey, Dobbs, Brady, Burns, 
 alias Combo, and three others. One of them during the day went to the presi- 
 dent and represented having been sent by the Chief of Police to tell him that 
 information had been received that either that night or the one following the bank 
 was to be robbed. That he must not impart this information to any one, but that the 
 Chief would send three or four policemen in uniform that afternoon, who were to be 
 locked in the bank, and that the president could leave a porter with them. This pro- 
 gramme was followed out, and two watchmen were left. When night set in they sent 
 one of the watchmen out for beer, and during his absence bound and gagged the other 
 and tied him up in a back room. On the return of the other they served him the same 
 way, and then proceeded to rob the bank. They secured between $80,000 and 
 $100,000. 
 
278 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 McCormack was arrested in New Haven, Conn., by Marshal Hamilton, on Sunday- 
 evening, December 9, 1882, for breaking open and robbing a safe in Walpole, N. H., 
 on the night of December 8, 1882. When arrested in New Haven he gave the name 
 James Crandell. He was taken to Keene, N. H., on December 21, 1882, and upon 
 an examination he was committed to await the action of the Grand Jury. He was 
 indicted on April i, 1883. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight years in 
 State prison on April 12, 1883. 
 
 Sam Ferris, alias Worcester Sam, was with McCormack in this robbery, but 
 escaped after a desperate fight with the officers, who only succeeded in holding 
 McCormack. 
 
 For further particulars see records of Nos, 89 and 131. 
 
 His picture is a fair one, taken on June 27, 1877. 
 
 202 
 CHARLES WILLIAMSON, alias PERRINE. 
 
 BANK OF ENGLAND FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-three years old in 1886. Born in Malone, New York State. Single. Pro- 
 fessional forger. Stout, portly built man. Height, 5 feet 9^ inches. Weight, 220 
 pounds. Brown hair, hazel eyes, dark complexion. Generally wears a full black 
 beard. Dresses well, and converses in an easy tone. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Williamson, alias Perrine (the latter is his right name), is one of the most extraor- 
 dinary criminals this country has ever produced — a man of great ability, imposing 
 appearance, and iron nerve. Himself and William E. Grey are credited with being the 
 two smartest people in their line in the world. 
 
 A man who gave the name of George A. Vincent, was arrested by the St. Louis 
 police on February 29, 1884. The charge against him was attempting to pass forged 
 drafts on New York City. Vincent had evidently set out on an elaborate scheme of 
 robbery. He had opened accounts in several of the St. Louis banks, and at once 
 began the deposit of a large number of drafts, and appeared, from the accounts, to be 
 doing a very brisk business. He was a portly man, and would be described in brief as 
 a " solid business man." The Chief of Police, who had carefully worked the case up, 
 was convinced that his prisoner was a criminal of no ordinary type, and that he 
 belonged to the upper circles of professional forgers. The police of St. Louis were 
 detailed to look at the alleged Vincent, but not a man on the force had ever seen him 
 before. A photograph was taken, and with a description annexed was sent to the 
 police of several cities. At once came back a series of responses, and the man was shown 
 to be none other than Charles Perrine, alias Charles J. Williamson, alias Charles 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 279 
 
 Sherwood, alias Charles Cherwood, alias Stevens, well known in this city as a burglar 
 and forger, and particularly valuable to the gangs of forgers as a " layer down " or 
 presenter at the banks and banking offices of the forged paper prepared by other hands. 
 His appearance was very much in his favor for his part of the business, and 
 few of the extensive forgeries of a dozen years past were carried on without the 
 assistance of Perrine, under some alias. He came of a family in the northern part of 
 New York State, and has a brother-in-law now doing business in Wall Street, New 
 York. His family, which is of the highest respectability, have long since cut off this 
 member and utterly ignore him. 
 
 He first came into the hands of the police about fifteen years ago, when, under 
 the name of Stevens, he was convicted on a charge of burglary, a quantity of silk and 
 fine cutlery having been removed by him from the bonded warehouse in Howard 
 Street, New York City. He served four years for this (his time expired on March i, 
 1873), and upon his release was not heard of again until August, 1873, when a 
 wholesale scheme of plunder was started, and bonds to the amount of more than a 
 million dollars were placed on the market. Among the bonds cleverly counterfeited 
 were those of the Buffalo, New York and Erie Road, the New York Central and the 
 Chicago and Northwestern. They were counterfeited so well that they readily passed 
 muster before bank clerks and cashiers. The gang that was interested in the gigantic 
 steal included Roberts and Gleason, Walter Stewart, alias Sheridan ; Steve Raymond, 
 Spence Pettis (now dead), and Dr. Blaisell (now dead). 
 
 Three different banking houses on Wall Street, New York, were forced into 
 bankruptcy because of the number of the forged bonds which had found their way into 
 the strong boxes of the firms. Among the houses victimized were the New York 
 Guarantee and Indemnity Company and the National Trust Company. Perrine as 
 Charles D. Williamson acted as the banker for the forgers, and all the bogus bonds 
 passed through his hands and were by him put on the street. His share of the 
 proceeds of the transactions, it is said, amounted to about $100,000. He was among 
 the first of the gang to disappear when the exposure came. He went abroad, and for 
 a time was lost in Great Britain. 
 
 In 1875 2- "^3^" sold, or attempted to sell, to Rollins Brothers, of Broad and Wall 
 streets. New York, a number of seven per cent, gold bonds of the Central Pacific road, 
 California and Oregon branch. These were detected as counterfeits, and as the seller 
 was to call on the following day with an additional number of the bonds, the Captain 
 of the New Street police station was notified and took the man into custody. He had 
 given the name of Howard, but he turned out to be the Charles J. WiUiamson who 
 was " wanted " for the big forgeries of three years previous. He was taken to the 
 District Attorney's Office, where from the pigeon-holes were drawn out a number of 
 indictments against him in connection with the previous forgeries on the Buffalo, New 
 York and Erie, and other roads named. The District Attorney insisted upon bail for 
 the entire batch, and this making up a great aggregate, Williamson was unable to 
 command it, and remained in the Tombs until his trial. This occupied several days, 
 and a hard fight was made to save the now celebrated criminal, but he was convicted, 
 and sentenced on October 31, 1876, to the limit of ten years in the State prison. Upon 
 
28o PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 motion of an Assistant District Attorney, who had conducted the case, an additional 
 five years was added to the sentence — making fifteen years in all — because it was the 
 second offense of the prisoner. He was sent to Sing Sing, and at once began plotting 
 for an escape. He, with several other convicts, entered into a conspiracy. The bake- 
 house was fired, and in the confusion which followed a number escaped. The majority 
 were retaken, but Williamson got away. This was on June 26, 1877, about eight 
 months after his arrival at the prison. 
 
 He went to London, and there, under the name of Charles Cherwood, ahas 
 Sherwood, was arrested in March, 1878, for some forgeries directed against the Union 
 Bank of London, by which that institution was to be swindled by means of false drafts 
 and bills of exchange on the Continent. The Scotland Yard force had made the arrest, 
 and knowing that they had an American professional, they sent a photograph and 
 description to New York City, and word was sent back telling who the man was, and 
 giving his entire unsavory American record. He was tried, and received, after 
 conviction, a ten years' sentence. He at once turned State's evidence, and by his 
 information an extended conspiracy on the part of American forgers to operate in 
 England and on the Continent of Europe was laid bare. Dan Noble, Joe Chapman 
 and Clutch Donohue were arrested, and, on the evidence of Williamson, convicted. In 
 return his sentence was shortened, and in October, 1883, he was released. 
 
 Fearing to come direct to New York City, he took ship for Canada, and thence 
 crossed the line, and about January 15, 1884, he was seen in New York, and then 
 went West, to begin business at St. Louis. 
 
 He was held without bail to answer the charges of the bank officials in St. Louis, 
 but steps were taken to bring him back to Sing Sing, to serve the fourteen years and 
 four months still charged against him on the books of the prison. 
 
 Williamson was convicted in St. Louis, Mo., for attempting to swindle the St. 
 Louis National Bank out of $6,500, by means of a forged letter of credit, and was 
 sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary on February 11, 1885. 
 
 See records of Nos. 16, 18, and George Wilkes. 
 
 Williamson's picture, which was taken in England, is an excellent one. The Slate 
 shows his handwriting. 
 
 203 
 ALBERT WISE, alias JAKE SONDHEIM, 
 
 alias Al. Wilson, alias Jew Al, alias James T. Watson, 
 
 alias Chas. H, Whittemore. 
 PICKPOCKET, SNEAK, CONFIDENCE MAN AND FORGER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Forty-three years old in 1886. A Jew, born in Germany. Married. No trade. 
 Slim build. Height, 5 feet bYz inches. Weight, 120 pounds. Light brown hair, light 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 281 
 
 brown whiskers and mustache, light complexion, blue eyes. Has a small India ink 
 spot on the left hand between the thumb and forefinger, and a small dark mole on the 
 back of the left hand. Two vaccination marks on each arm. Wears a No. 7 shoe. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Wise, or Sondheim (the latter is supposed to be his right name), is a very clever 
 professional pickpocket, bank sneak, confidence man, forger and swindler. He is well 
 known all over the United States, and has been arrested in almost every city in the 
 Union, several of which have his picture in the Rogues' Gallery. 
 
 He was arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., on April 7, 1877, for a sneak robbery. 
 
 He was arrested again in Boston, Mass., on July 10, 1880, charged with obtaining 
 $1,000 in money from one H. P. Line, in July, 1875, by falsely representing to him that 
 he had a large amount of jewelry in Adams Express Company's office, and showed him 
 a bill of the goods marked C. O. D. This case was nolle prosequi, on account of some 
 valuable information given by him to the police authorities in relation to some bank 
 robberies. 
 
 He was next arrested in Buffalo, N. Y., under the name of James T. Watson, 
 tried, found guilty in the Superior Court, of forgery and swindling, and sentenced to 
 five years in Auburn prison. New York, on February 7, 1883. 
 
 The history of Watson's operations reveals a series of swindles such as none but a 
 professional could have worked. About the middle of November, 1882, a stranger 
 called at the Merchants' Bank of Buffalo, New York, and stating that he was in the 
 lumber business, and wished to open an account, deposited $600 in currency. A simi- 
 lar statement was made to the cashier of the Manufacturers and Traders' Bank of that 
 city, and $1,000 was deposited there. Subsequently Watson deposited in the Mer- 
 chants' Bank a draft for $1,700, made by the Second National Bank, of Wilkesbarre, 
 Pa., upon the Fourth National Bank of New York. 
 
 A draft for $3,400, made by the Cleveland National Bank of Commerce upon the 
 Manhattan Bank of New York, was also deposited in the Manufacturers and Traders' 
 Bank, Within two days Watson checked against these amounts, leaving but a small 
 balance to his credit. Shortly afterward the Merchants' Bank discovered that the 
 $1,700 draft had been raised from $17. The other draft was also shown to have been 
 raised from $34. Search was made for Watson, but- he had flown, leaving no trace. 
 Descriptions of the swindler and his operations were immediately scattered through 
 the country. A New York detective, seeing the description, immediately associated 
 the criminal with the well known professional " Al " Wilson. Wilson was arrested and 
 held until some of the bank officers from Buffalo arrived to identify him. They were 
 accompanied by Joseph Short, a boy whom Watson employed in his office. The latter 
 immediately identified the swindler. Notwithstanding Wilson's protestations that he 
 was not the man and had not been out of New York in six months, he was taken to 
 Buffalo, indicted and held for trial. 
 
 The trial took place on February 6, 1883, and the court room was crowded. The 
 prisoner, who is a bright, good-looking fellow, appeared sanguine of acquittal, which 
 feeling was shared by his counsel. The bank officials were positive that Wilson was the 
 
282 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 man, but their testimony was exceedingly conflicting. The office boy swore positively 
 that Wilson and Watson were identical. The Maverick National Bank of Boston, 
 learning of the arrest, sent a clerk, Henry A. Lowell, to ascertain whether the accused 
 was the individual who swindled its institution of nearly $5,000 under like circumstances 
 a short time before. Lowell identified the prisoner, and swore that he operated in 
 Boston under the name of Whittemore. The defense produced a number of witnesses 
 from New York, who swore that Wilson was in the metropolis when the crime was 
 committed. Detectives from New York testified that Wilson was a professional thief, 
 and had been so for years. Certain witnesses swore that the prisoner had worn a 
 beard during November, and others swore that he wore only a mustache. 
 
 The testimony being so conflicting, public interest was excited as to the result. 
 The judge's charge was against the prisoner, and the jury retired at noon, returning at 
 3:30 p. M., on February 7, 1883, with a verdict of guilty. Watson, who had looked for 
 an acquittal, was surprised, but maintained his composure. Before the sentence was 
 passed he made an eloquent appeal for leniency on the part of the court. He said that 
 he had a wife and mother, who were left penniless. Rising to his full height, he denied 
 that he was a professional thief and said that his innocence would be proved some day. 
 He requested that he might be sent to Sing Sing instead of Auburn, which request was 
 denied. The spectators in court were unanimously of the opinion that Watson is the 
 coolest rascal ever seen. 
 
 Sondheim's Boston operations were as follows: Some time in August, 1882, under 
 the name of Whittemore, he went into the Maverick National Bank and deposited the 
 sum of $2,000, announcing his determination to carry on business at the bank. The 
 following day he entered the bank, bringing with him a boy whom he introduced as a 
 messenger, and who, so he said, would transact his business for him. He then began 
 to draw against the deposit until it was almost gone, when he reappeared and deposited 
 a check for $5,000. 
 
 The next day the boy also reappeared and drew one-half of the $5,000 deposited, 
 and finished on the following day with drawing the entire deposit, minus about $17. 
 Whittemore, after making a similar attempt upon another banking house in Boston, 
 took his departure for Portland, Me., where he also tried to victimize a banking institu- 
 tion. He then went to Buffalo, where he carried on the operations for which he was 
 found guilty, as above stated. 
 
 His sentence will expire September 7, 1886. 
 
 Wise's picture is a pretty good one, taken in April, 1877. 
 
 204 
 LOUIS BROWN, alias FRENCH LOUIE. 
 
 BURGLAR, TOOL-MAKER AND KEY-FITTER. 
 
 DESCRIPTION. 
 Fifty-nine years old in 1886. Born in France. Married. Machinist. Slim build. 
 Height, 5 feet 10 inches. Weight, about 145 pounds. Gray hair, very thin ; hazel 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 283 
 
 eyes, fair complexion. Large nose. Thin face. Small mole near right eye. Wife's 
 name, Annie L. Wolf. 
 
 RECORD. 
 
 Brown, or French Louie, the name he is best known by, is one of the most 
 expert burglars in America. His particular line is the manufacture of burglars' tools 
 and making false keys from impressions in wax. He seldom takes a hand in a 
 burglary, unless it is a large one. He generally paves the way for the operations of 
 confederates, and works from 6 a. m. to 8 a. m. in the morning, when his operations can 
 generally be carried on with impunity, as any person seeing him at that hour would 
 fancy that he was simply opening the store for the day's business. French Louie has 
 spent at least twenty years in State prison in America, two-thirds of it in Sing Sing 
 prison. New York. 
 
 Louie was arrested in New York City on July 15, 1877, in the act of committing a 
 burglary at Nos. 27 and 29 White Street. He was convicted and sentenced to three 
 years and three months in State prison at Sing Sing, N. Y., on August 16, 1877. He 
 escaped from Sing Sing on July 16, 1878, and was re-arrested in Philadelphia, Pa., on 
 February 18, 1879, ^'^^ returned to Sing Sing prison to serve out his unexpired time. 
 
 He was arrested again in New York City, on August 27, 1881, for tampering with 
 the padlock on the store of E. H. Gato & Co., No. 52 Beaver Street. There was 
 $50,000 worth of imported cigars in the store at the time. Louie pleaded guilty of an 
 attempt at burglary, and was sentenced to two years and six months in State prison, on 
 September 12, 1881, by Recorder Smyth, in the Court of General Sessions, New York 
 City. His time expired on October 12, 1883. 
 
 French Louie was arrested again, under the name of John Yole, in Hoboken, N. J., 
 on March 18, 1886, and sentenced to ninety days under the Disorderly Act. He had 
 some tools and keys in his possession when arrested. His case was referred to the 
 Grand Jury, which body failed to indict him. 
 
 Brown's picture is an excellent one, taken in Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 285 
 
 SEVERAL NOTABLE FORGERS. 
 
 WHILE the records given in the preceding pages are those of the professional 
 forgers of to-day, a few of the men who figured prominently in criminal 
 proceedings in the past cannot be left unnoticed. Several of these have been lost sight 
 of for years, and some are perhaps dead, but as their exploits shed light upon crimes of 
 the past and point to a moral, their careers are certainly worthy of mention here. 
 
 Walter G. Patterson was a quarter of a century ago classed as an expert forger. 
 His first crime of note was on June i, 1861, when he succeeded in cashing at the 
 Pacific National Bank of New York a check for $1,075. ^^ was made payable to the 
 Hon. Simeon Draper, Commissioner of Charities and Corrections, and bore the forged 
 signature of Henry Cam The forger was run down, but he was afterwards released 
 on bail, which he forfeited and fled from the city. He was recaptured in June, 1865, 
 and when called for trial pleaded guilty. Recorder Hoffman, before whom Patterson 
 was arraigned, after the prisoner's confession of guilt, and upon a promise to reform, 
 suspended sentence. In the August following the forger was again arrested upon the 
 old charge, and the Recorder then sentenced him to five years in Sing Sing prison. 
 Previous to his being brought up for the Pacific Bank forgery, Patterson was living 
 with a woman named Ryan at Collins's Hotel, at the foot of Canal Street. The pair 
 occupied costly apartments at the hotel, were spending money freely, and it was 
 suspected that the self-confessed forger was concerned in the passing of several other 
 checks, although it was impossible to fasten the crimes legally upon him. 
 
 Vermillyea & Co., bankers of this city, in February, 1870, gave a certified check 
 for $156, payable at the Bank of Commerce, to a stranger who had had a small business 
 transaction with them. The draft was afterwards "raised" to $16,000, and deposited 
 with the Mechanics' Banking Association for collection. The Bank of Commerce paid 
 the check on their own certification. This led to a long litigation, which resulted in a 
 verdict for the Bank of Commerce, the courts holding that it was only responsible for 
 the original amount of the certification of the check. It was well known that Walter 
 G. Patterson and Spence Pettis were the men who secured the large sum of money 
 upon the raised paper. Pettis was an expert in the use of chemicals, and it was claimed 
 that he altered the figures upon the check. 
 
 When the forgery was discovered Patterson had disappeared. Pettis was arrested, 
 however, but was afterwards released for want of evidence. When the case fell 
 through the prisoner was sent to Boston, Mass., to answer for a forgery which he had 
 
286 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 committed there. Pettis was convicted of the latter offense, and while serving his 
 sentence in the Charlestown State prison the convict hanged himself to the grating of 
 his cell door. Thus ended the career of a most notorious criminal. 
 
 John Ross, while plotting several gigantic schemes in 1866, lived in princely style 
 at the Metropolitan Hotel. He ran an office in Exchange Place for two months, and 
 during that period had large transactions with, brokers, buying and selling gold. In 
 that way he secured their confidence. This obtained, he bought gold to the amount of 
 $1,000,000, and gave his own certified checks in payment. The checks were worthless. 
 A few days previous to the stupendous transaction in gold, Ross employed Garten & 
 Co., of Broad Street, to buy for him a number of Western railroad bonds, for which he 
 paid in good money. On the day of his disappearance Ross hypothecated for a loan of 
 $17,000 from the bankers a bundle of bonds supposed to be the identical ones they had 
 purchased for him. When, however, his forgeries became known, Garten & Co. 
 discovered that the bonds on which they had advanced money to Ross were counterfeits. 
 
 x^fter plundering right and left, Ross boarded a steamer for South America, 
 leaving the vessel at Pernambuco, Brazil. He was tracked to Bahia and Rio Janeiro, 
 and at the latter place all trace of the fugitive was lost. 
 
 John Henry Livingston, alias Lewis, alias Matthews, alias De Peyster, on 
 December 3, 1867, in the garb of an express messenger, with the words "American 
 Express Co." upon a plate on the front of his cap, appeared at the National City Bank. 
 From a large leather wallet the spurious messenger took a check drawn to the order of 
 Henry Keep, President of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, and 
 signed " C. Vanderbilt." The check also bore the endorsement, " American Express — 
 collect and deliver at Albany — Henry Keep." Livingston presented the forged draft 
 to Mr. Work, the paying teller, and requested that bills of a certain denomination be 
 used in making up the package, saying that he would return in a few minutes, having 
 another errand close by. On his return to the bank Livingston was handed the 
 package, containing $75,000, the amount called for by the fraudulent check. 
 
 With the money he fled to the West, where he purchased a farm and engaged in 
 stock raising. He was captured there a year or so afterwards. There was a peculiar 
 and interesting incident in connection with the search for the forger. The features and 
 manners of Livingston were so impressed upon Mr. Work's mind, and his recollection 
 of the entire transaction was so clear that it enabled him to draw a pen and ink sketch 
 of the "layer down." The portrait revealed Livingston's identity and led to his arrest. 
 
 The prisoner, when brought to trial, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to four 
 years and nine months' imprisonment. His farm and stock were confiscated, and the 
 proceeds of the sale given to the bank he had duped. 
 
 Charles B. Orvis was in 1873 the proprietor of the City Hotel, and the place was 
 then the rendezvous of the gang of forgers of which Roberts and Gleason were the 
 leading spirits. The hotel keeper had long been a shady character. He was originally 
 a "coniacker" (dealer in counterfeit money), and was first arrested at Cleveland, Ohio, 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 287 
 
 with a confederate named Webster for passing forged bank-bills. They were convicted 
 and sentenced to three and a half years each in the Columbus Penitentiary, and they 
 served their full terms. 
 
 Orvis, in June, 1873, while we was still running the hotel, had several financial 
 transactions with the banking firm of George B. Ripley, at No. 66 Broadway. He was 
 simply paving the way for the successful culmination of a well planned scheme. When 
 he had at last established confidence and made his credit good, Orvis one day succeeded 
 in borrowing from the firm $20,000 upon some forged bonds. Since then he has been 
 arrested several times for defrauding various banking firms, and at present there are 
 indictments against him on file in the District Attorney's office. 
 
 The forger's audacity was most surprising. The New York Sun and Times, several 
 years ago, exposed his character, and Orvis afterwards began suits against the news- 
 papers for showing him up. The suits, of course, collapsed when it was proven that 
 Orvis was really a dangerous criminal. 
 
 George B. Watson was discharged from State prison in 1873, having completed a 
 term of five years' imprisonment for burglary. Upon his return to the city the 
 ex-convict married a very respectable young woman, and with his innocent bride went 
 to live in a fashionable apartment house on Fifty-fourth Street, near Broadway. He 
 had not been out of prison long before he entered into co-partnership with a forger, who 
 took him in training. After the necessary education Watson started out as a full- 
 fledged "scratcher." At the banking office of Samuel White & Co., on Wall Street, 
 several years since, he disposed of some Government bond coupons, for which he 
 received a due-bill calling for the payment of $125. Instead of presenting the latter to 
 the cashier immediately, Watson waited until lunch-time, and then presented the claim. 
 In the meantime he had raised the amount which the due-bill called for to $12,000, and 
 just as the money was being handed to him the forgery was detected. Watson, who 
 had been on the alert, fled from the office and escaped. 
 
 When the gigantic fraudulent scheme to flood the market with forged New York, 
 Buffalo and Erie Railroad bonds became known, Watson, who was concerned in the 
 great conspiracy, fled to Europe. Upon his return, several years later, he was arrested. 
 He was then a complete wreck from dissipation, and had to be assisted into the court 
 room. His condition was so pitiful that the complainant asked for the discharge of the 
 prisoner on his own recognizance. Watson was thereupon released, but he rallied, and 
 a few months later on he was again arrested and brought up for a small forgery. 
 Upon his conviction he was sentenced to the penitentiary, where he died before his 
 term expired. 
 
 Charles R. Beckwith was arrested January i, 1876, for robbing his employer, 
 B. T. Babbitt, the soap manufacturer, out of $205,645 by means of forged receipts. 
 Beckwith had been stealing for years before it was suspected that the funds of the firm 
 were being made away with. He was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. Beckwith 
 is at present living in Canada. 
 
288 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Thomas R. Lewis, the accomplice of Beckwith, who also realized about $200,000 
 by making false entries in Mr. Babbitt's books, fled to Europe when the fraud was 
 discovered. He was captured in London, England, and brought back. Upon his 
 return to this city Lewis made restitution as far as he was able, returning altogether 
 property worth $58,000. He was convicted and sentenced to two and a half years' 
 imprisonment. Lewis died a few years since in Switzerland. 
 
 J. Lloyd Haigh for many years held an exalted position in society, but like other 
 good men he wandered from the path of rectitude, thereby destroying his good name 
 and casting a dark shadow over that of his family. In 1879 ^^ ^^^ arrested and accused 
 of hypothecating forged paper. He was indicted and convicted of forgery in the third 
 degree, and on August 8, 1880, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment. 
 
 Lewis M. Van Eten, on March i, 1871, was paid $19,000 by the Park National 
 Bank on a check purporting to have been drawn by Hall, Garten & Co., brokers, of 
 No. 30 Broad Street, and certified by the Continental Bank. Upon the discovery of 
 the forgery the Continental Bank refunded the Park Bank the amount they had paid 
 on the check. After the forgery Van Eten disappeared, and remained away for some 
 time. On- his return to New York he was arrested, and upon conviction was sentenced 
 to a term of ten years' imprisonment in Sing Sing. He had not been long in prison 
 before he was pardoned, but upon his release he was re-arrested for a forgery committed 
 at San Francisco, Cal. While on the way to that place for trial. Van Eten committed 
 suicide by swallowing a dose of laudanum, which he had kept concealed upon his person. 
 
 Levi Cole, a man with innumerable aliases, figured as a burglar, forger and dealer 
 in counterfeit money for many years. His first start in crime was handling spurious 
 bank-notes. When the State banks went out of existence Cole turned burglar, and 
 made a specialty of robbing the safes of country banks. His jimmies and other tools 
 he expressed from place to place in a sole-leather gun-case. He was in the habit of 
 calling at the express office with a game-bag over his shoulder and a cartridge belt 
 around his waist. Cole would pass the day in the woods, and in the night the country 
 bank would be robbed. He served two terms for burglary, and at the expiration of the 
 second sentence went direct from prison to a Western city, where his brother kept a 
 hotel. Cole demanded assistance, but it was refused, because, under promises of 
 reformation, he had before deceived his brother. Upon the request being refused, the 
 burglar and forger went to one of the rooms up-stairs and blew his brains out with a 
 revolver. 
 
 George Engles, the two Bidwells, and McDonald, with the intention of carrying 
 out gigantic forgeries on an elaborate scale, went to England, and in 1871 commenced 
 operations in Liverpool, where they obtained about ;^6,ooo. With this capital they 
 proceeded to London, and opened a banking and commission house for the discounting 
 and shaving of commercial paper. McDonald organized the firm under the name of 
 "Warner & Co." He opened an account with one of the leading London banks, and 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 289 
 
 bona fide transactions were conducted for some time. After gaining the confidence of 
 the bank's officers, they commenced to discount the paper of Warner & Co., which had 
 been presented for discount by their customers, some of the leading merchants of 
 London. 
 
 Previous to the consummation of the scheme, George McDonald and one of the 
 Bidwells became infatuated with two women with whom they lived. Engles objected 
 to this, fearing that his companions would reveal his secrets to their mistresses. 
 McDonald and Bidwell were then residing at St. John's Wood, Kensington, London. 
 The men refused to give up the women, and laughed at Engles, who threatened to cut 
 off business relations with them. After the gang had realized about a quarter of a 
 million pounds sterling Engles became frightened when informed that the women knew 
 all about the scheme, and with his share of the plunder disappeared. When McDonald 
 and Bidwell undertook to continue the business they were discovered, and the sequel 
 shows that had it not been for the women in whom they had so much confidence, they 
 would have escaped. 
 
 In their recklessness the men presented one of the forged notes which had not 
 been dated. The clerk discovered the error, and forwarded It to the firm by whom 
 it was supposed to have been issued. They pronounced it a forgery. One of the 
 Bidwells fled to Scotland, and was there arrested, and his brother was apprehended in 
 Havana, Cuba. McDonald endeavored to get clear of his mistress, but could not. He 
 induced her, however, to accept a passage ticket from Liverpool to New York, telling 
 her that he would join her at the Northern Hotel before the steamer sailed. He did 
 not attempt to meet her, but took a train from London to Folkstone, crossed to France, 
 and took passage at Havre for this city. McDonald's mistress, becoming enraged at 
 her disappointment, and suspecting the route her lover had taken to get away, betrayed 
 him to the police. A cablegram was sent to this city, and upon the arrival of the 
 steamer the fugitive forger was arrested on board the vessel in the lower bay. After 
 months of litigation McDonald was returned to England, where he was convicted and 
 sentenced to life imprisonment. The Bidwell brothers received like sentences. 
 
 McDonald had just finished a sentence of five years' imprisonment for a forgery 
 which he had committed upon Ball, Black & Co., the jewelers, when he set out with 
 Engles and the Bidwells for Europe to execute the scheme of flooding the financial 
 world with spurious Bank of England notes. 
 
 George Engles is dead, and for other mention of him see records of George Wilkes 
 and No. 18. 
 
 Buchanan Cross was called " Colonel," on account of his frequent appearance in 
 a sort of military-cut suit, which aided him many times in the laying down of forged 
 paper. For this class of crime he was sentenced to Sing Sing prison, and while there 
 he forged his own pardon and was liberated. Afterwards he was arrested and tried for 
 forging the Governor's signature. Cross proved by the warden of the prison that it 
 was impossible for him to have committed the forgery, on account of his not being able 
 to get pen and ink. He was acquitted of the charge, but was detained to serve out his 
 unexpired term. 
 
290 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 After his release Cross forged the name of Robert Bonner to a check for $3,156, 
 on the Nassau Bank, New York City, being assisted in the crime by Charley Bishop. 
 The latter went to the Ledger office and subscribed for the paper, and gave his address 
 as at East Orange, N. J. Bishop gave a twenty dollar gold piece in payment for his 
 subscription, and asked that a check for the change be given him, as he wished to send 
 it to Orange. The request was complied with, and thus the forgers obtained Mr. 
 Bonner's signature. The check was given to David Beech, alias Leach, who took it to 
 Henry Siebert, engraver, at No. 93 Fulton Street, and ordered a book of blank checks, 
 similar to the sample, to be printed for him. 
 
 The blanks were taken to " Colonel " Cross, and he made out the check in the 
 name of Robert Bonner. The money was obtained from the bank, and on the following 
 day the forgery was discovered. Beech's girl was first arrested. She said that her 
 lover had started for Boston the night before, intending to sail for Europe that day. 
 He was arrested by the Boston police on the steamer just as the vessel was leaving the 
 dock. Beech was sentenced to five years' hard labor and Bishop to three and a half 
 years, on October 29, i860. 
 
 Cross was arrested in Canada, but for want of sufficient evidence he was discharged. 
 
 Charles Frederick Ulrich, a Prussian by birth, is one of the few engravers able 
 to cut a United States Treasury plate without any assistance. He is the son of a 
 jeweler and engraver of Dantzig, Germany. Ulrich learned the first part of his trade 
 at his father's shop, and then finished at a regular establishment at Berlin, Prussia. He 
 came to this country in 1853, being then about twenty years old. His career since has 
 been a checkered one. Ulrich had been here but a few years before he embarked freely 
 in the counterfeiting business, he doing all the engraving, which was a marvel of 
 exactness. Among the plates which he engraved prior to his first conviction in 1868, 
 were a $100 counterfeit on the Central National Bank of New York, a $100 counterfeit 
 of the First National Bank of Boston, Mass., and a $100 counterfeit on the Ohio 
 National Bank of Cincinnati. He printed and disposed of, without a glimmer of 
 detection, all of these, and became quite wealthy, and then, in the early part of 1867, 
 settled himself in Cincinnati for a final effort. He engaged a small house, and there 
 began to engrave a counterfeit of the $500 United States Treasury note. He was 
 engaged upon the plate when he was arrested, and sentenced to the Columbus, Ohio, 
 penitentiary for twelve years. 
 
 Ulrich served eight years of his time in the Ohio penitentiary, and in 1879, when 
 arrested with Old Harry Cole and Jacob Ott, he made a confession in which he revealed 
 some interesting information concerning counterfeiting. During the course of his 
 statement he said : 
 
 "Counterfeits are usually of small denominations, because there is more money in 
 them for the wholesale dealer. A large bill will soon be stamped as a counterfeit, 
 while the small ones can be changed from bank to bank, and people are not so shy of 
 them. After I came out of the Columbus, Ohio, penitentiary, I started in the litho- 
 graphing and engraving business in Cincinnati, but failed. Then I went to Philadelphia 
 and took a house at the corner of Sixth and Cumberland streets. There I started to 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF A-M ERICA. 29 1 
 
 engrave two $50 plates. They were counterfeits of the Central National Bank of New 
 York and the Third of Buffalo. Before they were finished I moved to a place called 
 Oak Lane, six miles from Philadelphia. When these plates had been completed, I 
 started on a $5 plate. In October, 1877, I moved out to Sharon Hill, where another 
 lot of fives and fifties were printed. The latter were on the Tradesmen's Bank of New 
 York, and were sent to Europe. There were 2,000 fifties and 8,000 fives printed at 
 Oak Lane, and 2,000 fifties and between 16,000 and 20,000 fives at Sharon Hill, in all 
 nearly $350,000. There was always a man with capital back of me. I know one of my 
 counterfeits just as well as a man would know his own handwriting." 
 
 The first time Ulrich was arrested was in this city. He was caught at work upon 
 a vignette for a counterfeit bank-bill, and upon conviction was sentenced to five years' 
 imprisonment in Sing Sing. The counterfeiter only served three years of his term, 
 when he was pardoned by Governor Morgan. He had been out of prison but a short 
 time when he engraved the plate from which the Bank of England notes were printed. 
 So well were they executed that the "water mark" was perfect. All these bills were 
 received as genuine by the Bank of England, and an unlimited number of the counter- 
 feits are believed to be still in circulation. 
 
 Ulrich, before he became known to the police, served for eighteen months in the 
 British army. That was during the Crimean war. He was, he claimed, enlisted in 
 New York by an English agent, sent to Boston, and from thence by schooner to 
 Halifax, Nova Scotia. As soon as his time was up he returned to the United States 
 and became a full-fledged counterfeiter. He is now in Switzerland. 
 
 For further mention of Ulrich see record of George W. Wilkes. 
 
 Thomas Ballard, for years known all over the Union as the King of Counter- 
 feiters, died while serving out a thirty years' sentence in the penitentiary at Albany, 
 N. Y. He was a superior engraver, and the fine work on some of his bills was so 
 cleverly and artistically executed as to deceive even the banks and the government. 
 He was classed as a professional in 1865, and his work was then exceedingly fine. 
 Previous to his arrest in October, 1871, Ballard carried on his operations near Buffalo, 
 N. Y., being located in a lonely house on the outskirts of Beach Rock. He was dogged 
 about for months before he was finally traced to his lair. One dark night his secret 
 retreat was surrounded. As soon as Ballard became aware of the trap that had been 
 sprung on him he tried hard to escape, but without avail. At his rendezvous a number 
 of dies and other untensils of the counterfeiter's art were captured, including an 
 admirably executed plate upon a Buffalo bank. Ballard was duly tried, convicted, and 
 sentenced to the long term in the Albany penitentiary. While the counterfeiter was in 
 prison he made use of his spare time to plan and perfect a valuable invention for regis- 
 tering the actual number of papers printed by any printing press. He made several 
 strenuous but fruitless efforts to invoke the clemency of the law for a pardon or a partial 
 remittance of his sentence. 
 
 William C. Oilman was not a professional criminal, still his forgeries, when tTiey 
 were discovered in the fall of 1877, created the greatest excitement in Wall Street. He 
 
292 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 was an insurance scrip broker, at No. 46 Pine Street, and as his connections were very 
 good indeed, his fall was thereby all the more deplorable. Oilman raised scrip of the 
 Atlantic Mutual and Commercial Mutual Insurance Companies amounting to nearly 
 $300,000, and his forgeries existed for years without discovery. He speculated on false 
 capital, and each year his prospects of redeeming himself became more and more 
 hopeless. His distress became daily more and more terrible, and these symptoms of 
 trouble were obvious to his intimate friends, while the causes were unknown. Oilman 
 was indicted for forgery in the third degree, the specific charge being for the forgery of 
 a $10,000 insurance scrip on the Atlantic and Mutual Insurance Company, bearing date 
 April 27, 1877, and the number 2,100. When the prisoner was arraigned before 
 Recorder Hackett, in the Court of General Sessions, on October 12, 1877, one of the 
 most affecting scenes ever witnessed in a court room took place. Oilman pleaded 
 guilty to the charge, and, at the request of his counsel, the Court afterwards permitted 
 the prisoner to read a confession he had made explaining the manner in which his. 
 crime had been committed. The insurance broker's confession was as follows : 
 
 October 3, 1877. 
 To Rev. Dr. Houghton and My Dear Wife, Brothers and Sisters : 
 
 It is proper to state certain facts in explanation, not extenuation, of my conduct. From the time I 
 began business I had placed in my hands, by friends trusting me implicitly, sums of money ranging from 
 $100 to $20,000. These sums would often remain undisturbed for weeks and months, and as I paid for the 
 privilege, it was proper and was understood that I employed them in business ; I never speculated in stocks 
 on margin, nor lost nor won money by any wager or game. I did make investments in enterprises which 
 promised well from time to time, in good faith, and which turned out utterly bad. For this my judgment is- 
 to be blamed. The possession of so much money and the control of it gradually made me feel and act as if 
 it were my own, and encroachments upon it, whether from losses or expenses, which began many years ago, 
 came so gradually that I was scarcely sensible of them, and, while I knew that I was running behind, I 
 could not bear to look the deficiency squarely in the face, but hoped for better times. Times grew worse 
 instead of better. The failure of the Sun Insurance Company and the vicissitudes of the other companies 
 impaired the confidence of buyers in everything but Atlantic, and competition for that the last few years has 
 carried prices so high as to leave no margin for profit, and has made the commissions utterly inadequate 
 to meet the scale of expenses on which I was doing business and living. Consequently my business was 
 greatly restricted. The worse my affairs grew the more unwilling I became to investigate them. My 
 books and accounts, which had been my pride, were neglected. I drifted hopelessly in a sea of trouble, 
 seizing every straw which seemed to give a little present help, and in some cases I allowed my reputation to 
 suffer by long delay in making up accounts which were called for. This moral weakness was quite inex- 
 cusable. How easy to say so now, but how hard it seemed to do what I should years ago have done in 
 reducing expenses at home and in the office, and in resolutely closing accounts which were a temptation to 
 me, and which, if honestly treated, must at that rate of interest have proved unprofitable. 
 
 Prior to the panic of 1873 I had made improper use of trust funds in my hands under the pressure of 
 declining business, and the troubles of that year involved me in additional losses. After that time the 
 accounts in my hands began to be drawn on by the depositors more freely than before, and not unfrequently 
 I found myself sorely pushed, but always managed to extricate myself without doing anything criminal, 
 though I niust confess the moral baseness of my proceedings these many years. 
 
 As nearly as I can remember I must have put forth the first " raised " certificate not quite two years 
 ago. It was so easy to do it ! Yet what a struggle it cost me ! 
 
 I have suffered more all these months in thinking of my baseness in abusing the confidence of my 
 friends in No. 39 Pine Street, in the two insurance companies and in the bank, every one of whom has 
 always treated me with the greatest kindness, than at the absolute wickedness of these crimes. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 293 
 
 Blindly hoping that the next step would extricate me, I plunged in deeper and deeper. I hope I make 
 it plain that my endeavor was to cover the deficiencies of a term of years. 
 
 It is impossible for me to state without reference to memoranda, which' I have not by me, what 
 amounts are afloat, but I am confident that there is nothing but what will be found at the American 
 Exchange Bank, Union Insurance Company, Commercial Insurance Company, Henry Talmadge & Co.'s, 
 and my friends will find the whole truth there. I have not sold any fraudulent securities, but borrowed on 
 them. 
 
 It is proper for me to say that I am alone responsible for every wrong act. No human being would 
 have had a suspicion of it, and I alone am to blame for the false pride which has made me incur expenses at 
 home and in my business which could not lawfully be met. My wife never persuaded me to any extrava- 
 gance, and she would have accepted any restraint I might have put upon her. 
 
 In addition to these fraudulent transactions other persons than those named must .suffer to a consid- 
 erable degree — chiefly my brothers and sisters — probably to the extent of $75,000, and several other persons 
 who have had accounts with me for years. I cannot now state amounts of these latter accounts approx- 
 imately. 
 
 To sum up briefly, I would say that a declining business, bad investments, heavy expenses, both 
 business and domestic, and personal extravagance, have betrayed me. No, I must be just with myself, and 
 confess that I have deliberately walked, in the clearest light and knowledge, in the face of the best 
 instruction, into this pit. Some may call it madness ; I call it sin. Those who knew me in business rela- 
 tions alone may not be aware of it, but every one who knows me personally will bear witness that my 
 intimate friends and associates are all with some of the best and purest who ever lived. They know that I 
 loved better to give away money than to spend it for myself ; they know that my thoughts and my interests 
 were more with the various charitable works with which it was my happiness to be connected than on money 
 getting, by right means or wrong. They will mourn with me that I should have valued the good opinion of 
 good men more than a good conscience and my own self-respect. They will wonder how it was possible 
 for a man to so far deceive himself as to believe that he really cared for and valued things that were true, 
 honest, pure, just, lovely and of good repute, while, beneath a smooth surface, his heart was rotten and 
 dishonest to the core. 
 
 I suppose no one will be much surprised that suicide has been much in my thoughts for many years, 
 and while I hoped that some change of fortune might avert the impending disclosure, I have feared for 
 some weeks that it might be near at hand. I deliberated before this whether I should add sin to sin, but 
 had resolved to meet the crisis as soon as it should come meekly and frankly. I have now but one desire, 
 and that is to throw all possible light on every dark corner of these transactions, regardless of consequences 
 personal to myself, and to aid in distributing everything that remains to those who are entitled to it. 
 Then commending my wife and worse than fatherless children to God, how gladly, if it be his will, will I 
 do penance for my crime in prison and pray for death whenever He pleases to send it — or, hardest lot of 
 all, if life be possible to one who has forfeited the respect of every human being, I will try to live and to add 
 not another stain to the name of 
 
 WILLIAM C. OILMAN. 
 
 Nearly every eye in the court room was moistened when the reading of the fore- 
 going touching appeal had ended. Tears coursed down the cheeks of the stern 
 Recorder as he proceeded to pass sentence. It was a moment of painful suspense for 
 all in the court. He said : 
 
 " After the representations which have been made and the statements which have 
 just been read in court, statements made by the accused to those whom he loved dearest 
 in life, I cannot be guided by my own feelings in this matter. I cannot depend upon 
 them, and I have one of the greatest duties to perform that belong to any age. In 
 view of the enormity of the crime the prisoner has committed, while feelings of the 
 utmost sympathy were extended to his wife and family, I feel it my duty to pronounce 
 
294 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 the sentence of the Court, that the prisoner be confined in the State prison for the term 
 of five years at hard labor,'' 
 
 Sad as was the scene in the court room, there was another sadder still on 
 December 3, 1879. ^^ occurred in the Yantic cemetery, near Norwichtown, Conn., when 
 Oilman, who had been pardoned by Governor Robinson, fresh from Auburn prison, 
 stood by the open grave of his wife. While in prison his daughter had died, and he 
 was released in time to attend the funeral of his wife, whose heart had been broken 
 with sorrow over her husband's sin. Oilman's false step will stand forever as a warning 
 to others. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 295 
 
 INTERNATIONAL FORGERS. 
 
 SECRET HISTORY OF THE WILKES, HAMILTON, BECKER AND ENGLES GANG OF 
 
 FORGERS.— THEIR CHIEF'S CONFESSION. 
 
 THERE was a lively sensation during the Christmas holiday week, 1880, when brief 
 cablegrams were received in New York City announcing that a skillful and des- 
 perate gang of American counterfeiters and forgers, with their wives, had been arrested 
 in Milan and Florence, Italy. The names of Willis and Burns and Hamilton were 
 given as those of the ringleaders, and it was said that they had swindled, or tried to 
 swindle, a large number of bankers in Europe. 
 
 While in prison one of the culprits, the leader and arch conspirator, Henry W. 
 Wilkes, alias Willis, was led to make a full confession. It was reduced to writing before 
 the United States Consular representative. Colonel J. Schuyler Crosby, and filed among 
 the police archives, only a brief reference to it being permitted to go to the press. 
 
 The story, which is here given in full, is one of the most extraordinary chapters of 
 crime ever printed. 
 
 Henry Wade Wilkes, alias George Wilkes, alias Willis, the chief of the only 
 international band of bond forgers and counterfeiters ever organized, with his boon 
 companion, the notorious "Pete" Burns, alias James Joy Julius, fell into the hands of 
 the Italian criminal authorities at Florence on Christmas Day, 1880, just after "Shell" 
 Hamilton, alias Colbert, had been apprehended at Milan. Wilkes was, after several 
 months, quietly released, and he returned to New York. Burns while in prison became 
 aware for the first time of Wilkes's duplicity in making a confession, and knowing that 
 he had been betrayed, choked himself to death with a prayer-book. His three widows 
 are at present engaged in a litigation over his estate, which is said to be worth about 
 $400,000. This money was Burns's share of the profits of the operations of the gang 
 of which he was one of the leading spirits and Wilkes was the acknowledged chief. 
 The band was composed of none but professional forgers, counterfeiters, and first-class 
 "check raisers," and they operated with wonderful success in almost every city of North. 
 America and Europe. They were not concerned in any paltry schemes, but only took 
 part in well planned and gigantic plots. They realized altogether by their forgeries 
 perhaps millions, and the lion's share of their plunder was afterwards squandered at the 
 gaming table. The members of the international gang made New York, London and 
 Paris in turn their headquarters, and flooded the two continents with their worthless 
 bonds and securities. 
 
296 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Wilkes's standing among criminals may be imagined when it is known that " Andy '' 
 Roberts and Valentine Gleason sought his advice before they attempted to dispose of 
 any of the Buffalo and Erie Railroad bonds. George Engles (now dead) and Charles 
 Becker, astute forgers as they were, were really only Wilkes's tools. In fact, during the 
 past fifteen years forgers and counterfeiters of all grades sought his advice in all dan- 
 gerous transactions. He was the power behind the throne in all stupendous swindling 
 schemes. 
 
 It was under his advice that Becker succeeded in carrying out the $64,000 check 
 forgery on the Union Trust Company which bore the unauthorized indorsement of the 
 New York Life Insurance Company. It was through influence that Wilkes succeeded 
 in getting out of prison in Italy, and since his return here he has been shunned by his 
 old associates in crime. 
 
 The capture of Wilkes and the consequent breaking up of his gang, was owing to 
 information furnished by the authorities of New York City to the various police officials 
 in Europe, that Wilkes and his gang had sailed from America for the purpose of 
 flooding the Continent with counterfeit circular notes, checks, etc. 
 
 The confession alluded to was made at Florino, and is as follows : 
 
 " I, Henry W. Wilkes, alias George Wilkes, was born in Highland Mills, Orange 
 County, N. Y., on May 25, 1837. From the age of twenty to twentj^-seven years I was 
 employed in different occupations by the Erie Railroad Company. I left the employ 
 of that corporation for the purpose of becoming a professional gambler, and I followed 
 that profession for many years. My first gambling house was situated at the corner of 
 Broadway and Fourth Street, New York. I was in partnership with John Sollmon and 
 Charles Schaeffer, and for two years and a half I devoted all my time to playing cards. 
 
 " It was in the latter part of 1869 or the beginning of 1870 that I was first arrested 
 by the New York police for forgery. A man named Sudlass was arrested with me. 
 We were arrested for forging a check upon the Board of Education, and were also 
 accused of other forgeries of minor Importance. After being kept in prison for three 
 days we were brought before Judge Gunning S. Bedford and discharged. My next 
 deed was to Induce several merchants and makers of brandies of New York and the 
 West into a scheme by which they could introduce their liquors into New York at fifty 
 cents a gallon. We succeeded in doing so by the aid of the Office of Appraisement of 
 the Thirty-second District. That was at the time that the duty upon brandy was $2 
 per gallon. James Black, John Sudlass and I were the principals in the 'brandy ring,' 
 as we used to call it. James Pike, of Cincinnati, came to see us, and he had a talk with 
 John Sudlass at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, but we declined to do business with him. We 
 told the merchants to give us the names of the brandies that they wanted to introduce, 
 and we would pledge ourselves to fulfil the bargain. By means of that swindling 
 scheme we each made about $40,000. 
 
 " Afterwards, in company with Joseph Chapman, of Fourth Street and Washington 
 Square (who Is now in prison in Munich for passing and forging a greenback bill of 
 $50 of the Tradesmen's National Bank of New York), and one Deneran, an Englishman, 
 then temporarily living in New York, I went to Chicago, where I remained one day, 
 and then we started for St. Joseph, Mo., where we stopped three days, trying to pass a 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 297 
 
 forged draft for $6,000. We had the books of drafts made in New York by order of 
 Chapman and regularly stamped. These drafts were upon a bank of Louisville, Ky., 
 and others on a bank of Galveston, Texas. I do not remember the names of the banks. 
 We were not lucky at St. Joseph. From there we went to Council Bluffs, and thence 
 to Cheyenne. The Union Pacific Railroad then only ran to Green River. N. V. 
 Clinton, a native of Indiana, was also with us, and was engaged in the same operations. 
 
 " At Cheyenne Chapman cashed a draft for $3,000 by means of letters of introduc- 
 tion he had secured from small banks in that locality. We proceeded to San Francisco, 
 and upon arriving there I stopped at a hotel in the ' Bend ' of Bush Street. The others 
 took residences in different hotels. On account of a telegram alluding to the exposure 
 of the other forged drafts business with us was poor in San Francisco. We only dis- 
 posed of a draft for $2,300. 
 
 " Clinton obtained in San Francisco a letter of credit from the British Bank of 
 North America on the same bank of New York City. I did not know the amount of 
 the draft because Clinton refused to show it to me. He set out for Acapulco, where 
 we joined him in a week, and then we all went to Panama. At Acapulco Clinton 
 cheated several bankers, but I never knew how much he realized. On the steamer 
 between Acapulco and Panama Clinton robbed a cabin mate of a letter of credit, upon 
 which he got $600 at Panama. This letter was addressed to Duncan, Sherman & Co., 
 and their agent paid the amount, but had Clinton arrested before the steamer could 
 leave. He was arrested while I was en route to New York, having left Chapman, 
 Denevan and Clinton behind. I reached New York in October, 18 71, where I 
 remained one day, starting on the next to Boston to visit my wife, who was living 
 with the family of a coffin maker. Returning to New York, I stopped for two weeks 
 at the house of Mrs. Sartorio, in West Twenty-first Street, near Sixth Avenue. 
 
 " Next I proceeded to New Orleans with my wife and thence to Havana, for the 
 purpose of meeting Chapman, according to an agreement we made in Panama. He 
 was anxious to get rid of the others. While we were in San Francisco Chapman had 
 obtained a draft for a small sum from the British Bank of North America. This draft 
 was raised and altered by me to $5,000, and was negotiated by Chapman by means of 
 a false letter of introduction from Panama. 
 
 " Upon rejoining Chapman he came with us back to Boston, where we took up a 
 residence at the St. James Hotel. Then we went to Norwich, Conn., where I left my 
 wife with the Peakes family. Chapman and I then set out for Philadelphia, where we 
 were joined by George Barlow, and then we set out for Chicago. We supplied ourselves 
 with money by altering and raising a small draft to the sum of $1,600, which Chapman 
 collected. Barlow also bought a small draft in Chicago, which I raised to $5,000. 
 From Chicago we went to Louisville, Ky., and there Chapman disposed of the latter 
 draft to the Trades Bank of that city. We paid another visit to Boston, where I passed 
 a month with the Peakes family. 
 
 " From Boston Chapman, Barlow and I went to Montreal, Canada, where we took 
 rooms at a hotel. We tried to effect some business, but could not. From Canada we 
 hastened to New York, where Barlow and wife, I and mine, hired a small house at 
 Thirty-seventh Street and Seventh Avenue. 
 
298 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 " Chapman followed us a week later. Knowing that the police were looking for 
 us, we remained idle. Meanwhile Clinton succeeded in escaping from the prison at 
 Panama by corrupting his keepers. He joined us in New York. During the five 
 months that we were idle we were preparing for new operations. 
 
 "We succeeded in securing several certificates of deposit from Duncan, Sherman 
 & Co., and we had note paper printed with the same heading as theirs, also envelopes. 
 This work was done by order of Chapman or Clinton. We obtained other certificates 
 from other bankers in New York — one on Alexander Bronson & Son, which certificate 
 we tried to use in Richmond, Va. I altered that certificate from $15 or $16 to $1,500 
 or $1,600. I set out for Mobile, Ala., to await the arrival of my associates there. 
 Chapman presented his certificate of deposit in Richmond, got the money, but was 
 arrested before he could leave the city. When captured he had all the money on him, 
 which was confiscated. Clinton left before Chapman was arrested, with several certifi- 
 cates of deposit, and he was arrested in Virginia while attempting to dispose of some 
 of them. Barlow was the only one who joined me in Mobile. This was in the winter 
 of 1874, and during that time I again became a professional gambler. 
 
 " Barlow went back to Philadelphia, and thence to Indiana, where his wife was 
 living on an estate. On his way he stopped at Richmond to leave money collected for 
 Chapman, who was still in prison awaiting trial. Within eight months Clinton returned 
 to New York, and during all that period I was living at the house of Mrs. Sartorio, on 
 Twenty-first Street. Barlow, upon coming back, joined Clinton and myself, and we 
 went to Cincinnati, where Barlow lived with me in a small hotel. There we became 
 acquainted with Eph Holland, Pat Riley, and one Hogan. We easily obtained there 
 drafts of small denominations from several bankers, which we altered and raised to 
 large sums. Barlow 'laid down' one of these raised drafts. He bought a horse and 
 collected the balance of $1,300 or $1,400. We went to Cedar Falls, but being unable 
 to pass any drafts returned to Cincinnati. Barlow and Clinton proceeded to Kentucky. 
 I remained in Cincinnati. 
 
 " Barlow presented a draft for $6,000 in Kentucky, received the money, and was 
 arrested. I heard of the arrest from Clinton, and set out at once for New York, where 
 I remained all winter. Clinton remained behind. My next transactions were with 
 Webb, an Englishman, with whom I forged several small checks on banks, using the 
 name of Hunt S: Co., Broad Street. It was ' Tall ' Barlow, the brother of George, who 
 obtained the small checks. He used to live opposite the Greenwich Bank, on Hudson 
 Street. By these checks we made between $8,000 and $10,000. In the winter of 1876 
 we went to Chicago with Phil Hargraves, an old time forger, of Charlton Street, between 
 Hudson and Greenwich Streets. 
 
 "In Chicago we stopped at the St. James Hotel. We intended doing business 
 with Milwaukee from Chicago. Our plan of operation was : We would go to some 
 banker in Chicago and buy drafts payable in New York, and would request them to 
 send our signatures to their correspondents in Milwaukee, or to such places as we 
 intended working. We thus gained their confidence. After two or three genuine 
 transactions we would send out a false draft. Webb bought a small draft, which I 
 raised to $3,000, which was paid in Milwaukee. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 299 
 
 "After an absence of six weeks Hargraves, Webb and myself returned to New- 
 York, where we met Chapman. Then the four of us made a trip to New Orleans. 
 We bought paper there and worked in the same manner. Webb, after several attempts, 
 did defraud a banker of Galveston out of $4,000. Chapman worked Vicksburg, where 
 he got $2,000. Then we all went back to New York and thence directly to Sacramento, 
 Cal., with Hargraves and wife and I with mine. At the latter place I engaged a fur- 
 nished house on I or K Street, and Hargraves proceeded to San Francisco to await us. 
 We began operations in Sacramento by buying genuine drafts from D. O. Mills & Co. 
 from Sacramento to New York, making the same demand to forward our signatures to 
 Portland, Oregon. 
 
 " Chapman made two journeys there, but did not succeed in making anything. 
 I then changed our plans. Chapman went to St. Louis and Hargraves and Webb 
 remained in San Francisco. We took all the money that we could control (about 
 $10,000) to St. Louis, and there bought a draft for that amount from the Planters' 
 Bank, and we sent the same by express to Webb in San Francisco. He deposited 
 the draft in the Bank of California and obtained blank checks, thus gaining an 
 introduction. 
 
 " He then sent us a draft bought of Hiscock, or Hitchcock & Co., of San Fran- 
 cisco, and Chapman presented it to their correspondent in St. Louis. We sent the 
 money again by draft to Webb, and he collected it through the Bank of California. 
 Webb also sent us a second draft while there was one in existence on the firm of 
 Hiscock & Co. One was for a small amount and the second for a large one. Chapman 
 collected the latter, and subsequently took a small draft from the Planters' Bank of 
 St. Louis. The two small drafts were raised to $8,500, the other for $7,500 or there- 
 abouts. These were sent to Webb, in San Francisco, and he obtained the money. 
 The draft to Chapman by Webb was presented to a correspondent of Hiscock & Co., 
 but he being unable to answer some few questions satisfactorily it was not cashed. 
 Our operations finished, we all met by arrangement in Springfield, Mass. Chapman 
 preceded us. From there we went to New York. Hargraves started business with 
 ' Jem ' Mace, the pugilist, in West Twenty-third Street, near the Masonic Temple. 
 Webb returned to his home in England, Chapman and myself remained and worked 
 together in Boston. 
 
 " My next transaction was in Central Pacific bonds that Chapman received from 
 some of his friends in Williamsburg, N. Y., one of them being Charles Becker. We 
 went to Chicago, where we readily disposed of $10,000 worth of the bonds. Chapman 
 gave fifty per cent, to the forgers, and the rest was divided equally between him and 
 me. These bonds were of the value of $1,000 each, and I wanted to take some of 
 them to Europe in company with a certain Joseph Spencer. We sailed to Liverpool, 
 England, having in our possession seventeen bonds of $1,000 each. We stopped at 
 the Adelphia Hotel, and we cautioned Chapman to cable us in case the scheme should 
 be discovered before we reached England. We offered one of the bonds to a broker 
 in Liverpool, but as he seemed to think that there was something wrong I left it with 
 him, and on my arrival at the hotel I found a cable message from Chapman, stating 
 that everything had been discovered. We had only time to jump into a coach and 
 
■300 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 drive out of the city, where I destroyed the remainder of the bonds and threw the 
 fragments into the River Mersey. 
 
 " From Liverpool we went to London, but discovering that the poHce were on the 
 lookout for us we sailed back to America by the steamer City of London, having first 
 spent a week in the Inns of Court Hotel. Upon our return to the United States 
 Spencer and I went to Baltimore. Separating from Spencer I joined Chapman, Joseph 
 Reilly, alias ' Little Joe,' and Oscar Decker, a professional bank burglar, who at the 
 time were in Baltimore. 
 
 " We started business in Philadelphia in this manner. We would write to some 
 bank in Philadelphia, receiving an answer on their form of printed envelope and note 
 paper, also their handwriting, which we familiarized ourselves with, also obtaining a 
 list of their correspondents in Chicago and Cincinnati. Then we would buy drafts for 
 small sums, raise them to larger amounts, and send them to the correspondents with a 
 forged letter of introduction to the correspondents, and they would cash them. Chap- 
 man and Decker presented drafts in Chicago and Cincinnati, obtaining $13,500. 
 I disagreed with Chapman and Reilly as to their mode of doing business, and left them 
 for New York. I there became acquainted with John Phillips, who had just been 
 liberated from Moyamensing prison after serving a term for burglary. 
 
 " Decker, Phillips and wife, and myself and wife took passage on the steamer 
 Adriatic for England. We had with us several bonds that had been stolen from the 
 Bank of Trenton, N. J. They consisted of thirteen bonds of the Northern New Jersey 
 Railroad of $1,000 each, one of the Oregon Central Railroad, one of the Central Pacific 
 Railroad, three of Iowa City and other bonds which we sold to our friends. 
 
 " On reaching England Decker and I lived with the family of John Carr, at 
 Pimlico. Phillips took up quarters at the East End of London, and there Phillips 
 disposed of the bonds to his friends for ^900. Before starting for England we had 
 decided with some of our confederates to make a letter of credit on Bosrole Brothers. 
 One of the confederates was the notorious ' Andy ' Roberts. I returned with my wife 
 to New York. Phillips and Decker followed me. They immediately returned to 
 England and Roberts and I sailed after them on the steamer City of London. As soon 
 as we got there we went to work lively, but during our stay of a month we were unable 
 to do any business, although we had a genuine letter of credit for ^500 on Bosrole 
 Brothers. On the next trip of the City of London we returned to New York, and went 
 to live on Third Avenue, four doors above Twenty-fifth Street. 
 
 " We remained a little while in New York and then made up the combination of 
 Decker, Phillips, Roberts and myself to take to England forged bonds of the Buffalo 
 and Erie Railroad, which, if properly filed and collected, would amount to the value of 
 $200,000. We obtained them from Roberts in an unfinished state. 
 
 " I went with Roberts to London by the steamer City of Brooklyn, Phillips and 
 Decker following. I first resided with Decker and his wife at Chelsea. There we 
 were joined by others— Joseph Reilly, alias ' Little Joe," Joseph Chapman, Samuel 
 Perry, alias ' Worcester Sam,' and Walter Sheridan. They came for the same business, 
 having with them forged bonds of the Chicago, Western and Southern Railroad to the 
 amount of about $150,000. We had a consultation and decided to join issue with each 
 
FROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 30 1 
 
 other. ' Andy ' Roberts prepared the Buffalo and Erie bonds, and Walter Sheridan 
 the Chicago, Western and Southern Railroad bonds. 
 
 " Amsterdam was the place selected for the starting of operations. Sam Perry- 
 made an attempt there to sell $50,000 worth of the forged Chicago, Western and 
 Southern Railroad bonds by means of frauds on the United States Consulate. The 
 entire scheme failed, as there were no bonds of that sort yet on the foreign market. 
 While we were traveling from place to place endeavoring to dispose of these bonds, 
 Phillips' brother-in-law, who lived in Gravesend, hearing that the police were about to 
 search his house, destroyed all the models and blanks of the Buffalo and Erie bonds. 
 
 " I then cut off all business relationship with them and returned to New York 
 alone. I had saved a large sum of money and for two years did nothing, during which 
 time my wife died. It was during my first voyage to California that I first became 
 acquainted with my present wife. 
 
 " I next conspired with John Donohue, Charles King, James Green and Philip 
 Hargraves to buy $50,000 worth of counterfeit greenbacks and take them to Europe. 
 Hargraves bought them from Charles E. Ulrich aud William E. Gray, paying twelve 
 and one-half per cent, of their nominal value. (Ulrich and Gray were afterward 
 arrested and convicted.) I sailed for Europe on the steamer Donan with Green, stop- 
 ping in England in a house on Tottenham Court Road. King went to the house of 
 some friends, and Donohue took up quarters in a small hotel on the Strand. Our first 
 meeting took place, according to agreement, at St. John's Wood Station, Marlborough 
 Road. We met there every day. Our plan was to send out two gangs, one to start 
 from Naples and the other from Vienna, and try to dispose of the counterfeit green- 
 backs along the road. Green and King, who were to start from Naples, took with 
 them $20,000 worth of that money. Not knowing the language and customs of the 
 country they became scared and did no business. They returned to Paris, where I met 
 them at the Hotel du Louvre. 
 
 " Chapman and Donohue started business in Vienna and there sold $5,000 worth 
 of forged bank-notes of the Tradesmen's National Bank and of the Broadway National 
 Bank of New York, of the denomination of $50. They were on their way from Vienna 
 to Munich when Chapman was arrested. Donohue telegraphed me at the Hotel du 
 Louvre that 'the family was ill.' 
 
 " I informed my associates Green and King, and we immediately went to London. 
 I met Green and Donohue several times after. The latter took passage for Canada, 
 where he sold $15,000 worth of forged bank-notes at fifteen per cent, of their face 
 value. During the first week of the Paris Exposition we disposed of a large quantity 
 of the forged bank-notes. I returned to New York by the steamer Adriatic and joined 
 my wife, who was stopping at the Maison Cortoni. 
 
 " My next speculation was the putting in circulation of forged letters of credit of 
 the London County Bank. The genuine letter was bought by me from Frank or 
 Valentine Gleason in London. It was a certificate and letter of identification for ;^io. 
 I gave him ^20 for it. I gave it to John Ouinn, who was then living in Twenty- 
 seventh Street, near Lexington Avenue. He gave it to one of his confederates, who 
 raised it to ^600 in bank-notes and 100 letters of identification. 
 
302 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 "Quinn, Hargraves, John Conn and an Englishman named William Griffis, alias 
 'Lord Ashburton,' alias 'Saville,' then went to work. Quinn, Hargraves and Griffis 
 proceeded to Canada. There Griffis presented a bank-note for ^1,200, and received 
 the money from the Bank of Montreal. He gave Hargraves and Quinn £<:)00 in these 
 notes, keeping ;^i,ooo of them, with which he went to Quebec. There he said that the 
 fraud had been discovered, and we all left for New York by different routes. This 
 statement was afterwards found to be untrue, and we later on learned that he sold a 
 portion of the bank-notes and purchased jewelry with the balance at Kirkpatrick's, 
 Nineteenth Street and Broadway. 
 
 " Griffis, upon ascertaining that we had unearthed his duplicity, suddenly left for 
 San Francisco, where he was arrested. Jack Cannon (now dead), who was in the habit 
 of only handling stolen bonds, and William Bartlett, alias ' Big Bill,' of Brooklyn, were 
 afterwards sent out with the bank-notes. They were given /"ijOooin counterfeit money 
 of the Bank of England, which was disposed of in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Cincin- 
 nati. I remained all this time in New York, superintending the forged bank-note 
 business. 
 
 " I next entered into partnership with George Engles and Peter Burns. They 
 proposed that we should go to Europe and study the way Seligman & Co., of New 
 York, did business with their agents in London. Engles had a genuine draft of Selig- 
 man & Co., and he was to counterfeit the blanks during our absence, Peter Burns and 
 wife and myself and wife left New York in February, 1879, fo'^ England on the steamer 
 Germanic. Arriving in London we took rooms in the Inns of Court Hotel. Before 
 leaving New York we bought a draft for not less than _;^i,ooo from Seligman & Co. on 
 their agents in London, and one of ^10. Burns collected the big draft and I the 
 small one. 
 
 "When presented to Seligman's agent the drafts were certified and stamped with 
 the signature of the firm and the stamp on the back. I took a copy of the certificate 
 and a drawing of the stamp, with which Burns and I returned to New York. Burns 
 left his wife in London, on Oxford Street, near Hyde Park. We gave George Engles 
 the drawing of the stamp and the copy of the signature. He made a good cut of the 
 stamp on wood and also of the signature. We then sailed back to London on the 
 steamer Wieland. I took my wife. In London we took quarters in a house on George 
 Street. Burns went to his wife on Oxford Street. The rest of the party consisted of 
 Decker, Edward Howard, ' Al ' Wilson, who was known as ' the Jew,' and a man named 
 Connor. 
 
 " Before commencing operations I presented a draft of Seligman & Co., in London, 
 for ^2,000, to see if they would make any difference between drafts representing big 
 sums or small ones. The forged drafts were all prepared in New York by Eno-les 
 before we left America, with the exception of the number that was to be added by me 
 upon the back. Two days after this draft was presented and collected three forged 
 drafts were presented in succession payable by Smith, Payne & Smith, of Lombard 
 Street, for a total of ;/^8,ooo. 
 
 " I had perhaps better explain more fully how these operations were conducted. 
 We bought also, in New York, three small drafts at the same time that we bought the 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 303 
 
 one for _j/^2,ooo, with the intent to present them to Seligman & Co., to obtain the 
 number to put upon the backs of the forged drafts. The forged drafts were presented 
 by Howard, Cannon and Wilson, and were all paid by Smith, Payne & Smith. Edward 
 Howard was once in prison for forgery, in which Barlow had a hand. His residence is 
 New York, where he was once a policeman. Cannon and Wilson both live in New 
 York. 
 
 " All of these people were found by Engles, and I was unknown to them. Decker 
 acted as middle-man between them and me. Howard, Cannon and Wilson, after 
 collecting their share, left the same evening for the Continent, thence to New York. 
 
 " One week later Burns and I left for Paris, and after five or six weeks I returned 
 with my wife to New York by the steamer Pereire, via Havre. That was in June, 
 1879. Burns lived in Paris and Decker in London. Upon my return to New York I 
 boarded at the Belvedere House for two months and then went to board in a private 
 house opposite Washington Square. 
 
 " During this time I was conspiring with Burns and Decker, who were in London. 
 One day I received a cable message from Burns saying that he wanted to see me. In 
 a letter which preceded it he told me that he had something good on hand, and I was 
 to share it with him. I sailed with my wife and a friend on the steamer City of Berlin. 
 In London we took rooms on Southampton Street, and on arriving we communicated 
 with Burns and Decker. This was in the latter part of 1879. They explained that 
 they had found two Frenchmen, one named Picou or Pick and the other a Dr. Hammel. 
 The latter had received a druggist's diploma. They said that they could forge and 
 alter three per cent. French certificates. The work was done entirely by Picou and 
 Dr. Hammel. 
 
 " It took them three weeks, during which Burns, Decker, myself and our wives 
 went to Paris. I stopped at the Hotel de Russie and Burns at the Hotel du Louvre. 
 Decker and Burns took a flying trip to Brussels for the purpose of passing a few notes 
 of the Bank of England, obtained from the forgeries made against Seligman & Co. 
 Decker was arrested and is now serving his sentence in the prison of Grand Belgium 
 under the name of John Mills. Burns rejoined me. While in Paris in the early part 
 of that year Oscar Decker came to me and said that he had a stolen letter of credit 
 which was issued by Brown Brothers, of New York. He then made a voyage to 
 Madrid to dispose of the remaining forgeries on Seligman & Co. He stopped at 
 Biarritz and another adjoining city, and collected in all 6,ooof. The letter he spoke of 
 had been altered by him while in New York. 
 
 "The French certificates were now ready, having been made in John Phillip's 
 house, at No. 3 St. James Place, Forrest Lane. 
 
 " I put the signature on them. We then decided to send Picou and Hammel to 
 
 Naples to meet there a certain Baron (a Frenchman who had a bank account). 
 
 We also decided that the Baron should dispose of the certificates in Naples, or where- 
 ever he could. I think he sold one in Rome and nine or ten in different other localities. 
 In this journey they went as far as Vienna. They told Phillips, who was with them, 
 that the police were after him. He fled to London, leaving them all the valuables — 
 about twenty certificates. Those that could not be disposed of were sent by express to 
 
304 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Dr. Hammel, who made his headquarters at Munich. About nine were sent back and 
 eighteen or nineteen, of the value of lo.ooof., were kept. There were twenty-nine 
 documents forged, of the nominal value of 240,ooof. In 1880 Dr. Hammel and his 
 wife disappeared, and it is supposed that the pair joined Picou and the Baron. 
 
 " I next became associated with George Engles, Charles Becker, Shell Hamilton, 
 William Bartlett, Edward Burns, Edward Cleary, ' Al ' Wilson, 'the Jew,' George 
 Bell, and an old man known only to me as ' Andy.' They all came from America, and 
 were under the management of Engles. Decker and Engles brought with them a letter 
 of credit on the Societe Generale of Brussels. It was their intention to take five 
 different directions on the Continent and to defraud all the bankers that they met in 
 their way. Before they proceeded they decided to try places with genuine letters of 
 credit, which they were unable to get, and abandoned for the time being. During this 
 time Engles and wife went to Paris to see some relatives, and to procure rooms where 
 we could safely talk business. He changed his mind and returned to London. 
 
 " Our next move was to send Bartlett, Cleary and Wilson to Toulon, Brussels, 
 Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg and Bremen, with instructions to procure 
 drafts from bankers on their correspondents in London. They had to make several 
 trips before they could study the way and means of doing business of the bankers. 
 The last voyage was made to Cologne and Aix-la-Chapelle, when we heard that 
 Inspector Byrnes, the chief of detectives, had cabled to the London police all the 
 names of the individuals that had left New York. Fearing arrest, we abandoned the 
 scheme and paid the passage of the men back to America. Hamilton, Engles and 
 Becker remained to do other business. We had previously engaged rooms at No. 5 
 Fincheley Road, where Hamilton, alias Neilson, resided with us. I went to Brussels 
 with a Mr. Coswell, whom I made believe that I could buy gutta percha, for the purpose 
 of getting a letter of credit and to learn a figure which was in a letter of credit of the 
 Socidte Generale of Brussels. I got the letter from Mr. Coswell and collected in 
 Rotterdam i3,ooof., returning directly to London, where the balance of the letter of 
 credit was drawn. My voyage in other respects was fruitless. I did not learn the 
 figure, and abandoned the project. In my absence Becker and Engles had been 
 working upon Italian bonds, at No. 7 Leamington Road. 
 
 " Small certificates of Italian incomes were bought from Baronoff in Milan and 
 Turin. They consisted of twenty-five bonds bearing an income of 5f. These Engles 
 and Becker worked upon. They erased by instruments and acids the indication of 
 their value and restored their original color. The process was only known to Becker. 
 All I knew was the printed denomination. The figures were substituted by a woodcut 
 made by Becker. In the second voyage there were thirty-five certificates of income of 
 the value of 50of. each, paying five per cent. They were taken to Engles and Becker, 
 who made the alterations advancing their value to 30,ooof. income, or equal to a 
 capital of 6oo,ooof. Several of these certificates were of 50of. income. The first lot 
 used by Baronoff was for i,ooof. income. He disposed of them with the Credit 
 Lyonnais and with the Caisse Generale of Paris. They were the certificates tied up 
 under the name of H. G. or G. H. Hendel, who received seventy-five per cent, by 
 advancement. Another lot was disposed of in the same way to' the Parisian Bank, the 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. ' 305 
 
 interest collected amounting to io,ooof. A third lot of ii,ooof. income was sold at the 
 principal office of the Societe Generale at the Stock Exchange and at the Credit 
 Lyonnais. ^ 
 
 " Those who took part in that line of work were Peter Burns, alias Colbert, John 
 Carr, James Pasvell, George Engles, alias Hilgor, Charles Becker and myself. Charles 
 Baronoff received twenty-five per cent, and the rest of the money, 400,ooof., was divided 
 among ourselves in equal shares. Hendel, or Baronoff, ordered the sale of the bonds. 
 He sent a man called ' Cranky Jimmy,' with a check to the Societe Generale. 
 
 "He obtained 4,ooof. by means of a hotel messenger, and upon discovering that 
 there was no trouble to dispose of the certificates he went himself and presented a 
 check for more than 4o,ooof. He had to wait a long time, and, getting scared, ran 
 away from the bank. 
 
 " Some time afterward he wrote a letter to the Soci^t^ G^n^rale or the Credit 
 Lyonnais, either from Belgium or Holland, saying he had sent his clerk to Paris with a 
 check for the purpose of paying notes, and that he had not received any news either 
 from the clerk or of the check, and that he would go himself to Paris as soon as possible 
 to find out what had become of them. This was to explain his hasty departure from 
 the bank after presenting the check for 40,ooof. Baronoff lived in Paris, Boulevard 
 Malesherbes, under the name of Hendel. 
 
 " My first introduction to that gang traveling in Italy was on the occasion of the 
 sending out of the letters of credit of the Soci(Jt6 Generale of Brussels. ' Al ' Wilson 
 was introduced to me by John Phillips. The men who operated extensively in Italy 
 were Phillips, Wilson and Shell Hamilton. 
 
 " They started by Geneva, Switzerland, where they were rejoined by Charles Silvio 
 Bixio, who had been living in that city during the summer. They went to Torino, 
 where they separated, Bixio and Hamilton going together to Naples, and Phillips, 
 Wilson and myself going to Venice, where they were to wait for a telegram before 
 beginning operations. 
 
 " An attempt was made in Moscow, Russia, by Baronoff and James Pasvell, but the 
 job failed for the reason that the figure and the key kept by the bankers there did not 
 correspond with the forged notes. Learning this I telegraphed for them to come 
 home. This took place when we were working on the Italian certificates of income, 
 altering and filling letters of credit, which were accompanied by forged French pass- 
 ports. All this work was done by Engles and Becker. 
 
 " After his return from Italy I was informed that Bixio had the means of disposing 
 of all sorts of forged paper. I sent Hamilton and Wilson, whose alias was ' Lewis,' to 
 Geneva to meet him. They had $3,000 in counterfeit bank-notes on the Tradesmen's 
 and Broadway Banks of New York. The counterfeit money was obtained by Hamilton 
 from a man named Megath. I advanced the money to buy it. They also took a three 
 per cent. French certificate of income (forged), which was not sold on account of some 
 misunderstanding about the price. They came back to London, remaining several 
 weeks, and then took again $2,500 in greenbacks, six or seven three per cent. French 
 certificates of income and $200 in bonds of the Bank of Canada. 
 
 " The latter bonds were stolen in Canada about four years before. One bond of 
 
3o6 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Lombardy came from a robbery on the Calais and Dover steamboat. It was of the 
 value of loof. With these valuables, assisted by a certain Strogella, of Torino, Bixio 
 sold the American bank-aotes, and Wilson, alias Lewis, sold the certificates for $i,ooo 
 in all. They also disposed of the bond of Lombardy in Torino and operated in Geneva 
 and Switzerland. 
 
 "They borrowed from different Jews, with the aid of a man now in prison with 
 Bixio, some French three per cent, income certificates of the denomination of 30of. 
 The person mentioned as the owner of the bonds was a certain Count Corradino, a 
 notorious thief, well known, who was supposed to live in Torino. He was called count 
 by both Strogella and Bixio. They sold two other forged three per cent. French cer- 
 tificates of income in two different places. These certificates were some of those that 
 
 Picou and Baron sent back from Naples that had remained in Burns' hands. 
 
 Hamilton made a trip to London, and after his arrival there Bixio telegraphed for more 
 French certificates, and they were sent to him by registered letter. Wilson, alias Lewis, 
 also went back, but kept up a constant correspondence with Strogella, of Torino. 
 Hamilton and Wilson desired very much to have more bonds, either stolen or forged, 
 of the five per cent. Italian income. 
 
 " We set out together, and during the crossing of the sea Burns persuaded me to 
 accompany him in a voyage after we should end our business. We were to go to 
 Naples, Rome, Livorno and back to Paris by way of Nizza. Upon our arrival in 
 Torino we met Hamilton, who took us to a caf^ and there told us that he had sold the 
 bonds of Lombardy and the goof, of Italian income, with the aid of Strogella, to the 
 latter's brother-in-law, who was a broker in Torino. We then gave him more French 
 and Italian certificates of income. Hamilton said that he could not dispose of the 
 French or Russian bonds, but said that the Italian bonds were all right. He brought 
 us next day the money for the i,ooof. Italian certificate and gave us 25,ooof. for the 
 bonds sold in Torino. 
 
 "We then combined to go to Milan with Strogella and Wilson, alias Lewis, carry- 
 ing with us two French certificates of 30of. each, and two forged Italian certificates of 
 income of i,ooof. and 50of. each, which had been examined and approved by Strogella 
 and Wilson, alias Lewis. They set out for Milan and were there arrested. We 
 decided not to see any one in Torino except Hamilton. 
 
 " Burns and I did not know Strogella. We went to Florence, stopping at the 
 Hotel di Nuova York. Our plan was to meet Hamilton only. I was to prepare him 
 a letter of credit, and Lewis or Wilson was to come with us, and we would decide where 
 it would be best to try it. The scheme was frustrated by our arrest — that is Burns, 
 alias Julius, and his wife and I and my wife — at Florence. 
 
 " I forgot to say that Baronoff was accompanied in his first and second voyages by 
 Carr and ' Pasvell, but in the third only Carr was with him. They introduced them- 
 selves to the Soci^t6 G^n^rale, Credit Lyonnais and Banque Parisienne, and sold them 
 different certificates which they bought from other bankers. Megotti, or Meo-ath, sold 
 me the seventeen bonds of Lombardy, Italian and French certificates of income, the 
 Russian bonds and a bond of the Credit Foncier of France, knowing that it was all 
 stolen property. All the certificates were sold by Strogella to his brother-in-law. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 307 
 
 Strogella gave the money to Hamilton and the latter gave it to me. The entire 
 quantity of bonds were bought at forty-five or fifty per cent, of their real value, and 
 virere sold by Strogella for their real value. 
 
 " The amount of these sales was equally divided among Strogella, Lewis, Ham- 
 ilton, Burns and myself. James Coswell was introduced to me by James Pasvell, and 
 was deceived by me by telling him that I could buy remnants of gutta percha on the 
 Continent— that is, in Brussells, Colmar, Aix-la-Chapelle and Rotterdam. We made 
 two voyages to Brussels, and there he obtained for me two letters of credit on the 
 Socidt^ G^n^rale by means of introductions from his correspondents in London. These 
 letters were for 20,ooof. and 2 5,ooof." 
 
 Wilkes' confession is the most interesting criminal document in existence to-day. 
 It details nearly all his plots and schemes, and tells just how the men under him 
 succeeded in duping the best financiers of Europe and America, and also gives the 
 names of the men who took part in the several conspiracies with him. 
 
 Joe Chapman, one of Wilkes' early companions, is at present in prison in Munich. 
 
 Ivan, or Carlo, Siscovitch is serving out a term of imprisonment, under the alias 
 of John Smith, in the penitentiary at Cleveland, Ohio. 
 
 Phil Hargraves, who still lingers about New York City, has been more fortunate 
 than others of the gang. This is due to the fact that he is a very guarded operator. 
 
 William Griffis, alias "Lord Ashburton," was released in the spring of 1884, 
 after serving out a term at the prison of San Quentin, Cal., and on his return to New 
 York was arrested for the Kirkpatrick affair. He pleaded guilty, and as he was quite 
 low in health he was released and allowed to go to his home at Dartmouth, Devon- 
 shire, England, to die. 
 
 Engles is dead. 
 
 Becker is now serving a sentence of six years and six months in the Kings County 
 Penitentiary, Brooklyn, N. Y., for counterfeiting a 1,000-franc note of the Bank of 
 France. (See record of No. 18.) 
 
 John Carr is a notorious English criminal. After the robbery of the Northampton, 
 Mass., Bank, the proceeds were taken to England, and remained in Carr's house until 
 the "negotiations were completed for their return. 
 
 Bell is at present serving out a ten years' sentence in Maryland for forgery. 
 (See record of No. 193.) 
 
 Al. Wilson finished a term in Baltimore, Md., for forgery, and is now serving a 
 twelve years' sentence in Canada. (See record of No. 37.) 
 
308 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Cleary, who was also implicated with Bell and Wilson in the Baltimore forgeries^ 
 has just completed a five years' sentence there. (See record of No. 193.) 
 
 Elliott is serving an eighteen-year sentence at Rochester, N. Y. (See record of 
 No. 16.) 
 
 Steve Raymond, another associate of Wilkes, is serving out a life imprisonment 
 for forgery, the first and only man ever sentenced under the new law. (See record 
 of No. 55.) 
 
 For further particulars of George Wilkes see records of Nos. 18 and 26. 
 
 OTHER NOTED CRIMINALS. 
 
 Dan Noble, alias Dan Dyson, bond forger, bank burglar and sneak. 
 
 This celebrated criminal is now (1886) serving out a twenty years' sentence in the 
 Millbank prison, London, England. For years previous to Noble's departure for 
 England and the Continent, he was an acknowledged leader of the most notable crooked 
 operators in America. He was the master spirit in the Lord bond robbery in New York 
 City in March, 1886, which netted him and his companions, Fred Knapp, James Grii^n, 
 and Little Pettingill, nearly $1,700,000. Subsequently (in the spring of 1871) he was 
 sent to Auburn (N. Y.) State prison from Oswego, N. Y., for five years for a burglary. 
 He remained there but a short time, securing his liberty by escaping with two other 
 notorious bank robbers, Jimmy Hope (20) and Big Jim Brady. After remaining in 
 hiding in New York a short time, he started for the old country, arriving in England in 
 1873. Here he fell in with the big swells in sporting and crooked circles, and, as in 
 America, soon went to the front, on account of his ability to concoct and successfully 
 carry out his schemes. He began his operations with three smart men, Johnny Miller,, 
 formerly of New York, Joe Chapman and Jack Phillips. They got rid of a large 
 amount of spurious ^5 notes in Bavaria, Brussels and Switzerland, several of which 
 were found upon emigrants after landing in this country. He was sentenced to five 
 years in Paris, France, for a diamond robbery, but escaped shortly after. The crime 
 for which he was sent to prison in London was forgery, his associates being two noted 
 English thieves named Wardley and Garnett, and an American named Charles Lister, 
 who assumed the alias of Edward Hunt. Lister was sentenced to fifteen years' impris- 
 onment, and afterwards gave information to the authorities about Johnny Miller, 
 who was also arrested and sentenced to twenty years. Dan Noble fied to Italy, but 
 was captured and returned, and although Miller swore that Noble was innocent, it was 
 not believed, and Noble was sentenced to twenty years also. They all went to prison 
 together. This will probably wind up Noble's criminal career. 
 
 He was known in Paris, Brussels, Geneva, Munich, Bavaria and London as well as. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 309 
 
 in America. Is fifty-two years old in 1886. Born in United States. Married. No 
 trade. Height, 6 feet; weight, 185 pounds. Fair complexion; light hair, inclined to 
 be red ; bluish grey eyes, long slim nose. Used to wear an exceedingly long goatee ; 
 now wears a long mustache. He is a fine-looking, big, jolly and well-built man. He 
 has a deep scar on his nose caused by a cut from a bottle. Walks straight and erect, 
 ■dresses well, and is an interesting talker. His description was taken during his trial in 
 London, and is a good one. 
 
 Noble, Knapp and Griffin were credited with robbing Leonard W. Jerome, in New 
 York City, on February 6, 1867, of about $100,000 ; also Bliss & Co., of Pine Street, New 
 York. This last robbery was the cause of one of the firm becoming a raving maniac. 
 The thieves, however, never realized one dollar from the latter robbery, as the bonds 
 that were stolen were given by them to Phil. Furlong and Ned Lyons (70) to dispose 
 ■of. These worthies never gave an accounting to the thieves, but divided among them- 
 selves what was realized on them. 
 
 Knapp is a horse sharp. Griffin and Phil. Furlong are dead, and Ned Lyons is 
 serving out a sentence in Connecticut. (See record of No. 70.) 
 
 For further particulars of Dan Noble, see records of Nos. 4, 14, 20, 202. 
 
 Samuel T. Perry, alias " Bottle Sam," the bank sneak, was convicted and 
 ■sentenced in Detroit, Mich., on October 31, 1882, to five years' imprisonment at 
 Jackson, Mich., for robbing the office of the County Treasurer in 1870. 
 
 Perry is the son of very respectable parents, and was raised in the vicinity of New 
 York, but went to Cincinnati when he was quite young, where he has a sister married 
 to a very respectable gentleman. His first connection with thieves was brought about 
 by Johnny Green, a well known sneak thief, of St. Louis. Perry was caught tapping 
 a till in St. Louis in 1868, and sentenced to the penitentiary for two years. Green 
 succeeded in making his escape with the money. On coming out he returned to 
 New York, where he associated with George Carson, Horace Hovan, alias Little 
 Horace, and Red Tim, well known bank sneak thieves. Through his association 
 with these men he became acquainted with Andy Roberts and Valentine Gleason, 
 the forgers, and was selected by them to aid Walter Sheridan in the disposition 
 of the forged Buffalo, New York and Erie railroad bonds. In this connection he went 
 with Sheridan to England. Shortly after that detectives went there in pursuit of Joe 
 Chapman and Joe Riley, alias Joe Elliott, in connection with the robbery of the Third 
 National Bank of Baltimore, and while tracing them about London, they came across 
 Perry, who was keeping company with them. Through watching Perry they were 
 brought into contact with Walter Sheridan, Ike Marsh, Charley Bullard, alias Piano 
 Charley, and Tom Worth, the Boylston (Boston) Bank robbers. By keeping run of 
 them, the detectives and the London police were also brought in contact with Mark 
 Shinburn, George Wade Wilkes, George McDonald and the two Bidwells, and 
 numerous other American burglars, sneak thieves and forgers then residing in London. 
 All of these men were thoroughly exposed, and it was through this exposure that 
 the London police succeeded in implicating the two Bidwells and McDonald in the 
 great frauds and forgeries on the Bank of England. 
 
3IO PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 In the spring of 1873 Walter Sheridan and Sam Perry (Walter Sheridan under the 
 name of C. Raulston and Sam Perry under the name of William B. Morgan) returned 
 to New York on the steamer Adriatic. On account of Perry's dissipated habits Sheridan 
 separated from him and left Perry none of the money. Sheridan had disposed of 
 $150,000 worth of the Buffalo, New York and Erie bonds without leave of Perry. Perry 
 acquired the habit of excessive wine drinking, and became familiarly known by the name 
 of " Bottle Sam." In one of his drunken bouts he shot Charles H. Dorauss, alias Jack 
 Strauss, the well known burglar, in New York, and was sentenced to State prison for 
 five years on March 11, 1879, but through the influence of his mother obtained a new 
 trial, and did not serve his sentence. After lying around New York and Philadelphia 
 for a couple of years he again went West, and stopped in Chicago with a mob of 
 Eastern thieves. In Chicago he committed several small sneak robberies, and from 
 there went to Detroit, where he was concerned in the robbery of the County Treas- 
 urer's office. Perry was arrested the day after the robbery at Windsor, Canada, but 
 succeeded in obtaining his discharge, as the offense against him did not come under the 
 treaty. But he was readily identified as the man who " stalled " the County Treasurer 
 to the rear of the office while the sneak went through the safe. After being liberated 
 he went to Fort Erie, Canada, where he met John, alias "Clutch," Donahue, a well 
 known American thief, who then resided in Canada, and operated with him and Joe 
 Dubuque and Little Joe Harris through the Dominion. Coming to Port Huron, Mich., 
 he was recognized by a Detroit officer, and arrested and taken back to Detroit, tried, 
 and convicted. Perry has been one of the most remarkable thieves in the United 
 States, and had he let liquor alone, was one of the most dangerous men in the country 
 to meet. Dissipation has been his ruin, for in his time he has been associated more or 
 less with the ablest thieves in the country. 
 
 Perry is forty years old in 1886. Height, 5 feet 11 inches; weight, about 150 
 pounds. Black hair, hazel eyes, nose full in the centre, dark complexion, and generally 
 wears black side-whiskers and mustache. 
 
 Joseph Killoran, alias Joe Howard, was arrested in Philadelphia Sunday, Feb- 
 ruary 8, 1885, for the robbery of the First National Bank at Coldwater, Mich., of 
 $10,000 on August I, 1883, thus closing for a number of years to come the career of a 
 man who, as a pickpocket, bank sneak thief and bank safe burglar, has operated success- 
 fully in one of these three lines of thieving with nearly all of the great professional 
 criminals. Joseph Killoran is a New Yorker by birth, and comes from a good family. 
 At the time of his parents' death, Joe, with his other brothers and sisters, inherited 
 considerable property, but his share was spent in gambling and riotous living. Through 
 gambling he became acquainted with professional thieves, and when his money was 
 gone he joined a party of pickpockets. He was afterwards associated with George 
 Bliss, alias Miles, alias White, the noted bank burglar, now serving sentence at Windsor, 
 Vt., who was the partner of Mark Shinburn, probably the most expert bank safe 
 burglar in the country. Joe was finally convicted for the robbery of the Waterford, 
 N. Y., bank, and was sentenced to Auburn prison. He escaped, in company with 
 Jimmy Hope, who was concerned in the Manhattan Bank robbery, and was next arrested 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 31 1 
 
 in New York with George Miles, alias Bliss, for the Barre bank burglary of Vermont, 
 The Auburn prison authorities, being informed of his arrest, claimed him as a prisoner 
 who had escaped from them, and he was taken back to Auburn to serve out his term of 
 imprisonment, which expired about three years since.^ Miles was taken to Vermont and 
 sentenced to fourteen years' imprisonment, where he now is. 
 
 Joe Howard was concerned with Jimmy Hope, Worcester Sam, George Bliss and 
 others in the robbery of the Beneficial Savings Fund, and the Kensington Bank 
 burglary at Philadelphia, which occurred on April 6, 1869, and which attracted wide 
 attention because of its magnitude. He was also concerned with Jimmy Hope, George 
 Mason, Ike Marsh, alias " Big Ike," Tom Curley and Mike Welsh, in the successful 
 robbery of the First National Bank at Wellsboro, Pa., on September 17, 1874. Here 
 the family were bound and gagged, and the cashier made to open his own safe, while 
 the contents were taken out. Marsh, Welsh, Curley and Mason were arrested, while 
 the others made their escape. Marsh was sentenced to seventeen years in the Penn- 
 sylvania State prison, where he now is. The jury acquitted Welsh and disagreed as to 
 Mason and Curley. With Jimmy Hope and two others he was concerned in the 
 attempted robbery of the First National Bank at Wilmington, Del., November 7, 1873. 
 Four of the party, including Hope and Howard, were arrested and sentenced to ten 
 years' imprisonment each, and were ordered to receive fifty lashes. The sentence was 
 executed, but after a few years' imprisonment all succeeded in making their escape. 
 
 Howard has also worked with Scott and Dunlap, of the Northampton (Mass.) 
 bank robbery ; also with Sam Perris, alias Worcester Sam, Thomas McCormick, Johnny 
 Love, and in fact with all the leading professional bank burglars in the country. He 
 has always made New York his home. Since coming out after serving his last impris- 
 onment, he quit burglary and set to working almost entirely with bank sneak thieves. 
 He was with Western sneak thieves when he perpetrated the robbery for which he is 
 now serving time. Three parties entered the First National Bank at Coldwater, Mich., 
 about noon, August i, 1883. Howard engaged the attention of the cashier, while a 
 second party engaged the paying teller. Then Ed. Quinn, the noted professional thief 
 of Chicago, entered the bank, sneaked along the counter, and succeeded in getting into 
 the vault without being observed. He took $10,000 worth of bonds, when, through 
 some act of carelessness on his part, he attracted the attention of the cashier, who, on 
 discovering Quinn in the vault, rushed in to seize him. He was warned off by Quinn, 
 who pulled out a large pistol and threatened to kill the cashier in case he attempted to 
 detain him. In this way he backed out of the bank, where a wagon was in waiting for 
 the whole party. In this they were driven rapidly away. Quinn was arrested about a 
 year ago in Chicago, but was taken to Laporte, Ind., instead of Coldwater, where he 
 was wanted for a jewelry robbery, and was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. He 
 is now in prison. The other men who committed this robbery, with Howard, have been 
 successful in keeping out of the way. 
 
 Killoran pleaded guilty to having assisted in the robbery of $10,000 from the First 
 National Bank of Coldwater, Mich., as above described, and was sentenced to five years 
 in the Michigan State prison on July 26, 1885, at Coldwater, Mich. 
 
 For expiration of sentence see commutation laws of Michigan. 
 
312 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 William E. Gray was the son of a gentleman who for many years was Chaplain 
 of the United States Senate. This honorable position held by the father gained for 
 the son an entrde to the best circles of society, but which he sadly abused by his mis- 
 conduct. He was extradited from England in July, 1878, for forging certificates to the 
 amount of $30,000, issued by the State of New York for the payment of bounties of 
 volunteers during the late war. Gray was tried and convicted, and sentenced to ten 
 years in Sing Sing on May 29, 1879. During the trial his counsel took a great many 
 exceptions, and carried the case to the Court of Appeals, which took some years, during 
 which time he was locked up in the Tombs. He was finally set free in May, 1881, and 
 is now living In this city. (See records of No. 202 and George Wilkes.) 
 
 The following very interesting account of Gray was published in one of the New 
 York papers in May, 1880: 
 
 " Gray is a young man of pleasant address and agreeable manners, and while 
 operating in Wall Street many years ago, was regarded as a shrewd speculator and an 
 intelligent observer of financial events. Born of respectable parents, well educated, and 
 given a good start in life, he chose a career of crime in preference to respectability with 
 a more gradual fortune. His father. Rev. E. H. Gray, of Shelburne Falls, Mass., was 
 Chaplain of the United States Senate from 1861 to 1869. After leaving college 
 William E. Gray was appointed to a clerkship in the Fourth Auditor's office of the 
 United States Treasury Department, and served with credit and fidelity until 1866, 
 when he resigned. The following year he came to New York, bringing letters of 
 recommendation from Gen. Butler, Senator Morrill, Acting Vice-President Foster, 
 National Bank Examiner Callander, Senators Pomeroy and Fessenden and others, 
 upon whom he always called when they visited this city. He was then twenty-three 
 years of age, and extremely youthful In appearance. He was abstemious in his habits, 
 refraining from liquors and tobacco, which gained for him the reputation of a model 
 young man. 
 
 " His first employment In this city was as clerk for A. W. Dimock & Co., of No. 26 
 Pine Street, to whom he represented that he desired to learn the secrets of stock 
 brokerage so as to enter the street on his account. In May, 1869, he left Dimock & 
 Co., and began business on his own account in a small way at the office of Mr. J. G. 
 Sands, No. 36 New Street. Among others, Mr. J. G. Eastman gave him power of 
 attorney to act In the Gold Room, and the young Washingtonian was launched on the 
 rough sea of Wall Street speculation under the most favorable auspices. It was here, 
 as far as can be learned, that Gray began the sharp practices which subsequently made 
 him a fugitive from justice, dodging the officers of the law, and finally landed him in the 
 Tombs, awaiting a decision that may consign him to State prison for a long term of 
 years. His first act was to borrow $1,600 on three Government bonds from George 
 H. Lewis, who in turn re-hypothecated them to L. W. Morse for $3,000. Something 
 he had learned awakened Mr. Morse's suspicions, and he called in the loan. Neither 
 Lewis nor Gray responded, and the securities were sold at a loss to Mr. Morse. The 
 purchaser afterwards discovered that the bonds had been stolen from the Common 
 Prayer-Book Society of New York several months previously. Gray refused to make 
 good Mr. Morse's loss, and he was arrested and thrown into Ludlow Street jail. His 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 313 
 
 father intervened, paid the money, and young Gray was released. He next victimized 
 William H. Chapman, a South Street merchant, and kept up a system of 'kiting' on 
 Mr. Eastman's credit, but his little game was discovered in time to prevent any serious 
 losses. 
 
 "In the autumn of the same year. Gray gave out that he expected a legacy of 
 $50,000 from a wealthy aunt, who had accommodatingly died, which, with $10,000 
 ready cash which he claimed to own, he proposed to enlarge his business operations. 
 He purchased from G. H. Stebbins' Son the lease of the offices No. 44 Broad Street, 
 which were afterward occupied by Victoria Woodhull and Tenny Claflin. He furnished 
 the rooms in elaborate style, and over the door a sign was hung with the name of 
 W. E. Gray & Co. Who the company was became a standing conundrum on the 
 street, but it afterwards leaked out that it was composed of T. H. Pratt, William J. 
 Sharkey, William S. Ree, George Larabee, and one or two others. All the firm after- 
 wards came to grief. Sharkey is a refugee, having murdered Dunne ; Glover was 
 convicted as an accomplice in the Boylston Bank robbery ; Leighton was arrested in 
 California for being connected with a mining swindle, and Ree and Larrabee have been 
 frequently before the public in connection with heavy forgeries. While operating in a 
 pool on Quartz Hill mining stock. Gray and his associates came into possession of 
 sixteen New York State Bounty Loan certificates of $1,000 each, which had been stolen 
 a year previous from C. W. Woolsey, a Pine Street broker ; two similar bonds for 
 $15,000 originally issued to Elizabeth F. Taylor, and other stolen Government and 
 miscellaneous securities. The bounty loan certificates were raised by means of chem- 
 icals from $1,000 to $10,000 each, and the registers were changed to W. E. Gray & Co. 
 Pratt was supposed to have done the forging, and that Gray aided in floating the bonds. 
 This worked so well that the system was kept up for a long time. In December, 1879, 
 the forgeries were discovered, and Gray was sharply catechised by bank officers and 
 detectives. Gathering together all his available funds, some $50,000, he left his office 
 in a carriage, in company with a veiled woman, and disappeared from view, and for two 
 years all trace of him was lost. His total debts were $310,000, and the assets he left 
 behind consisted of $20,000, leaving him a net profit of $280,000. 
 
 " After Gray's departure a letter was found in his office addressed to a female clerk 
 in the Treasury Department, whom he designated as ' Dear Birdie.' He told her that 
 he had insured his life for $5,000 in her favor. The Mining Board expelled Gray, and 
 the Stock Exchange gave Detective Tom Sampson instructions to find where he was 
 and to follow him up and arrest him. Sampson, after following numerous clues, 
 learned that Gray was luxuriating in London under the name of James Peabody 
 Morgan, a pretended nephew of George Peabody, the great philanthropist. Being 
 introduced one day to a genuine relative of Mr. Peabody, and being sharply cornered, 
 he laughed the matter off as a joke, and was afterwards known as James Payson Morgan. 
 He dressed like a noble, courted the society of snobs, and rejoiced in the ownership of 
 a finer tandem team than the Prince of Wales drove. At a dinner given by the niece 
 of Baron Rothschild, when only twenty-eight years of age, he made an after-dinner 
 speech on finances which astonished all his hearers. He became acquainted with Mr. 
 Chatteris, a London banker, and he placed his son in business with Gray, handing him 
 
314 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 ^10,000, and accepting as security $50,000 in spurious United States bonds. The 
 venture was not a success, but Gray secured ;^5,ooo more from old Mr. Chatteris by 
 showing him an order, believed to have been forged, stating that $30,000 had been 
 placed to his credit in New York. Young Chatteris quarreled with Gray, and 
 accused him of swindling, when he drew a pistol and was arrested. The bonds deposited 
 with Mr. Chatteris turned out to be stolen and caveated bonds, and Detective Sampson 
 immediately, on learning the facts, had Gray indicted, and, having secured extradition 
 papers, sailed for London on November 18, 1871. Gray, alias Morgan, cunningly 
 made his escape and crossed over to Paris. Captain Sampson chased him all over the 
 Continent, and, failing to catch him, returned to New York. 
 
 " Gray next turned up on the Hague as Dr. Georgius Colletso, oculist, and graduate 
 of the Royal College of Surgeons of London, and possessor of diplomas which were 
 never legally issued. Here he attempted to sell to the wealthy capitalists of the Hague 
 a mythical silver mine in Colorado. Gray next appeared in Texas under the name of 
 Colletso, where he inaugurated the Bastrop Coal Mining Company — another mythical 
 concern. Here he formed an alliance with Colonel William Fitzcharles McCarty, and 
 together they returned to England and flooded the market with the stock of the 
 Wichita Copper Company, limited. They raised $20,000 to start the thing, and would 
 have secured more had not the Englishmen learned that the entire thing was an arrant 
 swindle. This led to his identity, and again Captain Sampson started out after him. 
 Upon his arrival he found Gray in custody, and apparently anxious to return to America. 
 Again the persevering veteran detective was doomed to disappointment. Secretary 
 Fish declined to give a promise that Gray should not be tried on any other charge than 
 was contained in the extradition papers, and he was released by the British authorities. 
 This position was subsequently receded from, and George B. Mickle, a son of ex-Mayor 
 Mickle, meeting Gray in Edinburgh, gave Captain Sampson information, and Gray was 
 arrested in London. Captain Sampson was again deputized by the Stock Exchange to 
 go after the long absent prisoner, but being detained here on important Government 
 business, the late Captain Kealy was selected in his stead. Gray was brought back, 
 followed by a niece of Balfe, the great composer, who is his wife. She still resides in 
 this city. As a matter of historic equity, it may be mentioned that Seth Johnson, who 
 was Gray's most intimate friend when in the Treasury Department, was convicted in 
 1872 of embezzling $50,000." 
 
 Mary A. Hansen, alias Klink, has many wiles in working sharp men for money 
 and her husband helps in her crooked schemes. 
 
 On January 15, 1886, Frederick Bohmet, of No. 192 Allen Street, called at Police 
 Headquarters in New York, and informed the authorities that in September, 1885, Julius 
 Klink, a shoemaker, whom he had known for twenty years, called on him and said a 
 wealthy widow named Hansen, on Jersey City Heights, had got infatuated with him 
 and he married her ; that he was well fixed and would never work another day at the 
 bench. He said she was left by her uncle, who died at Harrisburg, Pa., $750,000, and 
 the money was on deposit in the United States Treasury, and would be paid in a few 
 days, as the Supreme Court had decided the case in her favor, and they would be 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 315 
 
 obliged to pay the money on July 15, 1886. They had a number of lawyers employed, 
 he said, and they wished to get her money at once. While this conversation was going 
 on Mrs. Klink ran into the house with a telegram, shouting and crying, " You are a 
 nice man. Why didn't you assist me to get our money ? The telegram says if we 
 don't have money and get the Supreme Court seal on our papers we are gone. We 
 will not be able to get our money until July, 1886, and we must have money at once. I 
 must have money too to run on to Washington at once." 
 
 Mr. Klink then asked Mr. Bohmet if he would advance the money needed. Mr. 
 Bohmet asked what security he should receive. Mr. and Mrs. Klink said they would 
 give him his money back in a few days, and also as a present a four-story tenement 
 house and lot. Mr. Bohmet went to the bank and gave them $2,316, which money he 
 was to receive on July 15, 1886, also his house and lot. On January 2, Mr. Bohmet 
 called on his lawyer and explained his case to him. He advised him to call on the 
 police, which he did on January 18. While the sergeant was in conversation with Mr. 
 Bohmet a lady named Mary Mesam, of No. i First Avenue, called and informed the 
 sergeant that she was robbed by a woman named Hansen, of $2,500. A detective 
 listened to her story and saw by the description that Klink and Hansen was the same 
 woman. Two detective sergeants were detailed on the case, and ordered to bring both 
 complainants before Justice Duffy at Jefferson Market and obtain a warrant, if possible, 
 as the woman resided in Jersey. Justice Duffy issued a warrant for Mr. and Mrs. 
 Klink. Two officers went to No. 72 Hague Street, Jersey City Heights, accompanied 
 by Inspector Lang and Detective Dalton, of Jersey City. As they attempted to enter 
 the house Mrs. Klink's daughter met the officers on the stoop and informed them that 
 her mother was not at home. The officers remained watching the house until evening, 
 when they entered and searched, and found the object of their search on the second 
 floor pretending to be sick. She came to New York and was locked up at the Central 
 Office on January 22, 1886. She was taken before Justice Duffy and held under $8,000 
 bail. 
 
 On January 29, Lawyer James D. McClelland served a writ of habeas corpus on 
 the police authorities, returnable before Judge Van Brunt at the Supreme Court 
 Chambers, and she was discharged on the ground that the money was loaned, and the 
 complainants did not show by witnesses from Philadelphia, Harrisburg or Washington 
 that her representations were false. After she left the court room the detectives 
 arrested her again, and she was taken before Justice Duffy on complaint of Richard C. 
 Perry, of No. 370 Broadway, who charged her with obtaining $300 by representing 
 that the Sheriff of Philadelphia held $11,000 of her money, and she wished to go on 
 to Philadelphia at once and obtain her money. She was held in $4,000 on this charge. 
 She was also charged with obtaining $500 from Annie Mesam of No. i First Avenue, 
 New York City, by representing that she owned a number of houses in Philadelphia, 
 and that Mr. Friedenburg, of No. 908 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, held all her deeds 
 in his safe and had advanced her $700. A detective went to Philadelphia and found 
 her story was false ; that she never had any deeds with the above named firms, and 
 they did not know any woman named Mary A. Klink, Mary A. Hansen or Mary A. 
 Gibson, and she was a fraud. She represented to Miss Mesam that her husband, 
 
3i6 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Julius Klink, was left $490,000 at Harrisburg, and it was in the hands of the Sherifif at 
 Philadelphia, and she expected her money every day, but she had just received a tele- 
 gram to come on at once and obtain her money. If Miss Mesam was afraid to trust her 
 husband she would pay herself, as Mr. Freidenberg, of Islo. 908 Chestnut Street, held 
 all her deeds and diamonds in his safe. 
 
 She began crying and shouting, clapping her hands and running around the saloon 
 and saying that she was ruined if she did not get the money at once. Miss Mesam 
 gave her $500 to go to Washington to get the money from the United States Treas- 
 ury. The following are the parties who have been swindled by Mrs. Klink and her 
 husband : Mary Mesam, No. i First Avenue, New York City, $2,000 ; Annie Mesam, 
 No. I First Avenue, $500; Frederick Bohmet, No. 192 Allen Street, New York, 
 $2,316; John Lodlobz, Philadelphia, $500; William Whiteman, $200; Mr. Trost gave 
 on same representations his house and lot, valued at $2,800 ; Daniel Troft, No. 1309 
 North Front Street, Philadelphia, $1,200 ; Jacob Trost, $2,900; Christopher Baure, 
 No. 971 Randolph Street, Philadelphia, $900; Caroline Schamer, 23 West Thompson 
 Street, $185 ; Leonard Friedwald, No. 229 East Thompson Street, $610; Fred Watters, 
 $110; John F. Graff, No. 1337 Greene Street, Philadelphia, $525 ; J. L. Schwartz, $200; 
 William Bauer, $90; Mr. Henning, No. 59 Warren Street, New York, $195 — and a 
 number of others. 
 
 Mrs. Klink, alias Hansen, alias Gibson, was arrested by Chief Murphy, of Jersey 
 City, in 1876, for swindling a number of politicians in Jersey City, by representing 
 that she was worth a half million dollars, which was held by Cardinal McCloskey. 
 Cardinal McCloskey took the stand, and swore he never knew the woman or had any 
 money in trust for her. 
 
 In the latter part of 1879 Detectives Handy and Fogarty, of New York City, 
 arrested her for obtaining goods from about twenty different firms in the wool business. 
 Among the victims were Bernstrein & Co., Canal Street ; Franklin & Co., Howard 
 Street, New York. She received about $12,000 at this time. 
 
 The Jersey City Rogues' Gallery description of the woman is as follows : 
 "No. 143. Mary Klink, alias Mary A. Hansen, alias Gibson, aged 48, hair brown 
 and gray, eyes hazel, weight about 190 pounds, height 5 feet i in., German, but speaks 
 good English." 
 
 Mrs. Hansen was committed to Ludlow Street Jail on a judgment obtained in the 
 civil case by Mrs. Mesam. The complaint in this case was withdrawn, and Mrs. Hansen 
 was discharged from the jail on August 30, 1886. She was re-arrested on a warrant 
 issued by a Philadelphia magistrate, charged with swindling a party in that city some 
 years previous. The Grand Jury refused to indict her in this case, as her husband had 
 already served five years in prison for it. She was discharged in New York City on 
 September 10, 1886, and is now at large. 
 
 Ellen E. Peck eight years ago suddenly developed into a dangerous confidence 
 woman. Prior to that she was but an ordinary sharper, and her small exploits were 
 scarcely worthy of notice. When, in 1878, she succeeded in swindling B. T. Babbitt, 
 the soap manufacturer, out of $19,000, she came to be looked upon as an operator of 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 3 I 7 
 
 some talent. Mr. Babbitt had been robbed a short time before of over half a million 
 dollars. When the dishonest employes had been arrested, Mrs. Peck visited the soap 
 manufacturer in the role of a female detective. She then represented that she was in 
 the possession of valuable information concerning property owned by the clerks which 
 could easily be sued for or seized. Mr. Babbitt was so taken in by his visitor that he 
 advanced the amount demanded, and afterwards discovered that Mrs. Peck's information 
 was false and worthless. Next she swindled Samuel Pingee, a patent medicine man, 
 out of $2,700. She pretended to the latter that she had a friend in the office of Jay 
 Gould, who gave her all the points about financial affairs. The medicine maker was 
 anxious to secure information concerning stocks from Mr. Gould's office, and willingly 
 gave Mrs. Peck the money for "points." Pingee's investments which followed the 
 "tips" were not as fruitful as he had expected. When it was too late he discovered 
 that Jay Gould had been selling the very stocks he had been buying, and that they 
 were on the eve of going down. Later on she secured a large loan from the notorious 
 John D. Grady, the crooked diamond dealer, who was known for years as "Supers and 
 Slangs." Grady, although himself an unusually shrewd sharper, was so completely 
 taken in by Mrs. Peck that he readily handed her over the cash in lieu of a rent receipt 
 for a compartment in a safe deposit vaults where the imaginary diamonds she was 
 borrowing on were supposed to be. The compartment, of course, was empty, and on a 
 small investment the cunning confidence woman realized many thousand dollars. In 
 after years, when Mrs. Peck rose to the front rank among confidence women, she 
 delighted in outwitting professional criminals, and invariably succeeded in her tricks. 
 She roped the notorious Julius Columbani into a transaction over bonds stolen from 
 the residence of the McSorleys, on Staten Island. Mrs. Peck furnished the evidence 
 which led to the recovery of the plunder and the conviction of Columbani. The whole 
 of her exploits, if written, would fill many pages of this book. 
 
 Mrs. Peck was indicted for the Babbitt affair, but every time the case came up for 
 trial she was taken very sick, until told that the next time the trial came up she must 
 appear or forfeit her bail. Then she suddenly became insane, and was sent to an 
 asylum in Pennsylvania. Her counsel soon got the complainants to agree to sue her in 
 a civil court, which suit was to take precedence over the criminal charge, and Mrs. 
 Peck's wits, when all was arranged, returned to her and she came back to New York. 
 
 The confidence woman was tried and acquitted in the Kings County Court of 
 Sessions, July 18, 1879, o'^ ^'^ indictment charging her with obtaining several thousand 
 dollars' worth of diamonds and jewelry, under false pretenses, from Loyance Langer, of 
 this city, and was arraigned four days later in the same court upon the remaining 
 indictments pending against her in the same case. The Assistant District Attorney 
 moved that a nolle prosequi be entered, as the trial had failed to convict her. Judge 
 Moore granted the motion, permitting her to go upon her own recognizance, and 
 remarking at the same time that it was but fair to say that there was an officer in 
 waiting to take Mrs. Peck to New York, where it was understood an indictment had 
 been found against her. 
 
 Mrs. Peck was again arrested at her home. No. 307 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn, on 
 September 16, 1881. She was then accused of having defrauded John H. Johnson, a 
 
3l8 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 jeweler, of No. 150 Bowery, New York, of jewelry to the amount of $150. The com- 
 plainant alleged that when Mrs. Peck selected the jewelry she paid down $25, and 
 represented herself as Mrs. Eliza Knight, giving as a reference a bank in New York, 
 On making inquiries at the bank Mr. Johnson was told that Mrs. Knight had an 
 account there, and he therefore let her have the articles ; but subsequently he discovered 
 that the Mrs. Knight who had the credit at the bank was an entirely different person 
 from the purchaser of the jewelry. 
 
 On March 4, 1884, Mrs. Peck obtained an introduction under the name of Mrs. 
 Knight to John Bough, a diamond dealer of No. 22 Liberty Street, New York. She 
 represented herself to be a speculator in precious stones. In the early part of April she 
 called on Mr. Bough and told him she had an order to purchase a diamond cluster ring 
 for a lady friend. She selected a ring valued at $75 and took it away, returning next 
 day and paying for it. Mr. Bough offered her a commission, which she refused, saying 
 that the transaction was only a trifling one, and that she would soon bring him an 
 important order. On April 28 she told Mr. Bough that the wife of a prominent Brook- 
 lynite was going to dine with her that night, and she thought that she could sell her 
 some diamonds. She selected a pair of solitaire earrings and two finger rings, valued 
 at $400. 
 
 After anxiously waiting the lady's return for several days, Mr. Bough called on the 
 police to work up the case. After an infinite amount of trouble a detective found that 
 the missing jewelry had been pledged at Simpson's, on the Bowery, New York, for $130, 
 and that on the ist of August Mrs. Peck had called at Simpson's, presented the ticket 
 and demanded the surrender of the property, alleging that the jewels had been stolen 
 from her several months before, and that the ticket had just been returned to her by 
 mail. Simpson refused to comply with her demand, and a replevin suit was instituted 
 by Mrs. Peck's counsel, Champion Bissell, of No. 23 East Fourteenth Street, New 
 York. Simpson got a writ of re-replevin, and the result was a civil suit tried before 
 Judge Clancy on September 12, 1884. Decision was reserved. The day before the 
 trial Mr. Bough called at Simpson's, where he fully identified the jewels by private 
 marks. At the trial Mrs. Peck swore that the jewels had been bought by her last 
 October from one George P. Thomas, of Brooklyn, for $130. Thomas corroborated 
 Mrs. Peck's statement. He was arrested on September 28, 1884, for perjury, and when 
 brought to Police Headquarters he made a full confession in writing. In it he said that 
 he met Mrs. Peck about four years ago, and that on several occasions since then she 
 has befriended him and loaned him various sums of money. Just before the trial he 
 borrowed $20 from her. He felt himself placed under so great an obligation that when 
 he was asked to " do a little swearing " for his benefactress he professed himself to be 
 ready to make oath to anything. As a reward it was arranged that the $20 loan should 
 be cancelled, and that he should receive a bonus of $50 in addition. 
 
 In 1884 Richard W. Peck, the husband of the confidence woman, began a suit 
 against Benjamin T. Babbitt to collect from the soap manufacturer $100,000 damages, 
 alleging that he (Peck) had been seriously injured by the defendant's putting a lis 
 pendens on his property in connection with proceedings against Mrs. Peck to recover 
 some of the money out of which Babbitt charges that the woman defrauded him. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 319 
 
 The Babbitt action was one of fifteen cases in which Mrs. Peck was prepared to act 
 a prominent part. One of these, brought by her husband against Frederick W. Watkins 
 and Daniel C. Mitchell, was to set aside a mortgage for $600 upon the furniture in the 
 Peck residence. In this case the plaintiff alleged that on April 2, 1884, his wife 
 obtained for the defendants in the suit the amount named upon a chattel mortgage 
 upon property which belonged solely to him. Mrs. Peck always came to the assistance 
 of her husband by swearing that the loan was made " on a corrupt and unlawful agree- 
 ment, namely, that Watkins should receive $150 for a loan of $450 for thirty days." 
 
 Mrs. Ellen E. Peck, on December 6, 1884, succeeded in having herself arrested 
 again. A charge of larceny was made against her by Mrs. Ann McConnell, of No. 140 
 West Forty-ninth Street, who advertised in the newspapers that she had money to loan 
 on good security. On the 20th of September, 1884, she received a visit from a Mrs. 
 Crosby, who said that she had seen the advertisement and wished to borrow $250. 
 Mrs. McConnell was favorably impressed by the appearance of her visitor, who, in 
 addition to her neat and quiet way of dressing and ladylike manner, told in the most 
 plausible way how it happened that she was compelled to make the loan. 
 
 " My second son," she said, " is about to engage in business, and the money is 
 needed for that purpose. I own considerable household furniture at No. 307 Putnam 
 Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.; I do not owe $10 in the world, and I have a large income, 
 which is paid semi-annually, in May and November." 
 
 Mrs. McConnell gave her the $250, and executed a chattel mortgage on the fur- 
 niture, Mrs. Crosby agreeing in thirty days' time to pay back the $250 and $75 besides 
 as interest. Fifteen days passed and Mrs. McConnell read of the arrest of Mrs. Peck 
 on the charges of perjury and swindling a jeweler, and of her incarceration in the 
 Tombs. It struck her as a curious feature of the case that Mrs. Peck's residence was 
 in Putnam Avenue. The suspicion that Mrs. Peck and Mrs. Crosby might be one and 
 the same person flashed through her mind. She called at the Tombs and saw Mrs. 
 Peck. To Mrs. McConnell's dismay it was no other than Mrs. Crosby. Mrs. 
 McConnell went straightway from the prison to the Tombs Court and asked for a warrant 
 for Mrs. Peck's arrest on a charge of larceny. Justice White advised her to wait until 
 the thirty days agreed upon had expired. Mrs. McConnell did so. The payment was 
 not forthcoming. Worse still, she found that there were half a dozen other mortgages 
 on the same furniture. She again applied for the warrant, which Justice White issued. 
 On it Mrs. Peck was arrested. 
 
 Mrs. Peck did not look as jaunty as usual when she was arraigned before Justice 
 Duffy in the Tombs Court. She wore a brown turban and a veil that covered half of 
 her face. She had on a brown polonaise and a gray dress. Her counsel, Henry A. 
 Meyenborg, of Brooklyn, accompanied her. He said that in spite of all the dubious 
 transactions in which she had figured she had never in her life been convicted of any 
 crime or misdemeanor. In this case, he said, she had an excellent defense. Mrs. Peck 
 got $250 and agreed to pay it back with $75 interest in thirty days. She had not paid 
 it. That was all there was to the case. It was a corrupt agreement and could not be 
 constructed into a larceny. 
 
 Mrs. Ellen E. Peck was again a prisoner at the Tombs Police Court on January 
 
^20 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 5, 1885. She was the defendant in twenty-eight civil and criminal cases, and three 
 indictments that had been found against her were pending. 
 
 The complainant in the last case was Champion Bissell, a lawyer, of No. 23 East 
 Fourteenth Street, who was once her counsel. On September i, 1884, she obtained 
 $500 from him on a chattel mortgage on the furniture in her house. She exhibited a 
 letter purporting to be signed by her husband, Richard K." Peck, saying that he would 
 join her in executing the mortgage. The signature was witnessed by George P. 
 Thomas. After lending the money Mr. Bissell discovered that Mrs. Peck, under the 
 name of Mrs. Knight, had, on August 28, obtained $650 on the same furniture from 
 Horatio W. P. Hodson, a lawyer, of No. 132 Nassau Street. Mr. Bissell foreclosed 
 the mortgage on November 4. Then Mr. Peck, who is a member of the iron firm of 
 Peck, Howard & Co., of Nos. 73 and 75 West Street, pronounced the letter a forgery 
 and claimed the furniture as his own. 
 
 Mrs. Peck looked pale and anxious when she was arraigned for sentence on June 
 2, 1885, before Judge Van Brunt for having forged a bond upon a mortgage by which 
 she obtained $3,000 from the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York City, the 
 Assistant District Attorney, instead of moving for the sentence informed the Judge 
 that it was the opinion of the District Attorney that the ends of justice would be 
 better subserved by granting Mrs. Peck a new trial. 
 
 A gleam of joy shot across the face of the prisoner and the color rose to her 
 cheeks when she heard the motion, but paled again when the lawyer continued that the 
 punishment which could be inflicted under the present conviction would not be 
 sufficient for the offense committed. 
 
 Mr. Henry Meyenberg, counsel for Mrs. Peck, urged that a second trial of the 
 case be delayed as long as possible, asserting that his client would change the plea on 
 which she had been convicted and would plead insanity at the new trial. "Since the 
 last trial," said the counsel, " I have learned that Mrs. Peck's father committed suicide, 
 and that five years ago she was an inmate of an insane asylum." 
 
 After flirting for years with justice, the confidence woman received her -first 
 punishment in New York City on October 6, 1885, in the form of a four and a half 
 years' sentence. Mrs. Peck is not a prepossessing looking woman, and as she was 
 brought to the bar of the Court of Oyer and Terminer her masculine-looking face was 
 divested of every vestige of color. Without displaying any outward sign of feeling she 
 clutched the railing before Judge Van Brunt and cast her eyes on the floor. Her 
 counsel asked the court to take into consideration her long imprisonment in the Tombs 
 in passing sentence. 
 
 Addressing the prisoner. Judge Van Brunt said that there were a number of 
 indictments against her, but that the District Attorney felt that no good results could 
 be attained by pressing them. In passing sentence he took into consideration her long 
 imprisonment, but felt it was the duty of the court to impose the highest penalty. Her 
 sentence, therefore, would be four and a half years in the penitentiary. Mrs. Peck's 
 head fell lower when she heard the sentence, and she turned from the bar without a 
 word. She had gone only a few feet when she tottered and was about to fall, but 
 a young man, her son, sprang from one of the seats and caught her in his arms. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 32 1 
 
 Supported by him and followed by the Deputy Sheriff, she went sobbing convulsively 
 from the court room. 
 
 The crime for which Mrs. Peck was convicted was for forging a bond given with a 
 mortgage on a house owned by her husband in Brooklyn, by which she obtained $3,000 
 from the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. An ex-convict, who was a 
 witness in the case, personated her husband and received the money. 
 
 Mrs. Peck, who is about fifty years of age, is now in the penitentiary on Blackwell's 
 Island, New York. 
 
 Julius Columbani, a forger and negotiator of stolen bonds, was arrested in New 
 York City and sentenced to three years and six months in Sing Sing prison for forgery 
 in the third degree, on October 10, 1878, on complaint of Courtland St. John, of No. 20 
 Cedar Street, New York City. His time expired there on June 10, 1881. Below will 
 be found full particulars of his last arrest and conviction : 
 
 Mrs. E. Peck, whose acquaintance was very costly to Mr. B. T. Babbitt, the soap 
 manufacturer, John D. Grady and others, was once more brought before the public, 
 and in the somewhat unexpected r6le of an aid to the police authorities. On 
 Sunday, September 10, 1882, Edward and Owen McSorley, brothers, who have a home- 
 stead at West Brighton, Staten Island, went out driving, leaving their place in the care 
 of Bryan Norton, a credulous old man. An hour later a polite young man went to the 
 house and told Norton that his masters' carriage had broken down a mile away, and 
 that he had been sent by them to tell him to go to their aid with a wrench and some 
 rope. The old man started off as fast as he could, but slackened his speed when the polite 
 young man told him not to hurry. When the McSorleys returned home Norton was 
 absent and their safe had been broken open. Burglars had stolen ten one-thousand- 
 dollar seven per cent. Richmond County bonds, three other bonds, and jewelry and 
 money, amounting in all to $14,000 in value. In January of the following year the 
 store of Higgins & Co., No. 7 Strawberry Street, Philadelphia, was robbed of property 
 worth $7,000, and E. Jacques and his wife were arrested for the crime in Philadelphia, 
 and an accomplice, Tom Gardiner, was caught in this city. In Gardiner's possession 
 was found some of the jewelry stolen from the McSorleys, but he was taken to Phila- 
 delphia, and he, with Jacques, sentenced to five years' imprisonment for the Higgins 
 robbery. The bonds stolen from West Brighton were kept out of the market, as 
 honest negotiators had been properly warned. On April 25, 1884, however, Mrs. Peck 
 helped the police to recover some of them. 
 
 According to Mrs. Peck's story, a lady who was visiting her advertised on the 13th 
 of April, 1884, for the loan of $5,000 on a large quantity of diamonds. Mrs. Peck's 
 antecedents have caused it to be surmised that she was the advertiser herself, and that the 
 advertisement was to pave the way to one of her peculiar business transactions. Mrs. 
 Peck says that two days later she received a letter, in which were instructions how to rec- 
 ognize at the Astor House a man who might negotiate with her. The letter was written 
 by Julius Columbani, an old criminal, whose specialties are negotiating stolen securities 
 and altering them. He had been in State prison, and was identified at one time with 
 some real estate swindlers. Mrs. Peck did not, until April 25, discover who he was, if 
 
32 2 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 her story is to be believed. She said that as she was a business woman she would not 
 permit her lady friend, who is uninitiated, to carry out the transaction with her corre- 
 spondent of the Astor House, New York, and so met him herself. They walked into 
 Vesey Street and talked about the loan. He said he could not let her have the money, 
 as his capital was tied up, but he would place in her hands ten seven per cent. Rich- 
 mond County bonds of $i,ooo each, to be considered as equivalent to $5,000. They 
 parted to meet four days later. Mrs. Peck went to a Broad Street broker immediately 
 to ask about Richmond County bonds. She was told that they were at par, but 
 cautioned, as some had been stolen, and she received the numbers of those taken from 
 the McSorley homestead. 
 
 Meeting Columbani at the Astor House on the 19th of April, 1884, Mrs. Peck 
 walked to Barclay Street with him, and then taxed him with dealing in "crooked" 
 securities. He evaded a direct answer, but said in effect that she appeared to be keen, 
 and must know that if he offered her bonds at half their value there would be something 
 odd about them. Mrs. Peck was not dreadfully shocked, and managed matters so well 
 that she appeared to believe Columbani's assertion that with her business talents she 
 could take the bonds at $5,000 and sell them for $10,000. Columbani, in pursuance of 
 an agreement, met her the next day at the Annex Hotel, in Brooklyn, N. Y., and 
 showed her ten bonds, which were those stolen from the McSorleys. She demurred as 
 to their value, so as to get another interview with the man, and offered $4,000 worth of 
 diamonds for them. 
 
 The next interview was to be at the Astor House at 12:30 p. m. on April 21. 
 When Mrs. Peck left the Annex. Hotel she went to the Chief of Detectives and told 
 all she had done, and he detailed two detective sergeants to aid her in capturing 
 the criminal. A code of signals was agreed upon by which Mrs. Peck could notify the 
 officers if Columbani had the bonds in his possession, so that they should pounce upon 
 him. On April 21 Mrs. Peck went to the Astor House, and the detectives recognized 
 her companion. When he left her they followed him to New Jersey, and "located" him 
 in a house where he lived with his wife and daughter. The next day, at the Barclay Street 
 ferry-house, Columbani gave Mrs. Peck one of the stolen bonds, and she paid him $400 
 under instructions from one of the detectives. On receiving the money he said: " I 
 fancy I could let you have two or three more of these at the same price." 
 
 " No, Sir. No more trifling with me," replied Mrs. Peck, simulating indignation. 
 " All or none. I've run my feet off on this business, and I'm taking all the risk." 
 
 Columbani then agreed to bring all the bonds to St. Peter's Church on April 25, 
 and receive $3,600. Mrs. Peck was there, as were also the officers. Columbani met 
 her, but evaded her inquiry as to whether he had the bonds, so that she was unable to 
 give the signal for his apprehension. 
 
 " Do you think," he asked her in a whisper, " that I would be so ' flat ' as to deliver 
 the bonds on the street ? You must come up-town to a place I alone know of." 
 
 Mrs. Peck hardly knew what to do when Columbani led her to a Sixth Avenue car, 
 but she decided to trust to luck and go with him. The detectives dared not let Colum- 
 bani see them, and they were equally nonplussed, but came to the same decision as the 
 acting Detective Sergeant in petticoats. Boarding the next car they watched the one 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 323 
 
 ahead, and saw Columbani and Mrs. Peck get off at Sixth Avenue and Fourth Street, 
 and enter Thomas Murphy's groggery, near the corner. ^A^ter getting on the car 
 ■Columbani waxed confidential. He began by saying he was transacting a risky business. 
 Mrs. Peck retorted that she was taking a greater risk than he, as she was " playing " her 
 money against his doubtful bonds. Suddenly Columbani turned toward her, looked 
 her full in the face, and said abruptly : 
 
 " Do you know Inspector Byrnes?" 
 
 Mrs. Peck does not quail or flinch, and she replied quietly that she did not. Then 
 Columbani said, in substance, that he was what is called a "crook," that if he knew 
 that Mrs. Peck— she had masqueraded to him in another name — would "give him 
 away" he would kill her. He had, he said, a pistol and a knife in his possession, and 
 as he had been to State prison he knew its horrors, and would as soon kill himself as 
 go back. If Mrs. Peck got him into trouble he would have her life if he had to wait 
 forty years. He dreaded prison life all the more because he went before an investi- 
 gating committee and exposed prison treatment, and every keeper was "down " on him. 
 
 When the couple reached Murphy's saloon Columbani led the way up-stairs to a 
 room in which were a table and a lounge. Mrs. Peck sat down beside him, and 
 Columbani took a pistol out of his pocket and laid it on the table. 
 
 "Well, you've got your pistol out at last," sneered Mrs. Peck. "I'm a woman, 
 but I'm not afraid. You're a man, and my opinion of you is that you are a coward. 
 But look here" — opening the bosom of her dress and displaying a pistol — " I carry one 
 ■of those things myself." 
 
 Columbani was about to reply, when there was a scurrying of feet at the door of 
 the room, and a "psitt, psitt." Snatching his pistol, he went to the door, listened 
 earnestly to some one who whispered for a couple of seconds and darted away. One 
 of the detectives had become very uneasy about Mrs. Peck, and he determined to see 
 if she and Columbani had left the bar-room. He was stalking up to the front door, 
 trying to conceal his gait and his features, when a thief, known to him, darted by and 
 dived into the bar-room. When the officer got inside the door he had disappeared. 
 He then summoned the other detectives, and as he did so he saw a man running across 
 Sixth Avenue. He recognized Columbani, who had escaped by a side door, and 
 pursued him into Jones Street. Then Columbani, who was two hundred feet ahead 
 of the officer, threw away a parcel in which were five of the bonds stolen at West 
 Brighton, and the detective, picking them up, decided that pursuit was useless. He 
 then reported Columbani's escape, and all the detectives that were available guarded 
 the ferries and scoured the city for the fugitive. He was arrested on Saturday, April 
 26, 1884, at the Park House in Chatham Street, New York, and was remanded by 
 Justice Duffy at the Tombs. Mrs. Peck fully identified him, and the McSorleys iden- 
 tified their bonds. When told who had betrayed him Columbani's anger was intense. 
 
 His trial, for having in his possession bonds that were stolen on April 22, 1882, 
 from the residence of Owen McSorley at West Brighton, Staten Island, N. Y., took 
 place at Richmond the county seat of Richmond County, on May 8, 1884, before Judge 
 Pratt. 
 
 Miss Mamie O'Neill, who worked for Mrs. Hatch a next-door neighbor of Owen 
 
324 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 McSorley, positively identified Columbani as one of the three persons who were about 
 the McSorley premise* when the robbery took place. She swore that she saw him. 
 across the fence very plainly. 
 
 Thomas Ryan, the hired man of the McSorley family, testified to the robbery, and 
 Thomas McSorley identified as his father's property the bond that was bought by Mrs. 
 Peck from Columbani. He also identified the bonds that were found in the alley off 
 Great Jones Street, where Columbani threw them when chased by the detective. 
 
 Mrs. Peck related how she negotiated with Columbani, and identified him as the 
 party from whom she purchased the bond and who had the bundle of bonds in his 
 possession, which were wrapped up in a newspaper when recovered by the officer. 
 
 The detective identified Columbani as the man he chased and who dodged into 
 an alley where the bonds were found. 
 
 Columbani, in his own behalf, said he was a commission broker in general 
 merchandise, particularly drugs and liquors. He positively denied ever having sold 
 Mrs. Peck a bond, or having at any time seen or handled such bond or bonds as she 
 alluded to. On the day that the detective chased a man Columbani swore that he 
 was home with his family on Jersey City Heights, and in this he was corroborated by 
 his wife, who also testified that on the day the McSorley mansion was robbed 
 Columbani was at a dinner party at her aunt's house on Jersey City Heights. 
 
 Francis C. Barange, Columbani's father-in-law, and Mrs. Matilda Truatt, the sister 
 of the former, corroborated Mrs. Columbani's testimony. 
 
 The jury, after a few minutes' absence, returned a verdict of guilty of larceny in 
 the first degree, as charged in the indictment. 
 
 Mrs. Columbani gave a slight cry of anguish as she heard the verdict and turned 
 deadly pale. She was removed from the room with difficulty. Judge Pratt sentenced 
 Columbani to twelve years' imprisonment. The prisoner sobbed convulsively and cried 
 out that they would almost kill him in State prison for his testimony before the 
 Assembly investigating committee. 
 
 An attempt was made to have Columbani pardoned on December 27, 1884. 
 Several respectable people became interested in him and made an application to 
 Governor Cleveland, who, after investigating his previous character, refused to grant 
 him a pardon. 
 
 Columbani was an associate of Louis Susicovitch, alias Grandi, the notorious 
 Italian forger, lately convicted in San Francisco, Cal. 
 
 Louis and Carlos Susicovitch are brothers, and two of the most expert forgers, 
 and check-raisers that ever operated in this country. 
 
 The trial of Louis Susicovitch, alias Grandi, came to an end in San Francisco, 
 May 6, 1886, with his conviction. Susicovitch belongs to a gang whose specialty has 
 been to get small checks from business men they deal with, remove the figures by 
 chlorine and fill up the check with a larger amount. Susicovitch was counted one of 
 the most expert hands in the country in this business, as he re-sized the paper or check 
 with gelatine, rice or bone dust, so that the forged check could not be distino-uished 
 from a genuine one. Susicovitch operated in San Francisco with two associates 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 325 
 
 named Sieger and Garrity. Garrity is a New Orleans man who made Susicovitch's 
 acquaintance as cell-mate in the prison of his native town, where, when quite a 
 lad, he served a few days on conviction of gambling. Sieger is known as a saloon- 
 keeper and waiter at hotels at St. Louis, against whom nothing can be learned 
 previous to his connection with Susicovitch. Susicovitch and.Garrity were arrested in 
 St. Louis for check-raising operations last year, Susicovitch being locked up with 
 Italians suspected of murdering a man, whom they threw into a lake, in order to 
 realize the insurance on his life. The authorities had no testimony against them, but 
 the wily forger wormed himself into their confidence and obtained from them a full 
 confession of their connection with the murder. For turning spy, Susicovitch was 
 released, and left his confidant, Garrity, in the lurch, to fight his case alone. Garrity 
 was a man, who, in St. Louis check-raising operations, appeared at the front ; while 
 Susicovitch, as usual, performed the secret work. Only his proof of previous good 
 character saved Garrity from conviction. The experience did not benefit him, and 
 after release he joined Susicovitch again, and the three went to San Francisco. 
 
 Formerly Louis Susicovitch was not a forger himself, but was a layer down of 
 forged paper. In January, 1886, he was arrested in San Francisco in company with J. J. 
 Garrity and J. Smith, alias Sieger, by J. W. Lees, Captain of Detectives, for raising a 
 check from $10 to $1,500. Garrity was formerly a newsboy in New Orleans, and 
 Smith, who is a Swede, some three or four years ago kept a saloon at No. 1015 North 
 Broadway, St. Louis. Susicovitch, alias Grandi, is supposed to be an Italian or Russian 
 by birth, is forty-two years of age, five feet six inches high, gray hair, blue eyes, dark 
 complexion, dark whiskers mixed with gray, scar on forehead over left eyebrow, scar on 
 left eyebrow, large scar on left fore-arm. Is a sailor by occupation. He has served 
 five years in Sing Sing prison. New York, under the name of Theodore Burnett, and 
 was in the Parish prison in New Orleans in 1872, when he met Garrity. 
 
 In this case Louis Susicovitch was sentenced to fourteen years in Folsom prison, 
 California, on May 12, 1886. His associates, John Smith, alias Albert Siegers, and 
 John J. Garrity, were sentenced to seven years each in San Quintin prison, on May 
 22, 1886, for the same offense. (See also records of Nos. 16 and 18.) 
 
 Carlo Susicovitch, alias Charles Grandi, alias Howard Adams, alias John Howe, 
 was arrested in Cincinnati, Ohio, early in March, 1878, in company with a man named 
 Fred. Marker or Maerker, on the charge of forgery. When arrested in Cincinnati 
 the authorities did not know who they had, but his identity was established, and he 
 is now serving a long sentence in the Columbus, Ohio, penitentiary. 
 
 Some years ago he kept a saloon under Booth's Theatre in New York, and had 
 as associates Charles Becker, Joe Chapman, Joe Reilly, alias Elliott, George Engle, 
 George Wade Wilkes and others. In 1874 he was arrested in Constantinople for an 
 attempt to defraud the Ottoman Bank on a forged letter of credit, but escaped in 
 September, 1875, "w^ith Joe Reilly and Charles Becker and went to London, where he 
 was suspected of the murder of Lydia Chapman. This occurred in Maud Grove, 
 Chelsea, a suburb of London, on April 13, 1876. About the middle of March, 1878, 
 he was arrested at Cincinnati, where he was under the name of Dugan, for trying to 
 defraud the Commercial Bank of that city. He was also concerned in the burglary 
 
326 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 of the Third National Bank of Baltimore, August i8, 1872, with Chapman, Shell 
 Hamilton, Frank McCoy, an English burglar named "Junco," and little Joe Elliott,, 
 alias Reilly. Both the brothers have been barbers. 
 
 Adam Worth, Charles W. Bullard, alias Piano Charley, and Isaac Marsh 
 were for years the associates of Maximillian or Mark Shinburn and Robert Cochran. 
 The first achievement of note in which this daring coalition of thieves took part was. 
 the plundering of the vaults of the Ocean Bank in 1869. The bank robbery netted 
 quite a large sum, but the money was soon squandered, and in less than a year the 
 cracksmen were at work again. Their second exploit was the robbery of the 
 messenger of the Merchants' Union Express Company on the New York Central Rail- 
 road, between New York City and Buffalo. Bullard, Marsh and a man since reformed 
 broke into the express car, bound and gagged the messenger, and stole $100,000 from 
 the safe. The other members of the combination were aboard the train prepared to 
 cover the escape of the men with the booty. The burglars who took part in the 
 attack on the express messenger fled to Canada, where they were arrested. They were 
 afterwards extradited and lodged in the White Plains jail. Ex-Recorder Smith was 
 engaged to defend the prisoners and was paid a fee of $1,000 by their friends. The 
 thieves were held for trial, and while their lawyer was afterwards on his way to this 
 city the $1,000 was stolen from his pocket in the train. The friends of the prisoners 
 abandoned the idea of fighting the case in the courts and decided to liberate their 
 incarcerated companions. Billy Forrester and a number of other desperate thieves were 
 consulted, and the plan decided upon was to free the imprisoned men by breaking into 
 the jail. The prison was a poor one, and Forrester and his confederates had but little 
 trouble digging through its old and rickety walls. Marsh and Bullard were freed, and 
 before the escape was discovered the jail-breakers had made their way to the city. 
 
 Within a few months after breaking out of the White Plains jail, Bullard, under 
 the assumed named of William A. Judson, hired the house next to the Boylston Bank 
 in Boston, Mass. From that day out the institution was doomed, and on November 
 20, 1869, the vaults of the bank were rifled by Bullard, Adam Worth and brother, Ike 
 Marsh and Bob Cochran. An entrance was effected by cutting through the side wall, 
 and the cash and securities stolen amounted to $450,000. With the plunder the 
 burglars hastened to Europe, and in Paris Bullard, under the name of Charles H. 
 Wells, opened the " American Bar," a cafe, in the Rue Scribe, near the Grand Hotel, 
 which had been fitted up regardless of expense. In a private parlor in the rear of the 
 saloon " faro " was dealt, and for over a year burglar Bullard did a thriving business. 
 
 In the course of time the French authorities closed up the " American Bar," and 
 Bullard was convicted of keeping a gaming-house and sentenced to one year's imprison- 
 ment. Upon his release he returned to New York and took up quarters at a house in 
 East Eighteenth Street kept by " Dutch Dan." Bullard was there captured and 
 taken to Boston. He was tried for the Boylston Bank robbery, and on his conviction 
 was sentenced to twenty years in the State prison at Concord, Mass. He escaped 
 from there on September 13, 1878, and fled to Canada, where, in the course of a few 
 months, he attempted to rob a bank and was arrested. He was sentenced to five years' 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. Z^7 
 
 imprisonment at Kingston on January 22, 1879, and upon the expiration of his term he 
 returned to Europe and joined his former associates. He has since been arrested, and 
 is at present serving a term across the water. (See record of Mark Shinburn.) 
 
 Bullard is a man of very good education, and speaks English, French and German 
 fluently. He gained his soubriquet from his proficiency as a musician, playing the 
 piano with the skill of a professional. 
 
 Adam Worth was long considered the " Prince of Safemen," but several of his 
 pupils are now believed to be far ahead of him in talent. After the Boylston Bank 
 robbery he went abroad and remained there for a long time. He has, however, made 
 several trips to this country, landing quietly in Canada, for the purpose of seeing an 
 old sweetheart of his who is now the wife of a former associate. At the present 
 time a well-known lawyer of this city is trying to compromise the Boylston Bank 
 matter so as to enable Worth to return once more to his native land. He is now living 
 in London, England, and his line of business is the purchasing of stolen goods. About 
 the only time Worth was arrested in New York was for blowing open the safe in 
 Stiner's tea store in Vesey Street several years ago. 
 
 Isaac Marsh, ahas " Big Ike," after separating from Shinburn, joined partnership 
 with George Mason, and was concerned with him in the Wellsboro, Pa., Bank robbery. 
 He is now serving out a seventeen years' sentence in the Eastern Penitentiary at 
 Philadelphia for a bank robbery. 
 
 Chauncy Johnson is one of the oldest and cleverest bank and general sneaks in 
 America, and has stolen more money collectively than any man in his line. He com- 
 menced his career of crime as a burglar. In 1852 he was sentenced to five years' 
 imprisonment for the burglary of a silk warehouse in Reade Street, west of Broadway, 
 New York City. After the expiration of his term he was arrested for the robbery of 
 the Hatters' Bank, at Bethel, Conn., where $36,000 of the proceeds of the robbery was 
 recovered, and Johnson was again sentenced to five years' imprisonment. Being 
 liberated, he went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he first embarked as a bank sneak. 
 
 He provided himself with a long, fine steel wire, shaped on the end like a fish- 
 hook, and entered a bank in Philadelphia. Approaching the paying teller's window, he 
 inserted this wire through the window-screen and secured a number of $50 bills. His 
 success made him bold, and he attached this wire to a bundle of $100 bills, the moving 
 of which attracted the attention of the paying teller, who was so surprised to see the 
 money going away by some invisible means that he looked up into the faces of the men 
 in line, and discovered in the countenance of Johnson a flurry of excitement as he v^ras 
 putting the wire into his pocket. The bank porter was standing outside ; he was called 
 to arrest Johnson, which he did, and he was handed over to an officer. When searched 
 his pockets were found to be filled with bank-bills of large denominations. For this 
 offense he pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three and a half years in State prison. 
 When released he returned to New York City, and entered the banking-house of 
 August Belmont, corner of Wall and William streets, at about a quarter to three, when 
 every clerk was busy settling up the day's work and preparing the bonds for the Safe 
 Deposit Company, and sneaked into Mr. Belmont's private office, where he stole 
 
328 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 $25,000 in Government bonds, with which he escaped. He was arrested, but for want 
 of evidence was released. Shortly after this he entered the office of the Adams Express 
 Company, 49 Broadway, and waited for the cashier to go to lunch. At 12 o'clock the 
 cashier took off his office coat and silk cap, throwing them into the chair, and went 
 out. Johnson sneaked in, put on the coat and cap, and, placing a pen behind his ear, 
 sat down at the desk and proceeded to rob the money drawer of several thousand 
 dollars. He was arrested some time after, but could not be identified, and was 
 discharged. 
 
 In 1870 the vault of the Marine National Bank contained a tin box belonging to 
 one of the directors, who, when he went to cut off the coupons of the bonds it con- 
 tained, found it missing. The box held many hundreds of thousands of dollars in 
 securities. No one in the bank could tell when it was last seen, or when it was likely 
 to have been taken, and from all the searching examination that followed there was not 
 a particle of information obtained concerning the disappearance of the box. 
 
 Johnson wa:: known to be a desperate gambler, and at this time it was known that 
 he was losing heavily. No reports were received from any part of the country of large 
 robberies, and it was concluded that Johnson must have made a large amount of money 
 at some gambling house, which he was now losing. 
 
 When this tin box was discovered lost, and reported at police headquarters, 
 Johnson was suspected and arrested ; but he had gambled away what money he had, 
 and as there was no evidence of his having stolen the box he was discharged. It was 
 never ascertained, but always surmised, that Johnson had stolen these securities. 
 
 It was Johnson and Henry Newman, alias Dutch Heindrich, who robbed the 
 president of the Central National Bank of a package of bonds amounting to $125,000, 
 which he had laid down on his desk, and which was stolen while he turned away to 
 remove his overcoat. The president was followed from Wall Street to his office. 
 
 Shortly after this, December 21, 1870, while loitering in the Fifth Avenue Hotel, 
 he saw a clerk place in the safe a package given him by a guest, whom he heard say 
 was very valuable. Johnson thereupon boldly walked in behind the counter, in among 
 three clerks, and abstracted the package, with several others, from the safe, and was 
 leaving the office, when, near the door, he stumbled over a waste-basket and fell. The 
 noise attracted the clerk's attention, and Johnson was arrested and sentenced to ten 
 years in State prison. He was discharged from Sing Sing on December 25, 1878. 
 
 After the expiration of this term of imprisonment Johnson returned to New York, 
 to find many of his old acquaintances either gone away, imprisoned or dead. He was 
 without money, and his long imprisonment had lost for him many friends. He had 
 become old and broken down, and unfit for the clever work of younger days. Thus, 
 deserted and hungry, he snatched a pocket-book from a lady's hand at Twenty-second 
 Street and Broadway, and was so weak from want of food that he could not run. He 
 was arrested, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to four years in Sing Sing prison by 
 Judge Gildersleeve, on January ig, 1880. 
 
 Johnson was arrested once more in Philadelphia, on July 22, 1883, foi" sneaking a 
 package containing $230 in money from a barber's shop, the property of Mr. W. War- 
 nock, of No. 1 6 10 Masliers Street, Philadelphia. He was committed in $1,000 bail for 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 329 
 
 trial. He finally pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three years in Cherry Hill 
 prison on August 16, 1883. 
 
 Johnson was arrested again in Philadelphia on June 11, 1886, charged with the 
 larceny of a hand-bag, containing seventeen dollars in money and other articles, from a 
 lady in St. John's Church, that city. He was convicted and sentenced to two years 
 and six months in the Eastern Penitentiary, by Judge Gordon, on June 18, 1886. 
 
 He is about sixty-four years old in 1886 ; weighs 145 pounds, and is 5 feet 8 inches 
 high ; sharp, thin face ; hair long and generally combed over the ears. 
 
 Jim Brady, or " Albany Jim," as he was sometimes called, was born in Troy, N. Y., 
 and has been the associate of the most expert bank burglars and thieves in this country. 
 He was arrested in New York City in 1865 for highway robbery committed at Cohoes, 
 N. Y. The robbery and assault was of a most desperate character, the victim being 
 badly beaten and left insensible ; the property stolen was, however, partly recovered, 
 and the matter was compromised, so that Brady did not have to appear in court to 
 answer the charge. 
 
 He was arrested again in 1873 in New York City, charged with burglary and the 
 larceny of $5,000 worth of optical instruments. He was tried, convicted, and sent to 
 Auburn prison, from which, however, he soon made his escape. He was re-arrested on 
 May 27, 1873, i"^ '^'^^ ^.ct of negotiating $40,000 worth of stolen bonds, the proceeds of 
 burglaries in Glenn's Falls and Port Jervis. A detective found him in a second-story room 
 in Carmine Street, between Bleecker and Bedford. Brady jumped out of the window 
 and ran down the street. The officer followed, and shot him in the leg just as he was 
 jumping into a basement window. He was again tried and convicted, and sent to Sing 
 Sing for three and a half years, at the expiration of which time he was to go to Auburn 
 to serve five years, the unexpired time of his former sentence. Hardly a month had 
 elapsed before he again escaped. He was next arrested in Wilmington, Del., for a 
 burglary there, together with Joe Howard, Frank McCoy, alias Big Frank, Jimmie 
 Hope and others. They were sentenced to pay $1,000 fine, receive forty lashes, and 
 spend ten years in Newcastle jail. The lashes were received and the prisoners were sent 
 to jail, but the fine was not paid. While he was in that jail. State Detective Jackson, of 
 Sing Sing, went after him, but the authorities there refused to release him. They had 
 better have done so, as shortly after all four escaped, and Brady was not heard of again 
 until he was arrested on August i, 1877, in New York City, under the name of Peterson. 
 
 Brady's last exploit, when he entered Ward's furnishing store on Broadway, New 
 York, could only have been the act of a madman or a desperate thief. After stealing 
 some goods almost under the eyes of the clerk, when an officer was called upon to arrest 
 him he coolly said : " I will go with you, sir, and you will discover your mistake." In 
 sight of the station house, however, the desperate character of the man was revealed. He 
 turned upon the officer quick as lightning and fired a shot at him, the ball grazing the 
 captor's cheek. Then came the quick pursuit and flight; street after street was 
 traversed ; entire neighborhoods were aroused at the sight of an officer following a man 
 who turned at intervals and discharged shots at his pursuer ; finally other policemen 
 joined in the chase, and at length the desperate man was hunted down. During the 
 
330 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 flight a citizen, in endeavoring to arrest the criminal, was wounded by him. When he 
 was arraigned at the Tombs PoHce Court this modern Jack Sheppard showed how 
 completely he was master of his art ; his long, flowing beard was cut ofif and modest, 
 quiet apparel was substituted for the fashionable costume he wore at the time of his 
 arrest. It would, indeed, almost defy a Cuvier to recognize in the placid features of 
 Jim Brady, the prisoner, the Jim Brady whose facial muscles were swelled, eyes dilated, 
 and mobile mouth working with passion and excitement while the police officers were 
 running him down. 
 
 This man is one of a gang of the most dangerous criminals in the country, the 
 more to be feared because possessed of intelligence and address, and having access to 
 channels of communication with wealthy men, bankers and institutions of trust, by 
 which means the most daring schemes of plunder are organized and consummated. 
 
 Brady, who gave the name of Oscar D. Peterson, received a cumulative sentence 
 of eleven years on three indictments — two of three years each and one of five years, on 
 September 14, 1877, by Judge Gildersleeve. 
 
 Brady was once as expert at prison-breaking as he is at safe-blowing, and therein 
 lies all his present trouble. Brady sighs for liberty ; but the prison officials blankly 
 refuse to grant him freedom. The slippery burglar first donned the stripes in Auburn 
 prison early in the spring of 1871. He remained until January, 1873, when, in company 
 with the notorious Dan Noble, of Lord Bond robbery fame, Dan Kelly and other 
 congenial spirits, he escaped by digging through four feet of solid masonry into an 
 unused water-wheel pit, which adjoined the high stone wall on the outside. He again 
 turned up in the August following, when he was received at Sing Sing under the name 
 of James H. Morrison, to serve theee years and six months. In October of the same 
 year he took French leave of Sing Sing, and was gone until September 14, 1877, when 
 he returned to his old quarters as Oscar D. Peterson. Clinton prison being considered 
 a more secure place for fellows of his ilk, he was transferred to that institution, and 
 after a short sojourn there he was brought to Auburn, where he is now confined. 
 
 The prison authorities having the slippery fellow once again in their custody, took 
 a Trinitarian view of his case and determined that the three men, Brady, Morrison and 
 Peterson, were one and the same, and that he should pay his indebtedness of time due 
 the State of New York by serving the allowance he would have earned had he not 
 escaped from Auburn and Sing Sing, about six years all told. Brady was ignorant of 
 this move on the part of the authorities, and when his term of imprisonment as Peterson 
 had expired he demanded his release. When told that he had just entered upon his 
 sentence as Peterson and the eight years he had completed would be credited to the 
 old score, his amazement knew no bounds. He held that he was illegally imprisoned ; 
 that Oscar D. Peterson's sentence had expired, and his custodians had no right to hold 
 Peterson for the offenses of Brady and Morrison. His next step was to avail himself 
 of the provisions of the law governing the discharge of convicts prior to 1874. He 
 employed counsel, and when confronted by evidence that the court which convicted 
 him had ordered that Peterson's term of imprisonment should not begin until the 
 expiration of the unfinished sentences of Brady and Morrison, he gave up all hope. 
 
 About the middle of December 1885, a mysterious express package was received 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 33 1 
 
 at the prison from Detroit. Its contents proved to be a bundle of circulars. Accom- 
 panying the circular was a letter dated Detroit, December 15, 1885, signed "Geo. 
 Parks, pal of ' O. D. P.' " It was addressed to Major Boyle and advised him to 
 immediately make his peace with Peterson, threatening to publish copies of the circular 
 in all of the Auburn and Syracuse daily and Sunday papers if he failed so to do. It is 
 understood that Governor Hill, Superintendent Baker and the members of the 
 Legislature of 1885 were furnished with a copy. 
 
 The boldest part of the whole proceeding lies in the fact that the author of the 
 circular does not attempt to conceal his identity, and that convict " No. 19, or 4" (which 
 translated means 19,004), and convict 19,004 is Jim Brady, will furnish the necessary 
 proof. Its author exhibited a degree of cunning by forwarding the document by 
 express, thereby avoiding the penalty prescribed for sending threatening letters through 
 the United States mail. Major Boyle is a highly respected citizen of Auburn, and the 
 contents of the circular will be read with many grains of salt by his fellow-townsmen, 
 when they consider the source from which it emanated. 
 
 There are those who know that Brady is simply playing a game of blufif. Seven 
 more years of prison life for a man so well advanced on life's journey is indeed a long 
 time, and, vexed over his failure to be released, he now proposes to place his custodians 
 on the defensive and has thrown down the gauntlet. 
 
 See also records of Nos. 20, 50, 53 and 89. 
 
 John, alias Clutch Donohue, one of the most noted bank sneaks in America, 
 has been a principal or an associate in several large robberies in America and Europe. 
 
 The South Kensington National Bank of Philadelphia was on February 2, 1871, 
 robbed by burglars of money and securities worth $100,000. The bank is situated in 
 what is known as the " shipbuilders' quarter " in that city, and the neighborhood is 
 quite lonely at night. The burglars obtained entrance by a very ingenious ruse. Just 
 before the bank closed that day, a man, supposed to have been Clutch Donohue, called 
 at the bank and told William Connell, the cashier, that the lieutenant of the police 
 district had seen suspicious characters lurking around the bank, and was apprehensive 
 that an attempt might be made to rob it. He had been sent to give them information. 
 The intelligence was spread among the bank attaches, and the two watchmen were 
 instructed to let no person into the building after banking hours. At seven o'clock 
 that evening two policemen rapped at the door. They said that the lieutenant had 
 heard from good sources that the bank was to be robbed that night, and had told them 
 to aid in protecting it. The overjoyed watchmen invited them to enter. They seemed 
 to think that it would be better to remain outside, but as the weather was cold, they 
 finally accepted the invitation. Once in the bank, officers and watchmen talked over 
 the situation ; one of the policemen said, " I am very dry ; I wish I could have a 
 drink." " That you can have," replied one of the watchmen, and went back to get it. 
 The remaining officer told the other watchman that he had better look around outside 
 to see if everything was all right. No sooner was the door closed upon him than the 
 officer joined his comrade, and found him with a bottle of whiskey in his hand. The 
 watchman was drawing water from a cooler. In a trice the officers gagged and bound 
 
332 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 him hand and foot, laying him out like a mummy. They were no longer officers, but 
 burglars. The absent watchman was admitted, and treated in the same manner. The 
 door was thrown open to their associates, and, by the aid of wedges, muffled hammers 
 and jimmies, the vault was opened and about $100,000 carried away. The robbers 
 worked until three in the morning, and did not succeed in opening the safe containing 
 the most money. They had been gone two hours when one of the watchmen got loose, 
 ran into the street, and sounded the alarm. Nobody was arrested. A well-known 
 ex-detective of Philadelphia had the securities returned to the bank, but the burglars 
 kept the money, about $60,000. Several noted burglars have from time to time been 
 credited with committing this robbery, when in fact they were either in prison or far 
 away from the scene. The following are the names of four of the eight persons who 
 committed the robbery : Mike Kerrigan, alias Johnny Dobbs, Denny Brady, of masked 
 burglary fame, Thomas Burns, alias Combo, John, alias Clutch Donohue, and four 
 others. Dobbs was the only mechanic in the gang. 
 
 At Welland, Ont, October 12, 1885, the court room was packed when John, alias 
 Clutch Donohue, was arraigned on the charge of stealing a quantity of meerchaum 
 pipes and tobacco, goods the property of Goldstein Brothers, from their store in the 
 city of Quebec, during the night of February i, 1882. The prisoner pleaded not 
 guilty. 
 
 William Goldstein was the first witness. He testified that he lived in Quebec in 
 1882, where he carried on the tobacco business. On going to his shop on the morning 
 of February 2, 1882, he discovered that a robbery had occurred, and that a case which 
 had contained eight hundred dollars' worth of goods was empty. He gave information 
 immediately at the police headquarters. His impression was that the shop had been 
 entered by means of a false key. He afterwards found one-fifth of the stolen goods in 
 a store kept by a man named A. J. Rainer as a news depot in Buffalo. 
 
 William Hampton, a thief, testified that he was in Quebec, February 2, 1882. 
 The prisoner lived at Fort Erie at that time. On January 31, 1882, he left Toronto 
 with the prisoner for Quebec, each with a satchel. They arrived in Quebec on the 
 morning of February i, and roomed together at the Albion Hotel. On the morning 
 of February 2 they went to LeMesurier's store. The prisoner represented himself as 
 a merchant of Sherbrooke. Witness occupied the attention of the proprietors while 
 prisoner took an impression in oiled wax of the keys of the store door and the cash 
 box. Witness got a sheet of copper with which Donohue made the keys. They 
 afterwards went to Goldstein's, where witness occupied the attention of the clerks. 
 Donohue asked for paper to write a note. He had plenty of time to take an impression 
 of the keys. He made the keys at the hotel. Prisoner had keys for other stores in 
 Quebec. They went to Joseph Amyot's with the intention of committing a robbery. 
 Prisoner opened the door while witness went in and filled the two satchels with goods, 
 remaining half an hour. Donohue stood at the door and gave a signal— three raps! 
 They accomplished the robbery at Goldstein's the same way. They procured a trunk, 
 and packing all the goods in it, forwarded it to Brampton, leaving afterwards for 
 home. 
 
 The next day they called on Levi Reynardt in Toronto and said they had some 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 333 
 
 goods at Brampton to sell him. Donohue, Reynardt and witness met in Brampton. 
 Reynardt bought a hundred dollars' worth of goods. He got no cigar goods except 
 two holders, which they presented to him. Two days after witness saw the balance of 
 the goods in possession of Donohue at Fort Erie. Then they sent for A. J. Rainer, of 
 Buffalo, to whom they sold the tobacco goods. Donohue got $330 and witness got 
 $165. Witness saw the stolen goods after at Rainer's store. 
 
 The jury, after fifteen minutes deliberation, returned with a verdict of guilty. 
 Donohue was sentenced on October 2, 1885, to seven years' imprisonment in the Pro- 
 vincial penitentiary. 
 
 Three other indictments were read against Donohue, to which he pleaded not 
 guilty, namely, receiving one thousand dollars' worth of postage stamps, stolen July 24, 
 1884; stealing pearl and gold buttons, etc., from Joseph Amyot's store in Quebec, 
 February 2, 1882 ; and having the above goods in his possession. These indictments 
 were not proceeded with. 
 
 See also records of George Wilkes and No. 202. 
 
 Joseph Eaton, alias George C. Hammond, a gold brick swindler and card sharp, 
 is forty-nine years old in 1886 ; medium build ; married ; born in United States ; height, 
 five feet nine inches ; weight, 165 pounds ; black hair, dark eyes and complexion ; gen- 
 erally wears a full black beard. Has had a stroke of paralysis, which is noticeable ; 
 long nose. Has a leaf in India ink on his left arm. 
 
 He is probably one of the smartest gold brick swindlers in America. He is a 
 partner of Nathan White's, who generally uses the alias of William Johnson. They 
 have been arrested in almost all the principal cities in the United States, but owing to 
 the respectability of their victims, they always escape, through fear of publicity. The 
 following is a very interesting account of the manner in which the scheme is worked. 
 It was clipped from a New York paper of May 4, 1881, when White, alias Johnson, 
 who was with Eaton, was arrested : 
 
 "One afternoon in March, 1881, Mr. Smith, the owner of a number of tow- 
 boats, sat in his office in South Street, when a stranger entered and presented a letter 
 of introduction. The new comer was a tall, gentlemanly person, affable in manner and 
 refined in speech, who, however, bore about him a flavor of the Far West and its blunt, 
 off-hand ways. The letter which Mr. Smith read was over the signature of an old-time 
 friend of his in California, and in it he was requested to show the bearer what courtesy 
 he could, as he was worthy of his esteem, and with the writer would duly appreciate it. 
 The stranger was treated to a cordial reception, and, as Mr. William Johnson, who had 
 come to the metropolis on business, was given the use of the office and what other 
 accommodations he desired. Two weeks later he called again, and in his intercourse 
 with Mr. Smith he increased the good impression he previously had made. 
 
 " In the latter part of April he came again. He seemed very thoughtful this time, 
 and a trifle perplexed. Mr. Smith noticed his seeming perturbation, and the other, 
 after a time, revealed its cause, which his confidant remembers much after the following 
 fashion : 
 
 " ' You are acquainted in New York,' said Mr. Johnson, ' and you are a man of wide 
 
334 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 connections. I am a stranger, and I have come to ask your advice about a matter that 
 has caused me considerable thought. Some time ago I was in Leadville. It was in 
 the old days when the revolver settled every difficulty and was very often seen in 
 people's hands. One night I was in a bar-room when a couple of men quarreled. One 
 of them had a pistol in his hand and its muzzle in a line with the other's head. His 
 finger was on the trigger too, and the man's life wasn't worth a button, when I threw 
 up the fellow's arm and the pistol exploded. The man whose life I saved came to me 
 a few days ago. He was a burglar, and it was his partner's bullet I had turned aside. 
 He told me that after they left Leadville they went to California, where they robbed a 
 bank of a quantity of gold. The police were on the scent, though, and fearing appre- 
 hension, they buried their. booty under ground. Well, they were arrested for the crime 
 at last, sent to prison, and not long ago the man I had saved came out alone. His 
 partner had died in confinement. The ex-convict's first work was to recover the stolen 
 treasure. But it was composed of bricks of gold, and it would be foolhardy for a man 
 of his notoriety to attempt to dispose of it. So he turned his back on the Pacific slope 
 and came here. When he learned I was in New York he sought me out, and told me 
 that he remembered with gratitude the part I had taken in saving his life, and was 
 willing to do me a service. The treasure he could not readily dispose of himself, and 
 he offered me the chance of negotiating for its sale. He has quite a quantity of it, and 
 is willing to dispose of it at a great sacrifice. I thought I would come to you, and see 
 if you thought well of the scheme. There would be a big profit in it for us both. What 
 would you advise me to do ?' 
 
 " The story of the gentleman from California at once aroused Mr. Smith's suspi- 
 cions as to his real character. He questioned him further, and believed them confirmed. 
 Then, to hide his surmises, he determined to parley with the other in the interests of 
 justice until he could have an opportunity of giving the authorities a clew to the stolen 
 booty. He told the latter he wished to consult a friend, and that night he told the 
 story to an ex-Senator of Brooklyn, who came with him to New York and called on a 
 police inspector. When the latter heard the narrative he recognized in it a part of 
 the programme carried out in a swindling operation which had been plied with success 
 in the mines, and had shorn not a few unscrupulous men of means in the West. At 
 once he directed Mr. Smith how to act. 
 
 '"Meet Mr. Johnson as you agreed,' he said, 'and appear to be unsuspicious, for 
 men of that class are apt to keep you under surveillance, to see if their plans are 
 detected. Go with him to the place of meeting with the supposed ex-convict, and nego- 
 tiate with him for the purchase of the gold. They will no doubt show you a brick of 
 manufactured metal with a tip of gold at one end and a thin wedge of it in the middle. 
 That's their usual game. To assure you that it's genuine, they are likely to chip a 
 piece off the end and a bit off the middle for you to test at the assay office. Don't 
 postpone the negotiations for that, though. Say that Johnson is your friend and you 
 believe his word. Buy the booty, and give your check for it.' 
 
 " Mr. Smith looked up in surprise at the proposition. 
 
 " ' Give your check for it,' repeated the Inspector. ' You can first have its payment 
 stopped at the bank. Then, if they are chary about the check, offer to bring Johnson 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 335 
 
 to the bank with you to identify him and set things right. We'll be ready for him when 
 you get out of doors.' 
 
 "Mr. Smith followed the directions given him by the Inspector, and met Mr. 
 Johnson, and the pair started for the place of rendezvous with detectives in 
 their wake. The Inspector had fancied that some boarding-house or private abode 
 would be selected for the business, as is customary in such cases, and in such a place 
 there would be little difficulty in apprehending the accomplice whom Johnson would leave 
 indoors behind him. The detectives were somewhat taken aback, then, when the gentle- 
 man from California escorted Mr. Smith to the Compton House, on the corner of Third 
 Avenue and Twenty-fourth Street, and took him up to one of the seventy or eighty 
 rooms in it. His experience from his entrance savored much of the melodramatic. 
 Johnson preceded him to a room into which he ushered him, carefully closing the door 
 behind. There Smith found himself in front of a rather peculiar figure reclining on the 
 bed. It was that of a man in ordinary attire, whose features, hewever, were completely 
 hidden by a large mask. Johnson explained that in consequence of the ex-convict's 
 deeds in the West, he preferred keeping his identity a secret, but was ready to proceed 
 with business. The masked man then drew from underneath the bolster a bar of 
 gleaming metal about twelve or fifteen inches long and three and a half thick. Mr. 
 Smith looked at it, and it had all the appearance of pure gold. The masked man said 
 that he had eighteen such bars, and was willing to dispose of the lot at a considerable 
 sacrifice. When he turned them into money he proposed giving over his evil ways, and 
 would be heard of no more. The bar he showed, he said, was worth $9,000, but he 
 would part with it for $7,500. As the Inspector had predicted, a piece of the 
 metal was sawed off the end at Johnson's suggestion, and he proposed to Smith to bring 
 it to the assay office to be tested with some grains which were filed off the middle. 
 
 " Mr. Smith, according to his instructions, professed to be satisfied ; but a hitch arose 
 here. The masked man did not have all of the gold with him, but only the sample bar. 
 So, after some talk, the negotiations had to be suspended, and Smith and Johnson 
 started away together. The detectives were at their heels in a twinkling, and once they 
 were out of sight of the Compton House, a detective pounced upon Johnson. They 
 had supposed the negotiations completed and the case ready for the courts. Without 
 delay the Compton House was entered. But the accomplice of the gentleman from 
 California had not lingered. He had passed out just as his partner went away with Mr. 
 Smith. The latter's failure to perfect the negotiations had left the case against the 
 prisoner incomplete. Mr. Smith had the piece of gold sawed from the bar, which was 
 afterward shown in the Jefferson Market Court when the prisoner was arraigned, and 
 upon the man was found the following letter, which seemingly had been used by Johnson 
 to ingratiate himself with a friend of another Californian, as he had done in Mr. Smith's 
 case : 
 
 National Bank of Stockton, February 15, 1881, 
 D. Allen, Esq. : 
 
 Dear Sir, — This will introduce to you Mr. H. S. Walker, of this place, who comes to your city for a 
 short stay. Mr. Walker is a gentleman in every particular, and any courtesy extended him will be appre- 
 ciated by me as by him. 
 
 Yours truly, R. K. REID. 
 
2,2,^ PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 " According to the paper on which this was written, R. K. Reid is president of the 
 bank, and his name was doubtless forged with the purpose of victimizing a friend in 
 this city." 
 
 Eaton was arrested in New York City on June 23, 1881, charged with having 
 swindled Adolph Liebes out of $500, by inducing him to play "faro." He was 
 committed in $2,000 bail for trial, and again his good luck stood to him and he was 
 discharged. He was arrested again in Boston, Mass., on December 28, 1882, with 
 similar results. 
 
 Nathaniel White, alias Nat White, alias Wm. Johnson, another clever "gold 
 brick" swindler, is forty-four years old in 1886 ; born in United States ; calls himself 
 3. speculator ; is married ; slim build, fair complexion ; height, 5 feet 6 inches ; weight, 
 136 pounds; dark brown hair, gray eyes, and wears a full, dark brown beard and 
 mustache ; dresses well ; talks low and confidingly. He is generally the " outside 
 man " — that is, the man that picks up the party to be swindled. He works with Joe 
 Eaton and a party called Tibbits. He was arrested in New York City and his picture 
 taken on May 3, 1881 (see record of Joe Eaton for account of White's arrest 
 and the manner of working the gold brick swindle), and discharged on May 5, 1881. 
 He was arrested again in Jersey City on October 13, 1881, in company of Tibbits, 
 for an attempt to swindle one John C. Van Horn out of $5,000, the price of two gold 
 bricks. In this case, as in fifty others. White was discharged. 
 
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PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 341 
 
 MYSTERIOUS MURDERS. 
 
 THE MURDER OF DORAS DOYEN, alias HELEN JEWETT. 
 
 ALTHOUGH fifty years have passed since the notorious and beautiful young 
 woman, Doras Doyen, otherwise known as Helen Jewett, was mysteriously 
 butchered in her bed at No. 41 Thomas Street in this city, the brutal and unavenged 
 crime has not been forgotten. Many old residents still recall with horror the cruel 
 murder of the fair cyprian, which was committed early on the morning of April 12, 
 1836. Doras Doyen was born in Augusta, Maine, and at the time of her tragic death 
 was but twenty-three years of "age. Her many charms were thus described by an able 
 writer, at the time of the murder : 
 
 " She was a shade below the middle height, but of a form of exquisite symmetry, 
 which, though voluptuously turned in every perceptible point, was sufficiently dainty in 
 its outline to give her the full advantage of a medium stature to the eye. Her com- 
 plexion was that of a clear brown, bearing in it all the voluptuous ardor of that shade. 
 
 " Her features were not what might be termed regular, but there vi^as a harmony 
 in their expression which was inexpressibly charming ; the nose was rather small, which 
 was a fault ; the mouth was rather large, but the full richness of its satin lips and the 
 deep files of ivory infantry which crescented within their rosy lines redeemed all its 
 latitudinal excess ; while her large, black, steady eyes, streaming now with glances of 
 precocious knowledge, and anon languishing with meditation or snapping with mis- 
 chievousness, gave the whole picture a peculiar charm which entitled it to the renown 
 of one of the most fascinating faces that ever imperiled a susceptible observer. 
 
 "In disposition this lovely creature was equal to her form. She was frank and 
 amiable. Her heart was kind to excess to all who required her assistance, though the 
 ardor of her temperament rendered her amenable to fiercest sentiments of passion." 
 
 A young clerk in a Maiden Lane store, named Richard P. Robinson, was among 
 the many admirers of the comely Helen Jewett. He was strikingly handsome, having 
 a frank, boyish face that was well set of? by curling hair of golden brown. Robinson, 
 though but eighteen years of age, was an habitue of the fast resorts in the city, where 
 he was commonly known as " Frank Rivers." The long Spanish cloak which he wore 
 jauntily about his shapely person became, after the murder of his mistress, the rage 
 among the young men about town, and was known as the " Robinson Cloak." 
 
 It was at a theatre that Helen Jewett and Richard P. Robinson met one night by 
 chance. The clerk defended her against the advances of a drunken ruffian and was 
 
342 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 rewarded with an invitation to call on her at the house of a Mrs. Berry in Duane 
 Street, known to the wild young men of the day as the " Palais de la Duchesse Berri." 
 There Helen received him in an apartment that would have done credit to the palace 
 of Cleopatra. Other visits soon followed, and within a few weeks her passing fancy 
 for the handsome youth ripened into the maddest infatuation. 
 
 For a time all went well, but at last rumors began to reach Helen's ears that she 
 was but a sharer in her admirer's affections. Determined to discover the truth she 
 disguised herself as a young man, and posting herself in front of the Maiden Lane 
 store in which Robinson was employed waited till evening, and followed him first to 
 his boarding-house in Dey Street and from there to a house in Broome Street, where 
 she found him in the company of a rival siren. 
 
 Mad with jealousy Helen threw herself on the woman and struck her repeatedly in 
 the face, her diamond rings drawing blood at every blow. She repented her violence 
 and wrote to her lover a few days afterwards imploring him to forgive and return to^ 
 her. A reconciliation followed, but within a few months, Helen, furious at the dis- 
 covery of some fresh perfidy on the part of Robinson, taunted him with having caused 
 the death of a young girl whom he had wronged and then deserted. Terrified at the: 
 consequences of exposure he professed to be ready to do anything that Helen wished,, 
 and finally purchased her silence by promising to marry her. Once more all went well 
 until Helen learned that Robinson not only did not intend to keep his promise but was. 
 on the eve of being married to a young lady of wealth and position. In a fury she 
 wrote him a letter threatening the most dire consequences if he failed to keep faith 
 with her. 
 
 There is little doubt now that that letter sealed the fate of Helen Jewett. Her 
 life only stood between Robinson and fortune. On April lo, 1836, the day preceding 
 the murder, Robinson received a note from Helen begging him to call on her that 
 night and containing a hint of the terrible penalty in case of a refusal to do so. He- 
 replied, promising to. call the next night. 
 
 The house of Mrs. Townsend, No. 41 Thomas Street, an establishment famous for 
 the magnificence of its appointments from one end of the country to the other, was the 
 place where Helen was then living. Robinson, enveloped in his long Spanish cloak, 
 rang the bell of this house between nine and ten o'clock on the night of Saturday, 
 April II, 1836. At the door the clerk was met by his young mistress, who was. heard 
 to exclaim joyously : " Oh, my dear Frank, how glad I am that you have come !" 
 
 Helen an hour afterwards from the head of the stairs called for a bottle of 
 champagne. When Mrs. Townsend brought the bottle of wine up-stairs the young 
 woman received it from her at the room door. That was the last time the poor girl 
 was seen alive. 
 
 The inmates of the house one by one retired, and at one o'clock on that Sunday 
 morning all was still. Marie Stevens, who occupied a room directly opposite that of 
 Helen's, was aroused an hour later by a noise that sounded like that of a blow or a 
 heavy fall. It was followed by a long and heavy moan. Getting up she listened at 
 the door. All was then as silent as the grave. Presently she heard the door of 
 Helen's apartment open gently and the sound of feet passing along the halL 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 345 
 
 Cautiously opening her door she saw a tall figure, wrapped in a long cloak and holding 
 a small lamp, glide down the staircase. Then she returned to her room. 
 
 Mrs. Townsend at three o'clock had occasion to go down stairs, and found a glass 
 lamp belonging to Helen still burning on a table in the parlor. Looking around she 
 discovered that the back door was open, and after calling out twice " Who's there ? " 
 fastened it and went up-stairs to Helen's room. The door was ajar, and as she opened 
 it a dense volume of reeking black smoke drove her back and almost overpowered her. 
 Her screams of terror roused the house in an instant, and several of the inmates rushed 
 to the spot and attempted to force their way through the smoke. The draught from 
 the open door at that moment caused the smoldering fire to burst into flames, whose 
 flickering light revealed to the horror-stricken women the form of the ill-fated Helen 
 lying bathed in blood in the centre of the room. Her fair forehead was almost divided 
 by a ghastly axe-stroke. The bed linen in which her form was half enveloped was 
 burning brightly. A sickening odor of scorched flesh pervaded the apartment. The 
 awful discovery redoubled the excitement in the house. The women screamed with 
 terror, and in a few minutes three policemen rushed in. With their assistance the fire 
 was soon extinguished. 
 
 Helen Jewett's body, clad in a dainty night-dress, lay with the face towards the 
 bed ; one arm lay across the breast and the other was raised over the head. The left 
 side from the waist up was burned to a crisp. The examination of the remains showed 
 that death had been caused instantly by the stroke of the hatchet on the right temple, 
 and that the burning had taken place after death. 
 
 The room in which the tragedy was enacted was a marvel of luxury. It was filled 
 with magnificent furniture, mirrors, splendid paintings and objects of art, and contained 
 many rare and beautiful volumes. 
 
 The trail of the assassin was plainly marked. In the yard was picked up a blood- 
 stained hatchet, and close by the rear fence lay the long Spanish cloak which Robinson 
 invariably wore. The murderer after scaling the fence had found himself in the rear 
 of a small frame house inhabited by negroes. He had forced his way into the cellar 
 and from there had made his exit into the street, down which he was seen to run at 
 full speed by a negro woman, who had been awakened by the noise made in forcing 
 open the door. 
 
 Robinson was found apparently fast asleep with his room-mate, James Tow. He 
 showed no emotion when told of the murder, and merely remarked, " This is bad 
 business," as he quietly rose and dressed himself. While he was doing so the police- 
 man noticed on the knees and seat of his trousers were marks of whitewash such as 
 might have been received while scaling the fence in Mrs. Townsend's yard. When 
 confronted with the body he retained the most perfect self-possession and turned away 
 repeating, " This is a bad business." 
 
 Robinson's trial began on June 2, 1836, and lasted five days. The court room was 
 packed to suffocation every day of the trial. So strongly did sympathy set for the 
 prisoner in some quarters, that the fast young men of the day flocked to the trial in 
 crowds, wearing in his honor glazed caps such as he habitually wore, which were long 
 afterwards known as " Frank Rivers " caps. 
 
344 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 District- Attorney Phoenix conducted the prosecution, assisted by Mr. Robert 
 Morris. The prisoner was defended by Mr. Ogden Hoffman, Mr. William M. Price 
 
 and Mr. Maxwell. 
 
 The weight of testimony was overwhelmingly against the accused. Fortunately 
 for him, Marie Stevenson, the woman who saw him leaving Helen Jewett's room, was 
 found dead in her bed before the trial began. 
 
 The cloak was proved to be Robinson's, and the hatchet was identified as having 
 been taken from the store where he was employed. The string which was tied round 
 its handle was shown to have formed a part of the cord belonging to his cloak. His 
 trousers, marked with whitewash, were also put in evidence. A drug clerk swore that 
 the prisoner, under the name of Douglas, had attempted to purchase arsenic from him 
 ten days previous to the murder. 
 
 Mr. Hoffman made a sentimental but powerful appeal in the prisoner's behalf and 
 undertook to prove by the testimony of Robert Furlong, a grocer at the corner of 
 Cedar and Nassau streets, that the accused had been in his store until a quarter past 
 ten on the night of the murder and therefore could not have entered the Thomas Street 
 house between nine and ten, as was sworn to by Mrs. Townsend. 
 
 Furlong committed suicide two weeks after the murder by leaping from the deck 
 of a vessel into the North River. 
 
 The rest of the defense consisted of attempts to impeach the veracity of the 
 inmates of the Thomas Street house. The colored woman who saw the prisoner 
 escape from the cellar door was spirited away before the trial began. 
 
 On the evening of the fifth day the case was given to the jury, who, in spite of the 
 tremendous array of testimony brought forward by the prosecution and the feeble 
 character of the defense, brought in a verdict of " not guilty " after a very short 
 deliberation. 
 
 It was generally believed that some of the jurymen had been corrupted. The 
 verdict was received with a tremendous outbreak of enthusiasm among the glazed-cap 
 sympathizers of the prisoner, and the court adjourned amid a scene of the wildest 
 confusion. 
 
 Robinson immediately left for Texas, where he died a few years afterwards. 
 
 THE MURDER OF MARY CECILIA ROGERS. 
 
 "T^HE Mystery of Marie Roget," Edgar Allen Poe's famous story, founded on the 
 A mysterious murder of Mary Rogers, " the pretty cigar girl," has made that tragedy 
 known wherever the English language is spoken. Mary Cecilia Rogers was the only 
 daughter of a respectable widow who kept a boarding-house for clerks in Nassau Street. 
 She lived under her mother's roof until she was twenty years of age, when John 
 Anderson, the famous tobacco merchant, heard of her marvelous beauty and conceived 
 the idea of making her serve as an attraction in his store on Broadway, near Thomas 
 Street. This was in 1840. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 345 
 
 As " the pretty cigar girl," Mary became famous. Custom flocked to the store. 
 The young swells of the time made the shop a lounging-place, and vied with each other 
 in attempts to win the favor of the divinity of the counter. Her conduct, however, 
 appears to have been a model of modest decorum. She was lavish in her smiles, but 
 repelled all undue advances with a decision that checked the boldest of rouds. 
 
 Once only did the breath of suspicion attach to her good name. She disappeared 
 one day from the store, and was absent for a week, when she returned and answered all 
 inquiries with the statement that she had been visiting friends in the country. A 
 widely circulated rumor, however, had it that Mary had been seen several times during 
 her absence with a tall, well-dressed man of dark complexion. Who this man was has 
 never been ascertained, but it was afterwards rumored that on the day on which she 
 was supposed to have been murdered a man answering to that description was seen in 
 company with her. 
 
 A week after her return to the store she suddenly resigned her position and went 
 home to assist her mother in household duties. It was soon afterwards announced that 
 she was engaged to be married to Daniel Payne, a young clerk who boarded in her 
 mother's house. 
 
 On the beautiful morning of Sunday, July 25, 1841, Mary Rogers was last seen 
 alive. At ten o'clock she knocked at Payne's door, and told him that she was going to 
 spend the day with a Mrs. Downing, in Bleecker Street. Payne replied that he would 
 call for her and bring her home in the evening. A furious thunder-storm, however, 
 broke out in the afternoon, and during the evening the rain fell in torrents. Payne, 
 who was evidently a rather careless lover, failed to keep his engagement, supposing that 
 his betrothed could just as well spend the night at her friend's house. Next morning 
 he went to his work as usual. When afternoon came and Mary did not return, her 
 mother, who took it for granted that the girl had been storm-bound for the night at 
 Mrs. Downing's, became seriously alarmed. When Payne came home to dinner, and 
 learned that Mary was still absent, he started at once for Mrs. Downing's house. To 
 his amazement, he was told that she had not been there on Sunday. The police were 
 notified, and a general search was made. So well known was the girl that the news of 
 her disappearance created a great sensation. No trace was found of her until the 
 following Wednesday, when some fishermen, setting their nets off Castle Point, 
 Hoboken, found the body floating near the shore, not far from a refreshment saloon 
 known as "Sybil's Cave." 
 
 The corpse was frightfully disfigured, the face having been entirely destroyed, 
 evidently with repeated blows of some blunt instrument. Round the waist was fastened 
 a stout cord, to the other end of which a heavy stone was attached. Encircling her 
 neck was a piece of lace torn from her dress, tied tightly enough to produce strangula- 
 tion. Sunk deeply into the flesh of both wrists were the marks of cords. The hands 
 were- covered with light kid gloves, and a light bonnet hung by its ribbons around the 
 neck. The clothing was horribly disordered and torn. A further examination disclosed 
 the awful fact that a more fearful crime than murder had been committed. 
 
 It was established beyond all doubt that Mary had not gone to the house in 
 Bleecker Street on the Sunday on which she disappeared. No one could be found who 
 
346 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 had seen her after she had left her home. At the end of a week not the faintest clew to- 
 the mystery had been found. The authorities then issued a proclamation calling on any 
 persons who might be possessed of any knowledge of the girl's history or habits that 
 might furnish a possible clew to a motive for her murder to come forward. The next 
 day the Coroner received an anonymous letter from a young man in Hoboken who- 
 declared that he had seen Mary in Hoboken on Sunday, but had not come forward 
 before owing to what he termed "motives of perhaps criminal prudence." 
 
 The writer stated that while walking in the Elysian Fields, then a famous summer 
 resort on Sunday afternoons, he had seen a boat pull out from the New York side con- 
 taining six rough-looking men and a well-dressed girl, whom he recognized as Mary 
 Rogers. She and her companions left the boat on the beach and went into the woods. 
 The writer was surprised to see her in the company of such rough-looking characters, 
 and noticed that she evidently went with them willingly, laughing merrily as she walked 
 away from the shore. They had scarcely disappeared in the woods when a second boat 
 put out from New York and was pulled rapidly across the river by three handsomely- 
 dressed gentlemen. One of them leaped ashore, and meeting two other gentlemen 
 who were waiting on the beach, excitedly asked them if they had seen a young woman 
 and six men land from a boat a few minutes before. On being told that they had, and 
 on the direction they had taken being pointed out to him, he asked whether the men 
 had used any violence towards the girl. He was told that she had apparently gone 
 with them willingly, and he then, without making any further remark, returned to his. 
 boat, which was at once headed for New York. 
 
 The author of this letter was never discovered, but the letter was printed in the 
 newspapers, and the next day the two gentlemen who had been walking on the beach 
 came forward and corroborated the story. They both knew Mary Rogers by sight, and 
 said that the girl who entered the woods with the six roughs resembled her closely, but 
 they were not sufficiently near to be able to positively affirm that it was she. The next 
 important piece of evidence came from a stage-driver named Adams, who, after allow- 
 ing several weeks to elapse, testified that on the fatal Sunday he had seen Mary arrive 
 in Hoboken, at the Bull's Ferry, accompanied by a tall, well-dressed man of dark com- 
 plexion, and go with him to a road-house near the Elysian Fields known as " Nick 
 Mullen's." Mrs. Loss, the keeper of the house, remembered that such a man had 
 come to her place with a young woman on the day in question, and had gone int& 
 the adjoining woods after partaking of refreshments. Soon after their departure she 
 heard a woman's scream coming from the woods, but as the place was the resort of 
 questionable characters, and such sounds were of frequent occurrence, she gave nO' 
 further thought to the matter. 
 
 The exact spot on which there is no doubt the hapless girl was brutally ill-treated 
 and then butchered was discovered by Mrs. Loss's little children on September 25, 
 exactly two months after the murder. While playing in the woods, they found in a 
 dense thicket a white petticoat, a silk scarf, a parasol, and a linen handkerchief marked 
 with the initials " M. R." The ground all around was torn up and the shrubbery 
 trampled as if the spot had been the scene of a terrific struggle. Leading out of the 
 thicket was a broad track, such as might have been made by dragging a body through 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 347 
 
 the bushes. It led in the direction of the river, but was soon lost in the woods. 
 All the articles were identified as having been worn by Mary on the day of her 
 disappearance. 
 
 Every effort was made to trace the "tall, dark-complexioned man," but without 
 success. It was rumored that he was a young naval officer. Mrs. Loss and several 
 witnesses who claimed to have seen him with Mary during the time that she was absent 
 from the cigar store, noticed that he seemed to be a person of a considerably higher 
 social grade than his companion. It was generally believed at the time, that the mur- 
 dered girl's mother knew more about her daughter's mysterious admirer than she chose 
 to tell. 
 
 Daniel Payne never recovered from the shock caused by the awful death of his 
 betrothed. The blow evidently affected his mind, and within a few weeks after the 
 murder he committed suicide. 
 
 The crime was ever the subject of more searching and prolonged investigation, 
 but in spite of everything that could be done, the veil of mystery has never been 
 penetrated that shrouded the fate of "the pretty cigar girl." 
 
 THE BURDELL MURDER. 
 
 A SEVERE storm passed over this city on the night of Friday, January 30, 1857, 
 and as the rain was falling and the wind moaning about ten o'clock a piercing 
 shriek of "Murder!" rang through quiet, aristocratic Bond Street. A gentleman living 
 at No. 36 Bond Street heard the cry, but as he was unable to tell from what direction 
 it came, and as it was not repeated, he closed his door and retired. The city was 
 shocked next morning by the discovery of the mysterious murder of Dr. Harvey 
 Burdell, a wealthy but eccentric dentist who resided at No. 31 Bond Street. 
 
 Dr. Burdell owned the house, of which he was in the habit of letting the greater 
 part, reserving for his own use only the reception parlors, operating room and bedroom 
 on the second floor. 
 
 In person he was a fine portly man of middle age. A man of strong passions and 
 ungovernable temper, he had few friends. In spite of his invested wealth, which was 
 considerable, and his large and remunerative practice, his mode of life was so penurious 
 as almost to entitle him to the name of miser. His house was usually let to persons of 
 questionable character, a class among which he had many intimates. 
 
 He kept his own servant, an extraordinary girl, who, although in most respects an 
 ignorant creature, possessed a singular facility for acquiring foreign languages. French, 
 German and Spanish she spoke with fluency, having devoted all her spare time to 
 study. She was devotedly attached to the doctor. 
 
 On May i preceding the murder Mrs. Cunningham, a buxom widow with two 
 daughters, took possession of the house. Like others of the doctor's tenants, her 
 reputation was none of the best. The other inmates of the house were John J. Eckel, 
 who was generally supposed to be paying court to Mrs. Cunningham ; Snodgrass, a 
 
348 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 youth of eighteen, who was very attentive to the two daughters, Helen and Augusta ; 
 Daniel Ulman and Hannah Conlan, the cook. 
 
 Mrs. Cunningham appears to have divided her affection between Mr. Eckel and 
 the doctor, each of whom did his utmost to supplant the other, with the result of 
 causing frequent uproars in the house. 
 
 On October 28, 1856, Mrs. Cunningham was married by the Rev. Dr. Marvine — 
 to whom it has never been clearly proved. The certificate states that it was to Dr. 
 Burdell, but it is by no means certain that he was not personated on the occasion. As 
 his lawful wife, Mrs. Cunningham would, of course, have been entitled to her legal 
 share of his estate in the event of his sudden death. 
 
 Whether they were married or not, however, furious outbreaks between the couple 
 continued to be of frequent occurrence, and matters finally came to such a pass that the 
 doctor determined to look out for another tenant. 
 
 While Dr. Burdell was out at dinner on the evening preceding the murder Mrs. 
 Cunningham asked Hannah, the cook, what woman it was that she had shown through 
 the house that day. Hannah replied that it was the lady who was about to take the 
 house. 
 
 " When does she take possession ?" asked Mrs. Cunningham. 
 
 " The first of May," replied the servant. 
 
 " He better be careful ; he may not live to sign the papers," was the reply. 
 
 What time the doctor came home that night is unknown, but the exact moment of 
 the murder is fixed at half-past ten o'clock, the time when the cry of murder was 
 heard. 
 
 It was eight o'clock in the morning when the boy came, according to custom, to 
 make the fires in the doctor's rooms. He brought a scuttle of coals from the cellar and 
 setting it down opened the doors of the front room on the second floor. It struck 
 against something which seemed heavy and yet yielding. The boy, who was whistling 
 merrily, pushed it back and stepped into the room. The sight which met his gaze 
 struck him rigid with horror. On its back, with arms outstretched and eyes staring 
 blankly at the ceiling, lay the body of the owner of the house, the head resting in a 
 pool of blood. Blood was everywhere — on the walls, carpets, furniture, splashed five 
 feet high on the door and spurted to the very ceiling. The boy's terror found vent in 
 a shriek that was heard by every soul in the house, Mrs. Cunningham, with her family 
 and boarders, were quietly at breakfast in the basement, apparently all unconscious of 
 the awful scene up-stairs. 
 
 On learning what had occurred she gave way to a wild outburst of grief. Eckel 
 exhibited little concern. 
 
 The room in which the body was found had evidently been the scene of a terrific 
 life and death struggle. The furniture was tossed about in every direction and hardly 
 an article was found to be free from the stain of blood. 
 
 No less than fifteen distinct stab wounds, any one of which was sufficient to have 
 caused death, were counted on the corpse, which was fully clothed. They had the 
 appearance of having been inflicted with a long, narrow dagger. 
 
 Around the neck, sinking deeply into the flesh, was the mark of a small cord, 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 349 
 
 showing that strangulation had first been attempted. This failing, resort had been had 
 to the dagger. 
 
 The gas was burning full. The bed had not been slept in. A complete examina- 
 tion of the house disclosed the startling fact that there were blood marks on the hall, 
 on the stairs, in the lower bed, on the front door, even in the attic room and on the 
 very steps leading to the scuttle in the roof. 
 
 The spirit of murder seemed to have stalked through the house, leaving every- 
 where the gory traces of its fingers. 
 
 At the Coroner's inquest, which was held in the house, medical experts testified 
 that the strokes of the dagger had been delivered by a left-handed person. Mrs. Cun- 
 ningham was left-handed. The verdict charged Mrs. Cunningham and Eckel with the 
 murder, and they were conveyed to the Tombs. 
 
 The case against Eckel was dismissed, but Mrs. Cunningham was placed on trial 
 on the 6th of May. She was ably defended by Henry L. Clinton. District-Attorney 
 A. Oakey Hall conducted the prosecution, but was unable to establish anything 
 against the accused except the existence of a motive. The trial lasted three days, and 
 the jury, after deliberating for an hour and a half, returned a verdict of " not guilty." 
 
 Mrs. Cunningham, who had assumed the name of Burdell, immediately returned 
 to her home at No. 31 Bond Street. Not satisfied with having escaped the penalty of 
 the crime, which there is little doubt that she committed, and having become entitled 
 by right of dower to a third of the murdered man's wealth, she determined to gain 
 possession of the whole of it, and in furtherance of this object conceived the remarkable 
 idea of palming off on the authorities an infant heir to the estate. 
 
 A Dr. Uhl was taken into her confidence, with the understanding that he was to 
 receive $1,000 for his share in the transaction, but the doctor promptly acquainted the 
 District Attorney with the particulars of the widow's ingenious little plan. 
 
 Mr. Hall entered eagerly into the spirit of what appeared to him a huge joke 
 and actually undertook to supply the necessary infant. In due time Mrs. Cunning- 
 ham announced that all was ready for the interesting denouement. 
 
 Disguised as a Sister of Charity she went to a house in Elm Street, where the 
 infant, borrowed by Mr. Hall from Bellevue Hospital, was delivered to her by Dr. 
 Uhl, and carried it to Bond Street in a basket. The next day the arrival of the heir 
 was duly announced, and then Mr. Hall and a policeman stepped in and arrested the 
 " mother." 
 
 She was soon afterwards, however, set at liberty. The little girl who was used in 
 carrying out this remarkable fraud was named Matilda Anderson. She and her real 
 mother were placed on exhibition at Barnum's Museum. 
 
 Mrs. Cunningham soon afterwards went to California. Eckel was imprisoned in 
 the Albany penitentiary for complicity in some whiskey frauds in Brooklyn and died 
 there. 
 
 The house in Bond Street, which is but little altered in appearance, is frequently 
 shown to strangers as the scene of the " mysterious Cunningham-Burdell murder." 
 
350 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 THE MURDER OF BENJAMIN NATHAN. 
 
 T 
 
 HE most celebrated, and certainly the most mysterious, murder that has ever been 
 perpetrated in New York City was committed on the night of July 28, 1870, during 
 the fitting accompaniment of the most terrific thunder-storm that ever visited the city. 
 While the thunder rolled, the lightning lit up the heavens with blinding flashes, and 
 the rain fell in torrents, Mr. Benjamin Nathan, a wealthy stock-broker, was foully 
 murdered in his handsome mansion, No. 12 West Twenty-third Street. 
 
 Mr. Nathan's family, with the exception of his two sons, Frederick and Washington, 
 whose business kept them in the city, were at the time absent at his country seat in 
 Morristown, N. J. Mr. Nathan was in the habit of coming into town every day to go 
 to his office in Broad Street. On the evening of Thursday, July 28, he left the house 
 of his brother-in-law, in Nineteenth Street, at seven o'clock, saying that he intended to 
 spend the night with his sons in Twenty-third Street, instead of going out to Morris- 
 town. His son Washington was then with him, but parted with his father in the street. 
 
 The old gentleman went directly home. A bed had been fitted up for his use in 
 the centre of the front parlor on the second floor. Adjoining this room was the library, 
 which was connected with it by a short passage. In the front room was a writing-desk 
 and a small safe, in addition to the ordinary furniture. 
 
 A few minutes after six o'clock next morning, a policeman who was patrolling 
 Twenty-third Street heard screams of murder near the corner of Fifth Avenue, and 
 running in that direction, saw two young men standing in their night-dresses on the 
 stoop of the Nathan mansion. 
 
 One of them presented a ghastly appearance, blood covering the front of his white 
 night-dress, and even his bare feet were smeared with blood. 
 
 " Come in ! " they shouted. " Father's been murdered ! " 
 
 He hurriedly entered the house, and going up-stairs, was shown by the distracted 
 young men the mangled form of their father stretched on the floor of the front room, 
 close to the door leading into the library. 
 
 The corpse presented the most horrifying appearance. It lay on its back, clad 
 only in a white night-dress, with arms and legs outstretched. The head lay in a great 
 pool of blood which flowed from numerous gaping wounds in the skull. 
 
 Blood was spattered over the door, door-posts, and adjoining furniture. Close to 
 the body lay an overturned chair, also smeared with blood, which had been placed in 
 front of the writing-desk. 
 
 The door of the safe stood wide open. The key was missing. On the bed lay a 
 small drawer taken from the safe. It contained nothing but a few copper coins. On 
 the floor, near the desk, lay a small tin box containing papers, also taken from the safe. 
 
 The policeman hastened to summon assistance, and a thorough search of the 
 premises was made. On the desk lay a partially-written check to the order of H. 
 Lapsley & Co., on the Union National Bank. The "stub" in the check-book was 
 marked "July 29 — $10,000 subscription for 100 shares German- American Bank." 
 
 From the position of the corpse and the chair, it seemed evident that the old 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 35 1 
 
 ■gentleman had been stricken down from behind while writing this check. The first 
 blow must have been insufficient, for there were evidences of a struggle in the over- 
 turned furniture and the blood-stains that were distributed in every direction. 
 
 In addition to this, it was found that two of the fingers of the left hand had been 
 fractured, evidently in warding off a blow. No less than fifteen wounds were counted 
 on the head, most of them being on top and on the back of the skull. Brain matter, 
 mingled with small splinters of bone, exuded in half a dozen places. 
 
 So much did the injuries vary in character, some having evidently been made with 
 a blunt and others with a sharp instrument, that it was at first believed that they must 
 have been inflicted with two* weapons, and this led to the theory that more than one 
 person had been concerned in the murder. 
 
 This view of the case, however, was disposed of when one of the policemen picked 
 up, between the inner and outer doors of the front hall, an instrument known as a 
 carpenter's " dog," covered with blood and hair. It consisted of a bar of iron about 
 eighteen inches long, turned down and sharpened at each end, somewhat in the shape 
 of a staple. 
 
 It was readily seen how with the sharp end of such a weapon the incised wounds 
 could have been inflicted,while the other injuries were caused by blows from the blunt angle. 
 
 Simultaneously with the discovery of the weapon a bloody trail of naked footprints 
 was found leading from the chamber of death, down the main staircase, to the front 
 door and out on the stoop. 
 
 The discovery made a tremendous sensation among the searchers until Mr. 
 Frederick Nathan explained that on being roused by the cry of his brother Washington, 
 who discovered the body, he had rushed into the room and knelt beside it, thereby 
 smearing his night-dress and feet with the blood. Finding that life was extinct, he had 
 run down stairs to give the alarm, leaving the trail of blood with his naked feet. 
 
 The only persons in the house at the time were the two sons, who slept on the 
 floor above their father; a servant-man, who occupied an adjoining room, and the house- 
 keeper, who slept in the basement. None of these persons heard any noise during the 
 night. Absolutely no trace could be discovered of the manner in which the assassin 
 had gained access to the premises. 
 
 The announcement of the murder caused an excitement absolutely unparalleled. 
 For days Twenty-third Street was fairly blocked with dense masses of people, who 
 came to gaze at the windows of the room on the second floor. Stage-drivers either 
 drove slowly past the house or pulled up altogether to give their passengers a chance 
 to stare at the spot. Even private carriages drove slowly through the street all day, 
 forming a long procession, their occupants leaning out of the windows to catch a glimpse 
 of the scene. 
 
 Next day the Stock Exchange offered a reward of $10,000 for the arrest of the 
 murderer, and Mayor Hall issued the following circular : 
 
 Private and Confidential. — $47,000 Reward. — Proclamation. — The Murder of 
 
 Mr. Benjamin Nathan. 
 The widow having determined to increase the rewards heretofore offered by me (in my proclamation 
 of July 29th), and no result having yet been obtained, and suggestions having been made that the rewards 
 
352 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 were not sufficiently distributive or specific, the offers in the previous proclamation are hereby superseded 
 by the following : 
 
 A reward of $30,000 will be paid for the arrest and conviction of the murderer of Benjamin Nathan, 
 who was killed in his house. No. 12 West Twenty-third Street, New York, on the morning of Friday, 
 July 29th. 
 
 A reward of $1,000 will be paid for the identification and recovery of each and every one of three 
 diamond shirt studs, which were taken from the clothing of the deceased on the night of the murder. Two 
 of the diamonds weighed, together, i, 1-2, 1-18, and 1-16 carats, and the other, a flat stone, showing nearly 
 a surface of one carat, weighed 3-4 and 1-32. All three were mounted in skeleton settings, with spiral 
 screws, but the color of the gold setting of the flat diamond was not so dark as the other two. 
 
 A reward of $1,500 will be paid for the identification and recovery of one of the watches, being the 
 gold anchor hunting-case stem-winding watch, No. 5657, 19 lines, or about two inches in diameter, made 
 by Ed. Perregaux ; or for the chain and seals thereto attached. The chain is very massive, with square 
 links, and carries a pendant chain, with two seals, one of them having the monogram, " B. N.," cut thereon. 
 
 A reward of $300 will be given for information leading to the identification and recovery of an old- 
 fashioned open-faced gold watch, with gold dial, showing rays diverging from the centre, and with raised 
 figures -, believed to have been made by Tobias, and which was taken at the same time as the above articles. 
 
 A reward of $300 will be given for the recovery of a gold medal of about the size of a silver dollar, 
 and which bears an inscription of presentation not precisely known, but believed to be either " To Sampson 
 Simpson, President of the Jews' Hospital," or " To Benjamin Nathan, President of the Jews' Hospital." 
 
 A reward of $100 will be given for full and complete detailed information descriptive of this medal, 
 which may be useful in securing its recovery. 
 
 A reward of $1,000 will be given for information leading to the identification of the instrument used 
 m committing the murder, which is known as a "dog" or clamp, and is a piece of wrought iron about 
 sixteen inches long, turned up for about an inch at each end, and sharp, such as is used by ship-carpenters, 
 or post- trimmers, ladder-makers, pump-makers, sawyers, or by iron-moulders to clamp their flasks. 
 
 A reward of $800 will be given to the man who, on the morning of the murder, was seen to ascend the 
 steps and pick up a piece of paper lying there, and then walk away with it, if he will come forward and 
 produce it. 
 
 Any information bearing upon the case may be sent to the Mayor, John Jourdan, Superintendent of 
 Pohce City of New York, or to James J. Kelso, Chief Detective Officer. 
 
 The foregoing rewards are offered by the request of, and are guaranteed by me. 
 
 (Signed) Emily G. Nathan, AVidow of B. Nathan. 
 
 The following reward has also been offered by the New York Stock Exchange : 
 
 $10,000. — The New York Stock Exchange offers a reward of Ten Thousand Dollars for the arrest 
 and conviction of the murderer or murderers of Benjamin Nathan, late a member of said Exchange, who was 
 killed on the night of July 28, 1870, at his house in Twenty-third Street, New York City. 
 
 J. L. Brownell, Vice-Chairman Gov. Com. 
 D. C. Hayes, Treasurer. 
 B. O. White, Secretary. 
 
 A. OAKEY HALL, Mayor. 
 Mayor's Office, New York, August 5, 1870. 
 
 Great importance was attached to the blood-stained " dog," and every effort was 
 made to discover where it came from, but without success. It was a tool that is often 
 used in building, and might have been left in the house years before by workmen. It 
 certainly was not the kind of weapon that a deliberate assassin or professional burglar 
 would have carried with him, and this suggested the theory that the murder had been 
 committed by one of the inmates of the house. 
 
 Of one thing the police were perfectly sure— that the assassin, whoever he was, 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 353 
 
 was thoroughly acquainted with the premises. No one else, they argued, could have 
 so completely covered up his tracks. 
 
 Tremendous was the sensation when it began to be whispered that Washington 
 Nathan, then one of the handsomest and most popular young men in the highest New 
 York society, was perhaps not free from the stain of his father's blood. The idea 
 seemed too monstrous for belief, but there were not a few people who clung to it. 
 There was some mystery about the young man's movements during the fatal night that 
 he seemed indisposed to reveal. Then, too, he had been the first to discover the 
 murder and the last one to see his father alive. In addition it was darkly hinted that 
 Washington had much to gain by his father's death. The unhappy young man was 
 closely cross-examined at the Coroner's inquest and fully accounted for every moment 
 of his time from the hour he parted from his father up to a quarter-past twelve o'clock 
 in the morning when he came home. His testimony was corroborated by that of Clara 
 Dale, a young woman in whose company he had passed a portion of the night. 
 
 The day after the murder Patrick Devoy, a man employed to take care of the 
 house of Prof. Samuel P. Morse, No. 5 West Twenty-second Street, told the police 
 that at half-past ten o'clock on the night of the murder, a closed carriage had driven up 
 to the entrance of the Nathan stables, which adjoined Professor Morse's house, and 
 had remained there all through the furious storm, until nearly two o'clock in the 
 morning, when it suddenly drove rapidly away. 
 
 A gentleman who had come in from Morristown with Mr. Nathan told a story of 
 a rough-looking man who was said to have been seen loitering the evening before about 
 the Nathan country-seat, and who occupied a seat in the same car near Mr. Nathan, 
 and watched him closely until the train reached Hoboken. Nothing ever came of 
 either of these clews. 
 
 To enumerate the hundreds of theories propounded would be impossible. While 
 many detectives clung to the belief that the murder had been committed by a member 
 of the household, others insisted that it was the work of a burglar who had secreted 
 himself in the house, and being found by the victim, had slain him to prevent an 
 outcry, while others again held such wild theories as that the deed had been done by 
 some fellow broker who was a rival in business, or that some escaped lunatic had 
 entered the house. 
 
 Interest in the murder of the banker was revived by the confession of the notorious 
 burglar, John T. Irving, and the subsequent arrest of Billy Forrester and several other 
 professional cracksmen. Irving in 1873, during a fit of remorse and while in San 
 Francisco, delivered himself up to the authorities for the Nathan murder. He was 
 brought on to this city and made a confession, and promised to produce the necessary 
 corroborative evidence if the District Attorney would consent not to prosecute him for 
 two burglaries — one at Green's pawnshop, No. 181 Bowery, where he had stolen 
 diamonds worth $200,000, and the other at Casperfield's jewelry store. The agreement 
 fell through, and the evidence of the crime was not forthcoming. Irving's confession 
 ran as follows : 
 
 "On or about the 15th day of May, 1870, I was passing through Madison Park with 
 Daniel Kelly and Caleb Gunnion, otherwise known as George Abrahams, when our 
 
354 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 attention was called by Kelly to a man standing in the Park. We advanced towards 
 him, and on reaching him the following conversation ensued, Kelly addressing the 
 man : 
 
 " ' Well, McNally, what are you doing here ? I have not seen you for a long time.' 
 
 " ' That's so,' responded McNally, ' and you are the last person I expected to meet. 
 You have not been home long, have you ? ' 
 
 " ' No — a few months. What are you doing now ? ' 
 
 " ' I am at the old business again.' 
 
 " McNally took Kelly to one side, about six feet from ourselves. I never knew 
 what transpired at that time ; however, a portion of that conversation was overheard 
 by both Gunnion and myself. I give it as follows : Kelly was standing with his back 
 towards Twenty-third Street, McNally facing him. 'Where does your mother live, 
 Mac?' Mac answered, ' Down Twenty-third Street,' pointing with his fingers towards 
 Sixth Avenue. I had almost forgotten to explain how I came to call this man 
 McNally. I and Gunnion were introduced to him by Kelly, at the time when we first 
 came up to where he was sitting. Kelly, turning around toward us, said : ' Come, 
 boys, let us go through Twenty-fourth Street and we will have a drink.' McNally 
 refused, saying at the time that he was going home. We parted and went through 
 Twenty-fourth Street to Eighth Avenue, taking an Eighth Avenue car, and leaving it 
 at the corner of Hudson and Christopher streets. We went into a large hardware 
 store on the same corner that we got out at, which was the northwest corner, and 
 there purchased a bar of steel about four feet long, to be made up into tools. Taking 
 the steel we started through Christopher Street for the Hoboken ferry, and passed 
 over. While on that trip Kelly told me that he had made arrangements with McNally 
 about a job which would turn out well. Nothing further was said until June about the 
 matter, and then, for the first time, I was made aware of this job. I was then told by 
 Kelly that the family was not at home, and that access to the premises could be readily 
 obtained, as we would be let in, and work the safe without any further trouble. 
 Gunnion was also present at this meeting, and it was decided that we work the place. 
 In a very short space of time after this meeting I was arrested at my residence. No. 37 
 Garden Street, Hoboken, in connection with one Charles Carr, now in Sing Sing, for 
 a robbery In Lispenard Street, where it was alleged that I had broken into and taken 
 laces valued at $5,000 ; I had no connection with it, so I was discharged, but re-arrested 
 for an attempt at burglary on Wilson & Green's pawnbroking establishment, corner 
 Delancey and Bowery, and held to bail, which was procured, and I was released in the 
 
 part of July, a day or two before the murder of Mr. Nathan. During my stay in 
 
 the Tombs everything was arranged, so that when I came out all that was to be done 
 was to get our tools and proceed to work. We agreed to meet at eight o'clock, in 
 Madison Park. The evening previous to the morning of the murder we met, according 
 to appointment, and found McNally awaiting us. Kelly took McNally aside, and, after 
 about twenty minutes' conversation with him, he left, going towards Sixth Avenue. 
 Kelly told us that we would have to wait for about ten minutes. He instructed us to 
 follow one after another, a short distance apart, and if everything was right we were to 
 move up close together, by a signal from the man at the gate by wiping his face with a 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 355 
 
 pocket-handkerchief. All was clear, the man was at his post, and we entered the house 
 by the basement door, Gunnion and myself going to the cellar, as we had been 
 previously instructed to do. Kelly went up-stairs, and when all was ready he was to 
 call us. I should judge, from the length of time that elapsed, we must have been in 
 the cellar about four or five hours. It was a very stormy night out, which made the 
 time drag along very slow. At last Kelly made his appearance, telling us to take off 
 our shoes, which we did, and made our way up-stairs (three flights), entering at the 
 side door at the front of the building. I think there was a taper burning. I noticed a 
 person lying on the floor, about three or four feet from the door. In the small room 
 things were scattered about. I stepped on something which at that time appeared to 
 me like a pocket-book, and on picking it up it proved to be a memoranda, or Jewish 
 calendar, with the following names : — Albert Cardozo, Dr. Leo, Samuel Lewis, corner 
 
 Fourteenth Street ; also papers, or rather stock, which had been ; also 
 
 Pacific Mail and some bonds. I think the Pacific Mail has the name of J. Coke 
 
 or endorsed on them. Am not positive, but that name appears on some of the 
 
 stock. In the aggregate the amount is $6,000; $273 in money was also obtained. 
 The safe had been opened before we went up-stairs. There appeared to be a peculiar 
 kind of odor in the house ; something like kerosene or turpentine. Altogether I don't 
 think we were in the rooms occupied by Mr. Nathan more than fifteen minutes, and 
 about five of the time was spent by Kelly washing his hands off. I think he said he 
 went to the bathroom. We stood waiting inside the room door for him, and I noticed 
 finger-marks on the jam of the door, as if it were blood. 
 
 "Our next step was to descend to the lower part of the house, and there await a 
 favorable opportunity to get out, knowing that we had to contend with more on the 
 outside than on the inside. We waited at the foot of the basement stairs until half- 
 past five o'clock in the morning, and then went up to the front door, Kelly looking out 
 of the door to see if all was clear. He passed us once, and we reached the street 
 without being seen, but just as we were about to direct our steps toward Fifth Avenue, 
 a man came along on the opposite side of the street with a dinner-pail in his hand ; 
 this man stooped down and picked up something like an envelope. As yet we had not 
 made a start, and on looking at Kelly I observed blood on his shirt bosom, and told 
 him of it. He went inside of the railing to adjust his vest so as to hide it, when Gun- 
 nion saw a young woman coming toward us from Fifth Avenue. Just then we made 
 off toward her. I think I saw a person come toward one of the windows in the Fifth 
 Avenue Hotel, on the third story, and look toward Sixth Avenue. We walked pretty 
 fast, so as to get away as soon as possible, keeping on Twenty-third Street until 
 we reached Third Avenue, knowing that would be our best policy, as the streets 
 running east and west in the morning are never so closely watched at that time as the 
 ones running north and south in that neighborhood. Third Avenue was reached in 
 time for a car, and, without hailing it, we jumped aboard on the front platform, leaving 
 the car at Houston Street. It was now after six o'clock, and people were coming and 
 
 going in all directions. We went into a house on Street, and then and there, in 
 
 the presence of two women, divided what we had got. Kelly seemed to be somewhat 
 excited, and all at once said : 'You know that dog I got from Nick Jones. Well, I 
 
356 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 left it behind. Do you think it will cost us any trouble ?' I said : ' I don't know. I 
 believe Nick is all right. You had better see him, anyhow, in time.' He asked the 
 elder of the two women to give him a shirt, which was done, and he told her to wash 
 the one he had just taken ofif as soon as possible, and adding at the same time, ' Here 
 is $20, and I will go see Nick Jones.' I left the house and went to my home in 
 Rivington Street. I returned to wait for Kelly. He came back about ten o'clock the 
 same morning. I believe Nick Jones was very much afraid of Kelly or his friends. 
 I never knew of the exact amount of property taken, as Kelly denied all knowledge 
 of the diamonds, which caused a rupture between us. Have had nothing to do with 
 him since. Have heard since I came to New York that he was in Auburn prison ; also 
 heard that Gunnion was in prison. In October of the same year I visited Nick Jones 
 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard by permission of the naval commander, he granting me a 
 permit, as during working hours nobody is allowed to hold any communication with 
 those who are employed therein. On this occasion Jones acted rather green, and when 
 I spoke to him about Kelly he upbraided me for having introduced him to Kelly, saying 
 that I had destroyed his peace of mind. I asked him in what respect. All that he said 
 was by placing his mouth to my ear and whispering ' Nathan,' trembling violently at 
 the same time. I did not make any reply, as I saw it might cause him pain. This 
 ended my visit. I intended when I went over to see if he had received anything from 
 Kelly ; but then, when I saw how he became affected, I never mentioned it. The con- 
 versation I had with Kelly about the killing of Mr. Nathan occurred in the house in 
 Suffolk Street. He said the return of Mr. Nathan was wholly unexpected, and when 
 he found out that he had come home he thought that he would try and get the key of 
 the safe. He got into the room without disturbing any one, got the key, and was ran- 
 sacking the safe, when the old man awoke and said, ' Who's there ? ' On the party 
 coming toward him, as if to lay hold of him, he raised the ' dog ' as if to strike him. 
 The old man threw up his hands to protect himself, and received the blow on one of 
 them. He then screamed, and was struck several times on the head. He (Kelly) then 
 ran into the entryway, and in going down stairs he found that no one could have heard 
 the noise, as all was quiet. He waited in the hallway some time, and then got us to 
 return to the room with him to see what we could find.'' 
 
 Irving was afterwards placed on trial for the burglaries, and being convicted of the 
 two charges against him, was sentenced to State prison for seven years and a half. 
 He is at present residing in this city. 
 
 THE RYAN MURDERS. 
 
 jVTICHOLAS and Mary Ryan, brother and sister, both unmarried, on November 28, 
 i ^ 1873, engaged furnished lodgings from Mrs. Patrick Burke, who rented apartments 
 on the fourth floor of the tenement No. 204 Broome Street. Ryan said that he was a 
 shoemaker, and that his sister, who seemed to be a modest, well-behaved young lady, 
 was a "gaiter-fitter," employed at the establishment of Burt & Co., in Thomas Street. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 357 
 
 Mrs. Burke sub-let the front room of her apartments to the Ryans. The place was 
 immediately occupied by the young pair, Nicholas and Mary cooking and sleeping in 
 the single chamber. The room, which was about sixteen feet square, was well carpeted 
 and comfortably furnished with a walnut three-quarter bedstead in the southeast corner 
 and a new black horse-hair sofa at the rear and centre of the apartment, against the 
 wall. The walls were decorated with framed prints representing the " Crucifixion," the 
 " Last Supper," the " Immaculate Conception," and other pictures. The door of this 
 room led out on the front part of the landing of the fourth floor, and had a catch lock 
 or bolt which could be pulled back from within, but could not be opened from the 
 outside excepting by a key made especially to fit the lock. 
 
 Although the brother and sister lived in the same apartment, they did not sleep in 
 the same bed. Nicholas Ryan slept regularly on the bed — a very comfortable one — 
 while Mary Ryan slept on a large mattress, which was disposed of nightly in this way : 
 the mattress, or one side of it, was placed on the horse-hair sofa, and the outside part 
 of it was supported by two chairs. The brother and sister appeared to live happily 
 together, working in the daytime and rarely going out of an evening. The young 
 woman always seemed to be in a melancholy mood, and her brother was dark and 
 distant. Nothing unusual transpired to attract attention to the Ryans until Monday 
 morning, December 22, 1873. A policeman who was passing the house between half- 
 past two and three o'clock on that morning heard a window raised with a sudden crash, 
 and, looking upward in the direction of the noise, he saw the head of a man protrude 
 from a window on the fourth story of the six-story brick tenement house No. 204 Broome 
 Street, which gave shelter to twenty-four families. The man was shouting " Murder ! 
 and " Police ! " violently. The ofificer ran into the house, giving an alarm rap at the 
 same moment, to which there was a response in a few moments by three other members 
 of the force. They lit matches and held them above their heads. The policemen 
 found streams of blood pouring down the stairs and banisters, but discovered no human 
 body until they came to the landing of the second story, and on that part of it toward 
 the rooms fronting on the street there was discovered by the officers a most woful and 
 terrible sight. A young man, apparently in the full flush of manhood, wearing nothing 
 but his drawers and undershirt, was stretched, life just extinct and his throat across the 
 jugular vein severed by an awful and deep gash. He had bled, even on this floor, 
 three or four quarts of blood, and the worn and soiled oilcloth presented a smoking, 
 red, ghastly spectacle. The head of the slaughtered man rested against the panels of 
 the door of a German named Charles Miller, whose family occupied rooms on the 
 second floor. On examination long rivulets of blood and pools of the same ghastly 
 fluid were discovered all over the stairs and walls of the third and fourth floors, to 
 which the policemen ascended as rapidly as possible. The face of the man, not long 
 dead, lay downward. 
 
 Patrick Burke, who occupied three rooms and let the fourth of his suite to the 
 Ryans, was met on the stairway. He was in his shirt-sleeves and was very much 
 excited. Burke directed the officers to the room in which he said there was another 
 dead body. All entered close after one another, with that expectant gait and bated 
 breath that comes of an unknown terror. And there on the mattress, cleanly covered, 
 
358 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 and in a dark night-robe, lay a young girl, her head thrown back, her throat cut by a 
 deep gash almost from ear to ear, and her tongue almost lolling out of her mouth and 
 slightly black on the surface. The neck — a fair, white one — was marked with the 
 deadly press of fingers, indicating that the assassin had strangled his victim perhaps 
 into an insensible state before cutting her throat. The improvised couch was in itself 
 very clean, tidy, and not at all disturbed. The fingers of the hand were slightly closed, 
 and the face, bearing marks of considerable intelligence and refinement, had an expres- 
 sion of pain and sudden fright. The mattress was fully soaked with the poor girl's 
 blood, and her skirts and underclothes, of remarkably fine texture, were found placed 
 smoothly and in regular order upon an adjoining chair. A little further on was a small 
 lady's gold open-faced watch, with a black composition chain, a lady's gold lead-pencil, 
 and inside the door was a night-key and a small white-handled penknife, the blades 
 shut and the handle spotted with gouts of blood. The blades, on being opened, had 
 not a stain upon their bright surfaces, but were sharpened in that peculiar way notice- 
 able among shoemakers, the heart of the blade being eaten away by grinding on a 
 whetstone. 
 
 The bed which had been occupied by young Ryan was tossed about and looked as 
 if something violent had taken place on it while occupied. The sheets and quilts were 
 thrown in a heap, and on an adjoining chair were discovered a pair of pantaloons 
 belonging to the dead man, a white linen shirt, with two small gold imitation studs in 
 the bosom and having short cuffs. This shirt was spread out in an orderly fashion, as 
 was the trousers. There was besides the shirt a pair of linen cuffs and a pair of gold 
 sleeve-buttons. A razor case, made to hold two razors, was found, and but one razor 
 was in the case ; the other could not be discovered on the premises. 
 
 Out on the landing, and all the way up from the fourth to the sixth story were 
 found pools and clots of blood on the oilclothed stairs, and the walls were discovered 
 to be covered with finger-marks and clots of livid red blood. It was a slaughter house, 
 this tenement, which contained over one hundred souls, hived together in such a small 
 breathing place. 
 
 But how to explain this horrible slaughter ? Who had done it ? Where was the 
 weapon ? Had young Ryan been followed home and killed for his money, and had his 
 sister been strangled and her throat cut by the assassin ? Was the assassin a resident 
 of the house, full of Poles, Germans, Italians and a curious and mongrel mixture 
 of people whose avocations are uncertain ? The latter theory has its possibility. 
 Or had young Ryan, who was said to be a peaceable and temperate man, in a moment 
 of mad insanity, killed his sister and then cutting his own throat rushed out, not 
 knowing where he was going — anywhere into space and eternity ? 
 
 There was a small rosewood lady's box in the room full of trinkets and which con- 
 tained a bank book on the Bowery Bank, indorsed by the depositor. Miss Winifred 
 Stapleton, while in Mr. Ryan's trunk was discovered two bank books on the Emigrant 
 Savings Bank, Nos. 64,522 and 97,121, indorsed in the name of the deceased Nicholas 
 Ryan. The Miss Stapleton was said to be a niece of the dead brother and sister. 
 The depositors in the three bank books were accredited with a total of over $700. In the 
 bottom drawer of the rosewood case a small revolver, looking quite new, was observed. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 359 
 
 Patrick Burke, who rented the room for nine dollars a month, the first month's 
 rent having been paid in advance by Nicholas Ryan, when questioned stated that he 
 had been awakened by some strange noise about half-past two o'clock on that Monday 
 morning. He jumped out of bed instantly and ran out in the' hall, but all was dark. 
 Then he Hstened for a moment and heard a noise which sounded to him something like 
 the wheezing of a cat. As he was hastily clothing himself he heard the cries of his 
 children, who were sleeping in a hall bedroom adjoining the front room occupied by 
 the Ryans, and his daughter, Jennie Burke, aged eleven years, cried to him, " Come 
 here, father ; there is something the matter on the landing." Then his wife said, " Go, 
 Pat, and see what's the matter." He did so, and carried a lamp with him through the 
 hallway, when he saw streams of fresh blood on the oilcloth and walls, and this fright- 
 ened him and he went back and told his wife that murder must have been committed in 
 the house. Then he went to Ryan's room and saw the door open, and on entering he 
 discovered Miss Mary Ryan with her face downward on the mattress and her throat 
 cut. Then he ran to the front window and gave the alarm to the police, whereupon 
 they entered and discovered the body of young Ryan on the second floor and after- 
 wards saw Miss Ryan lying dead in her room. 
 
 Patrick Ryan, a married brother of the murdered pair, was sought out in the hope 
 that he might furnish some clew that would lift the bloody veil. He resided in 
 South Brooklyn, and was employed as foreman in the shoemaking establishment of T. 
 Kalliske & Co., No. 34 Warren Street in this city. He said that his brother Nicholas, 
 who had worked under him, was a sober and peaceable young man, and had supported 
 his sister, who was also employed in Burt's shoe factory. Mary was an affectionate 
 girl, and the brother and sister had lived together previous to their removal to Broome 
 Street at No. 3 Canal Street, since the death of their mother. They kept house for the 
 mother ; Nicholas loved his sister dearly, and if there was any little disagreement it 
 never amounted to anything more than is usual in any family, and would be forgotten. 
 Nicholas and his sister were brought up too religiously to think of suicide or of any 
 other similar crime. Nicholas had attended St. Mary's Church, in Grand Street, and 
 St. Bridget's Church, in Avenue B. He took tea with a married sister and his own two 
 children at the room of Nicholas and Mary on Sunday evening, and all seemed happy, 
 laughing and joking. All six persons then left the house in Broome Street to go out. 
 His sister Mary and brother Nicholas accompanied as far as the corner of Suffolk and 
 Broome streets and there — it was then seven o'clock Sunday evening — Nicholas left 
 them, and he (Patrick Ryan) said to his brother, " Nicholas, you might tell us where 
 you are going and introduce us to the girl that you are going to see." This was in a 
 joke, and Nicholas left and I did not see him again until I was sent for to see him dead. 
 Mary, my sister, left her married sister's in Lewis Street at or before nine o'clock to go 
 home on Sunday evening, and that is all I know, excepting that my brother had a 
 silver watch valued at $15, and a gold chain attached, valued at $35. Would not know 
 the maker's name or what amount of money he had in his pocket. He always carried 
 money and made good wages. 
 
 Several hours after the discovery of the double tragedy a girl named Jenny Burke, 
 the daughter of Patrick Burke, discovered Ryan's vest on the roof-top. There were 
 
360 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 also bloody footprints on the top of the house and on the stairs leading to the roof. 
 There was no trace, however, of the missing watch, or, most important of all, the 
 weapon with which the deed had been committed. 
 
 The deputy coroner carefully examined the bodies, and found on that of the sister 
 a cut on the throat nine and a half inches long, beginning at the back of the neck on 
 the left side and terminating at a straight line from the left jaw. The carotid artery 
 and jugular vein were cut, which must have resulted in almost instant death. Blue 
 marks, as if made by fingers, were on the throat, as if tightly pressed against it, causing 
 the tongue to protrude between the teeth. The medical examiner was of the opinion 
 that the young woman was first strangled until she became nearly unconscious, when 
 a knife or some other sharp instrument was used with the right hand, while the 
 throat was clasped by the left hand of the murderer. The autopsy also revealed some- 
 thing wholly unexpected. It was that Mary Ryan was enciente at the time of her death, 
 and that three lives instead of two had perished at the hands of an assassin. An old 
 shoe-knife, upon which there was not the slightest trace of blood, was found in the 
 room of the Ryans several days after the murders, and was said to be the weapon with 
 which the crime had been committed. The accepted theory in the case, outrageous 
 and inconsistent as it was, was that Nicholas Ryan was the father of his sister's unborn 
 child, and to conceal his sin he had murdered the young woman and afterwards 
 committed suicide. There were facts, however, which proved the absolute falsity of 
 this conclusion. The murders were not committed by a robber, but the watch and 
 other articles missing were carried off by the assassin to create such a suspicion. Had 
 he left the weapon he had used behind him the scoundrel well knew that it might prove 
 a tell-tale piece of evidence against him, so he carried it off. All the facts go to show 
 that Nicholas Rj^an and his sister Mary were cruelly butchered by a young man who 
 had been keeping company with the latter. Having ruined the young woman he 
 refused to marry her, and when threatened with arrest and exposure he resorted to 
 murder to conceal his sin. He was seen in the vicinity of the Broome Street tenement 
 on the night of the tragedy, and after his brutal work he purchased a drink of whiskey 
 to brace up his shattered nerves at a saloon in the vicinity of the house of blood. The 
 bartender noticed that the customer looked wild, and also that his cuffs were stained 
 with the crimson fluid of his victims. There the trail ended, and although nearly 
 thirteen years have elapsed since the slaying of the brother and sister, the whereabouts 
 of their murderer is yet unknown. 
 
 THE MURDER OF ANNIE DOWNEY, alias "CURLY TOM." 
 
 A S a flower girl Annie Downey started out in life, and the acquaintances which she 
 t^ formed while peddling bouquets along the Bowery doubtless led to her ruin. Small 
 in stature and possessed of a shapely form and a handsome face, she soon made hosts of 
 friends. In time she became a degraded creature, and was entered upon the books of 
 the filthy dens in which she lived as " Curly Tom " and " Blonde Annie." She 
 
 was 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 361 
 
 naturally a brunette, but was in the habit of dyeing her hair to a light blonde. All her 
 relatives were respectable people, and to save them from the shame of her disgrace she 
 passed under the name of Annie Martin. She was found dead in the house kept by a 
 woman named Smidt, at No. iii Prince Street, on January 17, 1880, under circum- 
 stances so mysterious as not to give the faintest clue to her murderer. 
 
 During the day preceding the night of her murder she remained in the house and 
 received a number of visitors, none of whom were known to the proprietress. The young 
 woman seemed to be in unusually gay spirits. On retiring to her room, the second floor 
 front, at eleven o'clock, she called out over the banisters to Mrs. Smidt, saying that 
 she expected a visit from an old friend before midnight, and asked to be called as soon 
 as he arrived. She was never seen alive aeain. 
 
 Up to half-past twelve o'clock no one entered the house, and at that hour Mrs. 
 Smidt's husband locked the front door and went to bed, taking the keys with him, 
 according to custom. The back door was always left unlocked. 
 
 The Smidt bedroom was on the first floor in the rear. Rosa Schneider, the cook, 
 and a colored chambermaid, whose rooms were in the attic, were the only other persons 
 who slept in the house that night. 
 
 Bertha Levy, a hair-dresser, called at ten o'clock next morning to dress Annie 
 Downey's hair. She attempted to open the door to the girl's room, but found it locked. 
 Being unable to get any response to her repeated knocks she called Mrs. Smidt, who, 
 becoming alarmed, called a policeman. 
 
 There were three doors leading into the room, one from the hall, one from the 
 adjoining hall bedroom, and the third from the rear room. The two former were 
 locked. The bed was placed against the latter. 
 
 Going into the rear room the policeman forced open the door, pushing the bed 
 back with it, and entered the room. Lying on the bed, face upward and drenched in 
 blood that had flowed from several ghastly wounds in the head, he found the body of 
 Annie Downey. It was cold and stiff. 
 
 Tied so tightly around the neck as to blacken the face and force the eyeballs from, 
 their sockets, was a thin pillow-slip taken from the bed. The fingers of the left hand 
 clutched one end of the slip with a death grip. The limbs were extended straight along 
 the bed, and the attitude of the body did not suggest that a struggle for life had taken 
 place. The only other marks were two small cuts over the left eye that looked as if 
 they had been inflicted with a blow of a fist. 
 
 Everything about the apartment was in perfect order. The girl's clothing was 
 neatly arranged over a chair by the bedside. In the ears of the corpse were a pair of 
 handsome amethyst earrings and a diamond ring flashed on her finger. Evidently the 
 murderer's motive had not been robbery. 
 
 The only thing missing was a watch and chain of little value, but it was soon 
 remembered that the girl had disposed of them a few days before. 
 
 Search was made for the key of the door, but it could not be found. All the 
 inmates of the house were strictly interrogated, but no information that could throw a 
 ray of light on the mystery could be elicited. No unusual sounds had been heard 
 during the night. 
 
362 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Smidt was positive that no man was in the house when he locked the door for the 
 night. Annie's last visitor had gone away long before eleven o'clock, the hour at which 
 she went to her room. The only theory of the case was that the murderer had entered 
 the house during the evening without attracting attention, and secreted himself in the 
 room until the girl entered, when he surprised and killed her before she could make 
 any outcry. 
 
 This view was supported by the condition of the body, which indicated that the 
 murder took place at least ten hours before it was discovered. 
 
 By way of the back door the assassin could easily have made his way to an alley 
 running along the eastern side of the house to the street. The padlock which fastened 
 the door of this alley was found to have been twisted off. 
 
 The coroner's examination showed that death had been caused by strangulation, 
 and that the wounds on the head were merely superficial and had been inflicted after 
 the pillow-slip had been knotted round the throat, evidently in an effort to still the girl's 
 struggles for life. 
 
 THE ASSASSINATION OF CHING ONG, alias ANTONIO SOLOA. 
 
 IN a little underground shop, with the evidences of his careful thrift about him, within 
 hearing of customers in the store overhead and almost in sight of passers by on 
 the walk without, a man was, on November 2, 1885, in broad daylight, hacked to death. 
 The horrors of murder were in his case intensified by dreadful mutilations, which 
 happily are rare in the domains of civilization, and the extent of ferocity expended in 
 the deed pointed at once to people of semi-barbaric instincts as the authors. Like most 
 assassinations of this kind it was involved in mystery, and investigation for the truth 
 required to be carried on among people with strange secrets and unfamiliar tongues. 
 
 " Antonio Soloa " was printed on the cards of the little eating-house that burrowed 
 under the southeast corner of Wooster and Spring streets, with its single window 
 admitting only such dreary reflections of daylight as straggled down to it through an 
 iron grating. Antonio Soloa had a Spanish flavor about it, and it rather unsatisfac- 
 torily indicated a man with unmistakably Mongolian features, who was often seen 
 bustling about there in the dual capacity of cook and waiter. Soloa was a Chinaman, 
 and, according to the words of a countryman, had brought from home the more char- 
 acteristic name of Ching Ong. But it was not from the West but through the Indies 
 that he had come to New York, and while in Cuba he acquired a Hispano-American 
 name. His occupation, too, had been learned in the South, and he at first went to 
 work in this city as a cigar-maker. As such he had been brought into contact with a 
 lot of West Indian cooHes, native Cubans and Spanish speaking negroes of the 
 Caribbean Islands. He went from one quarter of the city to another and finally found 
 engagement in Chio & Soona's factory, in South Fifth Avenue. There he lived, too, 
 in the heart of the district which has of late years become marked above all others as a 
 foreign quarter. There Spanish, French and Italian were commonly spoken and were 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF -AMERICA. 363 
 
 not unfamiliar to the Chinese who herded among the hybrid population of the place, 
 and through Ching Ong's knowledge of them as Antonio Soloa he became a person 
 well known among them. 
 
 He had the aptitude of his race for money making, and several years before his 
 tragic death gave up the drudgery of the workroom for a little shop near the Catherine 
 ferry, whence he removed to No. 81 Thompson Street and No. 51 Wooster Street. 
 At these he catered for the cigar-makers, often bringing their lunches to the factories 
 for them. Later on he removed to the basement where he met his death. Stockelberg, 
 Chio & Soona and other tobacconists have factories on South Fifth Avenue, and some 
 of the workmen used to go to Soloa's place. Nearly all were men of his own race or 
 of Cuban extraction, and the dingy little den, with its cleanly linen and dishes attuned 
 to the palates of its patrons, gained favor among them all. About $10 a day was 
 believed to be the extent of the host's receipts, and out of that he was supposed to 
 comfortably run his establishment and save a snug little penny besides. 
 
 Soloa's neighbors knew little of him or his guests. John and Peter Waurchus, the 
 German grocers overhead, only occasionally noticed the stream of swarthy visaged 
 men, who, at meal-time, slipped down the stone steps outside and as noiselessly shufifled 
 away. O'Brien & Ryder, the plumbers next door, gave little heed to the Chinaman or 
 his belongings. And probably the children who played about the place only occa- 
 sionally caught a glimpse through the iron railing of the lamp-lighted snuggery and the 
 dark, strange-speaking people who sat at the tables in it. Soloa himself was a quiet, 
 affable sort of a man. He dressed rather well for a Chinaman, discarding all the native 
 gear, with the exception perhaps of an alabaster bracelet, and he wore his hair like his 
 neighbors', without a suspicion of its ever having been trussed up in a queue. He 
 appeared to be on the best of terms with his guests, too, and seemed altogether a 
 good-natured and hard-working fellow. 
 
 At noon on that fatal Monday he was in his kitchen and bustling about the shop 
 as usual when Julius Dichon, a countryman of his, who had known him for ten years, 
 went down to dine. There were the usual set of men dropping in by twos and threes. 
 The long table by the wall was set for eight. The smaller square table was set for four. 
 There were two tables at one side, to accommodate a couple each. Only one was 
 occupied. The diners at it paid their score and went out. The hand of the clock 
 ticking over the mite of a counter little more than a yard long was drawing to one as 
 Dichon arose to go. The pair of canary birds, whose gilded cages were strangely 
 bright as they swung in the dimness of the place, were fluttering about as he went up 
 the steps. Soloa was standing alone with a can in his hand and feeding them. 
 
 Almost an hour later John Waurchus went out of his grocery to drive over to 
 Centre Street. He saw the Chinaman coming up the steps at the same moment. 
 Soloa had turned the key in the door, and as he returned the grocer's nod he said : 
 
 " I am going over to the Bowery to see about my music box." 
 
 As he spoke he went off in that direction and John Waurchus turned to his wagon. 
 He never saw his Chinese neighbor again alive. 
 
 It was only a little after that — no more than three-quarters of an hour — when Jim 
 Coughlin, a coal-heaver in the Farrar Company's yard, had a surprise. He was lounging 
 
364 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 on a box watching a peddler named Daly trundle a handcart of vegetables along and 
 voice their quality for the good of the neighborhood, and he had his eyes on the man 
 when he left his vehicle at the curb-stone and descended the steps of Soloa's restaurant. 
 Daly was gone only for an instant. When he stumbled out on the walk his eyes were 
 full of horror and his face pale with excitement. 
 
 " My God !" he cried to the coal-heaver ; " there's a man dead down there." 
 
 Coughlin got up and asked, " Where ? " 
 
 " Down below on the floor," said the peddler. 
 
 " Let's go down and see," said Coughlin, and the other, evidently ill-satisfied with 
 his fortune of first discoverer, lagged at his heels as they descended. 
 
 The peddler's words were true. A man was lying there dead, but so horribly 
 butchered, so disfigured with gaping wounds, protruding brains and untraceable linea- 
 ments as to betray no facial evidence of identity. Blood welled from his heart and 
 head and lay in a pool about him. There were clots upon his hands. There were 
 marks upon the floor, and a dripping knife lay upon it beside him. 
 
 The place at first sight seemed undisturbed. The tables were covered with clean 
 linen, and the glasses and bottles on them were polished and ready for use. On the 
 wall two of those grotesque Chinese pictures representing an Oriental procession and 
 a Mongolian horseman in the act of leave-taking, turned a blotch of glaring color with 
 threads of tinsel upon the incomer. Between them was the photograph of a well- 
 dressed Chinaman, who was pronounced to be Antonio Soloa himself. A lot of 
 unpainted boards, reaching from floor to ceiling, divided the eating-room from a kitchen 
 and dark hutch of a place that was found to have been used as a bedroom. From 
 nails along this partition hung strings of garlic ; on a shelf in front of jt were cans of 
 starch and preserved vegetables, with lemons, cheeses and spices, and along the wall 
 some cheap prints were swinging. A white table-cover, suspended on one side, shut 
 out the dismal glimpse of a black opening, sinking lower, and suggesting a sub-cellar, 
 and it cut off whatever fugitive rays might intrude on that side from a second iron 
 grating on the walk. 
 
 So dark it was within that the prostrate figure lying between the kitchen partition 
 and a couple of tables was not clearly discernible. And it was only when a reluctant 
 lamp was lighted and threw Its yellow gleams on the floor that the details of the fearful 
 assassination made themselves visible. It was the host of the little restaurant, Antonio 
 Soloa, who had been with the Chinaman, Chong Ong, that lay there, so far as figure 
 and attire indicated. But the red lineaments that were spread upon the floor had every 
 semblance of life crushed out of them. Only a bloody mask was turned to the light 
 divided by a great gash at the chin, slashed deeply on the cheek-bone and temple, with 
 one eye gouged out of its socket and lying at the apex of a mass of bone and muscle 
 which a cut into the forehead had raised out of the skull itself. The head was crushed 
 nearly flat. A portion of the face held In position by the bones seemed unnaturally 
 swollen by contrast with the dreadful mass of features that were driven in alongside it. 
 The nose had shrunk Into a red hollow. The head bulged out In places, and through 
 the tangle of hair could be seen great gapes where the brain was oozing out. The 
 sight was horrifying. But that was not all. The red shirt falling back from the breast 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 365 
 
 revealed a cut. It was turned further back, and directly over the heart, repeated again 
 and again, were nine great holes, where a knife had been thrust up to the hilt. It had 
 cut the heart in two, and some of the blows had severed a series of the ribs. The 
 knife must have been wielded with demoniac strength and ferocity. It had almost cut 
 the man to pieces. 
 
 The knife itself was there. It lay on the floor — a big kitchen-knife, with a blade 
 eleven inches long, fitted in a handle of dark wood by brass rivets. Through the blood 
 that covered it the inscription, " Lamson & Goodnew Manufacturing Company,'' 
 appeared on the blade, and this blade, heavy though it seemed, was bent by the force 
 of the blows that had been struck with it. To all appearance it was a kitchen-knife, 
 and there was a suggestion in a cut loaf of bread lying on the table beside the corpse 
 that -the knife might have been caught up from the table for the bloody work. It was 
 the only weapon found. How the head had been crushed in, the bones of the face 
 mashed to a jelly, the skull beaten into over threescore fragments, as was later on dis- 
 covered to be the case, there was nothing about to indicate. A dent was noticed on a 
 stone and a fleck of blood was on the floor beneath it, but the light sheet iron could 
 never have withstood the force of a falling man nor beaten in his skull. The pockets 
 of the dead man were turned out. Beside him, smeared with blood, was a fire insurance 
 policy for $500 in the Phcenix company. An empty pocket-book was on the table. 
 
 In his disordered garments, in the blood mark at the stove and in a shivered pane 
 of glass in the door were evidences of a struggle. But where the body lay with all its 
 wounds nothing seemed out of place, as though the man had been beaten down 
 suddenly and without resistance. Beyond the body an opening in the partition led 
 into the kitchen and bedroom. In the former nothing was amiss, but the sleeping 
 apartment had been fairly ransacked. The contents of a trunk were scattered about. 
 An accordeon lay on the bed, a watch ticked beside it, an opium pipe had fallen on the 
 floor. Heaps of clothing were wildly tossed around. Outside in the dining-room the 
 drawer from the counter lay underneath it, the papers and dinner tickets it contained 
 mingled with some small coins. Plunder was certainly hinted by all this as the motive 
 of the crime. The watch was the only valuable left behind, and in the scurry of such a 
 moment and the horror of such a scene the murderer's neglect was natural. That 
 precautions were taken to examine everything was shown in the red smears upon the 
 clothes in the bedroom and the marks of bloody fingers on the counter cards. Nor 
 had need of security been overlooked. The wash-basin on a stand in the dining-room 
 told its tale. It was full of bloody water. 
 
 The coroner on his arrival made an autopsy, which revealed that the heart and 
 other organs had been reached by the knife ; that the skull had been shattered to 
 pieces, and the brain again and again penetrated. The excessive mutilation could be 
 due only to the body having quivered after the knife thrusts had been delivered, when, 
 to make death a certainty, the skull had been beaten in. It did seem strange that so 
 fearful a death struggle had passed without attracting attention, and the neighbors 
 were closely questioned. No one had heard a cry. Ryder, the plumber next door, 
 had heard a crash of glass, and had sent a boy out to see what was broken. The little 
 fellow did not look into the Chinaman's basement, and so the pane that had been 
 
366 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 smashed during the fearful work of that half hour escaped attention. In the place 
 nothing was left that could serve as a clue to the murderer. Not a sign that might 
 serve to indicate his identity or even his nationality or station in life had the slayer of 
 Soloa left behind, except the suggestion that lay in the fearful completeness of his 
 work. A weapon left behind might have betrayed something, but the knife with which 
 the stabs were inflicted seemingly belonged to the dead man himself. The wounds 
 were inflicted with a bread-knife, and such a knife was picked up in the kitchen. The 
 heavy instrument with which the head had been crushed in was not discovered. A 
 deep gash on the brow and some wounds on the head, as well as the traces of sprinkled 
 blood upon the walls and ceiling, suggested a hatchet. A search of the basement and 
 cellar failed to reveal any such weapon, and the assassin was wary enough to carry off 
 his murderous implement lest it should afford a clue. The blood spattered on the 
 ceiling seemed to show that he was upright when the blows were struck. The knife 
 was used to complete the work, and was driven again and again into his heart fairly up 
 to the hilt, a few blows falling upon the face and chin. A slash upon the left arm was 
 doubtless received while that member was raised in defense, but it was as probably 
 inflicted by the murderer in the wild fury of his strokes after it was prone and power- 
 less. The crushing of the bones of the head was, like the excessive stabbing, an 
 atrocity to remove all doubt of dissolution. 
 
 There had been a witness to the butchery, but that fact did not become known until 
 long after the discovery of the murder. Then William Schimper, a nickel-plater, came 
 forward with his office boy, who was named George Mainz. Mr. Schimper said that 
 the lad could throw some light on the tragedy. Young Mainz was questioned. He 
 said that he had been sent on a message by his employer, and as he was returning 
 through Spring Street, he saw two men quarreling at the top of the basement stairs on 
 the southeast corner of Wooster Street. " One," declared the boy, "was a short, thin 
 man, who looked like a Chinaman. The other was a tall, strong mulatto. The men 
 were very angry with each other, and their loud voices made me stop. I thought there 
 was going to be a fight, so I watched. I saw the tall man draw a knife and plunge it 
 into the little man's breast. He had hard work to draw it out. When he did pull the 
 knife out, the big man ran down stairs out of sight. The little man followed him, but 
 he seemed to fall down, for I heard a crash as he disappeared. I was so frightened 
 that I ran to the office, and did not tell Mr. Schimper till hours after." 
 
 " Do you think you would be able to recognize the tall man if you saw him 
 again ? " 
 
 "Yes, sir, perfectly well." 
 
 "How?" 
 
 " Because he had a terrible scar on his left cheek." 
 
 The description of the assassin furnished by the lad cleared the suspicion that the 
 brutal crime had been committed by a Chinaman believed to be a "highbinder." The 
 murderer had been seen at his bloody work, and the witness said he was a tall negro. 
 That was definite enough, and it was subsequently learned that a man answering the 
 description given by young Mainz had been seen on several occasions in Ching Ong, 
 alias Soloa's restaurant. He was a Cuban negro, and was said to be a member of a 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 367 
 
 Cuban insurrectionary organization known as " Niazzas." There was a section of that 
 revolutionary society in this city. Its meetings and doings were kept secret, but in a 
 moment of vanity the conspirators, some years before, had had a large photograph of 
 all the leading members taken in a group. A copy of the original picture fell into the 
 hands of the detectives. It was shown to young Mainz. 
 
 " There ! there ! " exclaimed the boy, pointing to a large, dark-complexioned man 
 who stood in the middle of the group, but in the background ; " there he is. That is 
 the man I saw stab Soloa." 
 
 The photograph was exhibited to many, and at last a man was found who said, 
 "Yes, I know him, (meaning the tall conspirator). His name is Augustus Rebella, 
 but I don't know where he lives or works. He is a cigar-maker." Then for the first 
 time the name of the slayer of the Chinaman was learned. Rebella was sought after, 
 and on November 20, 1885, just eighteen days after the assassination, the tall Cuban 
 negro was traced to the cigar manufactory at No. 161 Pearl Street, and there arrested. 
 Although Rebella had no scar on his cheek, when he was photographed there was the 
 mark of a healed wound on the left side of his face, just as the boy had said, when the 
 suspected man was made prisoner. The scar was very prominent and had been made 
 some eighteen months before by his mistress, whom Rebella had quarreled with at 
 No. 309 Mulberry Street. Rebella said that on the day of the murder of the China- 
 man he had been at work in Los Dos Amigos' cigar factory in Washington Street, 
 Brooklyn. There it was learned that on November 2 the prisoner had only made one 
 hundred cigars, while the usual number he was in the habit of making in a day was two 
 hundred. He admitted that he had known Ching Ong, alias Soloa, and gave his 
 address as at No. 118 West Twenty-seventh Street. Young Mainz positively identified 
 Rebella as the murderer of the Chinese restaurant keeper, and the prisoner was held 
 upon the lad's affidavit of identification. Subsequently it was ascertained that Rebella 
 had made two attempts prior to the murder to kill Ching Ong. 
 
 That he was the slayer of Ching Ong, was well known to the Cuban insurrec- 
 tionists, and also the fact that he was assisted by two others in the completion of the 
 butchery. The weapon with which Ching Ong's skull had been battered in was a 
 slung-shot. Still, Rebella's fellow-conspirators were determined to save him from 
 punishment. Although it was a fact that Rebella had only worked the first half of the 
 day on November 2, and returned to the factory just before closing time, nearly two 
 dozen of the cigar makers made affadavit to the effect that he had not left the shop. 
 The few other workmen in the place, who could not be induced to perjure themselves, 
 were threatened by Rebella's murderous associates with death, if they ventured to 
 testify against the prisoner. The men, aware that their lives were in danger, were 
 therefore afraid to come forward, and vanished before their testimony could be secured. 
 Thus were the hands of Justice tied, and as the preponderance of evidence, such as it 
 was, was in favor of Rebella, it was impossible to legally convict him on the testimony 
 of young Mainz, and the prisoner was consequently released. It is more than probable 
 that the horrible butchery, owing to the machinations of a secret society, will forever 
 remain unavenged. 
 
368 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 EXECUTIONS 
 
 IN THE TOMBS PRISON, NEW YORK CITY, FROM 1851 TO 1886. 
 
 AARON B. STOOKEY, in a fight on April 17, 185 1, stabbed and killed Edward 
 Moore. The murderer was placed on trial in the Court of Oyer and Terminer 
 on May i, 185 1. The trial came up before Judge John W. Edmonds and Aldermen 
 Edmund Griffen and Daniel Dodge. The prisoner was found guilty of murder in the 
 first degree. Stookey was executed at the Tombs prison on September 19, 1851. 
 
 Otto Grunsig administered to his wife Victorine, who was lying sick on August 
 8, 1 85 1, at No. 105 Eldridge Street, a quantity of arsenic mixed with sugar. The 
 woman died from the effects of the poison. Grunsig was convicted of murder in the 
 first degree, in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, November 28, 185 1. Judge Edmonds, 
 asociated with Aldermen Jedediah Miller and Jonas T. Conklin, presided during the 
 trial. Grunsig was executed February 27, 1852. 
 
 William Saul and Nicholas Howlett shot and killed Charley Baxter, a night 
 watchman, on a ship lying at the foot of Oliver Street, on August 24, 1852. Saul and 
 Howlett, when they committed the crime, were in the act of robbing the vessel. They 
 were convicted in the Court of Oyer and Terminer of murder in the first degree, 
 November 18 and November 25, 1852, respectively. Judge Henry P. Edwards and 
 two Aldermen presided at the trials. They were executed January 28, 1853. 
 
 Joseph Clark, a sailor, was arrested on July 10, 1851, for the murder of George 
 T. Gillespie, by striking him in the head with a cart-rung. He was convicted of 
 murder in the first degree, in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, September 16, 1851, 
 before Judge Edmonds and Aldermen Warren Chapman and Patrick Kelly. Clark 
 was executed February 11, 1853. 
 
 John D. Brown, who was jointly indicted with Clark, pleaded guilty to assault 
 and battery, September 16, 1851, and was sentenced to the penitentiary. 
 
 Patrick Fitzgerald, on January 17, 1853, shot and killed Margaret Fitzgerald, 
 his wife. He was convicted of the murder in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, April 
 19, 1853, before Judge Henry P. Edwards and Aldermen Wm. J. Peck and Oscar W. 
 Sturtevant. Fitzgerald was executed November 15, 1853. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 369 
 
 James L. Hoare, on October 5, 1853, stabbed Susan McAnnany in the neck with 
 a dirk, from the effects of which she died three days later. Hoare was convicted of 
 murder in the first degree, in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, November 19, 1853, 
 before Judge Henry P. Edwards. He was executed January 27, 1854. 
 
 John Dorsey (negro), a sailor, was executed in the Tombs prison for the murder 
 of Ann McGirr, alias Ann Hopkins. The crime was committed at No. 3 Worth 
 Street on March 10, 1857. The scene of the crime was a five-story tenement inhabited 
 by colored prostitutes. Dorsey and the woman lived together, and on the night of 
 March 10, 1857, he returned home under the influence of liquor. He met his mistress, 
 Ann McGirr, in the alleyway. They had some words, and Dorsey becoming angry 
 drew a razor from his pocket and cut the woman's throat from ear to ear. Dorsey was 
 convicted of murder in the first degree, in the Court of General Sessions, May 21, 
 1857, before Judge Abraham D. Russell. He was hanged on July 17, 1857. 
 
 James Rogers was hanged November 12, 1858, for the murder of John Swanson. 
 On the night of October 17, 1857, the deceased with his wife was passing along Tenth 
 Avenue in the neighborhood of Twenty-seventh Street. They met the accused with 
 two others passing down the Avenue. One of the three men jostled against Mrs. 
 Swanson in passing. Rogers, when remonstrated with, remarked to Swanson, "What 
 are you talking about?" To which deceased replied, "What is that to you?" A 
 moment intervened when Rogers rushed up and stabbed Swanson with a knife in the 
 heart. Rogers was arrested in Jersey City a few days after. He was convicted of 
 murder in the first degree, in the Court of General Sessions, November 13, 1857, before 
 Judge Abraham D. Russell 
 
 James Stephens poisoned his wife, Sophie Stephens, at No. 166 East Twenty- 
 seventh Street. Stephens lived at the above address with his wife and two nieces, 
 Fanny and Sophia Bell. He had manifested a great affection for Sophia Bell. He 
 was in the habit of beating his wife, who was sickly. He administered to her 
 laudanum mixed with lager beer and brandy, on September 22, 1857. She died the 
 next day. Stephens was convicted of murder in the first degree, in the Court of Oyer 
 and Terminer, March 26, 1859, before Judge James J. Roosevelt, and was executed 
 February 3, i860. 
 
 John Crummins stabbed and killed Dennis McHenry with a sword. Crummins 
 and McHenry had some troubles over money matters, and Crummins also charged 
 McHenry with insulting his wife. On the night of October 10, 1857, McHenry and 
 two others went into Crummins's liquor store, at No. 23 Pell Street, to get a drink. 
 When they entered the place they asked for Crummins. They were told he was out. 
 While they were drinking, Crummins entered, and seeing McHenry, ordered him to 
 leave. McHenry in return said, " I'll go, but you dare not follow me." Crummins 
 went into the back room and returned with a sword and pursued McHenry to the 
 street and around some carts in front of the door, and wounded him four times. 
 
370 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Crummins was convicted of murder in the first degree, in the Court of Oyer and 
 Terminer, February i, i860, before Judge Daniel P. Ingraham, and was executed 
 March 30, i860. 
 
 Bernard Friery, in company with four or five others, entered the saloon kept by 
 Henry Lazarus, at No. 12 East Houston Street, on the morning of January 3, 1865. 
 Lazarus was standing against the bar when they entered. One of the party, called 
 "California Jack," remarked as he entered : " I'll bet a hundred dollars I've got a man 
 here that can lick any man in the house," and again offered to bet ten dollars that there 
 was a man there who could take Lazarus's pistol away from him. Lazarus declined 
 to bet, saying he had no pistol. Friery then advanced to Lazarus and wanted to shake 
 hands with him. Lazarus shook his head and said, " No, I don't want to shake hands 
 with you." Friery then said, "You are a loafer," and at the same time stabbed 
 Lazarus in the neck with a dirk. Lazarus died instantly. Friery was convicted of 
 murder in the first degree, in the Court of General Sessions, February 17, 1865, 
 before Judge Abraham D. Russell, and was executed August 17, 1866. 
 
 Frank Ferris killed his wife, Mary Ferris, September 9, 1864, with a blow from an 
 axe, at No. 31 James Street. He was convicted of murder in the first degree, in the 
 Court of General Sessions, on March i, 1865, before Recorder John T. Hoffman. He 
 was executed October 19, 1866. 
 
 George Wagner was convicted in the Court of General Sessions, October 20, 
 
 1865, before Recorder John T. Hoffman, of the murder of his wife, Mary Wagner. 
 The crime was committed on July 21, 1865, at No. 516 Broome Street. Wagner beat 
 his wife's skull in with a hatchet. He was executed March i, 1867. 
 
 Jeremiah O'Brien was convicted in the Court of General Sessions, November 16, 
 
 1866, before Judge Abraham D. Russell, of the murder of his mistress, Lucy A. 
 McLoughlin, alias Kate Smith. He stabbed her to death with a knife, at No. 139 
 Prince Street, on June 20; 1866. He was executed August 9, 1867. 
 
 John Reynolds killed William Townsend, a shoemaker, with a knife, at No. 192 
 Hudson Street, on January 29, 1870. Reynolds was under the influence of liquor at the 
 time of the murder. He was convicted in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, February 
 22, 1870, before Judge Daniel P. Ingraham, and was executed April 8, 1870. When 
 Reynolds was arrested, he made the remark that " hanging was played out in New York." 
 
 John Real, a car-driver, on July 23, 1868, shot and killed Patrolman John 
 Smedick, of the East Thirty-fifth Street Station, at the corner of Thirty-second Street 
 and First Avenue. Real and Smedick had previously had some difficulty. Real had 
 made an attempt to assassinate Smedick on July ist, in the same year. He was con- 
 victed of murder, in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, February 10, 1869, before Judge 
 George G. Barnard. Real was executed August 5, 1870. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 371 
 
 John Thomas, a negro, had a discussion with Walter Johnson on the night of 
 September 30, 1870, opposite No. 511 Broome Street, concerning their respective 
 fighting abilities. The altercation developed into an affray, during which Thomas shot 
 and killed Johnson. Thomas was convicted of the murder, in the Court of Oyer and 
 Terminer, December 28, 1870, before Judge Albert Cardozo. The murderer was 
 executed March 10, 1871. 
 
 William Foster killed Avery D. Putnam with an iron car-hook, on the night of 
 April 27, 1 871, on a Broadway car, on Seventh Avenue, between Forty-sixth 
 and Forty-seventh Streets. Foster was riding on the front platform of the car, and 
 kept the door open. Putnam got up from his seat and closed the door. Foster 
 opened it again. This was repeated five or six times. Finally Putnam went out on 
 the platform and asked Foster " what was the matter with him." Foster made no 
 reply, but followed Putnam inside the car and asked Putnam " what was the matter 
 with him." Foster, who was under the influence of liquor, struck Putnam with the car- 
 hook as he was leaving the car at Forty-sixth Street. Foster was convicted before 
 Judge Albert Cardozo of murder in the first degree, in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, 
 May 25, 1871, and was executed March 21, 1873. 
 
 Michael Nixon shot and killed Charles H. Phifer on the night of January 25, 
 1873, on the corner of Catherine Street and Bowery. Nixon was convicted, in the 
 Court of Oyer and Terminer, of murder in the first degree, April 2, 1873, before Judge 
 John R. Brady. He was executed May 16, 1873. 
 
 William Thompson, William Ellis and Charles Wernd, alias Charles Weston 
 (negroes), on September 17, 1875, while tramping through the country, attempted to 
 rob Abraham Weisberg, a peddler, at Lydig's Woods, Westchester County, N. Y. 
 They beat Weisberg to death with a club. The three colored men were convicted of 
 murder in the first degree, in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, October 29, 1875, before 
 Judge George C. Barrett. They were executed December 17, 1875. 
 
 John Dolan, on Sunday, August 22, 1875, while committing a burglary at Noe's 
 factory, at No. 275 Greenwich Street, was discovered by the proprietor, James H. Noe. 
 A struggle ensued, during which Dolan beat Noe on the head with a " jimmy," from 
 the effects of which injuries the brush manufacturer died. Dolan was arrested by 
 Detective Joseph M. Dorcey, of the Sixth Precinct, at the corner of Franklin and 
 Centre Streets, October 7, 1875. He was convicted of the murder before Judge 
 George C. Barrett, in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, October 27, 1875. Dolan was 
 executed April 21, 1876. 
 
 Chastine Cox (colored) on the night of June 11, 1879, committed a burglary at 
 the residence of Mrs. Jane L. DeForest Hull, at No. 140 West Forty-second Street. 
 On being discovered in one of the rooms by Mrs. Hull, he gagged and strangled her 
 to death. Cox was convicted of murder in the first degree, in the Court of General 
 
372 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Sessions, on July 17, 1879, before Judge Rufus B, Cowing. He was executed July 16, 
 1880. 
 
 PiETRO Baled, an Italian, stabbed his wife, Maria Dichaco Balbo, to death on 
 September 13, 1879. Balbo was convicted of murder in the first degree, in the Court 
 of Oyer and Terminer, on December 11, 1879, before Judge Daniels. He was 
 executed August 6, 1880. 
 
 William Sindram, a printer, shot Catharine Craves, at her residence, No. 4 
 Charlton Street. Sindram had a furnished room at Mrs. Craves's house. He was a 
 troublesome lodger, and Mrs. Craves told him to move. He left the house on the 
 night of January 25, 1881, and came back the following day for his clothes. Mrs. 
 Craves heard him in the hall and asked him what he wanted, and told him he had nO' 
 business in her house. Sindram replied, " Come down stairs and I'll show you what I 
 want," and at the same time drew a pistol from his pocket and shot Mrs. Craves, who^ 
 was standing at the head of the stairs. Sindram was convicted of the murder before 
 Judge Brady, in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, December 10, 1881. Sindram was 
 absolutely indifferent as to his fate. He was executed April 21, 1882. 
 
 Augustus D. Leighton (colored) killed his mistress Mary Dean. The crime was 
 committed on June 13, 1880, in front of her residence, No. 138 West Twenty-sixth 
 Street. Leighton had been living with Mary Dean for nearly a year. During a 
 quarrel, Mary ordered him to leave the house. He did so, but returned some time 
 afterwards to get a coat which he had left behind. Mary told him that he could not 
 have it. Leighton said, " By God, I will have it," and rushing toward her, cut her 
 throat from ear to ear with a razor. Leighton was convicted before Judge Brady, in 
 the Court of Oyer and Terminer, December 3, 1880. He was executed May 19, 1882.. 
 
 Pasquale Majone murdered his mother-in-law, Maria Velindino Selta. The 
 crime was committed on December 9, 1881, at No. 56 Thompson Street. In a fit of 
 jealousy, Majone accused his wife of being intimate with other men. During the 
 quarrel that followed, he drew a pistol from his pocket and shot his wife in the 
 head. His mother-in-law hearing the shot, rushed into the room to ascertain its cause. 
 Majone also shot her. He then shot himself, making a slight wound. On April 25, 
 1882, he was convicted of the murder, in the Court of General Sessions, before Recorder 
 Frederick Smyth. He was executed on March 9, 1883. 
 
 Michael E. McGloin and four others, on the night of December 29, 1881, 
 started out on a burglarious expedition, and forcibly broke into the residence of Louis 
 Hanier, a saloon keeper, at No. 144 West Twenty-sixth Street. While ransacking the 
 saloon for money, they aroused Hanier and his family, who slept up-stairs. Hanier 
 hearing the noise, rushed to the head of the stairs and was about to descend when 
 McGloin, who was at the foot of the stairs, shot and killed him. The day following 
 the shooting McGloin remarked to a companion, "A man ain't tough until he has 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. ZTZ 
 
 knocked his man out." McGloin was convicted of murder in the first degree, in the 
 Court of General Sessions, March 3, 1882, before Recorder Frederick Smyth. He 
 was executed March 9, 1883. 
 
 Edward Hovey was executed October 19, 1883, in the Tombs prison, New York 
 City, for the murder of his sister-in-law, Fannie Vermilyea, whom he shot and killed 
 on April 26, 1882, at No. 273 West Thirty-eighth Street. He was convicted of murder 
 in the first degree, in the Court of General Sessions, September 25, 1882, before Judge 
 Rufus B. Cowing. 
 
 Miguel Chacon, a Cuban negro, on June 20, 1884, at No. 126 West Twenty- 
 seventh Street, shot and killed his mistress, Maria Williams. The woman had 
 formerly been the mistress of another Cuban negro, but when the latter abandoned 
 her she took up with Chacon. Chacon was infatuated with the woman, and became 
 furious with rage when she ordered him to leave, so that her old lover could return. 
 In the wrangle that ensued, Chacon drew a revolver and shot her dead. He also 
 attempted to assassinate his rival. Then he fled, but was captured several hours 
 afterwards on the roof of a house in Spring Street. One of the leading spirits in the 
 Cuban Revolutionary Society, known as the "Niazza," revealed the hiding-place of the 
 murderer. Chacon was found guilty of the murder of his mistress, in the Court of 
 General Sessions, on October 29, 1884. He was executed on July 9, 1886. 
 
374 
 
 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 ADVENTURERS AND ADVENTURESSES. 
 
 ODD and dubious are the methods of gaining a subsistence which are practiced by 
 the adventurers and adventuresses of the metropoHs. There are many Hnes of 
 money-making in a great city, which, though not exactly " legitimate," are yet not 
 precisely criminal. Still, like the professional criminals, Bohemians, blackmailers, 
 bogus literateurs, agents, models, and the borrowing landlady, make it a business of 
 preying upon society, and an expos^ of their operations cannot but serve as a protec- 
 tion for the innocent against these sharpers. The more important of these frauds are 
 well described in the following article, culled from a metropolitan newspaper : 
 
 " There is a lady, a little pass^, but still pretty, who keeps a popular boarding- 
 house, and who has in her time kept several boarding-houses, all of them ' popular ' 
 while they lasted, but none of them last very long. That is her little game. She is a 
 woman of very ingratiating nature, and she generally manages to wheedle some favorite 
 boarder — generally some rich old bachelor or widower — out of a large sum of money, 
 in advance for board. Then, suddenly, somehow or other, her affairs become 
 ' entangled,' and she is unexpectedly obliged to ' give up ' her house. The house is 
 accordingly given up, and the lady temporarily disappears till the former favorite 
 lodo-er ' gives up ' all hope of ever getting his advanced money back again, or its 
 equivalent. Then she reappears in a new street, occasionally in a new name, and the 
 routine of 'borrowing' from a lodger and then 'giving up' the house again is gone 
 through with once more. She has been known to obtain an advance of $i,ooo from a 
 lodger, for more than two-thirds of which sum she has never given and never will give 
 an equivalent. Whenever she ' gives up ' a house she generally is more or less in 
 debt to all her lodgers, whom she treats so kindly while they are with her that they 
 generally gladly comply with her request ' for an advance to relieve her from tem- 
 porary embarrassment' As a rule lodgers generally victimize their landladies, but 
 this instance shows that sometimes the rule is reversed and the biters are bit. 
 
 " A certain smart woman has hit upon a capital way of making money. She is an 
 observing woman, and has noticed that one of the most difficult matters in New York 
 is to procure a reputable yet convenient place at which a lady and gentleman or ladies 
 and gentlemen can be ' private.' There are plenty of ' private supper rooms ' in New 
 York, but they are either very nasty or very expensive, and under all circumstances of 
 ' dubious ' character. If a lady and gentleman really want to enjoy a little supper or a 
 little chat together without publicity, they will find it almost impossible to accomplish 
 their end without losing caste. To counteract this state of things the lady in question 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 375 
 
 has opened a fine, large house and has furnished it finely. The three upper stories she 
 lets out to gentlemen only as ' furnished rooms,' the parlors on the ground floor and 
 the basement are devoted to the realization of her peculiar design, which is this : — A 
 gentleman and lady or gentlemen and ladies or a party of gentlemen wish to be 
 ' private ' for a certain length of time. For a moderate sum they can have the tem- 
 porary use of the parlors. Important interviews can thus be held privately, card parties 
 and dance parties can be held here ; or, if supper or refreshment is required, the lady 
 is prepared to furnish, at a reasonable tariff", both wine and supper. This sort of thing 
 is really a novelty in New York, and as such attracts attention. 
 
 " In a recent interview with the proprietress of this ' new idea,' the lady said that 
 her record for a month back embraced eighteen suppers of ladies and gentlemen, the 
 parties varying from four to twenty persons — three suppers of gentlemen only. Even- 
 ings had been devoted to card parties and one evening wholly to dancing. The utmost 
 decorum had been observed and in only one instance had she experienced the slightest 
 trouble. 
 
 " Some women are really very industrious and very clever in their peculiar line. 
 One now residing in elegant style up-town, has acquired quite a little fortune by 
 'trading in her influence.' She has a large circle of acquaintance among moneyed 
 men, and has also a ready perception, a glib tongue and a keen, instinctive knowledge 
 of human nature. These qualities she is constantly turning to the utmost pecuniary 
 account. She is a married woman, though her husband is a nonentity, practically 
 speaking, and keeps house up-town. There in the evenings she receives calls from 
 numerous bankers, brokers and others, whom she elegantly and pleasantly entertains, 
 and meanwhile ' talks them ' into, wheedles or coaxes or argues them into favorable 
 notice of any scheme she may have at the time a pecuniary interest in. She does a 
 paying business in this line, as she never undertakes any but a big scheme and a 
 plausible scheme, and when once she undertakes it does her ' level best ' to carry it 
 through. Not long ago the lady talked up a mine, got most of the stock subscribed 
 through her own exertions, and took her pay in the shape of an extensive roll of 
 greenbacks, for it is characteristic of this personage that she will never take ' commis- 
 sions.' She demands so much money down, and generally, having proved that she is 
 worth it, gets it. By her earnings in this line, sub rosa, of course, she makes the major 
 part of the family income, and clothes herself and her daughters in excellent style. 
 This lady is widely known by Wall Street and Broad Street magnates, and is held in 
 high esteem with them, as she is considered equally shrewd and 'square.' 
 
 " Now and then in New York one comes across a woman, a lady, who, though she 
 could not be properly styled an adventuress, yet has adopted in some respects quite an 
 ingenious and dubious way of adding to her income, or at least of lessening her 
 expenditures. There is, for instance, a young lady in ' society ' quite locally famous 
 for obtaining all her gloves and bijouterie as ' gifts ' from her gentlemen escorts to 
 parties and theatres — gifts which are hinted for if not volunteered. There is another 
 woman who, residing in a furnished suit of rooms and ' taking her meals out,' always 
 manages it that two meals out of her daily three are taken ' at the invitation ' of some 
 gentleman, and, of course, at his expense — thus saving the ingenious invitee at least 
 
376 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 $io a week. A third woman always contrives to fasten herself on some richer woman, 
 making herself a species of ' companion,' living at the expense of the fashionable 
 woman to whom she attaches herself, thus presenting a curious combination of belle 
 and barnacle. A fourth fair creature has made it for years a practice to become 
 ' engaged ' to some rich young man, receive from him as many ' presents ' as he will be 
 tempted to present, and finally quarrel with her betrothed, breaking the engagement 
 and retaining the presents. She has already been engaged four times, and her presents 
 are computed at over $5,000. Her last lover, however, insisted upon a return of the 
 major portion of his gifts, and as the ' belle's stratagem ' is becoming known, her 
 chances for continued success are at a discount. 
 
 " Canvassing and book-peddling are growing into favor with females, at least, 
 though their victims are not so enthusiastic in their praise. While some of these can- 
 vassers and book-peddlers are worthy, well-deserving, hard-working women, many of 
 them are merely dead-beats, frauds, bores intolerable. One of this latter sort will talk 
 to a business man when he is busiest, wring from him in his agony some expression of 
 dubious import, such as, ' Well, well — perhaps I may some time," and then she will 
 go forthwith to the office of some newspaper, state that he has ordered, through her, 
 such and such an advertisement, collect her commission in advance, leaving the collector 
 of the newspaper and her victim to settle the final payment between them. Others 
 leave books whether or no, or talk a man ' deaf, dumb and blind ' into subscribing for 
 them, and so the world wags. 
 
 " As for fortune-tellers and clairvoyants, their numbers are large, and are on the 
 Increase, but luckily this class of people have been so often and so thoroughly 
 ventilated as to call for nothing but mere mention. Perhaps the most curious fact 
 lately unearthed about ' the world of women,' is that there are several respectable 
 young women, technically ' ladies ' in dress and social surroundings, and really females 
 of good character, who serve in secret the purposes of art as models. The writer of 
 this sketch is acquainted with an estimable lady — a genuine lady in birth, education 
 and manner — who earns about $10 per week as a model for a 'life class.' She keeps 
 this fact a profound secret — her own mother is not aware of it — but the fact is as 
 stated, the writer having ascertained it through a visit to an artist's studio, during the 
 sessions of a 'life class' of art students. Inquiring into this matter further, the writer 
 discovered that the young lady in question had In vain attempted to secure employ- 
 ment in writing, translating or trade pursuits, was on the verge of starvation with her 
 old mother, when a lucky hint suggested the livelihood of a model, which was finally 
 and successfully adopted, though only after severe self-struggles and under conditions 
 of the most profound secrecy, 
 
 " A prominent painter, with whom the writer held a conversation recently, stated 
 that the supply of models was at present greater than the demand, and that the 
 majority of models In the city of New York were not only well formed, but well 
 behaved ; ' a really superior class of persons,' forced to exhibit themselves by their 
 necessities. A model quite in demand Is a young German. Another model has 
 recently been married to a young painter who fell In love with her, from seeing her as 
 a model In a life class which he was then attending, and from all reports the daring and 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 2,77 
 
 unconventional painter has a worthy wife. Occasionally in our better classes, ay, even 
 in our best society, it is rumored that ladies do not hesitate to serve as partial models 
 for the bust or arms or for classic poses, to please popular artists or to gratify their own 
 vanity ; but these are isolated cases and call for but the merest passing allusion. 
 
 "Among the most curious phases of ingenious impecuniosity, striving to gain a 
 livelihood without what is called ' working for it,' is the case of a certain young man in 
 New York, who, young, rather handsome and of good family, has for some time past 
 devoted himself almost exclusively to playing the cavalier to a very old and very rich 
 widow, whom he accompanies everywhere. Apropos, it may be remarked that this 
 dancing attendance to dowagers who are rich is growing quite into an ' institution ' 
 among the would-be fashionable but no"t at all wealthy youth of the period. Is it a 
 sign of the times ? And perhaps it is another sign of the times that several of our men 
 about town, technically called 'gentlemen,' are really card sharpers, and absolutely 
 live upon the money they make by cheating at cards at their clubs or elsewhere. There 
 are several ' society men,' so-called, who live in luxury, dine well, drink well, dress well, 
 dissipate lavishly, who depend upon their skill in cards for the wherewithal to meet 
 their liberal expenditures. And in the rare cases where their skill does not suffice, 
 these men do not hesitate to cheat. In one case in a hundred they are detected. Then 
 the matter is ' hushed up ' for their family's sake, but in the majority of instances their 
 social position saves them even from suspicion, and their victim pays his money 
 without a murmur. 
 
 " There are quite a number of Bohemians whose peculiar manner of making a 
 living is certainly very suggestive of the growth of literature as a business in 
 our midst. Translating is becoming quite a necessity in newspaper and business 
 literature nowadays, and it has its tricks, like everything else. There is a man who is 
 now fulfilling several contracts to translate works from the French, the German and the 
 Spanish languages, who really knows no language but his native and imperfect English. 
 He has picked up two or three phrases in the various languages he falsely pretends to 
 understand, and these and his stock of impudence suffice to obtain his orders, for which 
 he charges a good round sum. As soon as he has received his orders, he proceeds to 
 fill them by jobbing out the work among a few half-starved Spanish or German or 
 French hacks, as the case may be, who do his work for him at about one-fifth of the 
 sum he charges for it. It can readily be seen that if there were enough of this trans- 
 lating to be done, this ingenious ignoramus could in time become a Croesus ; but, 
 unfortunately for his poor hacks, the field is limited. Lately one of these hacks — the 
 French one — ' struck,' and then struck out for himself, getting orders for translating 
 direct, and the translation jobber is becoming frightened. 
 
 " Among the make-shifts of the time is levying literary blackmail. This peculiar 
 species of blackmail is practiced extensively by certain parties In New York, after this 
 fashion : They send proof sheets of certain biographies to the man or woman upon 
 whom they intend to operate. These biographies, they tell the man or woman in a 
 personal note accompanying the proof sheet, are samples of the contents of a forth- 
 coming book which they are preparing to publish, and in which book they design to 
 insert the biography of the ' distinguished ' party to whom they are sent. With this 
 
2,7^ PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 note is an accompanying request that the man or woman aforesaid will be kind enough 
 to write his or her biography in a similar style and send it to the publisher's address. 
 Or perhaps the proof sheets of what purports to be one's own biography is sent, with a 
 request to correct the unavoidable mistakes. Not a word is said about money matters, 
 and the party to whom the proof sheets and request are sent feels materially flattered, 
 falls into the trap, and either writes the biographical sketch desired or corrects the 
 proof. So far so good. But lo and behold ! in a little while, when the party has 
 probably forgotten all about the matter, the biographical sketch is forwarded in proof 
 sheet, or the proof sheet is returned in a revised form, and is accompanied by a bill for 
 $ioo, $200 or $300, as the case may be. The victim's eyes are now opened to the 
 game played upon him, but are opened probably too late. He or she has comrtiitted 
 himself or herself by complying with the original request, and rather than ' have 
 trouble,' or reveal publicly their own folly, the party pays the bill or compromises for a 
 certain amount, and thus the publisher contrives to make a living, though the book 
 itself is never published, for the very sufficient reason that all ' the illustrious persons ' 
 in the world have not yet ' contributed the necessary points ' for their biographies — in 
 other words, they have not all been victimized. 
 
 " Books descriptive of gentlemen's residences, turfmen's horses, etc., have been 
 started on similar ' principles,' with more or less success. 
 
 " It is the fashion of the times to start literary bureaus. Some of them are 
 genuine, most of them are bogus. These literary bureaus propose to do literary work 
 for customers, to afford Intellectual facilities and to command literary engagements, 
 whereas, in fact, they do nothing but take the would-be literary man's (or woman's) 
 money. Then there are bogus bureaus of correspondence and professional corre- 
 spondents and letter writers. Then there are persons, generally women, who deal with 
 ' ladies of neglected education ' and proffer to teach them how to correct, or at least 
 how to hide, their deficiencies. Some of these are genuine and useful in their way ; 
 others are frauds and shams ; but all alike are curious, and really deserve more space 
 and consideration than can be allotted to them in the limits of this article. 
 
 " But probably the greatest shams in this line are practiced under the guise of 
 'dramatic agents,' so called. Now a good dramatic agent is a most desirable and 
 valuable being. None appreciate his services better than those who employ him. He 
 is in his place indispensable. It may safely be said that more ' stars ' have succeeded 
 through their ' agents ' than through their own merits. But in proportion to the value 
 of a really 'good ' and genuine agent is the worthlessness of a poor one, and the poor 
 ones and the shams are greatly in the majority. These bogus agents have nothing but 
 a limited acquaintance with the lower class of newspaper men, who have just enough 
 ability to write a 'puff' and have unlimited 'cheek.' The last quality stands them in 
 the best stead. Supplied with this they call upon the female aspirant for dramatic 
 honors, flatter her and tell her she needs but a proper newspaper man to become 
 famous ; tell her that they are ' the proper newspaper men ; ' speak of their mighty and 
 mysterious ' influence with the press ; ' guarantee to ' bring her out ' (they would 
 guarantee anything else if desired). And being forthwith engaged by the would-be 
 star, they contrive to get in a few paragraphs in the minor papers, take her money, and 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 379 
 
 this is absolutely all — all save waiting till the newspapers come out after the debut of 
 their principal (if so be by lavish expenditure of money, and without any real assistance 
 from her agent, she has a debut), and then they boldly claim the credit of every favor- 
 able criticism which appears, although they have had, and could on the face of things 
 have had no connection with it ; and they also do not hesitate to assert, in reference to 
 any unfriendly criticism that may be published, that they did their best to avert it, and 
 that, were it not for their ' influence ' the attack would have been infinitely more bitter 
 than it may happen to be. 
 
 " One would imagine that the principal would see through such a sham as this ; 
 but as a mere matter of fact it may be confidently stated that at least $50,000 are paid 
 out every theatrical season to bogus and worthless agents, some of whom are news- 
 paper Bohemians, some played-out actors, and some without the ability to be either. 
 
 " Society in its varied and complex phases affords a field for those who live by 
 their wits, and the field is well cultivated in every direction. Matrimonial advertising 
 is quite a feature in this department of human ingenuity, and although the greater part 
 of the matrimonial advertisements in the papers are inserted either as a joke or for 
 improper purposes, yet quite a percentage of them 'mean business.' There was 
 formerly a regular ' matrimonial bureau ' in this city, which did a thriving business. 
 There was another institution of a similar kind far up-town. 
 
 " Of a precisely opposite line of business to this are the divorce detectives, male 
 and female, who of late years have become quite numerous, and whose numbers and 
 pecuniary prosperity afford a suggestive commentary on the ills and mistakes incidental 
 to modern marriage. Many of these people do all they can to upset marriages already 
 made, doing so in the interest of one or other, sometimes of both, of the unhappy 
 wedded pair. They scruple at nothing. They sneak, spy, lie and swear to a lie, nor 
 will they hesitate to put temptation in the way of those against whom they are employed 
 — in short, a divorce detective of the bad class does not scruple to do all he or she can 
 to procure ' sufficient grounds for divorce ' on the part of those he or she is commis- 
 sioned to detect. There are estimated to be about thirty men and some fifty women 
 in the city of New York who are almost constantly engaged in working up divorce cases, 
 procuring or manufacturing evidence, etc. Of these some ten or twenty are credited 
 with having accumulated considerable money, and of all the number there is said to be 
 only five or six who are thoroughly to be relied on as honest. Several of these 
 detectives have on several occasions taken pay from both sides in a divorce suit, have 
 pretended to watch a husband in the interest of a wife, or to spy upon a wife in the 
 interest of a husband, and have, of course, lied to and cheated both. As a rule it may 
 safely be laid down that professional divorce detectives are about the meanest of all the 
 people who live by their wits, though they are undoubtedly among the sharpest. 
 
 " In concluding this article, a number of make-shifts may be glanced at en passant, 
 which are already familiar to the public, or which, though trivial in their nature, are 
 curious. There is the bogus ' agent for charitable societies,' for instance, and ' the 
 professional philanthropist ' — the men and women who are supported, with their 
 families, by the mistaken carelessness and lavishness of the charitable public ; the 
 ' shyster lawyer ' who ' solicits ' his own clients, and who fleeces them when he has got 
 
380 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 them ; the parties who compound those elixirs which make all who use them ' beautiful 
 for ever ; ' the men who make money by issuing bogus diplomas for doctors, and the 
 charlatans who practice medicine under these diplomas ; the quacks who ' cure all 
 diseases,' who have ' a magic touch ; ' the people who pander to the vanity of other 
 people by preparing ' coats-of-arms ' and ' heraldic insignia ' for grocers and butchers ; 
 the people who hire 'wedding presents ' for the occasion — who borrow diamonds and 
 plate to display at parties ; the people who lend and hire dress coats ; the enterprising 
 publishers of petty papers, who manufacture late at night or on Sundays bogus ' sensa- 
 tions ' in order to sell bogus extras ; the ingenious parties who go round the streets and 
 the ball-rooms, etc., picking up old cigar stumps, which they revamp into ' the best and 
 most fragrant Havanas;' the 'hangers on' at the market stalls, who pick up the 
 ' scraps ' and resell them again to poorer wretches who live upon them, after a fashion ; 
 the thrifty people who sell ' bill-board tickets ' to the theatre at half price (quite a 
 recognized occupation, by the by), and the curionsly-disposed persons who have a 
 penchant for ' sitting-up ' with sick people, or ' watching ' insane patients or drunken 
 men ' for a consideration.' Then there is a curious individual who makes a living by 
 ' suggesting ' styles of sign-boards and mottoes for tradesmen. He is really a clever 
 fellow in this line, and as he gets from $2.50 to $15 for a 'suggestion,' he manages to 
 keep quite a snug little place over his head. Some of his ' ideas ' have really brought 
 in a good deal of money to those who have adopted them. 
 
 " Then there is an equally clever woman, though in a very different line, who, as 
 she phrases it herself, ' engineers beggars.' This remarkable female hires a number of 
 children, sometimes an additional number of men and women, selecting with an artist's 
 eye all the most wretched specimens of humanity she can procure — the halt, the maimed, 
 the lame and the blind ; the dirty, the ragged, the sick and the sore. These wretches 
 she stations singly or in squads, or distributes them around the hotels, churches, places 
 of amusement and the like, and then takes her percentage or the greater part of the 
 money they contrive to extract from the sympathies of the charitable. Of late years 
 this woman's sphere of operations has been materially circumscribed by the police. 
 Still she makes money even now, and in old times she was really 'getting rich.' Every 
 night when there was a ball at the Academy of Music or Irving Hall, or an opera, she 
 would station her ' wretched squad ' along Fourteenth Street and Irving Place, and, 
 hiding herself in some convenient place, would grin as her purposely hatless and shoe- 
 less beggars received whiningly the alms of the light-hearted, home-returning revellers. 
 But, alas ! for this clever 'engineer of beggars.' The flush times of masked balls are 
 over, and she can but mumble and grumble as she thinks upon the days, or rather the 
 nights, of yore. 
 
 " This article might be expanded by reminiscences of the ' champion free-lunchers,' 
 who know how to evade the eye or to mollify the wrath of the ' barkeeper of the period,' 
 and by illustrations of the ' floaters ' who are to be found all day haunting the reading- 
 rooms or writing-rooms of hotels in which they never spend a cent, but whose seats, fires, 
 papers, etc., they use with the utmost freedom and advantage — but cui bono 9 From the 
 details already given in this article, the substantial one-half of New York have doubtless 
 obtained a vivid idea of how the other and less substantial half manages to exist." 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 38 1 
 
 OPIUM HABIT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 
 
 LIFE IN A NEW YORK OPIUM DEN.— ONE WHO KNOWS ALL ABOUT IT TELLS OF 
 
 HIS STRANGE EXPERIENCES. 
 
 I HAVE read so many untrue and unreasonable articles about opium and opium 
 smokers that I deem it a duty, as one who has had a thorough introduction to this 
 habit, to write a true and unbiased account of all my experience, which will serve to 
 enlighten your readers in all the details that have heretofore remained a mystery. It 
 is no fault of the papers that they have been unable to get at the bottom facts, because 
 those addicted to the habit are not noted for their veracity, nor do they wish their 
 secret to become known. But I have been cured of the habit and so have no more 
 interest in keeping the secrets of the United Order of " Dope" fiends. 
 
 One evening three years ago I met a friend whom I had not seen for some time. 
 For one who professed to be so delighted to see me again, I thought it very strange he 
 should be in such a hurry to leave, and I told him so. He then unbosomed his reasons 
 for leaving. He was going to " hit the pipe." I demanded he should take me with 
 him. He showed great reluctance, but after some persuasion consented, reminding me 
 that if I ever had cause to repent the visit to a joint I should never blame him. I 
 laughed at the idea of harm coming, except if the place were raided, and this I was 
 willing to risk. So away we went, taking a car down-town. 
 
 Getting off the car we proceeded to Pell Street, where he led the way up several 
 steps through a dark hall, and rapped at a door in the back part leading to the basement. 
 
 Some one from the inside inquired " Who ?" 
 
 My friend replied "En she quay." (Chinese words meaning opium smoker.) 
 
 " Who en she quay ? " was asked. 
 
 " Little Doc," my friend answered again. 
 
 After a moment's waiting a bolt was withdrawn from the inside, and opening the 
 door we proceeded down the stairs, which were lighted by a lantern hung from the 
 ceiling. There were about six steps, then another door, in which a little wicket opened, 
 and a yellow face appeared, scrutinizing us inquiringly. 
 
 " How many ?" the face asked on seeing us. 
 
 " Two," my friend replied, and another bolt was withdrawn. My friend opened 
 the door, and we entered. 
 
 It was a small room, smelling like most Chinese laundries, only the odor was more 
 
382 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 pronounced. The room was about twenty feet long by fifteen wide. On one side, 
 extending the whole length, was a platform raised two feet above the floor, and wide 
 enough to permit a man to lie at full length. Four or five feet above this was another 
 platform, only a few feet below the ceiling. At the further end of the room were two 
 similar platforms. 
 
 The end of the room was partitioned off, having a door and a large window. This 
 window had a number of wooden bars running across it. These were to prevent any 
 one reaching their hands through to the counter behind. This little room was lighted 
 by a single gas jet, and a couple of Chinamen were in there talking away in their own 
 language. The platforms were occupied by men and women in little groups, lying 
 around little lamps and smoking cigarettes and, I afterwards learned, opium. Several 
 people were stretched out asleep. 
 
 My friend was evidently well acquainted with the smokers, for they nearly all 
 saluted him and asked him what was new out in the world. Selecting a vacant place, my 
 friend told me to take off my coat and place it on a little stool to be used as a pillow. 
 He sat on the edge of the bunk talking to a man who had risen from the bunk when we 
 entered. 
 
 He invited this man to smoke with us, and introduced him to me as " Frankie, the 
 Kid." The Kid accepted the invitation and lay on the other side of us, my friend 
 resting his head on my breast. A "lay-out," as my friend called it, was ordered, and 
 one of the Chinamen brought it to us. The " lay-out " consisted of an ordinary little 
 tin waiter, a knitting-needle flattened at one end and gradually receding to a point at 
 the other, which he called a yen hock, a little glass lamp of peculiar pattern, a wet 
 sponge in a china dish, a small tin dish to deposit cigarette stumps or ashes, and a pipe 
 of very curious construction. A small clam-shell contained a black, tarry-looking stuff, 
 and this was the opium. 
 
 The " Kid " prepared the pipe and my friend smoked, taking one long draw. Next 
 was my turn, and I tried to do likewise, but it threw me into a fit of coughing. They 
 told me to breathe through my nose whenever I felt the choking sensation. I did this, 
 and got along pretty well, they said, for a beginner. 
 
 When I had smoked several times I began to have a dizzy sensation about my 
 head and objects appeared very indistinct to my vision. I had an itchy feeling all over 
 my body, which I tried in vain to relieve. I smoked a little more and there was a 
 feeling of nausea at my stomach. I then decided to stop smoking. 
 
 My friend told me to lay perfectly still and try to go to sleep, but the more I tried 
 the less sleepy I felt. My nerves became exceedingly sensitive, the least little noise 
 causing me to tremble with fear, and my heart beat wildly. I also felt very thirsty and 
 asked for a drink, but they told me that I must not, above all things, attempt to drink 
 water. So I lay quiet a little while longer, getting all the more nervous, and then 
 determined to start home. 
 
 My friend warned me not to, but I persisted and rose up. The moment I stood 
 on my feet the room seemed to whirl around and around and strange noises buzzed in 
 my ears. 
 
 This passed off in a few minutes and my throat felt so dry I could not resist the 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 383 
 
 temptation of taking a drink from a bucket of water that stood on a table in the joint. 
 The moment I drank it I was sorry I had not heeded my friend's advice, for the instant 
 it was down up it came as bitter as gall ; so, hastily bidding my friend good-night, I 
 staggered out and started for home. 
 
 The fresh air revived me somewhat, but I vomited every few steps, pitching about 
 like a drunken man, I was completely bewildered ; everything appeared backward to 
 my mind, and it was with the greatest difficulty I managed to find my way to a car. 
 
 But in some way, how I am unable to say, I succeeded in reaching home. I did 
 not wait to disrobe, but threw myself on the bed just as I was, going to sleep instantly. 
 I awoke in the morning, still very dizzy, undressed and got into bed ; slept straight 
 through till the next morning ; awoke with a pale face, bloodshot eyes and a dull pain 
 in the back of the head ; felt like going to sleep again, but conquered this and started 
 out to attend to my business for the day. 
 
 As soon as this sickness passed off I longed to smoke again, and did a day or two 
 later. 
 
 This time I did not smoke as much, lay quietly in the joint after smoking and 
 drank no water. It was not till I reached the street that any unpleasant feeling arose, 
 and then I had exactly the same experience as before, but was able to get up in the 
 morning, only feeling very thirsty and dull. 
 
 For several other nights I had the same trouble, but each night I went it was less 
 marked. A few more nights and I commenced to get the real enjoyment from the pipe. 
 
 After smoking I felt extremely easy and comfortable, lay indulging myself to the 
 extent of my imaginative nature, indulging in the wildest fancies, that appeared at the 
 moment so real, and no thought of worldly trouble entered my mind. Then the fre- 
 quenters of the joint were always telling stories, cracking jokes. Sometimes we sang 
 in low voices. Then we drank beer. Feeling hungry, two or three of us clubbed 
 together and bought a kettle of hot coffee and sandwiches from a little re'staurant near 
 by. Again such refreshing sleep. How the time flew ! Hours were only minutes and 
 days hours. 
 
 My next step was to learn how to prepare my own opium for smoking, and before 
 this I always had to get some one else to do it for me. This is termed cooking and 
 takes months to become proficient in. To do this the needle or yen hock is grasped 
 between the thumb and first two fingers of the right hand. The point is dipped into 
 the opium, and on removing it a small portion, the size of a bead, adheres to the yen 
 hock. 
 
 It is now held over the flame of the lamp and swells up to the size of a chestnut. 
 Striking it against the globe of the lamp it bursts and a little confined steam escapes, 
 leaving it all shriveled up. This is repeated until It ceases to swell. 
 
 The object of this process is to evaporate all moisture from the opium, changlng-it 
 from a sticky substance to a solid, similar to sealing-wax. 
 
 The pipe is held in the left hand and the bowl warmed over the light. The 
 opium, in a melted condition, is rolled over the face of the bowl until it is shaped into 
 a cone, the apex being the point of the needle. This is termed chying. The cone is 
 now heated until it is very soft, the needle is pushed Into the small hole of the bowl 
 
384 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 and flattens the apex of the cone till it becomes a cylinder. The hole of the bowl is 
 thoroughly heated, the needle is pushed entirely into the hole, melts the opium, which 
 now adheres to the bowl ; the needle is then twisted out, leaving a small hole through 
 the opium to the opening of the bowl. This mass is termed a pill. To smoke this the 
 bowl is held over the lamp, so that the pill is directly above the flame. The opium 
 melts, giving forth a vapor or smoke. This is sucked into the bowl along with the 
 melted opium. 
 
 It took me over a month to do this right. I now came to the joint every night, 
 frequently lying in one spot two nights and a day. Some of the frequenters didn't 
 leave the joint once a week, and then only for a few hours, having no home to go to. 
 
 They were the professional cooks, receiving so much for every twenty-five cents' 
 worth of opium, that was brought in a shell. I hardly ever eat more than one meal a 
 day. Sometimes I only took that because I thought it was best for me, and not 
 because I cared for it. 
 
 Some nine months after my first introduction to a joint I was unable to get my 
 usual smoke one night. I felt very bad when I got in bed, but immediately fell into a 
 heavy sleep, from which I was aroused in the morning after much calling. 
 
 On becoming thoroughly awake I went through a series of novel sensations. 
 First, I began to gape and a pain in the back of the head started, then tears ran 
 from the eyes, a catarrhal discharge from the nose, my teeth chattered and I trembled 
 from head to foot, a cold sweat covering my body. I tried to eat some breakfast, but 
 it would not stay on my stomach. Half an hour more and rheumatic pains shot through 
 my limbs, cramps in the stomach. I took a dose of laudanum and in a few moments 
 all the disorders ceased. 
 
 I now realized for the first time that I was a victim to the opium habit, or, as the 
 Chinese have it, " inyun fun." I was compelled thereafter to smoke at least once a 
 day, sometimes oftener. When I could not smoke I used laudanum or morphia. 
 
 The misery I suffered is indescribable. Sometimes right in the midst of conversa- 
 tion I would be seized with this sickness, and must quickly get an opiate or be 
 completely prostrated. 
 
 This went on for some time. My face became sallow ; my eyes bright, the pupils 
 contracted. I never passed a comfortable hour unless I was either under the influence 
 of opium or liquor. My mind was filled with the darkest thoughts towards myself, and 
 life became almost unbearable. It was then I determined to break the habit or die. 
 
 My treatment was this : I went to the country, away from my old associations, kept 
 reducing my dose of opium every day gradually, at the same time taking nervines and 
 tonics. It took nearly three months of unmentionable suffering before I was cured. 
 
 My advice is to keep away from opium in all forms, as no good comes of it. The 
 opium used for smoking, called by the smokers " dope," is an aqueous extract of the 
 ordinary commercial gum. The Chinese have a secret mode of preparing this extract, 
 making it more palatable to the taste and easier to get ready for smoking. It is 
 imported from China in an oblong brass box about five inches long, two and a half 
 wide. The can is only half filled, as in warm weather it puffs up and would overflow 
 the can if allowance was not made for this swelling. It is about the consistency of tar 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 385 
 
 melted in the sun, and nearly the same color. The mode of measuring it when selling 
 is by a Chinese weight called fune. There are about eighty-three fune in an ounce, 
 and a can contains 415 fune, or about five ounces. This sells for $8.25 a can, best 
 quality, and inferior grades as low as $6. In smaller quantities, eight to l^nfome are 
 sold for twenty-five cents. 
 
 The people who frequent these places are, with very few exceptions, thieves, 
 sharpers and sporting men, and a few bad actors ; the women, without exception, are 
 immoral. No respectable woman ever entered one of these places, notwithstanding 
 the reports to the contrary. The language used is of the coarsest kind, full of pro- 
 fanity and obscenity. The old saying, " There is honor among thieves," applies equally 
 well to opium fiends. They never steal from each other while in the joint. I have 
 seen men and women come in the joints while under the influence of liquor, lie down 
 and go to sleep with jewelry exposed and money in their pockets, but no one would 
 ever think of disturbing anything. 
 
 As a general thing the men who are regular smokers have very little money, 
 relying almost entirely upon the women, who spend their money freely upon the fiends. 
 Beer and tobacco are generally sold, which considerably swells the revenue of the 
 keepers. 
 
 Though a desperate set, fights rarely occur in a joint. In three years I can only 
 recall one instance, and that was through a misunderstanding. A gambler struck 
 " Sheeny" Sam across the arm with a pipe, breaking one of the arm bones. A fiend 
 suffering with the inyun is a man to be avoided. His suffering renders him almost 
 insane, and he is not responsible for what he does. 
 
 Few white men can run a " joint " successfully. A Chinaman is meek, pretends 
 to not understand when anything insulting is said to him, and so long as he gets paid 
 for the opium does not care what the patrons do. On the contrary, a white man will 
 not stand insult, and wants to boss the place to suit himself. 
 
 Frank Webb, a well known west side character, opened a joint in a second-story 
 room in Seventh Avenue. His patrons were of a better class of crooks. Among 
 the frequenters of his place could be seen most any night such noted characters as 
 " Kid " Miller, banco man ; " Kid " Fox and Raymond, swindlers ; our absent " Hungry 
 Joe " (Joe did not "hit the pipe," but only came to see his associates) ; "Yen Hock" 
 Harry, who earned his title by stabbing a man with a yen hock, and many other rioted 
 characters less known to the public. Women from the Haymarket, Tom Gould's, the 
 Cremorne and other disreputable places in the immediate vicinity came there after 
 these places closed, which was generally near morning. 
 
 At the present time there are no public joints in the city, most of the smokers 
 owning a " lay-out " of their own, and smoking in their rooms, where the law cannot 
 interfere with them. 
 
 The cost of a lay-out is from $5 up to $25, the value depending on the age of the 
 pipe, it becoming more valuable the longer it is used. 
 
386 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 THE EXPERIENCE OF AN OLD CALIFORNIAN WITH OPIUM.— REMARKABLE IN- 
 FLUENCE OF THE DRUG ON THE FACULTIES— A STRUGGLE TO OVERCOME 
 A TERRIBLE CRAVING. , 
 
 " Oh, yes," he said, as we sauntered through Chinatown and were assailed by its 
 unsavory odors, " I have smoked opium. I recognize the familiar smell." 
 
 " And still continue to do so ? " 
 
 " No, thank God, my experience with the drug was short and decisive, but sharp 
 while it lasted. The opium habit is like getting into a quicksand ; once in its grasp 
 escape is almost impossible." 
 
 "You got out, it appears." 
 
 " But not without a struggle. I feel the effects of the drug even to this day, and 
 it is many years ago since curiosity induced me to try the first pipe. Of course, I had 
 to give some excuse for my foolishness : — I wished to learn the secret of opium's control 
 over the minds and bodies of its votaries. This is how it was, and I might as well 
 make a clean breast of it. I'm not a De Ouincey, but I'll tell you as clearly as I can 
 my feelings while under the influence of the drug. I had become acquainted with a 
 gambler, one of the most expert in the State, whether in front or behind the game. I 
 noticed that he often left the table, when dealing, and after he returned, say in half an 
 hour, his manner had undergone a change ; he manipulated the cards with greater 
 steadiness and ease. One day I asked him the plain question : 
 
 " ' Why do you call on a substitute, and quit the table so often ?' 
 
 " ' Opium, my boy,' he said, in a feverish way. ' I can do nothing without it. 
 Steadies the nerves. Deprive me of my periodical pipe and I'm like a fiddle minus 
 strings. Ever try a whiff ? ' 
 
 " ' No.' 
 
 " ' Then you'd better take my advice and continue to let it alone.' 
 
 " But my curiosity was aroused, and after accompanying D to his favorite 
 
 opium haunt several times, I resolved to realize the sensations derived from smoking, 
 whatever they might be. I ' hit ' my first pipe, as the slang goes, about four o'clock 
 one afternoon, and shudder now as the remembrance of the terribly sickening experience 
 I passed through recurs to me. It was hard work in the beginning to get the pipe-stem 
 properly adjusted to my mouth, and the method of smoking is different from that when 
 you are enjoying tobacco. In inhaling opium smoke you draw the fume into the lungs 
 by a long pull, and then exhale it slowly. A pipeful will last about one minute, and 
 then you have to roll a new pill, and so on, till the desired effect is obtained. Like 
 most beginners, I smoked too much at the start, but hardly felt the power of the drug 
 till I rose from the bunk where I had lain. 
 
 " Then I became comparatively helpless and staggered like a drunken man, zig- 
 zagging toward a water-pitcher, of the contents of which I drank a cupful or more. 
 Nausea followed and when I reached my wooden couch again my lower limbs gave way 
 completely and I fell helpless and insensible. I lay in that state for three hours, or 
 
 until my friend D , who had missed me, and, suspecting where I had gone, found 
 
 and brought me to myself. With his help I got to my room in the hotel, where I again 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 387 
 
 fell into a sleep, disturbed by restlessness and horrible dreams. I would awake 
 screaming and with the idea some one was in the room seeking my life. In fact I 
 made such a racket that the night clerk threatened to send for the police and have me 
 arrested for being drunk and disorderly and alarming the house. He summoned 
 
 D , who sat up with me until morning, when I still felt the effects of the drug, but 
 
 was able to rise. 
 
 " ' Well, old fellow,' said he, in a bantering tone, ' how do you like it as far as 
 you've gone?' 
 
 " ' It's a pretty rough introduction,' I replied, ' and I guess I'll go no further.' 
 
 " 'That's right,' said he; 'you'd better stop right now, but I'll bet a twenty you 
 won't. Of course you smoked too much, and then drank water to make the matter 
 worse. If thirsty after the pipe, all practised opium smokers drink only good strong 
 tea.' 
 
 "'Well, I'm done with the stuff, anyhow.' 
 
 " ' No, my boy,' he said, quietly ; ' you'll tackle it again — you don't like to give up 
 beat.' 
 
 " The time came when I did tackle the pipe again, thinking myself strong enough 
 to smoke without getting sick. I pulled away for about three minutes, consuming 
 three pills, and this time I got a glimpse of what is called the opium devotee's paradise. 
 With my body and limbs completely relaxed, I dropped into a state of delightful 
 dreamy half sleep, languidly knowing all that was going on around me, but caring for 
 nothing. I was above and beyond all worldly considerations, all responsibilities. 
 Then there came a change. Restlessness supervened, and the dream of delight was 
 rounded off by horrible mental images that resembled the harpies of Dore, as he 
 pictured them in the Inferno. Then I came back, in a dazed way, to real life again, 
 drank the strong tea, as I had been advised, and went home with all my nerves in a 
 state of protest, and I then, after a terrible struggle, left the drug alone." 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 389 
 
 PRISON COMMUTATION LAWS. 
 
 EXPIRATION OF SENTENCE. 
 
 pULL commutation time is allowed in all cases where the time of expiration of 
 -*■ sentence is mentioned. To obtain the date of a prisoner's discharge, see the 
 Commutation Laws of the State wherein he or she was sentenced. 
 
 NEW YORK STATE. 
 
 The provisions of Chapter 21 of the Laws of 1886 for the commutation of 
 sentences for good conduct, and the rules formulated in compliance with its require- 
 ments, are as follows : 
 
 Chapter 21. — An Act providing for commutation of sentences for good behavior of 
 convicts in the prisons and penitentiaries in this State. Passed February 23, 1886. 
 
 The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact 
 as follows : 
 
 Section i. Every convict confined in any State prison or penitentiary in this 
 State, on a conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, whether male or female, where the 
 terms or term equal or equals one year, or who has a term the maximum of which is 
 fixed by law, exclusive of any term which may be imposed by the court or statute as 
 an alternative to the payment of a fine, or a term of life imprisonment, may earn for 
 himself or herself a commutation or diminution of his or her sentence or sentences as 
 follows, namely : Two months for the first year, two months for the second year, four 
 months each for the third and fourth years, and five months for each subsequent year. 
 
 Sec. 2. Where any convict in any State prison or penitentiary in this State is 
 held under more than one conviction, the several terms of imprisonment imposed 
 thereunder shall be construed as one continuing term for the purpose of estimating the 
 amount of commutation which he or she may be entitled to under the provisions of 
 this act. 
 
 Sec. 3. For the purposes of this act, the term of imprisonment of each convict 
 shall begin on the date of his or her actual incarceration in a State prison or peni- 
 tentiary. 
 
 Sec. 4. On any day not later than the twentieth day of each month, the agent 
 
390 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 and warden of each of the State prisons in this State, and the warden or superintendent 
 of each of the penitentiaries in this State, shall forward to the Governor a report, 
 directed to him, of any convict or convicts who may be discharged the following month 
 by reason of the commutation of his or her sentence or their sentences in the manner 
 hereinafter provided, which may be written or printed, or partly written and partly 
 printed, which shall be uniform as to size and arrangement, which size and arrangement 
 shall be fixed by the Governor, and shall contain the following information, distinctly 
 written, namely : the full name of the convict, together with any alias which he or she 
 may be known to have, the name of the county where the conviction was had, a brief 
 description of the crime of which the convict was convicted, the name of the court in 
 which the conviction was had, the name of the presiding judge, the date of sentence, 
 the date of reception in the prison or penitentiary, the term and fine, the amount of 
 commutation recommended, and the date for discharge from the prison or penitentiary, 
 if allowed. 
 
 Sec. 5. In the cases of all convicts where the date of discharge from a State 
 prison or penitentiary, as determined after the allowance of commutation for good 
 conduct, falls on Sunday, or any legal holiday, it shall fall on the day following. 
 
 Sec. 6. As soon as practicable after the passage of this act, the Superintendent 
 of State prisons shall formulate rules governing the allowance or disallowance of com- 
 mutation to convicts for good conduct in prison or penitentiary, which shall in all cases 
 be strictly adhered to in all the prisons and penitentiaries in this State. These rules 
 may be changed from time to time, if necessary, in the discretion of the Superintendent 
 of State prisons, and he shall, immediately on their adoption, or of any changes in the 
 same thereafter, cause copies of the same to be forwarded to the agents and wardens 
 of all the prisons, and the wardens or superintendents of all the penitentiaries in this 
 State. A copy of these rules shall be furnished to every convict entitled to the benefits 
 of this act. 
 
 Sec. 7. For the purpose of applying the rules mentioned in the last section for 
 the allowance or disallowance of commutation for the good conduct of any convict, a 
 board shall be constituted in each of the prisons and penitentiaries of this State, to 
 consist of the agent and warden in each of the State prisons, and the principal keeper 
 and the physician therein, and the warden or superintendent in each of the peniten- 
 tiaries of this State, the deputy or principal keeper and the physician therein, or of the 
 persons acting in their place and stead. This board shall meet once in each month 
 before the date fixed for the transmission of their report to the Governor, as herein- 
 before provided, and proceed to determine the amount of commutation which they 
 shall recommend to be allowed to any convict, which shall not in any case exceed the 
 amount fixed by this act. They shall have full discretion to recommend the withholding 
 the allowance of commutation for good conduct, or a part thereof, as a punishment for 
 offenses against the discipline of the prison or penitentiary, in accordance with the rules 
 hereinbefore mentioned. 
 
 Sec. 8. In all cases, however, where the board shall recommend the withholding of 
 the allowance of the whole or any part of commutation for good conduct, they shall 
 forward with their report to the Governor their reasons, in writing, for such disallowance, 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 39 1 
 
 and the Governor may, in his discretion, decrease or increase the amount of com- 
 mutation as recommended by the said board, but he shall not increase the same 
 beyond the amount fixed by this act. 
 
 Sec. 9. In case any convict in any of the State prisons or penitentiaries in this 
 State having a sentence or sentences which equals or equal four years, escapes or 
 attempts to escape, he or she shall, for the first escape or attempt to escape, forfeit one- 
 half the amount of commutation fixed by this act. For the second escape or attempt 
 to escape, he or she shall forfeit all commutation for good conduct as provided for in 
 this act. Any convict, however, having a sentence or sentences which equals or equal 
 less than four years, who escapes or attempts to escape, shall forfeit all commutation 
 for good conduct as provided for in this act. But where a convict has more than one 
 term, the provisions of this section shall only apply to the term during which the escape 
 or attempt to escape was made. 
 
 Sec. 10. The board hereinbefore provided for to fix the amount of commutation 
 for good conduct shall, immediately on the escape or attempt to escape of any convict, 
 meet and proceed to investigate the said escape or attempt to escape, reduce the testi- 
 mony of all persons having knowledge on the subject to writing, cause the said persons 
 to affix their signatures thereto and make oath to the same before any one of the 
 members of said board, who is hereby authorized and empowered to administer such 
 oath, and false swearing on such examination or in such statement shall be perjury. 
 The said board shall thereupon make a full report in writing, and immediately forward 
 the same to the superintendent of State prisons, who shall thereupon determine whether 
 an escape or attempt to escape was committed, make an indorsement, in w^riting, of his 
 decision, and return the same to the agent and warden of the State prison, or the 
 warden or superintendent of the penitentiary where the escape or attempt to escape 
 shall have occurred, where the same shall be recorded in a book to be kept for that 
 purpose. But, if from newly-discovered evidence, or other just cause, there is reasonable 
 ground to believe that an injustice has been done to any convict in his or her having 
 been adjudged to have escaped or attempted to escape, the superintendent of State 
 prisons may, in his discretion, make an order in writing directed to the agent and warden 
 of the State prison or the warden or superintendent of the penitentiary from which such 
 convict was adjudged to have escaped or attempted to have escaped, requiring that a 
 re-examination of the former adjudication be had, and upon a report to him of such 
 re-examination, he shall proceed to render a decision upon the same. And the pro- 
 ceedings on such re-examination, the decision and the proceedings had thereunder, shall 
 in all respects be conducted in the manner above set forth in this section as upon a first 
 hearing in the matter of an escape or attempt to escape. But the provisions of this 
 section shall not apply to the case of any convict, the length of whose term or terms is 
 less than one year. 
 
 Sec. 1 1. The provisions of section nine shall apply to all convicts who are now, or 
 may hereafter be confined in any prison or penitentiary of this State. 
 
 Sec. 12. The reports of the various boards for the determination of the amount 
 of commutation for good conduct of convicts in the prisons and penitentiaries of this 
 State to the Governor, shall be personally signed by the members thereof. 
 
392 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 ' Sec. 13. The Governor, upon the receipt of the report recommending the allow- 
 ance of commutation of sentences of convicts for good conduct, as provided for in this 
 act, may, in his discretion, allow the same, and place the names of all those convicts 
 whom he may determine to commute upon one warrant, and direct the same to the 
 agent and warden of the State prison, or the warden or superintendent of the peniten- 
 tiary, wherein such convicts may be confined, who shall thereupon proceed to execute 
 such warrant by discharging the convicts mentioned therein on the date fixed for their 
 discharge. 
 
 Sec. 14. The Governor shall, in commuting the sentences of convicts as provided 
 for in this act, annex a condition to the effect that if any convict so commuted shall, 
 during the period between the date of his or her discharge, by reason of such commu- 
 tation and the date of the expiration of the full term for which he or she was sentenced, 
 be convicted of any felony, he or she shall, in addition to the penalty which may be 
 imposed for such felony committed in the interval as aforesaid, be compelled to serve in 
 the prison or penitentiary in which he or she may be confined for the felony for which 
 he or she is so convicted, the remainder of the term without commutation which he or 
 she would have been compelled to serve but for the commutation of his or her sentence 
 as provided for in this act. 
 
 Sec. 15. The certificate of the agent and warden of a State prison, or the warden 
 or superintendent of a penitentiary, that the period of imprisonment of a convict was 
 commuted under the provisions of this act, and of the crime and the length of term for 
 which such commutation was granted, shall be received in evidence as proof for the 
 purposes mentioned and described in section fourteen. 
 
 Sec. 16. Upon the receipt of any convict in any prison or penitentiary in this 
 State who shall be entitled to the benefits of this act, the provisions of the same shall 
 be read to him or her, and the meaning of same shall be fully explained to him or her 
 by the clerk of the prison or penitentiary. 
 
 Sec. 1 7. Upon the discharge of any convict by reason of commutation of sentence 
 for good conduct, the provisions of sections fourteen and fifteen of this act shall be read 
 to, and their nature fully explained to him or her by the clerk of the prison or peni- 
 tentiary. 
 
 Sec. 18. The provisions of this act shall apply to any convict who may have been 
 transferred to the State asylum for insane criminals from either of the prisons or peni- 
 tentiaries, or from any reformatory of this State, to which he or she may have been 
 transferred from any of the prisons or penitentiaries of this State, whose sentence or 
 sentences aggregates or aggregate not less than one year. And the medical superin- 
 tendent of the State asylum for insane criminals may and shall perform any of the acts 
 which may or shall be done by any board mentioned in this act. 
 
 Sec. 19. The provisions of this act shall apply to any convict who may have been 
 transferred from either of the prisons or penitentiaries to any reformatory of this State 
 whose sentence or sentences equals or equal not less than one year. And the superin- 
 tendent or chief officer of any reformatory in this State to which any convict may be 
 transferred as aforesaid, may and shall perform any of the acts which may or shall be 
 done by any board mentioned in this act. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 393 
 
 Sec. 20. In all cases where it is herein provided that any board shall or may do 
 any act, a majority thereof may and shall perform the same. 
 
 Sec. 21. All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with the provisions of this act are 
 hereby repealed. 
 
 Sec. 22. This act shall take effect immediately. 
 
 PRISON RULES. 
 
 Rule i. § 9. In case any convict in any of the State prisons or penitentiaries in 
 this State having a sentence or sentences which equals or equal four years, escapes or 
 attempts to escape, he or she shall, for the first escape or attempt to escape, forfeit 
 one-half the amount of commutation fixed by the above act. For the second escape or 
 attempt to escape, he or she shall forfeit all commutation for good conduct provided 
 for in the above act. Any convict, however, having a sentence or sentences which 
 equals or equal less than four years, who escapes or attempts to escape, shall forfeit all 
 commutation for good conduct, provided for in the above act. 
 
 Rule 2. Any convict who shall assault an officer with a dangerous weapon shall 
 forfeit not less than one-half of the commutation fixed by the above act for good 
 conduct. 
 
 Rule 3. Any convict who shall assault another convict with a dangerous weapon 
 shall forfeit not less than one-quarter of the commutation fixed by the above act for 
 good conduct. 
 
 Rule 4. For assaulting or attempting to assault an officer or assaulting another 
 convict, not with a dangerous weapon ; for disobeying orders ; for resisting an ofificer ; 
 for insubordination ; for feigning insanity ; for smuggling or attempting to smuggle 
 letters or other articles in or out of prison or penitentiary, the convict offending shall 
 forfeit not less than ten days of the allowance of commutation fixed by the above act 
 for good conduct. 
 
 Rule 5. Any convict who shall destroy or secrete property shall forfeit not less 
 than five days of the allowance of commutation fixed by the above act for good 
 
 conduct. 
 
 Rule 6, For offenses not enumerated in the foregoing rules, but which in the 
 judgment of the board constituted by section 7 of the above act require a penalty, the 
 convict offending shall forfeit not less than three days of the allowance of commutation 
 fixed by the above act for good conduct. 
 
 Rule 7. If, while serving the remainder of a term as provided by section 14 of 
 the above act, a convict shall commit any of the offenses enumerated in the foregoing 
 rules, the forfeiture therefor shall apply on the term of the last sentence. 
 
 Rule 8. The board constituted by section 7 of the above act may take into con- 
 sideration the general average conduct of a convict, and recommend the withholding of 
 such part of the commutation for good conduct as in its judgment may be just in 
 accordance with the foregoing rules. 
 
 ISAAC V. BAKER, Jr., 
 
 Superintendent of State Prisons. 
 Albany, March 15, 1886. 
 
394 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 TABLES OF COMMUTATION ON SENTENCES FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR. 
 
 State of New York, Executive Chamber, \ 
 Albany, March 26, 1886. j 
 
 The attention of all officers charged with the administration of the criminal law is 
 directed to the provisions of section 697 of the Penal Code, as amended by Chapter 68 
 of the Laws of 1886, which is as follows : 
 
 " Section 697. Where a convict is sentenced to be imprisoned in a State prison 
 or a penitentiary for a longer period than one year, the court before which the con- 
 viction is had must limit the term of the sentence, having reference to the probability 
 of the convict earning a reduction of his or her term for good behavior, as provided by 
 statute, and assuming that such reduction will be earned, so that it will expire between 
 the month of March and the month of November, unless the exact period of the 
 sentence is fixed by law." 
 
 This section, as amended, went into effect March 25, 1886. 
 
 The copies of commitments to the various prisons and penitentiaries and the 
 reports of commutation received each month at the Executive Chamber, show that 
 ninety-five per centum of convicts earn the reduction allowed under the provisions of 
 the statute. 
 
 The wise and humane intention of the act above quoted, which aims at the release 
 of convicts during the season of mild weather, and when the chances of employment 
 are the best, should be strictly observed. 
 
 It is also proper that attention should be directed to section 2 of chapter 21 of the 
 Laws of 1886, which provides that in estimating commutation, all the terms under 
 which a convict is imprisoned shall be construed as one continuous term. 
 
 For the convenience of courts and others, the following tables, showing the amount 
 of commutation which may be earned on a given number of years or fractions thereof, 
 have been prepared and issued. 
 
 DAVID B. HILL, Governor. 
 
 TABLE SHOWING COMMUTATION ON SENTENCES FOR YEARS, FROM ONE TO 
 
 THIRTY-FIVE INCLUSIVE. 
 
 Sent. 
 
 Commuta- 
 
 Sent. 
 
 Commuta- 
 
 Sent. 
 
 Commuta- 
 
 Sent. 
 
 Commuta- 
 
 Sent. 
 
 Commuta- 
 
 
 tion. 
 
 
 tion. 
 
 
 tion. 
 
 
 tion. 
 
 
 tion. 
 
 Years. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 Years. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 Years. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 Years. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 Years. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 I 
 
 .. 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 IS 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 22 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
 29 
 
 II 
 
 .S 
 
 2 
 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 3 
 
 I 
 
 16 
 
 6 
 
 
 23 
 
 8 
 
 II 
 
 30 
 
 II 
 
 lO 
 
 3 
 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 17 
 
 6 
 
 5 
 
 24 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 31 
 
 12 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 I 
 
 
 II 
 
 3 
 
 II 
 
 18 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 25 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 32 
 
 12 
 
 8 
 
 5 
 
 I 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 19 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 26 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 33 
 
 13 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 20 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 27 
 
 10 
 
 7 
 
 34 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 14 
 
 S 
 
 2 
 
 21 
 
 8 
 
 I 
 
 28 
 
 II 
 
 •• 
 
 35 
 
 13 
 
 II 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 395 
 
 COMMUTATION ON SENTENCES FOR YEARS AND MONTHS, FROM ONE TO 
 
 THIRTY-FIVE YEARS INCLUSIVE. 
 
 Sent 
 
 NCE 
 
 Commutation 
 
 Sent 
 
 NCE 
 
 Commutation 
 
 Sent 
 
 'nce 
 
 Commutation 
 
 Sent 
 
 'NCE 
 
 Commutation 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 VEos ' 
 
 7rs. ] 
 
 Mos ] 
 
 Days 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos 
 
 Days 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos 
 
 Days 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos 
 
 Days 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 
 6 
 
 20 
 
 9 
 
 8 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 10 
 
 14 
 
 
 S 
 
 2 
 
 .. 
 
 
 I 
 
 . , 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 
 7 
 
 2i 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 2 2-|- 
 
 14 
 
 I 
 
 S 
 
 2 
 
 124 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
 
 lO 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 
 7 
 
 IS 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 S 
 
 S 
 
 14 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 2S 
 
 
 3 
 
 . . 
 
 2 
 
 IS 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 
 7 
 
 27i- 
 
 9 
 
 II 
 
 3 
 
 S 
 
 i7i 
 
 14 
 
 3 
 
 S 
 
 3 
 
 74 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 2 
 
 20 
 
 5 
 
 8 
 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 
 14 
 
 4 
 
 S 
 
 3 
 
 20 
 
 
 5 
 
 , . 
 
 2 
 
 25 
 
 5 
 
 9 
 
 
 8 
 
 22i 
 
 10 
 
 I 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 I2i 
 
 14 
 
 s 
 
 S 
 
 4 
 
 24 
 
 
 6 
 
 , , 
 
 3 
 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 25 
 
 14 
 
 6 
 
 S 
 
 4 
 
 IS 
 
 
 7 
 
 , . 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 II 
 
 
 9 
 
 i7i 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 
 7i 
 
 14 
 
 7 
 
 S 
 
 4 
 
 274 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 3 
 
 lO 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 10 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 
 20 
 
 14 
 
 8 
 
 S 
 
 S 
 
 10 
 
 
 9 
 
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 3 
 
 15 
 
 6 
 
 I 
 
 
 10 
 
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 10 
 
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 224 
 
 
 10 
 
 
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 s 
 
 
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 3 
 
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 174 
 
 2 
 
 
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 20 
 
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 2i 
 
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 IS 
 
 I 
 
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 7 
 
 ^24 
 
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 6 
 
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 . . 
 
 15 
 
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 10 
 
 s 
 
 IS 
 
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 7 
 
 2S 
 
 2 
 
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 5 
 
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 7 
 
 2 
 
 , , 
 
 27i 
 
 10 
 
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 3 
 
 10 
 
 i7i 
 
 IS 
 
 3 
 
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 8 
 
 74 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
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 s 
 
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 8 
 
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 10 
 
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 3 
 
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 IS 
 
 4 
 
 s 
 
 8 
 
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 5 
 
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 15 
 
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 9 
 
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 6 
 
 
 6 
 
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 6 
 
 s 
 
 9 
 
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 7 
 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
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 i7i 
 
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 74 
 
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 7 
 
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 9 
 
 274 
 
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 4 
 
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 20 
 
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 8 
 
 s 
 
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 ^ , 
 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
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 12^ 
 
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 5 
 
 4 
 
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 24 
 
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 9 
 
 s 
 
 10 
 
 224 
 
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 lO 
 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 25 
 
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 6 
 
 4 
 
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 IS 
 
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 10 
 
 s 
 
 
 s 
 
 2 
 
 II 
 
 
 7 
 
 20 
 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 7i- 
 
 II 
 
 7 
 
 4 
 
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 27i 
 
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 II 
 
 s 
 
 
 174 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
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 20 
 
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 8 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 16 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 S 
 
 2i 
 
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 9 
 
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 16 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 
 124 
 
 3 
 3 
 
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 6 
 
 2 
 
 s 
 
 15 
 
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 10 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 16 
 
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 6 
 
 
 2S 
 
 3 
 
 
 9 
 
 .. 
 
 
 7 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 27i 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 i7i 
 
 16 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 
 74 
 
 3 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 12 
 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 
 16 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 
 20 
 
 5 
 
 
 9 
 
 20 
 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 2 2-J 
 
 12 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
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 16 
 
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 6 
 
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 24 
 
 3 
 3 
 
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 lO 
 
 
 
 10 
 
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 12 
 
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 25 
 
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 6 
 
 2 
 
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 7 
 
 
 lO 
 
 10 
 
 
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 7 
 
 i7i 
 
 12 
 
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 74 
 
 16 
 
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 274 
 
 3 
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 20 
 
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 2 
 
 8 
 
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 12 
 
 4 
 
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 20 
 
 16 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
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 9 
 
 10 
 
 
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 8 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 I2i 
 
 12 
 
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 4 
 
 6 
 
 2i 
 
 16 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 224 
 
 
 II 
 
 10 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
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 12 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
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 16 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 s 
 
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 II 
 
 20 
 
 8 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 7i 
 
 12 
 
 7 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 274 
 
 16 
 
 II 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 174 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 20 
 
 12 
 
 8 
 
 4 
 
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 10 
 
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 6 
 
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 I 
 
 
 
 'l'^\ 
 
 8 
 
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 2 
 
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 12 
 
 9 
 
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 224 
 
 17 
 
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 124 
 
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 4 
 
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 25 
 1\ 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
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 12 
 
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 4 
 
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 s 
 
 17 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
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 3 
 
 
 I 
 
 8 
 
 7 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 27i 
 
 12 
 
 II 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 i7i 
 
 17 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 74 
 
 4 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 
 I 
 
 20 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 
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 10 
 
 13 
 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 
 17 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 20 
 
 5 
 
 
 2 
 
 2\ 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
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 22-J 
 
 13 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 I2i 
 
 17 
 
 S 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 24 
 
 4 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 
 2 
 
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 8 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 
 S 
 
 13 
 
 2 
 
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 25 
 
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 6 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
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 7 
 
 
 2 
 
 274 
 
 8 
 
 II 
 
 3 
 
 . . 
 
 i7i 
 
 13 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
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 17 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 274 
 
 4 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 9 
 
 , . 
 
 3 
 
 I 
 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 10 
 
 20 
 
 17 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 9 
 
 
 3 
 
 2 2-J- 
 
 9 
 
 I 
 
 3 
 
 I 
 
 I2i 
 
 13 
 
 S 
 
 4 
 
 II 
 
 24 
 
 17 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 224 
 
 4 
 
 lO 
 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 I 
 
 2S 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 4 
 
 II 
 
 IS 
 
 17 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 II 
 
 
 4 
 
 i7i 
 
 9 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 7i 
 
 13 
 
 7 
 
 4 
 
 II 
 
 274 
 
 17 
 
 II 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 174 
 
 5 
 5 
 5 
 5 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 20 
 
 13 
 
 8 
 
 S 
 
 
 10 
 
 18 
 
 .. 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 5 
 
 121 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 24 
 
 13 
 
 9 
 
 S 
 
 
 224 
 
 18 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 124 
 
 ■ 2 
 
 
 5 
 
 25 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 15 
 
 13 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 I 
 
 5 
 
 18 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 25 
 
 3 
 
 
 6 
 
 •7i 
 
 9 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 274 
 
 13 
 
 II 
 
 S 
 
 I 
 
 174 
 
 18 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 II 
 
 74 
 
396 
 
 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 TABLE SHOWING COMMUTATION ON 'S>Y.^1'&-^CY.%.— Continued. 
 
 Sent'nce 
 
 Commutation 
 
 Sent'nce 
 
 Commutation 
 
 Sent'nce 
 
 Commutation 
 
 Sen 
 
 t'nce Commutation 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos 
 
 Days 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mffls 
 
 Days 
 
 Yrs 
 
 Mos 
 
 Yrs 
 
 Mos 
 
 Days 
 
 Yrs 
 
 Mos 
 
 Yrs 
 
 Mos 
 
 Days 
 
 i8 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 II 
 
 20 
 
 22 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 2 7i 
 
 26 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 5 
 
 31 
 
 I 
 
 12 
 
 3 
 
 12* 
 
 i8 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 
 2i 
 
 22 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 26 
 
 II 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 i7i 
 
 31 
 
 2 
 
 12 
 
 3 
 
 25 
 
 i8 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 
 IS 
 
 22 
 
 9 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 22^ 
 
 27 
 
 , , 
 
 10 
 
 7 
 
 
 31 
 
 3 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 7* 
 
 i8 
 
 7 
 
 7 
 
 
 27i 
 
 22 
 
 10 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 27 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 7 
 
 i'2i 
 
 31 
 
 4 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 20 
 
 18 
 
 8 
 
 7 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 22 
 
 II 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 .i7i 
 
 27 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 7 
 
 25 
 
 31 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 2* 
 
 18 
 
 9 
 
 7 
 
 I 
 
 22-J 
 
 23 
 
 
 8 
 
 II 
 
 
 27 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 8 
 
 7i 
 
 31 
 
 6 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 IS 
 
 18 
 
 10 
 
 7 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 23 
 
 I 
 
 8 
 
 II 
 
 I2i 
 
 27 
 
 4 
 
 10 
 
 8 
 
 20 
 
 31 
 
 7 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 27* 
 
 18 
 
 11 
 
 7 
 
 2 
 
 i7i 
 
 23 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 II 
 
 25 
 
 27 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 9 
 
 2i 
 
 31 
 
 8 
 
 12 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 19 
 
 .. 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 
 23 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 . . 
 
 7i 
 
 27 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 9 
 
 15 
 
 31 
 
 9 
 
 12 
 
 6 
 
 22* 
 
 19 
 
 I 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 12i 
 
 23 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 
 20 
 
 27 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 9 
 
 27i 
 
 31 
 
 10 
 
 12 
 
 7 
 
 5 
 
 19 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 25 
 
 23 
 
 5 
 
 9 
 
 I 
 
 2i 
 
 27 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 31 
 
 II 
 
 12 
 
 7 
 
 17* 
 
 19 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 
 4 
 
 7i 
 
 23 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 I 
 
 IS 
 
 27 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 22-J 
 
 32 
 
 . . 
 
 12 
 
 8 
 
 
 19 
 
 4 
 
 7 
 
 4 
 
 20 
 
 23 
 
 7 
 
 9 
 
 I 
 
 2 7i 
 
 27 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 II 
 
 S 
 
 32 
 
 I 
 
 12 
 
 8 
 
 ^2* 
 
 19 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 5 
 
 2i 
 
 23 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 27 
 
 II 
 
 10 
 
 II 
 
 i7i 
 
 32 
 
 2 
 
 12 
 
 8 
 
 25 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 5 
 
 15 
 
 23 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 22i 
 
 28 
 
 
 II 
 
 , , 
 
 
 32 
 
 3 
 
 12 
 
 9 
 
 7* 
 
 19 
 
 7 
 
 7 
 
 5 
 
 27i 
 
 23 
 
 10 
 
 9 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 28 
 
 I 
 
 II 
 
 
 12* 
 
 32 
 
 4 
 
 12 
 
 9 
 
 20 
 
 19 
 
 8 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 23 
 
 II 
 
 9 
 
 3 
 
 i7i 
 
 28 
 
 2 
 
 II 
 
 , , 
 
 25 
 
 32 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 10 
 
 2* 
 
 19 
 
 9 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 22i 
 
 24 
 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 
 28 
 
 3 
 
 II 
 
 I 
 
 7i 
 
 32 
 
 6 
 
 12 
 
 10 
 
 IS 
 
 19 
 
 10 
 
 7 
 
 7 
 
 5 
 
 24 
 
 I 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
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 28 
 
 4 
 
 II 
 
 I 
 
 20 
 
 32 
 
 7 
 
 12 
 
 10 
 
 27* 
 
 19 
 
 II 
 
 7 
 
 7 
 
 i7i 
 
 24 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 25 
 
 28 
 
 5 
 
 II 
 
 2 
 
 2i 
 
 32 
 
 8 
 
 12 
 
 II 
 
 10 
 
 20 
 
 • • 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 
 24 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 7i 
 
 28 
 
 6 
 
 II 
 
 2 
 
 15 
 
 32 
 
 9 
 
 12 
 
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 22* 
 
 20 
 
 I 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 I2i 
 
 24 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 20 
 
 28 
 
 7 
 
 II 
 
 2 
 
 27i 
 
 32 
 
 10 
 
 13 
 
 , , 
 
 5 
 
 20 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 25 
 
 24 
 
 5 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 
 2i 
 
 28 
 
 8 
 
 II 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 32 
 
 II 
 
 13 
 
 
 17* 
 
 20 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 
 9 
 
 7i 
 
 24 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 
 IS 
 
 28 
 
 9 
 
 II 
 
 3 
 
 22-J- 
 
 Zl 
 
 
 13 
 
 I 
 
 
 20 
 
 4 
 
 7 
 
 9 
 
 20 
 
 24 
 
 7 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 
 27i 
 
 28 
 
 10 
 
 II 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 33 
 
 I 
 
 13 
 
 I 
 
 ^2* 
 
 20 
 
 S 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 2i 
 
 24 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 28 
 
 II 
 
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 4 
 
 i7i 
 
 33 
 
 2 
 
 13 
 
 I 
 
 25 
 
 20 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 IS 
 
 24 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 7 
 
 2 2| 
 
 29 
 
 
 II 
 
 5 
 
 
 33 
 
 3 
 
 13 
 
 2 
 
 7* 
 
 20 
 
 7 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 2 7i 
 
 24 
 
 10 
 
 9 
 
 8 
 
 5 
 
 29 
 
 I 
 
 II 
 
 5 
 
 12* 
 
 33 
 
 4 
 
 13 
 
 2 
 
 20 
 
 20 
 
 8 
 
 7 
 
 II 
 
 10 
 
 24 
 
 II 
 
 9 
 
 8 
 
 i7i 
 
 29 
 
 2 
 
 II 
 
 5 
 
 25 
 
 33 
 
 5 
 
 13 
 
 3 
 
 2* 
 
 20 
 
 9 
 
 7 
 
 II 
 
 2 2-| 
 
 25 
 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 
 29 
 
 3 
 
 II 
 
 6 
 
 7i 
 
 33 
 
 6 
 
 13 
 
 3 
 
 15 
 
 20 
 
 10 
 
 8 
 
 
 S 
 
 2S 
 
 I 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 i2i 
 
 29 
 
 4 
 
 11 
 
 6 
 
 20 
 
 33 
 
 7 
 
 13 
 
 3 
 
 27* 
 
 20 
 
 II 
 
 8 
 
 
 i7i 
 
 25 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 25 
 
 29 
 
 5 
 
 II 
 
 7 
 
 2i 
 
 33 
 
 8 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 10 
 
 21 
 
 
 8 
 8 
 8 
 
 I 
 
 i2i 
 
 25 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 7i 
 
 29 
 
 6 
 
 II 
 
 7 
 
 IS 
 
 ZZ 
 
 9 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 22* 
 
 21 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 25 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 20 
 
 29 
 
 7 
 
 II 
 
 7 
 
 27i 
 
 ZZ 
 
 10 
 
 13 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 21 
 
 2 
 
 I 
 
 2S 
 
 25 
 
 5 
 
 9 
 
 " 
 
 2* 
 
 29 
 
 8 
 
 II 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 ZZ 
 
 II 
 
 13 
 
 5 
 
 17* 
 
 21 
 
 3 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 
 7i 
 
 25 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 II 
 
 15 
 
 29 
 
 9 
 
 II 
 
 8 
 
 22* 
 
 34 
 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 
 21 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 2 
 
 20 
 
 2S 
 
 7 
 
 9 
 
 II 
 
 27i 
 
 29 
 
 10 
 
 II 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 34 
 
 I 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 12* 
 
 21 
 
 S 
 6 
 
 8 
 8 
 8 
 
 3 
 
 2i 
 
 25 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 
 10 
 
 29 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 
 9 
 
 i7i 
 
 34 
 
 2 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 25 
 
 21 
 
 3 
 
 ^5, 
 2 7i 
 
 25 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 
 2 2-J 
 
 30 
 
 
 II 
 
 10 
 
 
 34 
 
 3 
 
 13 
 
 7 
 
 7* 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 8 
 
 3 
 
 25 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 I 
 
 5 
 
 30 
 
 I 
 
 II 
 
 10 
 
 12* 
 
 34 
 
 4 
 
 13 
 
 7 
 
 20 
 
 21 
 
 8 
 8 
 8 
 8 
 8 
 8 
 8 
 
 4 
 
 10 
 
 22i 
 
 25 
 
 II 
 
 10 
 
 I 
 
 i7i 
 
 30 
 
 2 
 
 11 
 
 10 
 
 25 
 
 34 
 
 5 
 
 13 
 
 8 
 
 2* 
 
 21 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 26 
 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 
 30 
 
 3 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 
 7* 
 
 34 
 
 6 
 
 13 
 
 8 
 
 S5* 
 
 21 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 s 
 
 i7i 
 
 26 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 I2i 
 
 30 
 
 4 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 
 20 
 
 34 
 
 7 
 
 13 
 
 8 
 
 21 
 
 II 
 
 5 
 
 26 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 25 
 
 30 
 
 5 
 
 12 
 
 . , 
 
 2* 
 
 34 
 
 8 
 
 13 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 22 
 
 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 
 12^ 
 
 26 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 7i 
 
 30 
 
 6 
 
 12 
 
 , , 
 
 IS 
 
 34 
 
 9 
 
 13 
 
 9 
 
 22* 
 
 22 
 
 I 
 
 26 
 
 4 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 20 
 
 30 
 
 7 
 
 12 
 
 , , 
 
 27* 
 
 34 
 
 10 
 
 13 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 22 
 
 2 
 
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 26 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 4 
 
 2i 
 
 30 
 
 8 
 
 12 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 34 
 
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 13 
 
 10 
 
 17* 
 
 22 
 
 3 
 
 8 
 
 7 
 
 7i 
 
 26 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 4 
 
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 30 
 
 9 
 
 12 
 
 I 
 
 22* 
 
 35 
 
 
 13 
 
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 22 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 7 
 
 20 
 
 26 
 
 7 
 
 10 
 
 4 
 
 27i 
 
 30 
 
 ro 
 
 12 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 17* 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 22 
 
 5 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 2i 
 
 26 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 30 
 
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 12 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 22 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 15 
 
 26 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 22i 
 
 31 
 
 
 12 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 397 
 
 FUGITIVES FROM JUSTICE. 
 
 Chapter 442. — An Act to establish a Code of Criminal Procedure. Passed' by the 
 New York Legislature June i, 1881. Title IV., chapter i, provides as follows : 
 
 Section 827. i. It shall be the duty of the Governor in all cases where, by 
 virtue of a requisition made upon him by the Governor of another State or Territory, 
 any citizen, inhabitant or temporary resident of this State is to be arrested, as a fugitive 
 from justice (provided that said requisition be accompanied by a duly certified copy of 
 the indictment or information from the authorities of such other State or Territory, 
 charging such person with treason, felony or other crime in such State or Territory), to 
 issue and transmit a warrant for such purpose to the sheriff of the proper county, or 
 his under sheriff, or in the cities of this State (except in the city and county of New 
 York, where such warrant shall only be issued to- the superintendent or any inspector 
 of police), to the chiefs, inspectors or superintendents of police, and only such officers 
 as are above mentioned, and such assistants as they may designate to act under their 
 direction, shall be competent to make service of or execute the same. The Governor 
 may direct that any such fugitive be brought before him, and may for cause, by him 
 deemed proper, revoke any warrant issued by him as herein provided. The officer to 
 whom is directed and intrusted the execution of the Governor's warrant must, within 
 thirty days from its date, unless sooner requested, return the same and make return to 
 the Governor of all his proceedings had thereunder, and of all facts and circumstances 
 relating thereto. Any officer of this State, or of any city, county, town or village 
 thereof, must, upon request of the Governor, furnish him with such information as he 
 may desire in regard to any person or matter mentioned in this chapter. 
 
 2. Before any officer to whom such warrant shall be directed or intrusted shall 
 deliver the person arrested into the custody of the agent or agents named in the 
 warrant of the Governor of this State, such officer must, unless the same be waived as 
 hereinafter stated, take the prisoner or prisoners before a judge of the Supreme Court, 
 of any superior city court, or the presiding judge of a court of sessions, who shall, in 
 open court if in session, otherwise at chambers, inform the prisoner or prisoners of the 
 cause of his or their arrest, the nature of the process, and instruct him or them that if 
 he or they claim not to be the particular person or persons mentioned in said requisi- 
 tion, indictment, affidavit or warrant annexed thereto, or in the warrant issued by the 
 Governor thereon, he or they may have a writ of habeas corpus upon filing an affidavit 
 to that effect. Said person or persons so arrested may, in writing, consent to waive 
 the right to be taken before said court or a judge thereof at chambers. Such consent or 
 waiver shall be witnessed by the officer intrusted with the execution of the warrant of the 
 Governor and one of the judges aforesaid or a counselor-at-law of this State, and such 
 waiver shall be immediately forwarded to the Governor by the officer who executed said 
 warrant. If, after a summary hearing as speedily as may be consistent with justice, the 
 prisoner or prisoners shall be found to be the person or persons indicted or informed 
 against and mentioned in the requisition, the accompanying papers and the warrant 
 issued by the Governor thereon, then the court or judge shall order and direct the officer 
 
398 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 intrusted with the execution of the said warrant of the Governor to deliver the prisoner 
 or prisoners into the custody of the agent or agents designated in the requisition and 
 the warrant issued thereon, as the agent or agents upon the part of such State to 
 receive him or them ; otherwise to be discharged from custody by the court or judge. 
 If upon such hearing the warrant of the Governor shall appear to be defective or 
 improperly executed, it shall be by the court or judge returned to the Governor, 
 together with a statement of the defect or defects, for the purpose of being corrected 
 and returned to the court or judge, and such hearing shall be adjourned a sufficient 
 time for the purpose, and in such interval the prisoner or prisoners shall be held in 
 custody until such hearing be finally disposed of. 
 
 3. It shall not be lawful for any person, agent or officer to take any person or 
 persons out of this State upon the claim, ground or pretext that the prisoner or 
 prisoners consent to go, or by reason of his or their willingness to waive the proceed- 
 ings afore described, and any officer, agent, person or persons who shall procure, incite 
 or aid in the arrest of any citizen, inhabitant or temporary resident of this State, for 
 the purpose of taking him, or sending him to another State, without a requisition first 
 duly had and obtained, and without a warrant duly issued by the Governor of this 
 State, served by some officer as in this section provided, and without, except in case of 
 waiver in writing as aforesaid, taking him before a court or judge as aforesaid, unless 
 in pursuance to the provisions of the following sections of this chapter, and any officer, 
 agent, person or persons who shall, by threats or undue influence, persuade any citizen, 
 inhabitant or temporary resident of this State to sign the waiver of his right to go 
 before a court or judge as hereinbefore provided, or who shall do any of the acts 
 declared by this chapter to be unlawful, shall be guilty of a felony, and upon conviction 
 be sentenced to imprisonment in a State prison or penitentiary for the term of one 
 year. 
 
 4. Any willful violation of this act by any of the above-named officers shall be 
 deemed a misdemeanor in office. (New — as amended by chapter 638, Laws of 1886.) 
 
 Sec. 828. A magistrate may issue a warrant as a preliminary proceeding to the 
 issuing of a requisition by the Governor of another State or Territory upon the 
 Governor of this State for the apprehension of a person charged with treason, felony 
 or other crime, who shall flee from justice and be found within this State. (New — as 
 amended by chapter 638, Laws of 1886.) 
 
 Sec. 829. The proceedings for the arrest and commitment of the person charged 
 are in all respects similar to those provided in this code for the arrest and commitment 
 of a person charged with a public offense committed in this State ; except that an 
 exemplified copy of an indictment found, or other judicial proceeding had against him, 
 in the State or Territory in which he is charged to have committed the offense, may be 
 received as evidence before the magistrate. (Old.) 
 
 Sec. 830. If from the examination under such warrant it appears probable that 
 the person charged has committed the crime alleged, the magistrate, by warrant reciting 
 the accusation, must commit him to the proper custody in his county for a time speci- 
 fied in the warrant, to enable an arrest of the fugitive to be made under the warrant of 
 the Governor of this State, which commitment shall not exceed thirty days, exclusive 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 399 
 
 of the day of arrest, on the requisition of the executive authority of the State or Terri- 
 tory in which he is charged to have committed the offense, unless he gives bail, as 
 provided in the next section, or until he be legally discharged. (New — as amended by 
 chapter 638, Laws of 1886.) 
 
 Sec. 831. Any judge of any court named in section eight hundred and twenty- 
 seven may, in his discretion, admit the person arrested to bail by an undertaking, with 
 sufficient sureties and in such sum as he deems proper, for his appearance before him 
 at a time specified in the undertaking, which must not be later than the expiration of 
 thirty days from the date of arrest, exclusive of such date, and for his surrender, to be 
 arrested upon the warrant of the Governor of this State. (New — as amended by 
 chapter 638, Laws of 1886.) 
 
 Sec. 832. Immediately upon the arrest of the person charged, the magistrate 
 must give notice to the district attorney of the county, of the name of the person and 
 the cause of his arrest. (Old.) 
 
 Sec. 833. The district attorney must immediately thereafter give notice to the 
 executive authority of the State or Territory, or to the prosecuting attorney or presid- 
 ing judge of the criminal court of the city or county therein, having jurisdiction of the 
 offense, to the end that a demand may be made for the arrest and surrender of the 
 person charged. (Old.) 
 
 Sec. 834. The person arrested must be discharged from custody on bail, unless 
 before the expiration of the time designated in the warrant or undertaking, he be 
 arrested, under the warrant of the Governor of this State. (Old.) 
 
 Sec. 835. (Repealed by chapter 638 of the Laws of 1886.) 
 
 STATE OF ARKANSAS. 
 
 Section 4435. To encourage prisoners to conduct themselves with industry and 
 propriety, it shall be the duty of the Governor, whenever it appears from the reports of 
 the contractors, or keepers of State prison, that the conduct of a prisoner has been 
 exemplary, and unexceptional, for a whole month together, to commute such prisoner's 
 term of confinement, for any period of time, not exceeding two days for each and every 
 month that he may have so conducted himself. (Act Jan. 31, 1867, sec. 8.) 
 
 STATE OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Following is a Table of Credits given by the Goodwin Act, re-enacted in the 
 Statutes of 1880: 
 
400 
 
 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Sentence in Years. 
 
 One 
 
 7' wo 
 
 Three 
 
 Four 
 
 Five 
 
 Six 
 
 Seven . . . . 
 Eight.. .. 
 
 Nine 
 
 Ten 
 
 Eleven. . . 
 Twelve . . . 
 Thirteen., 
 Fourteen. 
 Fifteen . . . 
 Sixteen . . . 
 Seventeen 
 Eighteen. 
 Nineteen. 
 Twenty. . 
 
 Credits 
 
 IN 
 
 Months. 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 8 
 
 12 
 
 17 
 
 22 
 27 
 32 
 
 37 
 
 42 
 
 47 
 52 
 57 
 62 
 67 
 72 
 
 77 
 82 
 
 87 
 92 
 
 Actual Time 
 
 with Credits 
 
 Deducted. 
 
 Years. 
 
 2 
 3 
 3 
 4 
 4 
 5 
 5 
 6 
 
 7 
 7 
 8 
 8 
 
 9 
 10 
 10 
 II 
 II 
 12 
 
 Months. 
 
 10 
 8 
 4 
 
 7 
 2 
 
 9 
 4 
 [I 
 6 
 I 
 8 
 
 3 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 Sentence in Years. 
 
 Twenty-one. . , 
 Twenty -two . . 
 Twenty-three.. 
 Twenty-four . , 
 Twenty-five . . , 
 
 Twenty-six 
 
 Twenty-seven. 
 Twenty-eight. , 
 Twenty-nine. . 
 
 Thirty 
 
 Thirty-one 
 
 Thirty-two . . . 
 Thirty-three. . 
 Thirty-four... 
 
 Thirty-five 
 
 Thirty-six. . . . 
 Thirty-seven . 
 Thirty-eight. . 
 Thirty-nine . . 
 jForty 
 
 Credits 
 
 in 
 Months. 
 
 97 
 102 
 107 
 112 
 117 
 122 
 127 
 132 
 
 137 
 142 
 
 147 
 152 
 157 
 162 
 167 
 172 
 177 
 182 
 187 
 192 
 
 Actual Time 
 
 with Credits 
 
 Deducted. 
 
 Years. 
 
 12 
 
 13 
 14 
 14 
 15 
 15 
 16 
 
 17 
 17 
 18 
 18 
 19 
 19 
 20 
 21 
 21 
 22 
 22 
 
 23 
 24 
 
 Months. 
 
 II 
 6 
 I 
 
 8 
 
 3 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 II 
 
 6 
 
 I 
 8 
 
 3 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 STATE OF COLORADO. 
 
 Convicts are allowed for continuous good conduct : First year, one month off 
 each year's sentence ; second, two months ; third, three months ; fourth, four months ; 
 fifth, five months ; for each succeeding year six months is deducted for good behavior. 
 
 All good time which may have accrued at time of escape, or attempt at escape, 
 will be forfeited. For first breach of prison discipline two days are deducted. All 
 subsequent breaches four days are forfeited for each offense. 
 
 STATE OF CONNECTICUT. 
 
 This State allows 5 days on each month, or 60 days on one year ; 1 20 days on 
 two years, 180 days on three years, 240 days on four years, and 300 on five years. 
 
 STATE OF GEORGIA. 
 
 Prisoners are allowed 4 days on each month, or 48 days on one year, 96 days on 
 two years, 144 days on three years, 192 days on four years, 240 days on five years, for 
 good conduct. 
 
 This law applies to any number of years, provided the prisoner does not escape or 
 attempt to escape. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 STATE OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 ACT OF 1872. 
 
 401 
 
 No. of 
 Yearsof 
 Sfnt'cf 
 
 Good 
 
 Time 
 
 Grant'd 
 
 Total Good 
 Time Made. 
 
 Time to be 
 Served. 
 
 No. OF 
 Yearsof 
 Sent'ce. 
 
 Good 
 
 Time 
 
 Grant'd 
 
 Total Good 
 Time Made. 
 
 Time to be 
 Served. 
 
 
 Months. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 Months. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 4 
 
 5 
 6 
 
 7 
 8 
 
 9 
 10 
 
 II 
 
 12 
 
 13 
 
 I 
 2 
 
 3 
 4 
 
 S 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 
 1 
 I 
 2 
 2 
 3 
 3 
 4 
 4 
 S 
 
 I 
 
 3 
 6 
 10 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 
 I 
 2 
 3 
 3 
 4 
 4 
 5 
 S 
 6 
 6 
 7 
 7 
 
 II 
 
 9 
 6 
 2 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 
 14 
 
 15 
 16 
 
 17 
 18 
 
 19 
 20 
 21 
 22 
 23 
 24 
 25 
 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 
 5 
 6 
 6 
 7 
 7 
 8 
 8 
 9 
 9 
 
 10 
 10 
 II 
 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 
 8 
 8 
 9 
 9 
 
 10 
 10 
 II 
 11 
 12 
 12 
 13 
 13 
 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 3 
 9 
 
 STATE OF INDIANA. 
 
 The following law was passed by the General Assembly relative to the commu- 
 tation of sentences in all penitentiaries in the State of Indiana, on March 8, 1883 : 
 
 Section i. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, that 
 every convict who is now in or who may hereafter be confined in the penitentaries of 
 the State of Indiana, or in the Indiana reformatory for women and girls, and who shall 
 have no infractions of the rules or regulations of the prisons or laws of the State 
 recorded against him, and who performs in a faithful manner the duties assigned him, 
 shall be entitled to the diminution of time from his sentence, as appears in the follow- 
 ing table, for the respective years of his sentence, and pro rata for any part of a year 
 when the sentence is for more or less than a year. 
 
 No. of 
 Yearsof 
 Sent'ce. 
 
 Good 
 
 Time 
 Grant'd 
 
 Total Good 
 Time Made. 
 
 Time to be 
 Served. 
 
 No. OF 
 
 Years of 
 Sent'ce. 
 
 Good 
 
 Time 
 
 Grant'd 
 
 Total Good 
 Time Made. 
 
 Time to be 
 Served. 
 
 Months. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 Months. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Mos. 
 
 I 
 2 
 
 3 
 4 
 
 S 
 6 
 
 7 
 8 
 
 9 
 10 
 
 I 
 2 
 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 5 
 5 
 S 
 5 
 5 
 5 
 
 I 
 I 
 2 
 2 
 2 
 3 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 6 
 
 iO 
 
 3 
 8 
 I 
 6 
 II 
 4 
 9 
 
 I 
 2 
 3 
 3 
 4 
 4 
 
 5 
 6 
 6 
 7 
 
 II 
 
 9 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 4 
 4 
 6 
 ... .^.. 
 
 3 
 
 12 
 
 13 
 14 
 
 IS 
 16 
 
 17 
 18 
 
 19 
 20 
 
 21 
 
 5 
 5 
 S 
 5 
 5 
 S 
 5 
 5 
 5 
 5 
 
 4 
 4 
 S 
 5 
 S 
 6 
 6 
 7 
 7 
 7 
 
 2 
 7 
 
 5 
 10 
 
 3 
 8 
 I 
 6 
 II 
 
 7 
 8 
 
 9 
 9 
 
 10 
 10 
 II 
 II 
 12 
 13 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 IT 
 
 6 
 
 I 
 
^02 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Sec. 2. In case any convict shall knowingly violate any of the rules or laws of the 
 penitentaries of the State, as above provided, and who is entitled to any diminution of 
 his sentence by the provisions aforesaid, he shall forfeit for the first offense (if he has 
 gained that much) two days, for the second offense four days, for the third offense 
 eight days, and for the fourth offense sixteen days ; and for more than four offenses the 
 warden shall have the power at his discretion to deprive him of any portion or all the 
 good time gained ; provided, however, should first or second offense be of a serious 
 character, the warden may at his discretion deprive him of more than the time specified 
 above, but not to exceed more than eight days for each offense. 
 
 Sec. 3. The warden, in computing the diminution of time for those convicts now 
 in the penitentaries, shall allow them the good time granted for the years or year or 
 part of a year of their unexpired sentence. 
 
 Sec. 4. The warden shall not be allowed to restore to the convict the time 
 forfeited. 
 
 STATE OF KENTUCKY. 
 
 Convicts are allowed for good behavior five days ofif of each month, or sixty days 
 off of each year. 
 
 STATE OF LOUISIANA. 
 
 Senate bill 99, which passed the Legislature in June, 1886, provides for commuta- 
 tion of sentences for good behavior of convicts in the penitentiary, and in the parish 
 prisons of the State. Its principal provisions are the following : 
 
 A person convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, and under sentence for one year 
 or more, may earn a diminution or commutation of sentence by good behavior, in the 
 following proportions : two months for the first year, two months for the second, three 
 months each for the third and fourth, and four months for each subsequent year. 
 Where a convict is under sentence on more than one conviction, the several terms shall 
 be continued as a continuous term. 
 
 The term shall begin with date of incarceration. On the 20th of each month the 
 sheriffs shall forward to the Governor a report of convicts who may be discharged the 
 following month by reason of commutation. The rules to govern the allowance of 
 commutation are to be made by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney 
 General. For the purpose of applying the rules, a board shall be constituted in each 
 parish ; the Board of Control of the penitentiary to act for the penitentiary. They 
 shall recommend the commutations. The Board of Pardons may increase or decrease 
 the commutation recommended. A convict who may escape forfeits his right to com- 
 mutation. If any convict commuted shall, between his discharge and the expiration of 
 his full term, be convicted of a felony, he shall be compelled to serve the remainder of 
 the term in addition to the new sentence. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 403 
 
 Any person sentenced for life, and who has merited the approval of the Board of 
 Control, may at the expiration of fifteen years apply for a pardon or commutation. 
 If recommended by the Board of Control, it may be granted on certain conditions — 
 that not more than one in every five persons sentenced for life shall be pardoned or 
 commuted in any one year ; if more than one person is recommended, the decision 
 shall be by lot, and the commutation or pardon approved by the Board of Pardons. 
 
 STATE OF MAINE. 
 
 CHAPTER 140, REVISED STATUTES. 
 
 Section. 14. The warden of the State prison shall keep a record of the conduct of 
 each convict, and for every month that such convict shall appear by such record to 
 have faithfully observed all the rules and requirements of the prison, the warden may 
 recommend to the Executive a deduction from the terms of service of such convict's 
 sentence according to, but not exceeding, the following rule and proportion : for a 
 convict under a sentence of two years or less, one day for each month of good conduct ; 
 three years, or less, and more than two years, two days ; four years, three days ; five 
 years, four days ; seven years, or less, and more than five years, five days ; nine years, 
 or less, and more than seven years, six days ; ten years, and less than fifteen years, 
 seven days ; fifteen years, and less than twenty years, eight days ; and for all other 
 convicts, except those sentenced to perpetual imprisonment, ten days. 
 
 STATE OF MARYLAND. 
 
 Two months ofif of each year. For example: a convict sentenced to five years 
 would be allowed ten months for good conduct, which would reduce his sentence to 
 four years and two months. 
 
 STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 An Act relating to the release of prisoners for good conduct. Passed June, 1880. 
 
 Section i. Section twenty of chapter two hundred and twenty-two of the Public 
 Statutes is hereby amended by striking out the words following, to wit : [" Upon a 
 sentence of not less than four months and less than one year, one day for each month ; 
 upon a sentence of not less than one year and less than three years, three days for each 
 month ; upon a sentence of not less than three years and less than five years, four days 
 for each month ; upon a sentence of not less than five years and less than ten years, 
 
404 PROFESSIONAL CRIMIJSTALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 five days for each month ; upon a sentence of ten years or more, six days for each 
 month,"] and inserting in place thereof the following words: " Upon a sentence of not 
 less than four months and less than twelve months, one day for each month ; upon all 
 sentences of one year or longer, two months for each of the first two years, four months 
 for each of the third and fourth years, and five months for each succeeding year." 
 Every officer in charge of a prison or other place of confinement shall keep a record of 
 the conduct of each prisoner in his custody whose term of imprisonment is not less 
 than four months. Every such prisoner whose record of conduct shows that he has 
 faithfully observed all the rules, and has not been subjected to punishment, shall be 
 entitled to a deduction from the term of his imprisonment to be estimated as follows : 
 Upon a sentence of not less than four months and less than twelve months, one day for 
 each month ; upon all sentences of one year or longer, two months for each of the first 
 two years, four months for each of the third and fourth years, and five months for each 
 succeeding year. When a prisoner has two or more sentences, the aggregate of his 
 several sentences shall be the basis upon which the deduction shall be estimated. Each 
 prisoner who is entitled to a deduction from the term of his imprisonment, as aforesaid, 
 shall receive a written permit to be at liberty during the time thus deducted, upon such 
 terms as the board granting the same shall fix. Said permits shall be issued as fpUows : 
 To prisoners in the house of industry, jail or house of correction of Suffolk County, by 
 the board of directors for public institutions ; to prisoners in the other jails and houses 
 of correction, by the county commissioners of the several counties ; to prisoners in the 
 State prison and in the reformatory prison for women, by the commissioners of 
 prisons ; to prisoners in the State workhouse, by the trustees of said workhouse. The 
 Board issuing a permit as aforesaid may at any time revoke the same, and shall revoke 
 it when it comes to their knowledge that the person to whom it was granted has been 
 convicted of any offense punishable by imprisonment. 
 
 Sec. 2. Section twenty-three of chapter two hundred and twenty-two of the Public 
 Statutes is hereby amended so that it shall be as follows : Sec. 23. Convicts in confine- 
 ment prior to the first day of May in the year eighteen hundred and eighty-six shall 
 be entitled to such deductions as were allowed by law for that portion of their terms 
 which was before that day, and to the deductions hereby established for that portion of 
 their terms which is after that day, but they shall be entitled to deductions as 
 provided in this act for that continuous portion of their terms immediately preceding 
 said day, during which their record of conduct shows a faithful observance of all rules 
 and that they have not been subject to punishment for violation thereof. 
 
 STATE OF MICHIGAN. 
 
 The law is found in Howell's Annotated Statutes of Michigan, page 2328, para- 
 graph 9704, section 41, and reads as follows : 
 
 " The warden shall keep a record of each and all infractions of rules of discipline 
 by convicts, with the names of the persons offending, and the date and character of 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 405 
 
 each offense, which record shall be placed before the managers at each regular meeting 
 of the board, and every inmate who shall have no infraction of the rules of the prison 
 or laws of the State recorded against him shall be entitled to a deduction for each year 
 of his sentence, and pro rata for each part of a year when the sentence is for more or 
 less than one year, as follows : From and including the first year up to the third year, 
 a deduction of two months for each year ; from and including the third year up to the 
 fifth, a reduction of seventy-days for each year ; from and including the fifth up to the 
 seventh year, a deduction of three months for each year ; from and including the 
 seventh year up to the tenth year, a deduction of one hundred and five days for each 
 year ; from and including the tenth year up to the fifteenth year, a deduction of four 
 months for each year ; from and including the fifteenth year up to the twentieth year, 
 a deduction of five months for each year ; from and including the twentieth year up to 
 the period fixed for the expiration of the sentence, six months for each year. The 
 inspectors shall provide by rule how much of the good time thus earned a convict shall 
 forfeit for one or more violations of the prison rules. The warden, in computing the 
 diminution of time for those now in the prison, shall allow them for the good time 
 made up to the time this act takes effect in accordance with the provisions of law 
 previously in force, and thereafter it shall be computed in accordance with the terms of 
 this section. Whenever a convict has been committed under several convictions, with 
 separate sentences, they shall be construed as one continuous sentence in the granting 
 or forfeiting good time." 
 
 STATE OF MINNESOTA. 
 
 For first month's confinement, if conduct is good, two days are deducted from 
 each year's sentence ; for the second month of good conduct, four days are deducted, 
 and for every subsequent month of good conduct six days are deducted. Under this 
 law a convict is allowed fifty-five days off the first year, and sixty days off every year 
 after, and fractions in proportion. 
 
 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. 
 
 The general laws of New Hampshire allow a deduction of one day for every 
 month's good conduct, if the party is under a sentence of two years or less ; two days 
 off a sentence of over two years and not exceeding three years ; three days off a four- 
 years' sentence, four days if for five years, five days if for more than five years and not 
 exceeding seven, six days for more than seven and less than nine years, seven days if 
 for ten years and less than fifteen, eight days if for fifteen years and less than twenty, 
 and ten days off all above twenty, except a life sentence. 
 
4o6 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 STATE OF NEW JERSEY. 
 
 For every month of faithful performance of labor, two days remitted ; for every 
 month of continuous orderly deportment, two days remitted ; for every month of mani- 
 fest effort at intellectual improvement and self-control, one day remitted. The whole 
 matter of commutations is regulated by the State prison inspectors. They may declare 
 a forfeiture oi part or all of the remitted time as they may deem just. 
 
 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. 
 
 SECTION 3445 OF THE CODE OF NORTH CAROLINA. 
 
 Every prisoner who may have been sentenced for a term of years, who shall at the 
 end of each month have no infraction of the discipline so recorded against him, shall 
 for the first month be entitled to a diminution of one day from the time he was 
 sentenced to the penitentiary ; and if at the end of the next month no infraction of the 
 discipline is recorded against him, he shall be entitled to two additional days' diminu- 
 tion from his sentence ; and if he shall continue to have no such record against him a 
 third month, his time shall be shortened three additional days, and he shall be entitled 
 to three days' diminution of time from his sentence for each subsequent month he shall 
 so continue on his good behavior during the first three years or less of his imprison- 
 ment ; four days during the fourth and fifth years, and five days per month for each 
 subsequent month of his term of sentence, and for every ten days he shall thus become 
 entitled he shall have a further reward of one dollar placed to his credit with the 
 warden, to be paid to him on his discharge, or sent to his family, as he may elect ; and 
 for every five dollars of commutation he shall be entitled to five additional days' 
 diminution. 
 
 STATE OF OHIO. 
 
 LAW PASSED APRIL 14, 1884. 
 
 Section 7. The Board of Managers shall, subject to the approval of the Governor, 
 make such rules and regulations for the government of the prisoners as shall best pro- 
 mote their reformation, and, generally, as may from time to time appear to be necessary 
 or promotive of the purposes of this act. They shall make provision for the separation 
 or classification of prisoners, their division into different grades, with promotion or 
 degradation according to merit, their employment and instruction in industry, their 
 education, and for the conditional or absolute release of prisoners sentenced to impris- 
 onment under section five of this act, and their arrest and return to custody within the 
 institution ; but in no case shall any prisoner be released, either conditionally or 
 absolutely, unless there is, in the judgment of the managers, reasonable ground to 
 believe that he will, if released, live and remain at liberty without violating the law, and 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 407 
 
 that his release is not incompatible with the welfare of society ; and no petition or other 
 form of application for the release of any prisoner shall be entertained by the managers. 
 In order that good behavior may be properly rewarded, the board shall provide, in its 
 rules and regulations, for a correct daily record of the conduct of each prisoner, and his 
 fidelity and diligence in the performance of his work. A convict who shall pass the 
 entire period of his imprisonment without a violation of the rules and discipline, except 
 such as the board shall excuse, shall, upon his absolute release or discharge, be restored 
 to the rights and privileges forfeited by his conviction, and he shall receive from the 
 Governor a certificate, under the great seal of the State, as evidence of such restoration, 
 to be issued upon presentation to the Governor of a certificate of such conduct, which 
 shall be furnished to such convict by the warden. A convict who is not thus entitled to 
 a restoration of the rights and privileges forfeited by his conviction, who has conducted 
 himself in an exemplary manner for a continuous period of noteless than twelve consec- 
 utive months succeeding his absolute release or discharge, and presents to the Governor 
 a certificate of that fact, signed by ten or more good and well known citizens of the 
 place where he has resided during such period, certified to be such by the Probate 
 Judge of the county wherein they reside, and whose signatures are certified by such 
 Judge to be genuine, shall be entitled, in consideration thereof, to a restoration of the 
 rights and privileges forfeited by his conviction, which restoration shall be evidenced 
 by a certificate of the Governor, under the great seal of the State. Each convict who 
 is sentenced for a definite term, other than for life, shall be entitled to diminish the 
 period of his sentence under the following rules and regulations : i. {a) For each month, 
 commencing on the first day of his arrival at the penitentiary, during which he has 
 not been guilty of a violation of discipline, or of any of the rules of the prison, and has 
 labored with diligence and fidelity, he shall be allowed a deduction of five days from 
 fhe period of his sentence. ((5) After he has passed one full year of his sentence, in 
 which he has not been guilty of a viplation of discipline, or any of the rules of the 
 prison, and has labored with diligence and fidelity, the deductions shall be seven days 
 from the period of his sentence, for each month, (c) After he has passed two full years 
 of his sentence, as above provided, the deduction from his term shall be nine days for 
 each month, (af) After he has passed three full years of his sentence, as above pro- 
 vided, the deduction from his term shall be ten days for each month. 2. For a violation 
 of the rules and discipline, or for a want of fidelity and care in the performance of work, 
 he shall not only forfeit all time gained for the month in which the delinquency occurs, 
 but, according to the aggravated nature or the frequency of his offenses, the board may 
 deduct a portion or all of his time previously gained, but the board may review the 
 conduct record of a convict, and, if it appear that any violation of the rules and disci- 
 pline was committed through ignorance, or circumstances beyond his control, or abuse 
 of any officer, may restore him to the standing he possessed before such violation. 
 3. If a convict be prevented from laboring, by sickness or other infirmity not inten- 
 tionally produced by himself, or by other cause, for which he is not responsible, he shall 
 be entitled, by good conduct, to the same deduction from his sentence, each month, as 
 above provided for ; and the board may, in its discretion, allow him a sum of money 
 sufficient to defray all his necessary expenses to the county where he was convicted. 
 
4o8 
 
 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 No. of 
 Years of 
 Sentence 
 
 Commutation. 
 
 How Long to 
 
 Serve. 
 
 No. of 
 
 YeAj S OF 
 
 Sentence 
 
 Commutation. 
 
 How Long to 
 
 Serve. 
 
 Years. 
 
 Months. 
 
 Years. 
 
 Months. 
 
 Years. 
 
 Months. 
 
 Years. 
 
 Months, 
 
 I 
 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 
 II 
 
 lO 
 
 8 
 6 
 3 
 
 II 
 
 12 
 13 
 14 
 
 IS 
 
 16 
 
 17 
 18 
 
 19 
 
 20 
 
 2 
 2 
 3 
 3 
 3 
 4 
 4 
 4 
 5 
 5 
 
 5 
 9 
 I 
 
 5 
 9 
 
 I 
 
 5 
 9 
 
 I 
 
 5 
 
 8 
 9 
 9 
 
 10 
 II 
 II 
 12 
 13 
 13 
 14 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 II 
 
 7 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 4 
 S 
 5 
 6 
 
 7 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 I 
 I 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 lO 
 
 3 
 6 . 
 
 9 
 I 
 
 9 
 6 
 
 3 
 II 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 II 
 
 7 
 
 STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. 
 
 PUBLIC STATUTES, CHAPTER 254. 
 
 Section 28. The warden of the State prison shall keep a record of the conduct 
 of each convict, and for each month that a convict, not under sentence to imprisonment 
 for life, appears by such record to have faithfully observed all the rules and require- 
 ments of the prison and not to have been subjected to punishment, there shall, with the 
 consent of the Governor, upon the recommendation to him of a majority of the board, 
 be deducted from the term or terms of sentence of such convict the same number of 
 days that there are years in the said term of his sentence. Provided, that when the 
 sentence is for a longer term than five years, only five days shall be deducted for one 
 month's good behavior ; and provided, further, that for every day a convict shall be 
 shut up or otherwise punished for bad conduct, there shall be deducted one day from 
 the time he shall have gained for good conduct. 
 
 STATE OF TENNESSEE. 
 
 CHAPTER 121, SECTION 14, ACTS OF TENNESSEE, 1883. 
 Be it further enacted, that the Superintendent of Prisons shall keep a correct 
 register of the conduct of each convict, to be termed the " good time account," in 
 which he shall faithfully record the exact conduct of each convict, and each convict 
 who shall demean himself self-uprightly shall have deducted from the time for which 
 he may have been sentenced, one month for the first year, two months for the second 
 year, three months for each subsequent year until the tenth year inclusive, and four 
 months for each remaining year of the time of imprisonment. Provided, that the 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 409 
 
 reduction of time herein provided for is upon the consideration of continued good 
 conduct ; and such record shall be evinced for or against the convict in any of the 
 courts of this State. 
 
 STATE OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 " An Act requiring the Superintendent of the Penitentiary to keep a record of the 
 conduct of the prisoners," passed at the session of 1865-6, provides : 
 
 1. That it shall be the duty of the superintendent of the penitentiary to keep a 
 record of the conduct of each convict, and for every month that a convict by such 
 record appears to have faithfully observed the rules and requirements of the prison, and 
 not to have been subjected to punishment, there shall, with the consent of the Gov- 
 ernor, be deducted from the term of service of such convict, four days. 
 
 2. That the superintendent shall submit said record and deduction to the 
 Governor, when required by him, that the same may be considered in the exercise of 
 such executive clemency on behalf of any convict as he may deem conducive to the 
 interest of the prison and promotive of the reformation and welfare of the convicts. 
 
 That the superintendent shall cause a copy of this act to be posted in the cell of 
 each convict. 
 
 4. This act shall be in force from its passage. 
 
 CANADA COMMUTATION LAW. 
 
 Among the provisions of " An Act to amend and consolidate the laws relating to 
 penitentiaries," assented to May 25, 1883, are the following: 
 
 10. It shall be lawful for the Governor in Council to appoint some fit and proper 
 person to be inspector of all penitentiaries and of such other prisons, hospitals, asylums, 
 and other public institutions as may, from time to time, be designated by the Governor 
 in Council ; the Inspector, who shall hold office during pleasure, shall be an officer of 
 the Department of Justice, and as such Inspector shall act as the representative of the 
 Minister of Justice. 
 
 11. The said Inspector shall, under direction from the Minister of Justice, visit, 
 examine and report to him upon the state and management of all the penitentiaries, 
 and all suggestions which the wardens thereof may have made for their improvement. 
 
 14. The Inspector shall have power, and it shall be his duty, to make rules and 
 regulations for the management, discipline and police of the penitentiaries, and for the 
 duties and conduct of the wardens thereof, and of every other officer or class of officers 
 or servants employed therein, and for the diet, clothing, maintenance, employment, 
 instruction, discipline, correction, punishment and reward of convicts imprisoned therein, 
 and to annul, alter or amend the same from time to time, subject to the approval of the 
 
41 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Governor in Council, — which rules and regulations, so approved, the wardens of the 
 penitentiaries, and every other officer and servant employed in or about the same, shall 
 be bound to obey : Provided always, that until such rules and regulations are made as 
 aforesaid, the rules and regulations existing in each penitentiary at the passing of this 
 Act shall remain in force. 
 
 53. In order to encourage convicts to good behavior, diligence and industry, and to 
 reward them for the same, it shall and may be lawful for the Inspector of penitentiaries to 
 make rules and regulations, under which a correct record may be kept of the daily 
 conduct of every convict in any penitentiary, noting his industry, diligence and faith- 
 fulness in the performance of his work, and the strictness with which he observes the 
 prison rules — with a view to permit such convict, under the prison rules, to earn a 
 remission of a portion of the time for which he is sentenced to be confined, not exceed- 
 ing five days for every month during which he shall have been exemplary in industry, 
 diligence and faithfulness in his work, and shall not have violated any of the prison 
 rules : Provided always that when any convict shall have earned and have at his credit 
 any of the several numbers of days of remission hereinafter respectively mentioned, it 
 shall be lawful to allow him for every subsequent month during which his industry, 
 diligence, faithfulness in his work and observance of the prison rules, shall continue 
 satisfactory, the following increased rates of remission, that is to say : 
 
 a. When he shall have thirty days' remission at his credit, seven days and one- 
 half day's remission may be allowed him for every month thereafter : 
 
 b. When he shall have one hundred and twenty days' remission at his credit, ten 
 days' remission may be allowed him for every month thereafter. 
 
 If any convict be prevented from labor by sickness or any other infirmity, not 
 intentionally produced by himself, he shall be entitled, by good conduct, to one-half the 
 remission from his sentence every month to which he would otherwise be entitled. 
 
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 4ir 
 
 LIST OF 
 
 STATE PRISONS, PENITENTIARIES AND 
 
 REFORMATORIES 
 
 IN THE STATES AND TERRITORIES. 
 
 Alabama — State prison, Wetumpka. 
 
 Penitentiary, Huntsville. 
 Arizona — Territorial prison, Yuma. 
 Arkansas — Penitentiary, Little Rock. 
 California — Prison, Folsom and San 
 
 Quentin. 
 Colorado — Penitentiary, Canon City. 
 Connecticut — Prison, Wethersfield. 
 
 Reform school, Meriden. 
 Dakota — Penitentiary, Sioux Falls. 
 Delaware — No penitentiary ; jails at 
 
 Newcastle, Dover and Georgetown. 
 District of Columbia — No penitentiary ; 
 
 those sentenced are sent to a State 
 
 penitentiary, which is designated by 
 
 the Department of Justice of the 
 
 United States. 
 Florida — Penitentiary, Chattahooche. 
 Georgia — Penitentiary, Atlanta. 
 Idaho — Prison, Boise City. 
 Illinois — Northern penitentiary, Joliet ; 
 
 Southern penitentiary, Chester. 
 Reform school, Pontiac. 
 Indiana — Prison, Michigan City and Jef- 
 
 fersonville ; for women, Indianapolis. 
 
 Iowa — Penitentiaries at Fort Madison 
 and Anamosa. 
 
 Kansas — Penitentiaries, Leavenworth and 
 
 Lansing. 
 
 Reform school. North Topeka. 
 Kentucky — Penitentiary, Frankfort. 
 Louisiana — Penitentiary, Baton Rouge. 
 Maine — Prison, Thomaston. 
 Maryland — Penitentiary, Baltimore. 
 
 Massachusetts — Prison, Boston. 
 Penitentiary, Concord. 
 Reformatory, Warnerville. 
 Reformatory for women, Sherborne. 
 
 Michigan — Prison, Jackson. 
 
 Reform school, Lansing. 
 
 House of correction and reformation, 
 Ionia. 
 Minnesota — Prison, Stillwater. 
 Mississippi — Prison, Jackson. 
 Missouri — Penitentiary, Jefferson City. 
 Montana, — Penitentiary, Deer Lodge. 
 
 Nebraska — Penitentiary, Lincoln. 
 Reform school, Kearney. 
 
 New Mexico — Penitentiary, Santa Fd. 
 
412 
 
 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Nevada — Prison, Carson City. 
 
 New Hampshire — Prison, Concord. 
 
 New Jersey — Prison, Trenton ; Essex 
 county Penitentiary, Caldwell; Hud- 
 son county penitentiary, Jersey City. 
 
 New York — Prisons, Auburn, Dannemora 
 and Sing Sing. 
 
 Reformatory, Elmira. 
 
 County penitentiaries — Albany county, 
 Albany ; Erie county, Buffalo ; Kings 
 county, Brooklyn ; Monroe county, 
 Rochester ; New York county, New 
 York City ; Onondaga county, Syra- 
 cuse ; Catholic Protectory, West 
 Farms. 
 
 Houses of refuge, Rochester and New 
 York City. (All female prisoners 
 are committed to the penitentiaries.) 
 
 North Carolina — Penitentiary, Raleigh. 
 
 Ohio — Penitentiary, Columbus. 
 Reform school, Lancaster. 
 
 Oregon — Penitentiary, Salem. 
 
 Pennsylvania — Eastern penitentiary, 
 Philadelphia ; Moyamensing peni- 
 tentiary, Philadelphia ; Western peni- 
 tentiary, Allegheny City. 
 
 Rhode Island — Penitentiary, Cranston 
 Print Works. 
 Reform school, Howard. 
 
 South Carolina — Penitentiary, Columbia. 
 Tennessee — Penitentiary, Nashville. 
 
 Texas — Penitentiaries, Huntsville and 
 
 Rusk. 
 Utah — Penitentiary, Salt Lake City. 
 Vermont prison — Windsor. 
 Virginia — Penitentiary, Richmond. 
 Washington Territory — Penitentiaries, 
 
 Olympia and McNeil's Island. 
 W. Virginia — Penitentiary, Moundsville. 
 Wisconsin — Prison, Waupun. 
 Wyoming — Penitentiary, Laramie City. 
 
JPROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 413 
 
 ADDENDA. 
 
 Record of No. i. — Rufe Minor, alias Pine, was last arrested in Brooklyn, N. Y., 
 on June 19, 1886, for sneaking $102 from the drawer of a saloon kept by William 
 Trott, at No. 224 Atlantic Street. He gave the name of John Reilly, and was dis- 
 charged from custody on July 7, 1886. 
 
 Record of No. 12. — Edward Rice was discharged from custody by Judge Rob- 
 ertson, in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 26, 1886, the authorities failing to convict him of 
 the burglary at the silk house of J. W. Luhn, which occurred in 1883. 
 
 Record of No. 19. — William Kelly, mentioned in this record, was discharged from 
 Sing Sing prison, New York State, on June 29, 1886. 
 
 Record of No. 26. — Augustus Raymond, in the role of a hotel thief, was arrested 
 at the Monmouth House, Spring Lake, N. J. He was captured on the third floor 
 of the hotel by the elevator man. While being detained in the office of the hotel, 
 in the charge of a porter, he managed to get rid of a set of hotel workers' tools which 
 he had upon his person, by dropping them into several convenient places. Raymond 
 was committed to the Monmouth county jail, at Freehold, N. J., on August 2, 1886, and 
 shortly after admitted to bail. At the time of this arrest he gave the name of Robert 
 Ellison. 
 
 Record of No. 28. — John Tracy was arrested in Troy, N. Y., in July, 1878, in 
 connection with William, alias Mush Reilly and four others, for assaulting and robbing 
 a man named John Buckley in one of the horse-cars of that city. Through the inter- 
 cession of friends and the assistance of able lawyers he succeeded in obtaining only a 
 five years' sentence, in March, 1879. ^^ ^^^ discharged from Clinton prison on 
 October 13, 1882. Mush Reilly, the principal in this robbery, was arrested in Toronto, 
 Canada, on July 14, 1878, brought to Troy, N. Y., tried, convicted, and sentenced to 
 fifteen years in State prison on October 4, 1878. Tracy lived for a number of years on 
 the east side of New York City. He is the man that made the arrangements with 
 Watchman Shevelin (who was his friend) to rob the Manhattan Savings Institution, 
 and it was during the progress of the scheme that he went to Troy, N. Y., and was 
 arrested and sent to State prison as above stated. 
 
414 PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Record of No. 74. — Gilbert Yost, burglar, mentioned in this record, died in the 
 Indiana State prison, at Michigan City, on July 10, 1886. 
 
 Record of No. 74. — William O'Brien, alias Billy Porter, was admitted to bail in 
 the sum of $20,000, at Troy, N. Y., on July 12, 1886. He was not taken to Brooklyn, 
 N. Y, as expected. He arrived in New York City on September 22, 1886, from 
 Europe, for the purpose of standing trial at Troy, N. Y., for the Marks jewelry store 
 robbery. 
 
 Record of No. 88. — Dennis Brady, mentioned in this record, was discharged from 
 Sing Sing prison. New York State, on July 2, 1886. Larry Griffin, also mentioned, 
 was discharged from Auburn prison, New York State, about the same date. 
 
 Record OF No. 116. — Mary Holbrook, alias MoUie Hoey, was last arrested on 
 September 24, 1886, at Cleveland, Ohio, for the larceny of a shawl, valued at $450, 
 from one of the dry-goods stores in that city. She was committed for trial. 
 
 Record of No. 130. — Mary Ann Flynn, alias Annie Mack, alias McKenna, and 
 Nellie Bond, alias Barnes, mentioned in this record, were sentenced to ten months in 
 the penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, New York, on September 7, 1886, for shop- 
 lifting. 
 
 Record of No. 131. — Louise Jourdan (under name of Mary Johnson) and a tall, 
 blonde woman, who said her name was Sarah Anderson, were arrested in Cincinnati, 
 Ohio, on May 18, 1886, for picking pockets. They were both indicted. Admitted to 
 bail, which they forfeited. 
 
 Record of No 136. — Tim Oats, under the name of Charles Wilson, was arrested 
 in New York City on September 10, 1886, in the company of Bernard Corcoran, alias 
 Barney Rose, alias " Barney the Kid," and Mary Morton. They were charged with 
 robbing two persons by the "panel game," at No. 16 Clinton Place. The complainants 
 refused to prosecute, and the prisoners were discharged on September 12. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Abraham^ Geo., 353, 354. 
 
 Adams, Charley, 6, 133, 
 
 Adams, Chas. Francis, 192. 
 
 Adams Express Co., 237, 251, 254, 281, 328. 
 
 Adams, Hattie, 87. 
 
 Adams, Howard, alias, see Susicovitch. 
 
 Adams, Ivan, alias, see Ivan Siscovitch. 
 
 Adams, Mrs., 259. 
 
 Adams, Stage-driver, 346. 
 
 Adams, Supt., 247. 
 
 Adelphia Hotel, Liverpool, 299. 
 
 Addenda, 413. 
 
 Affleck, Geo., 123, 166. 
 
 Aix-La-Chapelle, 304, 307. 
 
 Albany, N. Y., 58, 121, 139, 146, 158, 172, 210, 217, 
 
 223, 225, 228, 23s, 247, 248, 249, 258, 271, 286, 
 
 291. 
 Albany Penitentiary, 146, 172. 
 " Albany Jim," alias, see J. Brady. 
 Albemarle Hotel, 124. 
 Albion Hotel, Quebec, 332. 
 Aldrich, Judge, 93, 171. 
 
 "Aleck the Milkman," alias, see Alex Evans, 221, 265 
 Alesbury, William W., 268. 
 Alfred, Me., 96. 
 Algiers, Mrs., 234. 
 Allegheny City, Pa., 237, 259. 
 Allen, 123. 
 
 Allen, Charley, 39, 186, 211, 219, 227. 
 Allen, D., 335. 
 Allen, Jesse, 115, 118, 236. 
 Allen, John, 236. 
 Allen, Martin, 28, 236. 
 
 Allen, Westley, alias " Wess," 25, 29, 38, 55, 236, 237. 
 Alliger, Elijah, 18. 
 Ailing Brothers & Co., 62, 93. 
 Allman House, N. Y. City, 261. 
 "Alonzo," alias, see Alonzo Henn. 
 Altman's, 202. 
 Alvord, Chas. F., 81. 
 American Exchange Bank, 293. 
 American Express Co., 105, 286. 
 American Hotel, 274. 
 American Union Express Co., 87. 
 Ames, Fred, 171. 
 Amigos, Los Dos, 367. 
 Amsterdam, 301, 304. 
 Amyst, Jos., 332, 333. 
 Anchor Line, 173. 
 
 Anderson, James, 217. 
 
 Anderson, Jimmy, 38. 
 
 Anderson, John, alias "Little Andy," 28, 38, 212, 
 
 344- 
 Anderson, Matilda, 349. 
 Anderson, Sarah, 414. 
 Andrews, 138. 
 Ann Arbor, Mich., 206. 
 Annex Hotel, Brooklyn, 322. 
 Armstrong, Kate, 38, 209. 
 Arundel, Al., 118. 
 
 Astor House, N. Y. City, 119, 124, 321, 322. 
 Ashton, 148. 
 Atlanta, no. 
 Atlantic City, N. J., 100. 
 Atlantic Mutual Ins. Co., 292. 
 Auburn, Frank, 21, in, 169. 
 Auburn, N. Y., 71, 82, 83, 96, 118, 140, 157, 161, 
 
 213, 220, 225, 226, 245, 281, 282, 294, 308, 310, 
 
 311, 329> 33°, 331, 414- 
 
 Augusta, Ga., 58, 66. 
 
 Augusta, Me., 341. 
 
 Australia, 97, 185. 
 
 Babbitt, B. T., 287, 316, 317, 318, 319. 
 
 Bacon, " Hod," 43, 166. 
 
 Bacon, Judge, 88. 
 
 Badger, Gen. A. S., 177. 
 
 Badger Iron Works Co., 189. 
 
 Bagley, B. B., 24, 235, 236, 241. 
 
 Bahia, Brazil, 286. 
 
 Baker, Bill, 11, 239. 
 
 Baker, Edward, 187. 
 
 Baker, J. B., 106. 
 
 Baker, Nigger, 164, 211, 221. 
 
 Baker, Sup't, 331. 
 
 Balbo, Maria Dichaco, 372. 
 
 Balbo, Pietro, 372. 
 
 " Bald Face Kid," alias, see James Wilson. 
 
 Ballard, Robert S., 18, 100. 
 
 Ballard, Thos., 291. 
 
 Ball, Black & Co., 289. 
 
 Baltimore, Md., 63, 64, 84, 90, 93, 96, 100, 102, 103, 
 117, 126, 147, 153, 184, 188, 202, 203, 221,235, 
 254, 265, 268, 270, 300, 302, 307, 308. 
 
 Baltimore, Bank of, 58. 
 
 Baltimore (Md.) Savings Bank, 235. 
 
 Baltzer & Lichtenstein, 104. 
 
 Bangor, Me., 90, 150. 
 
 Banjo Pete, alias, see Pete Emmerson. 
 
4i6 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Bank Burglars, 6. 
 
 Banker, May, 174, 180, i8i. 
 
 Bankers & Brokers Association, 100. 
 
 Bank of America of New York City, 104, 106. 
 
 Bank of British North Anaerica, 102. 
 
 Bank of California, 299. 
 
 Bank of Canada, 305. 
 
 Bank of Cohoes, N. Y., 58. 
 
 Bank of Commerce, 285. 
 
 Bank of England, 102, 289, 291, 302, 303, 309. 
 
 Bank of France, 77. 
 
 Bank of Montreal, 75, 302. 
 
 Bank of New York, 76, 104, 105, 108. 
 
 Bank of the Metropolis, 190. 
 
 Bank of the Republic of N. Y., 71, 75. 
 
 Bank of Trenton, N. J., 300. 
 
 Bank Robberies arranged by tables, 337, 338, 339. 
 
 Bank Sneaks, 10. 
 
 Banque Parisienne, 306. 
 
 Barange, Francis C., 324. 
 
 Barlow, Geo., 297, 298, 303. 
 
 Barnard, Judge, 140, 370. 
 
 Barnes, James F., 270. 
 
 Barns, Nellie, 38, 207. 
 
 Barnum's Museum, 124. 
 
 Baronoff, Chas., 304, 305. 
 
 Barre, Vt., 311. 
 
 Barre Bank, Vt., 254. 
 
 Barrett, Judge, 149, 371. 
 
 Barron, Cashier, 83, 133, 276. 
 
 Bartlett, Bill, 11, 24, 102, 142, 302, 304. 
 
 Barton, Jim, 224. 
 
 Bastrop Mining Company, 314. 
 
 Bates, Reed & Cooley, 124. 
 
 Baton Rouge, La., 124, 147, 176, 180, 181. 
 
 Bauer, Wm., 316. 
 
 Baumgarth, Conrad, 146. 
 
 Baumgarten, Edson W., 135, 193, 194. 
 
 Baure, Christopher, 316. 
 
 Bavaria, 308. 
 
 Baxter, Charley, 368. 
 
 Bayonne, N. J., 85. 
 
 Beach Rock, N. Y., 291. 
 
 Beach, Lester, 18, 75, 105. 
 
 Beatty, Wm., 28, 157, 158. 
 
 Becker, Charles, 18, 72, 76, 77, 78, 79, loi, 102 
 
 270, 296, 299, 304, 305, 307, 325. 
 Beckwith, Chas. R., 287. 
 Bedford, Judge Gunning S., 296. 
 Bedle, Captain, 124. 
 Bedloe's Island, 124. 
 Beech, David, 290. 
 Beekman, Ambrose P., 223. 
 Belgium, 148, 305. 
 Bell, Fanny, 369, 
 Bell, George, 18, 24, 38, 102, 270, 271, 304, 307, 
 
 308. 
 Bell, Margaret, 202. 
 Bell, Sophia, 369. 
 Belleville, Ont., 138. 
 Bellevue Hospital, 156. 
 Belmont, August, 327. 
 Belvedere House, N. Y., 303. 
 
 Benedict, Judge, 98, 191, 257. 
 
 Beneficial Savings Fund Bank, Philadelphia,i62, 311 
 
 Bennett, Charley, 24, 266. 
 
 Benner, Fred., 28, 38, 154, 240. 
 
 Bennington, Vt, 114. 
 
 Berkeley Flats, N. Y., 203. 
 
 Berlin, Prussia, 290, 304. 
 
 Bernard, Geo., 177. 
 
 Bernhard, U. S. Marshal, 154. 
 
 Bernstrein & Co., 316. 
 
 Berry, Mrs., 342. 
 
 Bertie, C. C, 126. 
 
 Bethel, Ct, 327. 
 
 Betterraan, Mr., 144. 
 
 Biarritz, 303. 
 
 Bidwells, ., 288, 289, 309. 
 
 " Big Dock," alias, see Wm. Dougherty. 
 
 Bigelow, J. R., 116. 
 
 Bigelow, Tom, 6, 24, 83, 88, 117, 118, 208. 
 
 Big Frank, alias, see Frank McCoy. 
 
 Big Frank, alias, see Frank McCoann.- 
 
 Big Jim, alias, see Jim Brady. 
 
 Big Jim, alias, see Jim Burns. 
 
 Big Mack, alias, see Jack McCormack. 
 
 Big Patsey, alias, see Frank Watson. 
 
 Big Slim, alias, see Denny Carroll. 
 
 Billy the Kid, alias, see Billy Burke. 
 
 Bishop, Charley, 290. 
 
 Bissell, Champion, 318, 319. 
 
 Bixio, Charles Silvio, 305, 306. 
 
 Black, Amelia, 100. 
 
 Black, James, 296. 
 
 Black, John, 85. 
 
 Blackwell's Island, 67, 108, 119, 127, 129, 140, 151, 
 164, 166, 171, 185,- 188, 190, 19s, 196, 197, 198, 
 199, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 208,210, 213, 
 215, 219, 223, 226, 227, 228, 229, 232, 233, 239, 
 244, 251, 258, 262, 264, 265, 267, 269, 272, 275, 
 321, 414. 
 
 Blair, Charles, 199. 
 
 Blaisell, Dr., 279. 
 
 Blake, Jim, 21, 117. 
 
 Blake, Mike, 72, 137, 138. 
 
 Blanchard, Constable, 138. 
 
 Bliss, David C, alias Doctor, 24, 59. 
 
 Bliss, George, 6, 83, 140, 162, 189, 253, 254, 310, 31 1. 
 
 Bliss & Co., 309. 
 
 Bohemians, 374, 377, 379. 
 
 Bohmet, Fedk., 314, 315, 316. 
 
 Bond, Joe, 39, 276, 277. 
 
 Bond Robbery, Lord, 330. 
 
 Bondy, Nellie, alias, see Nellie Barns. 
 
 Bonner, Robert, 290. 
 
 Booth's Theatre, N. Y. City, 73, 325. 
 
 Bosrole Bros., 300. 
 
 Boston, 59, 61, 67, 69, 86, 88, 89, 90, 94, 99, 101, 
 103, 108, III, 121, 123, 125, 126, 129,130,131, 
 133. 142, 143, 144, 153, 158, 165, 166, 169, 171, 
 172, 181, 182, 188, 192, 195, 196, 197, 199,202, 
 204, 206, 208, 213, 216, 219, 221, 222, 223, 224, 
 228, 236, 238, 240, 243, 247, 248, 249, 250,254, 
 257, 258, 261, 263, 268, 269, 281, 282, 285,290, 
 291, 297, 299, 326, 336. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 417 
 
 " Boston," alias, see Geo. Harrison. 
 
 " Boston Charley," alias, see Chas. Mason. 
 
 Boston Safe Deposit Vaults, 58. 
 
 Bough, John, 318. 
 
 Bowditch, Dr., 171. 
 
 Bowery Bank, 358. 
 
 Bowman, Robert, 18, 104, 105. 
 
 Boyce, William A., 231. 
 
 Boyle, Major, 231. 
 
 Boyle, Steve, 189. 
 
 Boylston Bank, 254, 309, 313, 326, 327. 
 
 Brady, Mrs., 157. 
 
 Brady, Denny, 133, 160, 186, 332, 414. 
 
 Brady, Jas. T., 133. 
 
 Brady, Jim, alias "Big Jim," 6, 11, 25, 82, 83, 118, 
 120, 153, 162, 308, 329, 330. 
 
 Brady, Judge, 371, 372. 
 
 Brague, Stephen B., 218. 
 
 Brampton, 332, 333. 
 
 Brandt, Chas., 201. 
 
 Branscom, Col. A. C, 18, 169, 170. 
 
 Brazil, 208. 
 
 Bremen, 304. 
 
 Brennan, Detective, 247, 248. 
 
 Brewsters Station, 61. 
 
 Bridgeport, Conn., 159, 223, 254. 
 
 Briggs, Dist. Atty., 187. 
 
 Briggs, Judge, 131. 
 
 Briggs, S. M., no. 
 
 British Bank of North America, 297. 
 
 Broadway Bank of New York, 305. 
 
 Broadway National Bank of New York, 301. 
 
 Broad Street Railroad, 123. 
 
 Brock, Hamilton, 141. 
 
 Brockie Annie, alias, see Annie Mack. 
 
 Brockway, Chas. O., 18, 70, 102, 145, 146, 270. 
 
 Brockway's Gang of Forgers, loi. 
 
 Brockway, Wm. E., 18, 97. 
 
 Broken-Nose Tully, alias, see Edward Tully. 
 
 Bronson Alexander & Son, 298. 
 
 Brooklyn, 23, 58, 60, 69, 77, 87, 98, 100, 142, 144, 
 145, 148, 150, 152, 158, 162, 172, 185, 189, 197, 
 203, 205, 223, 225, 239, 240, 245, 246, 258,302, 
 
 3°7, 319, 367, 413, 414- 
 Brooklyn Court of Sessions, 225. 
 
 Brooklyn Post Office, 60. 
 Brooks, Wm., 21. 
 Brougham & McGee, 145. 
 Brown Bros., 303. 
 Brown, Jimmy, 29, 61. 
 Brown, John D., 368. 
 Brown, Judge, 154. 
 Brown, Louis, 28, 282, 283. 
 Brown, Margaret, 38, 197. 
 Brownsville, Texas, 178. 
 Brown, Wm., 38, 213, 237, 245. 
 Browning, W. C. & Co., 124. 
 "Brummagen Bill," 29, 273. 
 Brunker, Mrs., 145, 146. 
 Brunswick Hotel, 201. 
 Brussels, 303, 307, 308. 
 Buck, Frank, 11, 92, 94, 243. 
 Buck, Susan R., 18. 
 
 Buckley, John, 413. 
 Buckman, Mr., 205. 
 Buffalo, N. Y., 96, 224, 257, 281, 282, 291, 326, 332, 
 
 333- 
 Buffalo, New York & Erie Railroad Co., 64, 121, 
 
 279, 296, 300, 301, 309, 310. 
 Bull, Chas. H., 116. 
 
 Bullard, Chas., 6, 87, 254, 255, 309, 326. 
 Bullard, George W., 243. 
 Bullard, R. S., alias, see R. S. Ballard. 
 Bulls Ferry, Hoboken, 346. 
 Bunker, alias, see Wm. Morgan. 
 Burdell, Dr. Harvey, 347, 348, 349. 
 Burke, Billy, 11, 57, 65, 234, 235, 266. 
 Burke Jack, 115. 
 Burke, Jennie, 359. 
 Burke, Patrick, 357, 359. 
 Burke, Mrs. Patrick, 356. 
 Burke, Wm., alias, see Wm. Beatty. 
 Burnett, Theo., alias, see Susicovitch. 
 
 Burns, , 306, 307.. 
 
 Burns Edward, 102, 304. 
 
 Burns, James, alias "Big Jim," 6, 11, 24, 28, 57, 
 
 60, 238, 239. 
 Burns, John, 186, 214, 215. 
 Burns, Oscar, 29, 38, 224. 
 Burns, Pete, 146, 295, 302, 303, 305. 
 Burns, Thos., 38, 164, 211, 221, 332. 
 Burt & Co., 356, 359. 
 Burton, Wm., alias, see Wm. Brown. 
 Busby, Harry, 38, 204, 209, 211, 212. 
 Busby, Mary, 38, 204, 212. 
 Bush, Chas., 179. 
 
 Butchers & Drovers' Bank of N. Y. City, 149, 162. 
 Butler, Gen., 153, 312. 
 Cain, 174. 
 
 Cairo City, Water Bonds, 150. 
 Cairo, 111., 181. 
 Caisse, Generale, 304. 
 
 California, 65, 158, 164, 301, 313, 333, 334. 
 Callender National Bank Examiner, 312. 
 Cambridge, Mass., 62, 171. 
 Cambridge National Bank, 62. 
 Cambridgeport, Mass., 69, 86. 
 Cambridgeport (Mass.) Bank, 87. 
 Campbell, James, 29, 39, 186, 187, 223. 
 Campbell, Shang, 160, 161, 165, 215, 217. 
 Canada, 12, 63, 69, 72, 85, 87, 93, 103, 105, 126, 
 
 137, 140, 147, 148, 173, 186, 187, 196, 225, 226, 
 
 234, 254, 260, 265, 272, 276, 280, 287, 290, 301, 
 
 302. 3°5. 3o7> 326. 
 Cannon, Jack, 29, 163, 302, 303. 
 Cannon, John, alias "Old Jack," 21, 174, 175, 176, 
 
 i77> 178. 179. 180, 181. 
 Canyon City, 231. 
 Capitol Hotel, Harrisburg, Pa., 117. 
 
 Carey, , 133. 
 
 Cardozo, Albert, 355. 
 Carribbean Islands, 362. 
 Carmel, N. Y., 61. 
 Carpenter, Clark, 129, 136. 
 Carr, Chas., 354. 
 Carr, Henry, 285. 
 
4i8 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Carr, John, 300, 305, 306, 307. 
 
 Carroll, Denny, 29, 143, 159, 220, 221. 
 
 Carroll, John, 11, 60, 156, 269, 270. 
 
 Carroll, Johnny, "the Kid," 57. 
 
 Carroll, Patsey, 29, 136. 
 
 Carson, Geo., 11, 57, 58, 60, 65, 92, 156, 234, 238, 
 
 266, 309. 
 Carson, Henry, 246. 
 Carson, Johnny, 61. 
 Carter, Geo., ahas, see Dan Hunt. 
 Carter, Wm., 21, no. 
 Casey, Jim, alias, "Big Jim," 38, 43, 146, 164, 208 
 
 227, 229, 272. 
 Casper, Samuel, 38, 225. 
 Casperfeldt, Henry A., 158. 
 Cass, John, 261. 
 Castle Point, Hoboken, 345. 
 Catasauqua, Pa., 173. 
 Catskill-on-the-Hudson-River, 214, 215. 
 Catskill, N. Y., 104, 160. 
 Cedar Falls, 298. 
 Centennial, 277. 
 Centennial Exhibition, 229. 
 
 Central National Bank of New York, 290, 291, 328. 
 Central Pacific, 18, 299. 
 Central Pacific Road, California & Oregon Branch, 
 
 279. 
 Chacon, Miguel, 373. 
 Chapman, 326. 
 Chapman, Joe, 73, 74, 76, 78, 280, 296, 297, 298, 
 
 299. 3°o. 301. 307. 3°8, 325- 
 
 Chapman, Lydia, 74, 80, 325. 
 
 Chapman, Warren, 368. 
 
 Chapman, William H., 313. 
 
 Chatteris, Mr., 313, 314. 
 
 Charleston, S. C, 92, 268. 
 
 Charlestown, Mass., 86, 91, 192, 286. 
 
 Charlestown, Mass., Post Office, 88, 89, 137. 
 
 Charley, Curly, 186, 219, 221. 
 
 Chatham National Bank of New York, 71. 
 
 Chelsea, 300. 
 
 Chemical National Bank of New York, 71. 
 
 Cherry Hill, 89, 148, 270, 275, 277. 
 
 Cheshire County Bank, Keene, N. H. 253. 
 
 Chester, 111., 241. 
 
 Chester, Pa., 132. 
 
 Cheyenne, 297. 
 
 Chicago, 63, 64, 65, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72, 86, 88, 95, 
 98, 102, 103, 105, 107, 114, 115, 118, 125, 135, 
 137, 147, 157, 166, 171, 174, 180, 181, 192, 19s, 
 196, 197, 200, 208, 209, 213, 215, 220, 221, 234, 
 240, 242, 261, 266, 272, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 
 
 310, 311- 
 Chicago & Northwestern, 279. 
 Chicago, Western & Southern Railroad, 300, 301. 
 Chickering & Sons, 125. 
 Chillas, Mrs. C. F., 187. 
 China, 384. 
 
 Chinaman, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367. 
 Chinamen, 382. 
 Chinatown, 386. 
 Chinese, 381, 384, 385. 
 Church, Luther, 188, 190. 
 
 Church of the Incarnation, 236, 241. 
 
 Cincinnati, 0., 68, 69, 103, no, 125, 208, 265, 290, 
 
 296, 298, 300, 302, 309, 32s, 413. 414- 
 Cincinnati Medical College, 59. 
 "Cincinnati Red," alias, see Chas. Hylebert. 
 Circle House, Indianapolis, no. 
 Circuit Court at Jacksonville, Fla., 154. 
 Citizens' Bank, Baltimore, Md., 270. 
 City Hotel, 286. 
 Clafflin, Tenny, 313. 
 Clancy, Judge, 318. 
 Clare, John, 83. 
 Clarendon Hotel, N. Y., 117. 
 Clark, Addie, 212. 
 Clark, Cornelius, 146. 
 Clarke's Gallery, 175, 176. 
 Clark, Geo., 122. 
 Clark, Geo. W., 62. 
 Clarke, "Counterfeiter," 12. 
 Clark, Joseph, 368. 
 Clarksville, Tenn., 179. 
 Clanser, Samuel F., 229. 
 Clay, R. J., 76. 
 
 Cleary, Edward, 102, 304, 308. 
 Cleary, Henry, 18, 102, 270, 271. 
 Clegg, Ellen, 194, 195. 
 Clegg, Jimmy, 194. 
 
 Clerkenwell Prison, London, Eng., 126. 
 Cleveland, Ohio, 58, 67,68, 125, 135, 193, 194, 235, 
 
 265, 286, 307, 414. 
 Cleveland, Governor, 61, 196, 225, 226, 324. 
 Cleveland National Bank of Commerce, 281. 
 Clifford, Geo., 172. 
 Clifford, Robert, 132. 
 Clifton, Can., 164. 
 Cline, Calvin, 245. 
 Cline, Henry, 24, 256, 257. 
 Clinton, N. Y., 104, 126, 161, 297, 298, 413. 
 Clinton, Henry L., 349. 
 Clinton Prison, 151, 330. 
 
 Clipperly, Cole & Haslehurst, 105. ' 
 
 Coady, Johnny, 146. 
 Coakley, Abe, 81, 83, 133, 163. 
 Cochran, Robert, 326. 
 Coffee, Officer, 178. 
 
 Cohoes, N. Y., 58, 235, 242, 243, 266, 329. 
 Cole, Harry, 290. 
 Cole, Levi, 288. 
 Coleman House, 230, 232. 
 Coleman, Wm., alias, Billy, 11, 58, 65. 
 Colgate, J. B., & Co., 76. 
 Colletso, Georgius, Dr., 314. 
 Collins Hotel, N. Y., 285. 
 Collinsville, Conn., 133. 
 Colmar, 307. 
 Cologne, 304. 
 Colon,'Joe, 24, 257, 258. 
 Colorado, 135, 230, 251, 314. 
 Columbani, Julius, 317, 321, 322, 324. 
 Columbia College, 170. 
 Columbus, O., 13s, 290, 325. 
 Columbus Penitentiary, 287. 
 " Combo," alias, see Thos. Burns, 229, 260. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 419 
 
 Commercial Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio., 325. 
 
 Commercial Ins. Co., 293. 
 
 Commercial Mutual Ins. Co., 292. 
 
 Commercial National Bank, Clevelaud, 0., 58, 75. 
 
 Concord, Mass., 86, 87, 88, in, 134, 137, 143, 160, 
 '69, 254, 326. 
 
 Concord, N. H., 118, 247, 253, 268, 269. 
 
 Concord National Bank, 85, 86. 
 
 Condit, Edward, 18, 108, 109. 
 
 Conklin, James W., 75. 
 
 Conklin, Jonas T., 368. 
 
 Conn, John, 302. 
 
 Connecticut, 58, 97, 309. 
 
 Connell, Wm., 331. 
 
 Connelly, Mary Ann, 39, 199. 
 
 Connelly, Wm., 21, 118. 
 
 Connor, , 302. 
 
 Connors, Jack, 29. 
 
 Connors, Mary, 38, 215. 
 
 Connors, Tommy, 24, 241. 
 
 Conroy Bros., 170. 
 
 Conroy, Patsey, 133, 160, 186, 208, 214. 
 
 Constantinople, Turkey, 74, 77, 78, 325. 
 
 Continental Bank, N. Y. City, loi, 288. 
 
 Continental Hotel, Philadelphia, 119. 
 
 Cook, Joe, alias, see Geo. Havil. 
 
 Cooms, Dr. J. E., 43, 200. 
 
 Corcoran, Bernard, 414. 
 
 Corn Exchange Bank, New York, 71, 104. 
 
 Cornell, Governor, 183. 
 
 Corpus Christi College, 113. 
 
 Corr, Detective, 259. 
 
 Corradino, Count, 306. 
 
 Cosmopolitan Hotel, New York City, 120, 124. 
 
 Coswell, James, 304, 307. 
 
 Coughlin, Jim, 363, 364. 
 
 Council Bluffs, 297. 
 
 Courteney, 18, 125, 126, 127. 
 
 Court of Appeals, 122, 312. 
 
 Court of Common Pleas of Lucas Co., Ohio, 135. 
 
 Court of General Sessions, 67, 76, 81, 84, 97, 99, 
 100, lor, 104, ro6, 108, 109, in, 112, 113, 119, 
 123, 125, 127, 128, 129, 132, 136, 146, 153, 155, 
 158, 159, 166, 170, 173, 185,188, 190,199,201, 
 205, 207, 217, 227, 229, 244, 246, 252,259,260, 
 
 261, 262, 264, 269, 275, 283, 292, 369, 370, 371, 
 
 372, 373- 
 Court of Oyer and Terminer, 149, 368, 369, 370, 
 
 37-, 372. 
 Court of Quarter Sessions, Albany, 172. 
 Court of Sessions of Suffolk County, L. I., 140. 
 Court of Special Sessions, 66, 146, 166, 202, 221, 
 
 223, 229. 
 Covington, Ky., 91. 
 Cowing, Judge, 62, 67, 70, 96, 97, 109, 113, 128, 
 
 129, 142, 146, 155, 173, 184, 185, 188, 199, 201, 
 
 203, 209, 229, 236, 239, 241, 258, 259, 260, 261, 
 
 262, 263, 264, 372, 373. 
 Cox, Chastine, 371. 
 Craves, Catharine, 372. 
 Credi' Foncier of France, 306. 
 Credit Lyonnais of Paris, 304, 305, 306. 
 Criminal Investigations, Chief of Bureau, 17. 
 
 Cropsey, Albert, 21, 120, 121. 
 
 Crosby, Col. J. Schuyler, 295. 
 
 Crosby, Mrs., alias, see Mrs. Peck. 
 
 Cross, Buchanan, 289, 290. 
 
 Crummins, John, 369, 370. 
 
 Crow Hill, Brooklyn, N. Y., 225, 242. 
 
 Cuba, 362. 
 
 Cuban, 362, 373. 
 
 Cuban Revolutionary Society " Niazza," 373. 
 
 Cummins, Dave, alias "Little Dave," 21, 29, 65, 
 
 83, 114, 147, 177, 253, 254, 256, 277. 
 Cummisky, Charley, 57, 60. 
 Cunningham, Augusta, 348. 
 Cunningham, Mrs. Rebecca, 85. 
 Cunningham, Mrs., 347, 348, 349. 
 " Curley Charley," alias, see Charley Douglas, 265. 
 Curley Tom, 311. 
 Currie, Thos., 232. 
 
 Curtin, John, 11, 24, 29, 38, 240, 241, 242, 243. 
 Curtis, Catharine, 196. 
 Dale, Clara, 353. 
 Daly, 364. 
 
 Daly, Grace, alias Big Grace, 38, 207. 
 Daniels, John, 85. 
 Daniels, Judge, 372. 
 Dannemora, N. Y., 154, 271. 
 Dantzig, Germany, 290. 
 Darlington, Edward, 18, 99, 100, 10 1. 
 Darrigan, Billy, 39, 202, 208, 260. 
 Darrigan, Ellen, 201, 202. 
 Dartmouth, Devonshire, England, 307. 
 Davenport, la., 157. 
 Davey, Recorder, 176, 179, 181. 
 Davis, Richard O., 99, loi. 
 Davis, Wm., 39, 228. 
 Day, George, 133. 
 Dayton, O., 75. 
 Dayton, Francis P., 214, 215. 
 Dean, Frank, 114, 118. 
 Dean, Mary, 372. 
 Decker, Oscar, 300, 302, 303, 304. 
 Deep River Bank, Conn., 83. 
 Deer Island, 197. 
 Delaware, 83, 166, 211, 218. 
 Delaware River, 87. 
 
 Delaware, Lackawanna & Hudson Canal Co., 253. 
 Dempsey, John, ahas, see O'Brien, 61. 
 Denel, Commissioner, 239. 
 
 Deneran, , 296, 297. 
 
 Dennison, Mrs. H. S., 197. 
 
 Denken, Charles, 18, 104, 108. 
 
 Denver, Colo., 118, 135, 231. 
 
 Detroit, 58, 69, 135, 147, 167, 171, 179, 193, 194, 
 
 196, 235, 266, 309, 310, 331. 
 Devereux, Thos., 176. 
 Devine, Clara, 152. 
 Devonshire, England, 126. 
 Devoy, Patrick, 353. 
 Dewey, Billy, 187. 
 
 Dexter Bank of Maine, 83, 86, 118, 133, 276. 
 Dibble, Robert B., 225. 
 Dichon, Julius, 363. 
 Dick, "Big," see Richard Morris, 219. 
 
420 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Dillon, Elizabeth, 202. 
 
 Dimock, A. W. & Co., 312. 
 
 Dinkleman, Eddie, alias, see Eddie Miller, 63. 
 
 Dix, Gen., 124. 
 
 Dix, Governor, 186. 
 
 Dobbs, Johnny, alias, see Mike Kerrigan, 137, 143, 
 
 153, 159. 160, 163, 186, 221, 332. 
 Dobson, Henry, 130. 
 Doctor Bliss, alias, 59. 
 Dodge, Arthur, 133. 
 Dodge, Daniel, 368. 
 Dodge, Judge, 229. 
 Dolan, John, 371. 
 Dollard, Joe, 144, 153. 
 Donohue, John, alias, "Clutch," 280, 301, 210, 331, 
 
 332, 333- 
 
 Donoghue, Judge, 70. 
 
 Dorauss, Chas. H., see Jack Strauss, 25, 310. 
 
 Dorcey, Detective Joseph M., 371. 
 
 Dorsey, John, 369. 
 
 Dougherty, Charlotte, 11, 58, 60, 92. 
 
 Dougherty, Hughy, 273. 
 
 Dougherty, Wm., 39, 264, 265. 
 
 Douglass, alias, see R. P. Robinson. 
 
 Douglass, Charley, 39, 187, 217, 265. 
 
 Downs, Dr. W. W., 228. 
 
 Dowd, Mary Ann, alias, see Kate Armstrong. 
 
 Dowd, Stephen, 44, 268. 
 
 Downey, Annie, 360, 361, 362. 
 
 Downing, Mrs., 345. 
 
 Doyen, Doras, 341, 342, 343. 
 
 Doyle, J. B., 18, 97, 98. 
 
 Draper, Hon. Simeon, 285. 
 
 Dreiger, Philip, 104. 
 
 Dry Dock Bank, 189. 
 
 Dubuque, Joe, 24, 39, 69, 154, 310. 
 
 Duffy, John, 11, 24, 117. 
 
 Duffy, Justice, 99, loi, 210, 315, 319, 323. 
 
 Dugan, alias, see Susicovitch. 
 
 Duncan, Sherman & Co., 297, 298. 
 
 Dunlap, Bob, 189, 311. 
 
 Dunlap, Jas., 115, 118. 
 
 Dunn, Mrs. A. G., 205. 
 
 Dunne. Robert J., 313. 
 
 Durr, L. & Bro., 150. 
 
 Dutch Chris, alias, see John Wilson. 
 
 Dutch Dan, alias, see D. Watson, 326. 
 
 Dutch Fred, alias, see Fred Benner. 
 
 " Dutch Heindrich," alias, see Hy. Newman. 
 
 Dutch Herman, alias, see H. Palmer. 
 
 Dutch Pete, alias, see Pete Lamb. 
 
 Duvigneaud, Officer, 178. 
 
 Dwight, John E., 188. 
 
 Dwyer, Detective, 247. 
 
 Dyson, Daniel, alias Dan Noble, 6, 60, 71, 82, 280, 
 308, 309, 330. 
 
 Earle, Ferdinand P., 100. 
 Earl of Devon, 126. 
 East Boston, Mass., 85. 
 East Cambridge, Mass., 171. 
 
 Eastern Penitentiary, 89, 92, 94, 103, 117, 118, 121, 
 123, 131, 142, 151, 156, 182, 204, 209, 211, 216, 
 218, 233, 240, 242, 266, 272, 273, 327, 329. 
 
 Eastern Railroad, 172. 
 
 Eastman, J. G., 312, 313. 
 
 East New York, 161. 
 
 East Orange, N. J., 290. 
 
 East Washington, N. H., 84. 
 
 Eaton, Joe, 43, 333, 336. 
 
 Eckel, John J., 347, 348, 349. 
 
 "Eclipse," Steamer, 124, 125. 
 
 Edinburgh, 314. 
 
 Edmonds, Judge, John W., 368. 
 
 Edwards, Geo., 18. 
 
 Edwards, Judge, 368, 369. 
 
 Elevated R. R., 164, 190. 
 
 Elkins, Sophie, 38, 140, 206. 
 
 Elmira, N. Y., 72, 121, 122, 138. 
 
 Elmira Reformatory, N. Y., 236, 241. 
 
 Elliott, Frederick, 72, 308. 
 
 Elliott House, New Haven, 237. 
 
 Elliott, Jim, 146, 273. 
 
 Elliott, Joe, alias, see Joe Reilly, i8, 76, 77, 78, 79,, 
 
 80, 94, 306. 
 Ellis, Peter, 163, 164. 
 Ellis, William, 371. 
 EUwood, Geo. N., 135, 192, 193, 194. 
 Elysian Fields, Hoboken, 346. 
 Emanuel Marks & Son, 145. 
 Emigrant Savings Bank, 358. 
 Emmerson, Peter, 6, 29, 81, 115, 118, 153, 190. 
 Emmet, J. P., 160. 
 England, 12, 77, 79, 87, 95, 97, 100, 102, 112, 113, 
 
 121, 125, 126, 127, 132, 139, 145, 154, 160, 178, 
 
 201, 204, 208, 209, 237, 240, 288, 289, 299,300, 
 
 301, 302, 307, 308, 309, 312, 314. 
 Engles, Geo., j8, 54, 76, 77, loi, 102, 270, 288, 
 
 289, 296, 302, 303, 304, 305, 307, 325. 
 English, Harry, alias, see Harry Howard. 
 English Paddy, alias, see Patrick Martin. 
 Enos, Richardson & Co., 117. 
 Erie County Savings Bank, 58. 
 Erie Railroad Co., 296. 
 Erwin, Mrs., 262. 
 Erwin, Sheeny, 261. 
 Europe, 12, 64, 65, 71, 72, 73, 76, 77, 92, 94, loi, 
 
 121, 159, 173, 188, 238, 243, 254, 255, 262, 
 
 270, 277, 280, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 295, 296, 
 
 299. 3oi> 302, 307. 
 Evans, Alex., 39, 211, 232. 
 Evans, Geo. W., 232. 
 Evansville, Minn., 67. 
 
 Everhardt, C. J., 11, 18, 24, 61, 103, 108, 269, 270. 
 Fabius, N. Y., 157. 
 Fairbrother, Edward, 21, 112 
 Fairhaven National Bank, Mass., 90. 
 Fale, William, alias, see Wm. Brooks, 109 
 Fall River Steamer "Newport,"' 233. 
 Falls City Bank of Louisville, Ky., 117. 
 Farmers and Mechanics' Bank of Burhngton, Vt., 
 
 Farmers and Mechanics' Bank of Galesburg, 111., , 
 
 68. 
 Farrar Company, 363. 
 Farrell, Ned., 55, 164, 190. 
 Farrell, Tip., 43. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 421 
 
 Farrell, Wm., 188, 190, 191. 
 
 Farren, Chas., 18, 70, 271. 
 
 Federal Court, 241. 
 
 Ferris Frank, 370. 
 
 Ferris, Mary, 370. 
 
 Field, Marshall, 196. 
 
 Fifth Avenue Bank of New York, 100. 
 
 Fifth Avenue Hotel, 124, 296, 328. 
 
 First Precinct Station, 177. 
 
 First National Bank of Boston, Mass., 290. 
 
 First National Bank of Brandon, Vt., 105. 
 
 First National Bank of Charleston, S. C, 92. 
 
 First National Bank of Chicago, 70, 71. 
 
 First National Bank, Coldwater, Mich., 310, 311. 
 
 First National Bank, Detroit, 58, 69, 266. 
 
 First National Bank of Jersey City, 115. 
 
 First National Bank of Joliet, 111.. 105. 
 
 First National Bank of Quincy, 111., 115, 116. 
 
 First National Bank of Springfield, 111., 64. 
 
 First National Bank, Wellsboro, Pa., 311. 
 
 First National Bank, Wilmington, Del., 83, 90, 311, 
 
 Fisher, Charles, 11, 18, 24, 29, 104, 106, 107. 
 
 Fisher, Gus^ 162. 
 
 Fisher, J. H., 102. 
 
 Fisher, Preston & Co., 69. 
 
 Fitchburg, Mass., 104. 
 
 Fitzgerald, Bridget, 39, 215. 
 
 Fitzgerald, James, 43, 192. 
 
 Fitzgerald, Margaret, 368. 
 
 Fitzgerald Patrick, 368. 
 
 Fitzgerald, Tom, 39, 215, 216. 
 
 Fitzpatrick & Case, 99. 
 
 Flint, Geo. C. 173. 
 
 Florence, Italy, 77, 295, 306. 
 
 Florida, 186, 223. 
 
 Florino, Italy, 296. 
 
 Flour City National Bank, 75. 
 
 Floyd Co. Savings Bank, Charles City, Iowa, 105. 
 
 Flynn, Billy, n, 24, 57, 60, 117, 167, 239. 
 
 Flynn, Mary Ann, 414. 
 
 Fogarty, Detective, 316. 
 
 Folkstone (Eng.) 289. 
 
 Foltz, Conrad, 148. 
 
 Ford, John H., 260. 
 
 Ford, Judge. 204. 
 
 Forrester, Billy, 11, 24, 29, 114, 147, 177, 353. 
 
 Fort Erie, Canada, 310, 332, 333. 
 
 Fort Lafayette, 124. 
 
 Fort Wayne, Ind., 105. 
 
 Foster, Geo., 177. 
 
 Foster, Nathan B., 18, 97. 
 
 Foster, William, 371. 
 
 Fourth National Bank of Chicago, 70, 71, 72. 
 
 Fourth National Bank of New York, 281. 
 
 Fox, Kid, 385. 
 
 Fox, Robert, 18, 102. 
 
 Framingham Centre, Mass., 90. 
 
 Framingham, Mass., 87. 
 
 France, 102, 145, 154, 203, 253, 282, 289. 
 
 Frank, Diago, 115, 147. i77- 
 
 Frankie the Kid, 382. 
 
 Franklin & Co., 316. 
 
 Franklin House, 133, 160. 
 
 " Frank Rivers," alias, see R. P. Robinsoa 
 
 Freehold, N. J., 413. 
 
 Freer, Benjamin, 173. 
 
 Freitman, Edward & Co., 96. 
 
 French, Geo. L., 258. 
 
 French, Gus., alias, see Gus. Kindt. 
 
 French, Louie, alias, see Louis Brown. 
 
 French's Hotel, 124. 
 
 Frey, Marshall, 58, 271. 
 
 Friedenburg, 315, 316. 
 
 Friedwald, Leonard^ 316. 
 
 Friery, Bernard, 370. 
 
 Fuller, Charles W., 264. 
 
 "Funeral Wells," alias, see James Wells. 
 
 Furlong, Phil, 309. 
 
 Furlong, Robert, 344. 
 
 Gates, Bendick, 225. 
 
 Galesburg, 111., 68. 
 
 "GaUia," Steamship, 168. 
 
 Gall, Ont, 138. 
 
 Galveston, Texas, 178, 297, 299. 
 
 Gamphor, G. W., 21, 113, 114. 
 
 Ganley, Patrick, 132. 
 
 Gantz, John, 39, 154, 155. 
 
 Gardiner, Tom. 321. 
 
 Gardiner, Ulster Co., N. Y., 173. 
 
 Garfield, Ex-President, 221. 
 
 Garner, William F., 215. 
 
 Garnett, 308. 
 
 Garrity, J. J., 325. 
 
 Garry, Mr., 86. 
 
 Garten & Co., 286. 
 
 Garvey, John, 23, 160, 214, 215. 
 
 Gaster, Detective, 174. 
 
 Gato, E. H. & Co., 283. 
 
 Gaylbr, Nelson J.. 104. 
 
 Gearing, Eddie, 81, 153, 188, 189, 190. 
 
 Geneva, Switzerland, 305, 306, 308. 
 
 Georgia, no. 
 
 German American Bank, 104, 350. 
 
 Germania Bank, 184. 
 
 Germany, 63, 76, 80, 88, 102, 106, 145, 191, 19.7, 
 198, 200, 252. 
 
 Gerraughty, inspector, 247, 248. 
 
 Gibney, Sergt. James, 178. 
 
 Gibson, Mary A., alias, see M. A. Hansen. 
 
 Gifford, Geo., 43. 
 
 Gifford, Harry, 172. 
 
 Gifford, Judge, 187. 
 
 Gildersleeve, Judge, 76, 104, in, 119, 123, 127, 
 137, 139. 159, 166, 173, 185, 188, 195, 203, 205, 
 213, 222, 227, 240, 242, 246, 261, 275, 328, 330. 
 
 Gillespie, George T., 368. 
 
 Gilligan, Andy. 18, 24, 70. 
 
 Gilman, Wm. C, 291, 292, 293, 294. 
 
 Gilmore, Bill, alias, see Bill Morris. 
 
 Gilmore, Timothy J., 98, 99. 
 
 Girr, Ann, 369. 
 
 Gleason, Frank, 301. 
 
 Gleason, Valentine, 18, 65, 121, 279, 286, 296,301, 
 
 3°9- 
 Glenn's Falls, N. Y., 329. 
 Gloucester, Mass., 137. 
 
42 2 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Glover, Billy, 250, 313. 
 
 Golden, Wm. B., 189. 
 
 Goldman, Manassa L., 132. 
 
 Goldstein Bros., 332. 
 
 Goldstein. Dave, 24, 38, 96. 
 
 Goodie, Eddie, see Eddie Gearing. 
 
 Goodrich, John B., 171. 
 
 Goodwin, Mr., 99. 
 
 Gopher Bill, alias, see Wm. Robinson. 
 
 Gordon, Geo. B., 89. 
 
 Gordon, Geo., alias, see Geo. Mason. 
 
 Gordon, Judge, 329. 
 
 Gorman, Joe., 38, 164, 186, 211, 219, 220, 222, 227, 
 
 272. 
 Gorman, John, 220. 
 Gorman, Tom, 24, 220. 
 Gossett, Al., 178. 
 Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C, 
 
 239- 
 Grady, John D., 317, 321. 
 Graff, John F., ■^16. 
 Grand Central Hotel, 124. 
 "Grand Central Pete," alias, see Peter Lake. 
 Grand Central R. R. Depot, N. Y. City, 109, 166, 
 
 221, 257. 
 Grandi, alias, see Susicovitch. 
 Grand Jury, 86, 96, 283. 
 Grand Rapids, Mich., 206, 224. 
 Grant Parish, La., 127. 
 Graves, John, 85. 
 Gravesend, 301. 
 
 Gray, Frederick P., 134, 159, 160. 
 Gray, Wm. E., 18, 278, 301, 312, 313. 
 Gray, Rev. E. H., 312. 
 Great Barrington, Vt., 91. 
 Great Barrington Bank, go, 91. 
 Great Britain, 279. 
 Green, C. G., 117. 
 Green, James, 301. 
 Green, John, 29, 153, 309. 
 Green River, 297. 
 Greenbush, N. Y., 247, 250. 
 Greenpoint, 189. 
 Greenthal, Abe, 39, 22/;. 
 Greenthal, General, 157. 
 Greenthal, Harris, 225, 226, 239. 
 Greenwich Bank, New York City, 298. 
 Gregg House, 178, 179. 
 Gregory, Augustus, 230, 231, 232, 
 Grey, Fred. P., 143, 221. 
 Grey, Mary, 275. 
 Griffen, Edmund, 368. 
 Griffin, James, 308, 309. 
 Griffin, Larry, 133, 160, 186, 214, 414. 
 Griffis, Wm., 302, 307. 
 Grove, Henry B., 84. 
 Grunsig. Otto, 368. 
 Grunsig, Victorine, 368. 
 Guerin, Eddie, 11, 24, 68. 
 Guerin, Paddy, 69, 266. 
 Guernsey, Claudia, 232. 
 Gunnion, Caleb, 353, 354. 
 Gus, Sleepy, 266. 
 
 Hackensack, N. J., 148, 149. 
 
 Hackett, Recorder, 61, 139, 183, 200, 206, 207, 
 
 212, 217, 263, 265, 292. 
 Haggerty, Jimmy, 90 141. 
 Hague, Wm., 24, 29, 273, 274. 
 Hahn, Benjamin & Co., 153. 
 Haigh, J. Lloyd, 288. 
 Haight, Judge, 122. 
 Haines, G. B., & Co., 131. 
 Halifax, N. S., 69, 92, 291. 
 Hall, A. Oakey, 337, 349. 
 Hall, Chas., alias, see Chas. AVard. 
 Hall, Garten & Co., 288. 
 Hall, Geo., 29. 39, 89. 
 Hall. Major Wm. L., 171. 
 Hamburg, Germany, 239, 304. 
 Hamilton, Can., 196, 326. 
 Hamilton, Marshal, 278. 
 Hamilton Shell, 102, 295, 304, 305, 306, 307. 
 Hammel, Dr., 303, 304. 
 Hammill, Thos., 223. 
 Hammond, Frank, 43. 
 Hammond, Geo. C, alias, see Jos. Eaton. 
 Hampton, Wm.. 332. 
 Handy, Detective, 316. 
 Hanier, Louis, 372. 
 Hankins, Effie, 174, 179, 180, 181. 
 Hansen, Mary A., 314, 315. 
 Hardy, Baptist, 116, 
 Hargraves, Martha, 65. 
 Hargraves, Philip, 299, 301, 302, 307. 
 Harley, Oscar, alias, see Oscar Burns. 
 Harper, A. D., 117. 
 Harris & Co., 99. 
 Harris, Bobbie, 176. 
 Harris, Curley, alias, see Wm. Hague. 
 Harris, Joseph, 69, 11 1, 310. 
 Harrisburg. Pa., 233, 3x5, 316. 
 Harrison, Frank, alias, see Frank Reilly, 95. 
 Harrison, Geo.. 38, 218. 
 Harry, "Yen Hock," 385. 
 Hartford. Conn., 62, 63, 93, 133. 
 Hatch, Mrs., 323. 
 Hatters' Bank, Bethel, Conn., 327. 
 Hatton Garden, 178. 
 Havana, Cuba, in, 289, 297. 
 Haverhill Bank, 254. 
 
 Havil, Geo., 6, 18, 29, 70, 71, 72, 137, 138. 
 Havre, 289, 303. 
 Hay, J. A., 116. 
 Haymarket, 385. 
 
 Heaney, , 162. 
 
 Hearn, Jas. A. & Son, 202. 
 Herring, Clement, 77. 
 Heidelberg, Germany, 262. 
 
 Heiser, , 242. 
 
 Helen Jewett, alias, see Doras Doyen. 
 
 Hendel, G. H., 304, 305. 
 
 Henn, Alonzo, 39. 
 
 Henning, Mr., 316. 
 
 Henry, Justice, 121. 
 
 Henze, Sam'l, 58. 
 
 Herring, Clement, alias, "Old Man," 18. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 423 
 
 Hess, Andy, 29, 157. 
 
 Heyman, Bertha, 200, 201, 218, 243. 
 
 Heyman, Mr., 200. 
 
 Heywood, Geo., alias, see Geo. Carson. 
 
 Hicks, Charley, 11, 64. 
 
 Higgins & Co., 321. 
 
 Higginson, Col. T. W., 171. 
 
 Higgins, Daniel, 246. 
 
 Highland Mills, N. Y., 296. 
 
 Hight, Chas. B., 85. 
 
 Hill, John, 173. 
 
 Hill, Governor, 331, 
 
 Hillburn, William, 272. 
 
 Hitchcock, G. L., 141. 
 
 Hoare, James L., 369. 
 
 Hoboken, N. J., 91, 164, 228, 275, 283, 353. 
 
 Hodson, H. W. P., 320. 
 
 Hoefner, Ferdinand H., 267. 
 
 Hoey, Molly, alias, see Molly Holbrook. 
 
 Hoey, James, 25, 195, 196. 
 
 Hoffman, Henry, 267, 268, 269. 
 
 Hoffman, House, N. Y., 201, 230, 231. 
 
 Hoffman, Ogden, 344. 
 
 Hoffman, Recorder, 285, 370. 
 
 Hogan, , 298. 
 
 Hogan, Robert, alias, see Bowman. 
 Holbrook, Geo., 195. 
 Holbrook, Molly, 39, 195, 196, 414. 
 Holland, Eph., 298. 
 Holland, Y. J., 227. 
 Holyoke, Mass., 223. 
 Hooper, Isaac, 18, 246. 
 
 Hope, Jimmy, 6, 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 90, 91, 117, 
 "8, 133, 139, 140, 162, 163, 276, 308, 310, 
 
 311, 329- 
 Hope, John, 6, 80, 81, 83, 133, 163. 
 Horton, G. B., & Co., 149. 
 Hotel di Nuova York, Florence, 306. 
 Hotel du Louvre, Paris, 301, 303. 
 Hotel Royal, 174, 178, 180, 181. 
 Hotel de Russie, Paris, 303. 
 House of Correction, Boston, Mass., 171, 172, 182, 
 
 195, 197, 200, 204, 263, 268. 
 Houston, Texas, 178. 
 Hovan, Horace, 11, 24, 57, 58, 60, 65, 69, 92, 93, 
 
 94, 156) 258, 266, 309. 
 Hovan, Robert, 11, 24, 29, 92, 258, 259. 
 Hovey, Edward, 373. 
 Howard, Edward, 302, 303. 
 
 Howard, Geo., alias, see Geo. Leslie, 57, 144, 152. 
 Howard, Harry, 6, 86. 
 Howard, Joe, alias, see Joe Killoran, 329. 
 Howard, Sanger & Co., 238. 
 Howe, Joe, 43. 
 
 Howe, John, alias, see Susicovitch. 
 Howes & Co., 99. 
 Howlett, Nicholas, 368. 
 Hoyt, Chas., alias, see Chas. Williams. 
 Hoyt, Samuel J., 106. 
 
 Hudson County Jail, N. J., 109. ^ 
 
 Hudson, N. Y., 104, 223, 247. 
 Hughes, John, 18, 90. 
 Hull, Mrs. Jane L. De Forest, 371. 
 
 " Hungry Joe," alias, see Joe Lewis. 
 
 Hunt & Co., 298. 
 
 Hunt, Dan, 24, 141, 142. 
 
 Hurley, Michael, 29, 160, 161, 189. 
 
 Hurley, Pugsey, 133, 215. 
 
 Hyatt, Edw'd, 21. 
 
 Hyle, Red, alias, see Chas. Hylebert. 
 
 Hylebert, Chas., 21, 109, no. 
 
 Illinois, 195, 196, 265, 272/ii 
 
 Indiana, 124, 297, 298. 
 
 Indianapolis, Ind., no, 125. 
 
 Iiigraham, Judge Daniel P., 370. 
 
 Inns of Court Hotel, London, Eng., 300, 302. 
 
 Iowa City, 300. 
 
 Irving House, N. Y. City, 112. 
 
 Irving, Jack, 137. 
 
 Irving, John T., alias "Old Jack," 29, 55, 144, 
 
 153, 158, iS9> 353- 
 Irving, Mary Ann, alias, see M. A. Connelly. 
 Italian American Bank of N. Y., 153. 
 Italy, 12, 102, 296, 305, 308. 
 Jack, California, 370. 
 Jackson, H., 180, 181. 
 Jackson, Detective, 148, 329. 
 Jackson, Mich., 309. 
 Jackson, Miss., 147. 
 Jackson, Wm., 58. 
 Jacksonville, Fla., 145, 154, 178. 
 Jacques, E., 321. 
 J. B. Colgate & Co., 106. 
 Jelt, Geo., 181. 
 Jenks, Jenny, 115. 
 Jennings, Chas. A., 205. 
 Jennings, John, 159. 
 Jerome, Leonard W., 309. 
 Jersey City, N. J., 58, 85, 109, 190, 210, 213, 223, 
 
 254, 336, 369- 
 "Jersey Jimmie," alias, see James Johnson, 219, 
 
 221, 222, 227, 260. 
 Jimmie, Pretty, 222, 272. 
 "Jimmy the Kid," alias, see Jimmy Anderson, 
 
 229, 265. 
 Jinkson, William, 225. 
 Jobin, Michael, 212, 227. 
 Joe, Hungry, see Joe Lewis. 
 "Johnny the Greek," 55. 
 Johnson, Chas., 166, 191. 
 Johnson, Chauncy, 327, 328, 329. 
 Johnson, David, 173. 
 Johnson, Delos S., 157. 
 Johnson, Ed., 6, 115, 118. 
 Johnson, James, 39, 219, 221, 222, 227, 260. 
 Johnson, J. B., 141. 
 Johnson, James H., 237, 317. 
 Johnson, Sarah, 208. 
 Johnson, Walter, 371. 
 
 Johnson, Wm., alias, see Nathan White, 183. 
 Johnson, Wm. J., 169. 
 Joliet (111.) Penitentiary, 64, 66, 68, 131, 147, 148, 
 
 165, 197, 272. 
 Jones, Nick, 355, 356. 
 
 Jourdan, John, 11, 24, 57, 58, 60, 61, 65, 155, 
 156, 234, 235, 266. 
 
424 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Jourdan, Louise, alias, "Little Louise," 38, 39, 
 
 88, 208, 209, 414. 
 Jourdan & Marsh, 196, 204. 
 Judson, Wm. A., 326. 
 " Junco," 326. 
 Kalliske, T., & Co., 359. 
 Kansas City, 115. 
 Karko, Fritz, 200. 
 Karpe, Chas., 201. ♦ 
 Kayton, Frank, 160. 
 Kealy, Capt., 314. 
 Keene, N. H., 253, 278. 
 Keep, Henry, 2S6. 
 Kehoe, "the Mourner," 55. 
 Kelly, Billy, 6, 81, 163, 413. 
 Kelly, Dan, 160, 186, 208, 214, 330, 353,354, 355, 
 
 356. 
 Kelly, Eddie, alias "Little Eddie," 38, 263. 
 Kelley, Edward S., 134. 
 Kelly, Mary, 212. 
 Kelly, Patrick, 368. 
 Kelly, Thos., alias "Blink," 28, 136. 
 Kennedy, Captain, 124. 
 Kennedy, Corporal, 178. 
 Kennedy, Daniel, 62. 
 Kennedy, Wm., 39, 233, 272. 
 Kensington Bank (Phila.), 277, 311. 
 Kentucky, 298. 
 
 Kerwin, Mike, 6, 68. . 
 
 Kerrigan, Mike, 6, 132, 133, 134, 159, 160, 276, 
 
 332- 
 Kerwin, Detective, 181. 
 Key West, Fla., 161, 186. 
 
 " Kid Glove Rosey," alias, see Christene Meyer. 
 " Kid " Leary, alias, see Thos. Leary. 
 Killoran, Joe, 6, 310, 311. 
 Kindt, Gustave, 29, 148, 162. 
 Kindt, Rose, 149. 
 King, Chai, 301. 
 King, Gracie, 60. 
 Kings County Court of Sessions, Brooklyn, N. Y., 
 
 139, 237, 245. 
 Kings County Penitentiary, 77, 80, 129, 144, 172, 
 
 205. 240, 307- 
 Kingsland, Ira, 6, 140. 
 Kingston, (Can.) Penitentiary, 103. 
 Kirkpatrick, 96, 302, 307. 
 Klein, Julius, alias. Young Julius, 38, 261, 268, 
 
 269. 
 Kleinschmidt, Lena, 38, 198. 
 Klink, Julius, 314, 315, 316. 
 
 Klink, Mrs. Mary A., alias, see M. A. Hansen, 316. 
 Knapp, Fred., 308, 309. 
 Knight, Eliza, 318. 
 Knight, Mrs., 320. 
 Kobiyn, Prussia, 200. 
 Koch & Sons, 206. 
 Kountze Bros., 62, 125. 
 Krewolf, Theodore, 275. 
 Kurtz, Michael, 29, 145, 152, 153, 154, 
 Kutner, Solomon, 264. 
 La Farge House, 124. 
 La Fourche County, La., 147, 177. 
 
 La Grange, Mo., 116. 
 
 Lake, Peter, 43, 164, 165, 166. 
 
 Lamb, Pete, 29, 38, 260, 261. 
 
 Lambkin, John H , 165. 
 
 Lamson & Goodnew Manufacturing Company, 365. 
 
 Lancaster, Pa., 216. 
 
 Landendorf, Wm., 136. 
 
 Lane, Matthew, 24. 
 
 Langer, Loyance, 317. 
 
 Lanthier, Detective Sergeant, 230, 231. 
 
 La Porte, Ind., 144, 311. 
 
 Lapsley, H., & Co., 350. 
 
 Larabee, George, 313. 
 
 Larney, John, 6, 25, 57,, 67. 
 
 Lavoiye, Edmond, 247, 248, 249, 250. 
 
 Lawrence, Judge, 173. 
 
 Lawrence, Mass., 133, 137, 143, 159, 221. 
 
 Lawson, James, 213, 214, 215. 
 
 Lazarus, Henry, 370. 
 
 Leary, Kate, 38, 206. 
 
 Leary, " Kid," alias, see Thos. Leary. 
 
 Leary, John, alias "Red" Leary, 6, 189, 206, 238. 
 
 Leary, Thos., alias "Kid Leary," 11, 24, 62, 86, 
 
 93- 
 Leaycraft & Co., 104, 108. 
 Le Boutillier Bros., 198. 
 Lechmere National Bank of East Cambridge, 
 
 Mass., 69, 88. 
 Ledwith, Judge, 205. 
 Lee, Geo., alias, see Geo. Levy. 
 Lee, James, 18, 187, 188. 
 Lees, Capt. J. W., 325. 
 Leighton, 313. 
 Leighton, Augustus D., 372. 
 Lena, Black, 195. 
 Leo, Dr., 355. 
 
 Leslie, George Leonidas, 6, 54, 115, 118, 145. 
 Levy, Bertha, 361. 
 Levy, Geo., 38, 263, 264. 
 Levy, Sophie, alias, see Sophie Lyons, 205, 206. 
 
 Lewis, , 307. 
 
 Lewis Brothers, 263. 
 
 Lewis, George H., 312. 
 
 Lewis, Joe, 42, 43, 167, 168, 169. 
 
 Lewis, Rud., alias "Young Rudolph," 38, 263. 
 
 Lewis, Samuel, 355. 
 
 Lewis, Thos. R., 288. 
 
 Lexington, Ky., 214. 
 
 Leebes, Adolph, 336. 
 
 Lieh, Christopher, 123. 
 
 Lilienthal, 177,' 178. 
 
 Lilly, Charles, 89. 
 
 Lillie, Edw'd, 43, 173. 
 
 Lime Rock National Bank of Rockland, Me., 83, 
 
 85. 
 Line, H. P., 281. 
 
 Linke, C. R., 144. 
 
 Lisbon, N. H. 85. 
 
 Lister, Chas., 308. 
 
 Litchfield, Alden, 85. 
 
 " Little Al. Wilson," 142. 
 
 Little, Bell, 38, 245. 
 
 Little Dave, alias, see Dave Cummings. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 425 
 
 Little, Horace, alias, see Horace Hovan. 
 
 Little Tip, alias, see W. H. Little. 
 
 Little, George, 24, 43. 
 
 Little, Wm. H., 245, 246, 
 
 Liverpool, Eng., 126, 167, 254, 288, 289, 299, 300. 
 
 Liverpool, Jack, alias, see John Connors. 
 
 Livingston, John Henry, 286. 
 
 Lockport, N. Y., 235. 
 
 Lockwood, Geo., alias "Cully," 29, 145. 
 
 Lodlobz, John, 316. 
 
 Lombardy, 306. 
 
 London, Eng., 73, 74,78, 79, 80, 86, 121, 126, 211, 
 239. 243. 280, 288, 289, 29s, 300, 301, 302, 
 303> 3°4, 305. 3°6. 307, 308, 3°9. 3i3. 3i4, 
 325- 
 
 London Bank of Utah, 126. 
 
 London Co. Bank, 301. 
 
 London, Ontario, 200. 
 
 Long, Doctor, 21, 43. 
 
 Looney, Detective, 259. 
 
 Lord Bond Robbery, 60, 308. 
 
 Lord Courteney, see H. L. Courteney. 
 
 Loss, Mrs., 346, 347. 
 
 Louisiana, loi, 127, 181. 
 
 Louisville, 125, 214, 297. 
 
 Louther, Freddie, 24, 39, 233, 260, 265. 
 
 Love, Charlie, 165. 
 
 Love, John, 29, 72, 89, 134, 137, 138, 153, 159,311. 
 
 Love, Matthew, 59. 
 
 Lovejoy's Hotel, 124. 
 
 Lowell, Henry A., 282. 
 
 Lowell, Mass., 133. 
 
 Lowenthal, Frank, 261, 262. 
 
 Lowery, Chas., 6, 72, 137, 138. 
 
 Ludlow Street Jail, N. Y., 65, 77, 316. 
 
 Luhn, J. W., 413. 
 
 Luther, Martin, alias, see Luther R. Martin. • 
 
 Luthy, Pete, alias, see Peter Emmerson. 
 
 Lydell, Mrs., 173. 
 
 Lydig's Woods, Westchester Co., N. Y., 371. 
 
 Lyman, Ned, 24, 43, 105, 181, 182. 
 
 Lyman, Wm. H., 18. 
 
 Lynch, David, 75. 
 
 Lynch, Geo., alias, see Geo. Edwards. 
 
 Lynch, Jas., 131. 
 
 Lyons, Ned, 6, 11, 29, 82, 90, 139, 140, 206, 309. 
 
 Lyons, Sophie, 24, 38, 39. 
 
 Mack, Mary, 38, 207, 208. 
 
 Macon, Ga., 115. 
 
 Macy, R. H. & Co., 99, 197. 
 
 Madison Square Garden, 209. 
 
 Madrid, 303. 
 
 Magdeburg, Germany, 262. 
 
 Mahaney, John, 24, 130, 131, 202. 
 
 Mahoney, Officer, 133. 
 
 Mahoney, Inspector, 247, 248. 
 
 Mahoney, John, alias, see Mahaney. 
 
 Maillard, Geo., 160. 
 
 Mainz, George, 366, 367. 
 
 Majone, Pasquale, 372. 
 
 Malone, Captain, 174, 177, 178. 
 
 Malone, N. Y., 278. 
 
 Manchester, Eng., 139, 208. 
 
 Mandelbaum, Mrs., 153, 194, 196, 225. 
 Manhattan Savings Institution, N. Y., 55, 81, 83, 
 
 91. i33> 163, 164, 190, 310, 413. 
 Mantel, Geo. W., 217. 
 Manufacturers Bank, Cohoes, N. Y., 234. 
 Manufacturers and Traders' Bank of Buffalo, N.Y., 
 
 281. 
 Marechal, Gus, alias, see Gus Kindt. 
 Marcy, Henry O., 171. 
 Marine National Bank, 328.* 
 Marker or Maerker, Fred., 325. 
 Marks, Emanuel, alias "Minnie," 11, 24, 57, 234, 
 
 235, 265, 266, 414. 
 Marks, Minnie, alias, see Emanuel Marks. 
 Marks, Nathan, 77. 
 Marks & Son, 154. 
 Marlboro, Mass., 87. 
 Marsh, Isaac, alias "Big Ike," 6, 84, 87, 118, 162, 
 
 309, 311, 326, 327. 
 Marsh Market Jake, alias, see E. J. Everhardt, 
 
 142. 
 Marshall, Charles E., 247, 248, 249, 250. 
 Marshalla's Bank, Montreal, 117. 
 Marshal, Steve, alias, see Steve Raymond. 
 Martin Ibert's Sons, 144. 
 Martin, Luther R., 18, 97, 98. 
 Martin, Patrick, 39, 210. 
 Martin, Tilly, 24. 
 Marquis of Lome, 164, 218. 
 Maryland, 102, 271, 307. 
 Maryland Fire Ins. Co., 64. 
 Mason, Charles, 43, 165. 
 Mason, Geo., 6, 88, 89, 90, 91, 115, 133, 137, 140, 
 
 153. 311, 327- 
 Masonic Temple, 299. 
 Massachusetts, 144, 159, 177, 183, 221, 225. 
 Matches, Mollie, alias, see John Larney, 67. 
 Matther, Reese & Son, 131. 
 Matthews, Tommy, 39, 212, 227, 228, 233 
 Maud Grove, Chelsea, 325. 
 Maverick National Bank of Boston, 282. 
 Maxwell, Mr., 344. 
 Mayer, Christine, 38, 197, 198. 
 McAllier, Andy, 38, 146. 
 McAnnany, Susan, 369. 
 McCann, Chas.. 82. 
 McCarty, Col. Wm. Fitzcharles, 314. 
 McCarty, Thos., 29, 143, 159, 160, 221. 
 McChesney, R., 116. 
 
 McClain, Chas., alias, see Chas. McLaughlin. 
 McClusky, Joe, 11, 24, 65, 117. 
 McConnell, Ann, 319. 
 McCormack, Jack, 38, 263. 
 
 McCormack, T;Dm, 6, 83, 162, 208, 277, 278, 311. 
 McCoy, Frank, 6, 55, 83, 133, 149, 153, 161, 162, 
 
 163, 189, 326, 329. 
 McCrann, Frank, 6, 72, 137, 138. 
 McCreery & Co., 198. 
 McDermott, John, 237. 
 McDonald, Geo., 288, 309. 
 McDonald, Jas., 129. 
 McDonald, Matthew, 134. 
 McDonald, Milkey, 61. 
 
426 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 McGeary, Matthew, 214, 215. 
 
 McGee, Eddie, 24, 29, 38, 240, 242. 
 
 McGloin, Michael E., 372, 373. 
 
 McGraw, J. C, 116. 
 
 McGuire, Andrew, alias, " Fairy," 29, 133, 149, 150, 
 
 266. 
 McGuire, John, alias, " Shinny," 24, 39, 216, 226, 
 
 227, 260. 
 McHenry, Dennis, 369. 
 McKeon, John, alias, "Kid," 29, 129. 
 McKewan, John,. 189. 
 McKitterick, James, 39, 223. 
 McLaughlin, Charles, 21, 127. 
 McLoughlin, Lucy A., 370. 
 McMahon, James, 244. 
 McMahon, John, 29. 
 McNally, 354. 
 
 McNamee, , 187, 
 
 McSorley, Edw'd, 317, 321. 
 
 McSorley, Owen, 321, 322, 323, 324. 
 
 Meagher, Bill, 133. 
 
 Mechanics' Bank of Scranton, Pa., 64. 
 
 Mechanics' Banking Association, 285. 
 
 Mechanics' Hall, 228. 
 
 Medford, Mass., 224. 
 
 Megath, , 305, 306. 
 
 Memphis, 115, 147. 
 
 Metropolitan Hotel, New York City, 167, 286. 
 
 Merchants' Bank, Brooklyn, 76. 
 
 Merchants' National Bank, 271. 
 
 Merchants' National Bank, Baltimore, Md., 102. 
 
 Merchants' National Bank, Buffalo, N. Y., 281. 
 
 Merchants' Union Express Co., 326. 
 
 Meriden Britannia Co., 125. 
 
 Merriam, 193. 
 
 Mesam, Annie, 316. 
 
 Mesam, Mary, 315. 
 
 Meyenborg, Henry A., 319, 320. 
 
 Meyer's, 132, 267. 
 
 Meyer, J. F., 178. 
 
 Meyers, John, 222. 
 
 Michal, Joseph, 185. 
 
 Michigan, 156, 157. 
 
 Michigan City, Ind., 110, 414. 
 
 Mickle, Geo. B., 314. 
 
 Middleton & Co., 102. 
 
 Middlesex Institution for Savings, Concord, Mass., 
 
 86. 
 Middletown National Bank, Conn., 58, 60, 92, 156, 
 
 266. 
 Middlesex Sessions, 243. 
 Mike, Sheeney, 152, 154. 
 Milan, Italy, 295, 304, 306. 
 Milford National Bank, N. H. 91. 
 Miller, 165. 
 
 Miller, Anna B., 38, 63. 
 Miller, A. P., no. 
 Miller, Charles, 357. 
 Miller, Eddie, 38, 104. 
 Miller, Jebediah, 368. 
 Miller, Johnny, 308. 
 Miller, Kid, 385. 
 Miller, Tilly, 38, 104, 195, 
 
 Miller, Wm., alias "Billy," 21, 120. 
 
 Milliard, Geo., 39. 186, 214 215, 233. 
 
 Mills, D. O. & Co., 299. 
 
 Mills, Zophar D., 128. 
 
 Milwaukee, Wis., 102, 135, 193, 200, 298. 
 
 Minneapolis, Minn., 235. 
 
 Minor, Rufe, 11, 24, 57, 58, 60, 66, 92, 156, 234, 
 
 266, 270, 413. 
 Mississippi, 223. 
 
 Mississippi Mills, Wesson, Miss., 170. 
 Missouri State Soldiers, 18. 
 Mitchell, Dan'I C, 319. 
 Mitchell, Frank, 39, 210. 
 Mobile, Ala., 147, 298. 
 Monmouth Co., N, J., Spring Lake, 413. 
 Montgomery, Ala., 180, 181. 
 Montreal, Can., 62, 117, 126, 138, 148, 187, 200, 
 
 212, 218, 266. 297. 
 Montreal Tom, alias, see Thos. White. 
 Monroe Co., N. Y., 75, 272. 
 Mooney, Dave, alias " Little Dave," 24, 29, 246, 
 
 247, 248, 249, 250. 
 Moore, Edward, 368. 
 Moore, English, 97. 
 
 Moore, Judge, 77, 142, 144, 225, 245, 317. 
 Moore, L. W., alias, see Charley Adams, 62, 84, 85, 
 
 89, 91, 94, 137. 
 Moore, Tommy, alias, see Thos. McCarty, 
 Moran, Joe, 6, 64. 
 Morgan, Billy, 24, 103, 272. 
 Morgan, Governor, 291. 
 Morgan, Jas., 123. 
 Morgan, Jas. Peabody, 313. 
 Morgan, Judge, 75, 144, 244. 
 Morgan, Judge John S., 61, 156. 
 Morgan, Wm., 6, 84, 142. 
 Morgan, W.^ H., 124. 
 Morris, Bill, 29, 89. 
 Morris, Dick, alias "Big Dick," 38, 164, 186, 211, 
 
 216, 217, 219, 221, 222, 229, 265. 
 Morris & Essex R.R. of N. J., 18, 97, 98. 
 Morris, Robt., 344. 
 Morris, Theodore W., 201. 
 Morrison, James H., 330. 
 Morristown, N. J., 350, 353. 
 Morse, G. F., 76. 
 Morse, L. W., 312. 
 Morton, C. H., 116. 
 Morton, Judge, 266. 
 Morton, Major, 113. 
 Morton, Mary, 414. 
 Moscow, Russia, 305. 
 Moses, Franklin J., 18, 170, 171. 
 Moses, Ex-Governor, alias, see F. J. Mosei 
 Mount Vernon, N. Y., 212. 
 Mount Zoar, 138. 
 Moxie, Henry, 97. 
 Moyamensing Prison, 300. 
 Mrs. Peck, 322, 323, 324. 
 Mullen, Nick, 346. 
 Mulholland, Justice, 237. 
 Mulligan, Tommy, 24, 65. 
 Munich, 296, 301, 304, 307, 308. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 427 
 
 Murphy, Capt, 168. 
 
 Murphy, Chief, 316. 
 
 Murphy, Jimmy, 39, 223, 228. 
 
 Murphy, John, 24, 39. 
 
 Murphy, Officer, 273. 
 
 Murphy, Terrance, alias Murphy, Poodle, 39, 164, 
 
 186, 210, 211, 217, 218, 222, 272. 
 Murphy, Thos., 323. 
 Murray Hill Hotel, N. Y., 230, 231. 
 Murray, Judge, 213, 251, 264. 
 Murry vs. Cronin, 241. 
 Mutual Life Ins. Co., N. Y., 320. 
 Naples, 301, 303, 305, 306. 
 Nassau Bank of New York, 246, 290. 
 Nashville, Tenn., 241. 
 Nathan, Benjamin, 147, 148, 158, 350, 351, 353, 354, 
 
 356. 
 Nathan, Mrs. Adolphus, 139. 
 Nathan, Frederick, 350, 351. 
 Nathan, Washington, 350, 353. 
 Natick, Mass., 85. 
 
 National Bank of Cambridgeport, Mass., 69. 
 National (old) Bank of Chicago, 70, 71, 72. 
 National Bank of Delaware, 162. 
 National Bank of Newburgh, N. Y. 173. 
 National Bank of Orange, N. J., 190. 
 National Bank of St. Albans, Vt, 105. 
 National Bank at Rochester, N. H., 90. 
 National Bank of Stockton, 335. 
 National City Bank, 286. 
 National Line, 126. 
 National Trust Co., 279. 
 Naumberg, Krauss & Co., 124. 
 Naverick National Bank, 216. 
 Neal, Hiram R., 133. 
 
 Neely, , i47- 
 
 Newark, N. J., 150. 
 
 Newark City, N. J. National Bank, 76. 
 
 Newburg, N. Y., 247. 
 
 Newburyport, Mass., 85, 252. 
 
 New Castle, Del., 162. 
 
 Newcastle Jail, 329. 
 
 New Hampshire, 84. 
 
 New Haven, 223, 237, 254, 278. 
 
 New Haven Railroad Co., 254. 
 
 New Jersey, 58, 90, 118, 131, 146. 
 
 New Jersey Central R. R., 122. 
 
 Newman, Henry, 328. 
 
 New Mexico, 118. 
 
 New Orleans, La., 62, 64, 96, 114, 115, 124, 147. 
 
 174, 17s. 176, 177. 178, i79> 180, 181, 297, 
 
 325. 
 New Orleans Exposition, 170. 
 Newport, R. I., 126. 
 New Rochelle, N. Y., 160, 214. 
 New York, Buffalo & Erie Railroad, 287. 
 New York Central R. R., 122, 279, 286, 326. 
 New York County Bank, 84. 
 New York Guarantee & Indemnity Co., 279. 
 New York Harbor, 124. 
 New York Hotel, 120, 205. 
 New York Indemnity & Warehouse Co., 64. 
 New York Life Ins. Co., 74. 
 
 New York, City, 7, 17, 32, 33, 34, 43, 58, 59, 60, 61, 
 62, ^i, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 75, 76, 77, 
 80, 81, 84, 85, 86, 88, 90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 
 99, 100, loi, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 
 III, 112, 113, 114, 115, 117, 119, 120, 121, 
 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 
 
 131, 132, 133. 13s, 136, 137, 138. 139. 141, 
 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 148, 149, 150, 151, 
 
 152, 153, 154, 155. 156, 157, 158, 159,160, 
 16 1, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 
 170, 171, 172, 173, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 
 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 19s, 
 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 
 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 
 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 
 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 231, 232, 
 233, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 
 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 251, 252, 254, 256. 
 257, 258. 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 
 266, 267, 268, 269, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 
 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 287, 288, 
 289, 291, 29s, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 
 302, 303, 3°4, 307, 3°8. 3°9, 310, 3"> 312. 
 315, 316, 318, 322, 327, 329, 362, 368, 373, 
 374, 375, .381, 413, 414- 
 
 New York State Bounty Loan Certificates, 313. 
 
 Niagara Falls, 85. 
 
 "Niazzas," 306, 367. 
 
 "Nibbs," alias, see James Lawson, 222, 229. 
 
 Nickerson, Leonard, 104. 
 
 Nigger Baker, alias, see, Joe Rickerman. 
 
 Nixon, Michael, 371. 
 
 Noble, Dan, alias, see Daniel Dyson, 6, 60, 71, 82, 
 280, 308, 309, 330. 
 
 Noe, James H., 371. 
 
 Norfolk, Va., 127. 
 
 Norman, George, 247, 248, 249, 250. 
 
 North, Eliza J., 240. 
 
 Northampton, Mass., 189, 311. 
 
 Northampton, Mass., Bank, 118, 122, 307. 
 
 Northern Hotel, 289. 
 
 Northern Indiana State Prison at Michigan City, 
 144. 
 
 Northern New Jersey R. R., 300. 
 
 Norton, Bryan, 321. 
 
 Norton, Johnny, 192. 
 
 Norwich, Conn., 297. 
 
 Norwichtown, Conn., 294. 
 
 Nott, Judge John C, 146. 
 
 Nugent, John, 55, 81, 163, 190. 
 
 Oakes, 193. 
 
 Oak Lane, Pa., 291. 
 
 Oats, Barney, alias, see Mike Kerwin. 
 
 Oats, Tim, 24, 39, 212, 213, 222, 227, 245, 414. 
 
 Oatsey, alias, see Joe Otterberg. 
 
 O'Brien, Johnny, alias "The Kid," 11, 24, 61, 87, 
 114. 
 
 O'Brien, Jeremiah, 370. 
 
 O'Brien, Thos. A., 99. 
 
 O'Brien, Wm., 29, 55, 137, 143, 144, 145, 414. 
 
 O'Brien Sr Ryder, 363. 
 
 Ocean National Bank, N. Y. City, 140, 253, 326. 
 
 O'Connor, Officer, 133. 
 
428 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 O'Connor, Thos., 129. 
 
 O'Donnell, John, 160, 215. 
 
 Ogle, Wm., alias "Billy," 25, 29, 70, 71, 72, 95. 
 
 Ohio National Bank of Cincinnati, 290. 
 
 Ohio & Soona, 362, 363. 
 
 Old Bill, alias, see Wm. Connelly. 
 
 Old Man Hope, alias, see James Hope. 
 
 Old Mother Hubbard, alias, see Margaret Brown. 
 
 Oldtown National Bank, Me., 90. 
 
 Oliver, , 185. 
 
 O'Neil, John, alias, see John Hughes, 128, 129. 
 
 O'Neil, Maimie, 323. 
 
 Ong, Ching, 362. 
 
 Opium Habit and its Consequences, 381, 382. 
 
 Orange, N. J., 70. 
 
 Orange, N. J. National Bank, 164. 
 
 Orange, N. J., Savings Bank, 108. 
 
 Orpen, Mr., 247, 248. 
 
 Orr, James, alias, see James Hoey. 
 
 Orr, John, 160, 215. 
 
 Orvis, Chas. B., 18, 65, 106, 286, 287. 
 
 Osborn, Commissioner, 77, 353. 
 
 Osceola Bank of Pa., 78, 138. 
 
 Oshkosh, Wis., 114, 118. 
 
 O'Sullivan, Marshal Jas. T., 133. 
 
 Oswego, N. Y., 308, 
 
 Ott, Jacob, 290. 
 
 Ottoman Bank, 325. 
 
 Otterberg, Joe, 24, 29, 136, 138. 
 
 Overhaus, Gerhard, 159. 
 
 Overton & Co., 130. 
 
 Oxford, N. J., 162. 
 
 "Oyster Jim," see J. McKitterick. 
 
 Page, N. W., 124. 
 
 Palmer, Aug., 29, 131, 132. 
 
 Palmer, Herman, 29, 132, 267. 
 
 Palmer House, 272. 
 
 Palmer, Mass., 141. 
 
 Panama, 297, 298. 
 
 Pangborn, John W., 70. 
 
 " Paper Collar Joe," alias, see Joe Bond. 
 
 Paris, 80, 178, 239, 242, 254, 29s, 301, 303, 30^, 
 
 3°5. 3°6, 308. 
 Paris Exposition, 301. 
 
 Parish Joe, 11, 24, 29, no, 156, 159, 179, 220. 
 Parisian Bank, 304. 
 Park Avenue Hotel, 232. 
 
 Park National Bank, New York City, 105, 124, 288. 
 Park House, N. Y., 323. 
 Parmelee, Ed., 164. 
 Parrish, Judge, 224. 
 Passaic, N. J., 121, 144. 
 Pasvell, James, 305, 306, 307. 
 Paterson, N. J., 203. 
 Patterson, Walter G., 285, 286. 
 Paulsboro', N. J., 85, 87. 
 Pawtucket, R. I., 183. 
 Peabody, George, 313. 
 Peakes, 297. 
 Pease, Billy, 21, 119, 
 Peck, Howard & Co., 320. 
 Peck, Mrs., Ellen E., 43, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 
 
 321. 
 
 Peck, Richard K., 318, 320. 
 
 Peck, William, 39, 223, 228. 
 
 Pelham, N. Y., 160. 
 
 Penfield, U. S., 116. 
 
 Pennsylvania R. R., 166, 213. 
 
 Peoria, 111., 179. 
 
 Peoria Kid, The, alias, see Geo. Stacy. 
 
 Pernambuco, Brazil, 286. 
 
 Perrine, Chas., alias, see Chas. Williamson. 
 
 Perrin, E. T., 200. 
 
 Ferris, Sam, 6, 118, 133, 276, 278, 311. 
 
 Perry, Sam, 24, 25, 39, 300, 301, 309, 310. 
 
 Perry, William, 38, 39, 251, 252. 
 
 Peters, Mrs. Margaret, 210. 
 
 Petersburg, Va., 57, 60, 92. 
 
 Pettibone, Wm., 29, 129. 
 
 Pettingill, John, alias, Pettingill, Little, 18, 29, 275^ 
 
 308. 
 Pettis, Spence, 279, 285, 286. 
 Pettus & Curtis, 124, 125. 
 Phair, Bridget, alias Fitzgerald, 215. 
 Phair, Tom, alias, see Tom Fitzgerald, 215. 
 Phearson, Phillip, alias " Philly," 11, 24, 6r, 62, 64, 
 
 156. 
 
 Phelps, Judge, 271. 
 
 Phenix National Bank of N. Y., 71. 
 
 Phieffer, Tilly, alias, see Tilly Martin, 203. 
 
 Philadelphia, Pa., 62, 65, 82, 89, 91, 92, 94, 100, 
 loi, 103, 113, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 130, 131, 
 133. T36, 142, 147, 148, 15', 152, 154, 156, 163, 
 166, 178, 182, 188, 190, 197, 200, 202, 204,205, 
 
 207, 208, 209, 211, 212, 213, 216, 218, 219, 221, 
 
 223, 227, 228, 229, 231, 233, 236, 239,240, 242, 
 
 244, 266, 267, 270, 272, 273, 274, 275, 277, 281, 
 
 283, 290, 291, 298, 300, 302, 310, 315, 316. 
 
 Philadelphia Guarantee Trust and Safe Deposit, 
 
 58. 
 Philadelphia Navy Yard, 82. 
 Phillips, John, 300, 303, 305, 308. 
 Phoenix Bank of New York, 70. 
 Piano Charley, alias, see Charles Bullard. 
 Picare, A. R., 185. 
 Piccaluga, Mr., 179. 
 
 Picou or Pick, , 303, 304, 306. 
 
 Pierce, Chas. E., 113. 
 Pierce, Walter, 18, 104, 108, 
 Pierrepont House, Brooklyn, 230, 231. 
 Pike, James, 296. 
 Pike, Judge, 135. 
 Pimlico, Eng., 300. 
 
 Pinchback, , 117. 
 
 Pine, Rufe, alias, see Rufus Minor. 
 Pingee, Sam'l, 317. 
 Pinkney, Judge, 102. 
 Pittsburgh, Pa., 66, 92, 138, 153, 273. 
 Pittman, Chief of Police, 135. 
 Planet Flour Mills, 142, 189. 
 Planters' Bank, St. Louis, 299. 
 Planters' Bank in Virginia, 91. 
 Piatt, Dick, 238. 
 Pomroy, C. M., 116 
 Pond, Wm., 61. 
 Pontez, G. W., 18. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 429 
 
 " Poodle," alias, see Terrance Murphy. 
 
 Porter, Billy, alias, see William O'Brien, 153, 154, 
 
 242, 243. 
 Porter, Geo., alias, see Geo. Hall. 
 Porter, Judge, 253. 
 
 Porter, Walter, alias, see Walter Pierce. 
 Port Huron, Mich., 310. 
 Portland, Me., 282. 
 Portland, Oregon, 299. 
 Portsmouth, N. H., 194, 252. 
 Post, Abram, 160. 
 Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 66, 100. 
 Pratt, Judge, 69, 247. 
 Pratt, Justice, 77. 
 Pratt, Y. H., 313. 
 Preston, Chas., 99, loi. 
 
 " Pretty Jimmie," alias, see James Wilson, 229. 
 Price, James, alias "Jimmy," 39, 226, 229. 
 Price, John, 11, 24, 66, 94. 
 Price, Thos., alias " Deafy," 38, 55, 226, 229. 
 Price, Walter, 38, 39, 195, 274, 275. 
 Propach, Henry, 185. 
 Providence, R. I., 58, 59, 70, 71, 72, 100, 123, 125, 
 
 144, 182, 202, 209, 246. 
 Provincial Bank, Viveres, Belgium, 255. 
 Prussia, 88. 
 
 "Pugsley," alias, see M. Hurley. 
 Purdy, Charles, alias, see Chas. Fisher. 
 Purple, Aleck, 208. 
 Purss & Young, 70. 
 Quartz Hill, 313. 
 Quebec, Can., 127, 302, 332. 
 Queen's County Court of Sessions, Hunter's Point, 
 
 L. I., 15s, 247. 
 Quincy, Alton & St. Louis Railway, 116. 
 Quincy, 111., 115, 116, 117. 
 Quincy, Missouri & Pacific R. R., 116. 
 Quincy National Bank, 111., 91. 
 Quinn, Ed., 311. 
 Quinn, John, 301, 302. 
 Quinn, Michael, 29, 155. 
 Rainer, A. J., 332, 333. 
 Raleigh, Shadrach, 211, 218. 
 Ralston, Walter, alias, see Walter Sheridan. 
 Ramsden, Joseph, 167. 
 Rand, Jack, 6, 85. 
 Raymond, Augustus, alias Gus, 18, 24, 75, 93, 94, 
 
 385, 415- 
 Raymond, Steve, 18, 121, 279, 308. 
 Raymond Street Jail, 60, 77, 144, 239. 
 Reading, Pa., 134, 237. 
 Reading Railroad Depot, 229. 
 Real, Joe, alias "Hoggy," 24, 29, 136, 139. 
 Real, John, 370. 
 Rebella, Augustus, 367. 
 Reddy the Blacksmith, 141. 
 " Red Fitz," alias, see James Fitzgerald. 
 Red Kate, alias, see Kate Leary. 
 Red Leary, alias, see John Leary. 
 Ree, William S., 313. 
 Reeve, Martin, 136. 
 Reeves, Freddy, 18, 196. 
 Reid, R. K., 335, 336. 
 
 Reilly, Annie, 204, 205. 
 
 Reilly, Frank, 29, 39, 150, 151, 152. 
 
 Reilly, James, 274. 
 
 Reilly, Joe, alias, see Joe Elliott, 72, 75, 300, 325. 
 
 Reilly, John, 172. 
 
 Reilly, Sheriff, 144. 
 
 Reilly, William, 413. 
 
 Reynardt, Levi, 332, 333. 
 
 Reynolds, Jim, 54. 
 
 Reynolds, John, alias, see John Curtin. 
 
 Rhode Island, 71. 
 
 Rice, Edw'd, alias, "Big," 21, 24, 43, 57, 68, 69, 92, 
 
 234, 235, 237, 266, 413. 
 Richardson, Col. Edward, 170. 
 Richmond County, Staten Island, N. Y., 201, 321, 
 
 322, 323. 
 Richmond, Va., 92, 93, 126, 151, 298. 
 Rickerman, Joe, 28, 272, 273. 
 Rideout, Eldridge G., 252. 
 Riley, Annie, 39, 239, 240. 
 Riley, Detective, 247, 248, 250. 
 Riley, Joe, 309. 
 
 Riley, John, alias, see John Murphy, 239, 240. 
 Riley, Pat, 298. 
 Rio Janeiro, Brazil, 286. 
 Ripley, Geo. B., 287. 
 Riverhead, 140, 141. 
 Rix, Judge, 83. 
 
 Roaring Bill, alias, see Wm. W. Right. 
 Robberies, Miscellaneous, arranged by tables, 339, 
 
 340- 
 Roberts, alias White, 174, 176, 179, 180, 279, 286. 
 Roberts, Andrew L., 18, 65, 121, 296, 300, 301, 309. 
 Roberts, Elizabeth, 150. 
 Robertson, Judge, 413. 
 Robeson, Ex- Secretary of Navy, 211. 
 Robinson, Bill, 162. 
 Robinson, Governor, 219, 221, 294. 
 Robinson, Richard P., 341, 342. 
 Robinson, Wm., 6. 
 
 Rochester, N. Y., 61, 69, 75, 94, 156, 225, 272, 308. 
 Rochford, Thomas, 237. 
 Rogers, James, 134, 369. 
 Rogers, Judge, 105. 
 Rogers, Mary Cecil, 344, 345, 346, 347. 
 Rogers, Peet & Co., 217. 
 Rollins Bros., 279. 
 Rome, 303, 306. 
 Roosevelt, Judge Jas. J., 369. 
 Rose, Rufus, 58. 
 Ross, John, 286. 
 Rossmore Hotel, 127, 230, 231. 
 Rothschild's, 204. 
 Rotterdam, 304, 307. 
 Rouley, Judge, 272. 
 Royal College of Surgeons, 314. 
 Royal Ins. Co., 60. 
 Ruddy, Henry, 103, 142, 272. 
 
 Ruppert, , 190. 
 
 Russell, Frank, alias "Little Frank," 29, 146. 
 Russell, Judge Abraham D., 369, 370. 
 Russell, Wm., alias " Student," 25. 
 Rutland Co. National Bank of Rutland, Vt, 105. 
 
430 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Ryan, , 285. 
 
 Ryan, Kate, 39, 207. 
 
 Ryan, Mary, 356, 357, 358, 360. 
 
 Ryan, Nicholas, 356, 357, 358, 360. 
 
 Ryan, Patrick, 359. 
 
 Ryan, Thos., 324. 
 
 Ryder, , 365. 
 
 Sacramento, Cal., 299. 
 
 Safe Deposit Co., N. Y., 327. 
 
 Sailors' Snug Harbor, i6i. 
 
 Sala Marco, 229. 
 
 Salt Lake, Utah, 126. 
 
 Sampson, Detective Tom, 313, 314. 
 
 Sam, " Sheeny," 385. 
 
 Sanborn, Charles, 6, 84. 
 
 Sands, J. G., 312. 
 
 San Francisco, Cal., 83, 158, 288, 297, 299, 302, 
 
 307, 324. 
 Sanford, Elliott, 257, 258. 
 Sanguinette, Herbert S., 126. 
 San Quinten, Cal., 80, 83, 118. 
 Saratoga, 193, 253. 
 Sartorio, Mrs., 297, 298. 
 Saul, William, 368. 
 Saunders, Edward, 201. 
 Saunders & Hoffman, 201. 
 Sauther & Co.'s Bank, 83, 118. 
 Savage, Chas. A., 116. 
 
 Savings & Loan Bank of Cleveland, Ohio, 64. 
 Sayles, Wm., 183. 
 Schaeffer, Chas., 296. 
 Schamer, Caroline, 316. 
 Schell, Edward, 81. 
 Schenectady, 223. 
 Schichts, Albert, 222. 
 Schimper, William, 366. 
 Schlarbaum, Pauline, Mrs., 201. 
 
 Schmidt, , 178. 
 
 Schneider, Rosa, 361. 
 
 Schoeler & Co.. 114, 147, 177. 
 
 Schooner "Victor" of Prince Edward's Island, 244. 
 
 Schumann, C. W., 184. 
 
 Scotland Yard, 178, 280. 
 
 Scott Roberts., 6, 115, 118,311. 
 
 Scott, Wm., alias, Scotty, 262. 
 
 Scott & Co., 153. 
 
 Scraggins, jimmy, 272. 
 
 Seaman's Savings Bank, 227. 
 
 Second Ave. Elevated R. R., 188. 
 
 Second National Bank of N. Y. City, 71, 167. 
 
 Second National Bank of Wilkesbarre, Pa., 281. 
 
 Seiter Bros., 213. 
 
 Seligman & Co., 302, 303. 
 
 Selma, Ala., 180, iSi. 
 
 Selta, Maria Velindino, 372. 
 
 Seymour, N. J., 234. 
 
 Shaffer, Big Mag, 233. 
 
 " Shang," alias see J. Campbell. 
 
 Shang Quinn, alias, see Michael Quinn. 
 
 Sharkey. William J., 313. 
 
 Sharon Hill, 1 1, 291. 
 
 Shaw, James M., 124. 
 
 Sheehan, John, 133. 
 
 Sheeny Dave, alias, see Dave Goldstein. 
 
 Sheeny Mike, alias, see Mike Kurtz. 
 
 Shelburne Falls, Mass., 312. 
 
 Shelby, Ohio, 138. 
 
 Shepperd, Jack, alias, see Mahariey. 
 
 Sherbrooke, 332. 
 
 Sheridan, Walter, 18, 24, 64, 117, 118, 121, 300, 
 
 3°9,-3io- 
 Shevlin, Patrick, 4, 6, 13, 81, 163. 
 Shields, Edward P., 237. 
 Shields, United States Commissioner, 257. 
 Shinburn, Mark, 6, 140, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 
 
 277» 2fi9^ 31°. 326, 327. 
 
 Shoe and Leather Bank of New York, 170. 
 
 Short, Joseph, 281. 
 
 Shorten, Thomas, 24, 236, 241. 
 
 Siebert, Henry, 290. 
 
 Siegers, Albert, 325. 
 
 Silver Creek, Can., 68. 
 
 Simpson, James, 6, 84. 
 
 Sinclair House, N. Y. City, 117. 
 
 Sindram, William, 372. 
 
 Sing-Sing, 51, 59, 61, 65, 66, 76, 81, 83, 89, 90, 
 92, 96, 107, 113, 120, 121, 127, 129, 137, 140, 
 141, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 155, 157, 
 164, 165, 183, 186, 188, 190, 206, 209, 212. 
 214, 217, 219, 223, 226, 228, 232, 233, 236, 
 237, 238, 239, 242, 244, 246, 247, 252, 259, 
 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 272, 
 273, 275, 280, 282, 283, 285, 288, 289, 291, 
 312, 321, 325, 328, 329, 330, 354, 413, 414. 
 
 Siscovitch, Ivan, alias Carlo, 18, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 
 80, 307. 
 
 Siscovitch, Louis, 18. 
 
 Siscovitch, Mrs. 78, 79. 
 
 Slawson, John, 166. 
 
 Smedick, John, 370. 
 
 Smidt, Mr., 361, 362. 
 
 Smidt, Mrs. 361. 
 
 Smith, alias, see Albert Sieger. 
 
 Smith, Cashier, 190. 
 
 Smith & Co., 149. 
 
 Smith, Jason, alias, see John Hughes. 
 
 Smith, Sara, 121. 
 
 Smith, Payne & Smith, 302, 303. 
 
 Smith, ex-Recorder, 326. 
 
 Smith, Sophie, 215. 
 
 Smith, Thos. J., 164. 
 
 Smith's Bank at Perry, Wyoming Co., N. Y., 82. 
 
 Smyrna, Turkey, 73, 77, 78. 
 
 Smyth, Charles, 18, 191. 
 
 Smyth, Doc, alias, see Chas. Smyth. 
 
 Smyth, Recorder, 95, 98, 100, 106, 108, 114, 165, 
 167, 170, 173, 190, 198, 228, 231, 244, 246, 
 262, 283, 372, 373. 
 
 Smyth, Wm., 212. 
 
 Smythe, Chas., 98. 
 
 Snodgrass, Mr., 347. 
 
 Societe Generale of Brussels, 304, 305, 306, 307. 
 
 Sollmon, John, 296. 
 
 Sondheim, Jake, alias, see Al. Wise. 
 
 Souter, Wm. K., 161. 
 
 South America, 286. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 431 
 
 South Baltimore Permanent Loan Assoc, 63. 
 
 South Bend, Ind., 123. 
 
 South Boston, Mass., 85, 129. 
 
 South Carolina, 170, 171. 
 
 Southern California, 118. 
 
 Southfield, S. I., 201. 
 
 South Kensington National Bank, Pa., 331. 
 
 South Windham, Conn., 141. 
 
 Spencer, Christopher, 24, 139. 
 
 Spencer, Joseph, 299, 300. 
 
 Spiers, Barney, 115. 
 
 Springfield, Mass., 141, 223, 224, 299. 
 
 Stacy, Geo., 21, 179, 181. 
 
 Standard Oil Works, 189. 
 
 Stanwix Hall, Albany, N. Y., 121. 
 
 Stapleton Winfield, Miss., 358. 
 
 Star Silver Mining Co. Idaho Ter., 166. 
 
 Starr, Theodore, 240, 242. 
 
 Staten Island, N. Y., 128, 146, 214, 215, 317, 321. 
 
 Steamer "Adriatic," 300, 301. 
 
 Steamer " City of Berlin," 303. 
 
 Steamer " City of Brooklyn," 300. 
 
 Steamer " City of London," 300. 
 
 Steamer " Donan," 301. 
 
 Steamer " Germanic," 302. 
 
 Steamer " Pereire," 303. 
 
 Steamship " Spain," 126. 
 
 Steamer "Wieland," 302. 
 
 Stebbins' Son, G. H., 313. 
 
 Steele, Mary, 132. 
 
 Stein, Daniel, 233. 
 
 Steinhart, Morris, 76, 105. 
 
 Steinhofer, Edward, 172. 
 
 Stephens, James, 369. 
 
 Stephens, Sophie, 369. 
 
 Stern, Joe, alias, see Joe Otterberg. 
 
 Stern, Solomon, 184, 185. 
 
 Stevens, Marie, 342, 344. 
 
 Stewart, Frank, 24, 69, 131. 
 
 Stewart, Walter, 279. 
 
 St. Albans, Vt., 149. 
 
 St. Albans (Franklin County, Vt.) Bank, 253. 
 
 St. Charles Hotel, 174. 
 
 St. Denis Hotel, 230, 231. 
 
 St. James Hotel, Boston, 297. 
 
 St. James Hotel, Chicago, 298. 
 
 St. James Hotel, N. Y. City, 97, no. 
 
 St. John's Church, Philadelphia, 329. 
 
 St. John's Wood Station, Marlborough Road, 301. 
 
 St. Joseph, Mo., 118, 296, 297. 
 
 St. Joseph's School, New Orleans, 174. 
 
 St. Lawrence, Hall, Montreal, Can., 102. 
 
 St. Louis, Mo., 65, 99, 114, 115, "8, 125, 13s, 193, 
 197, 209, 262, 278, 280, 299, 309, 325. 
 
 St. Louis National Bank, 280. 
 
 St. Nicholas Hotel, 166. 
 
 St. Paul, 118, 135, 165, 193, 322. 
 
 St. Vincent de Paul Penitentiary, 102. 
 
 Stock Exchange, 313. 
 
 Stockelberg, 363. 
 
 Stockholm, Sweden, 239. 
 
 Stone, C. H., 162. 
 
 Stookey, Aaron B., 368. 
 
 Strauss, Jack, alias, see Dorauss, 25, 165, 310. 
 
 Strogella, 306, 307. 
 
 Strong, J. W., 51. 
 
 Stroyck, Edward, 155. 
 
 Student, The, alias, see Russell. 
 
 Sturgess, Bill, alias "Old Bill," 39, 85. 
 
 Sturgess, Edw., alias, see Edw. Hyatt, no, in. 
 
 Sturtevant, Oscar W., 368. 
 
 Sudlass, John, 296, 
 
 Suffolk, Va., 162. 
 
 Suffolk County, L. I.^ 140, 206, 
 
 Sullivan, Annie, 249. 
 
 Sullivan, Dennis, 134. 
 
 Sullivan, John T., 25, 133, 236, 241. 
 
 Sun Insurance Co., 292. 
 
 Superior Court of Lawrence, Mass., 160. 
 
 Supreme Court, 60, 67, 70, 122, 173. 
 
 Supreme Court (Mass.), 134. 
 
 Supreme Court at Tallahassee, Fla., 154. 
 
 Supreme Judicial Court, Boston, 182, 247. 
 
 Sutherland, Judge, 84, 113, 153, 183, 199, 200, 
 
 205, 2f2, 215, 218, 221, 
 
 Swain, Dave, alias "Old Dave," 43, 123, 172. 
 
 Swanson, John, 369. 
 
 Swanson, Mrs., 369. 
 
 Swartz, Mrs. EvangeUne, 205. 
 
 Sweeny, Mag., 240. 
 
 Switzerland, 65, 253, 288, 291, 306, 308. 
 
 Sybil's Cave, Hoboken, 345. 
 
 Syracuse, 63, 69, 157, 213, 237, 245, 331. 
 
 Talbot, John, 29, 136. 
 
 Talmadge, Henry & Co., 293. 
 
 Tappan, Judge, 161. 
 
 Tarler, Geo. & Co,, 136, 
 
 Tarrytown, N.'Y., 100. 
 
 Taylor, , 172. 
 
 Taylor Brothers, 242. 
 
 Taylor, Bucky, alias, see Frank Buck. 
 
 Taylor, Elizabeth F,, 3^3. 
 
 Taylor, Mary Ann, 103'. 
 
 Tennessee, 70, 95. 
 
 Terhune, J. A., 183. 
 
 Terry, Judge, 162. 
 
 Texas, 314, 344. 
 
 "The General," alias, see Abe Greenthal. 
 
 "The Hatter," alias, see John Talbot. 
 
 The Kid, alias, see John Carroll. 
 
 The Kid, alias, see John O'Brien. 
 
 Thimon, Miguel S., 173. 
 
 Third National Bank of Baltimore, Md., 76, 102, 
 
 271, 309. 326. 
 Third National Bank of Buffalo, 291. 
 Third National Bank, New York City, 58. 
 Third National Bank of Philadelphia, Pa., 94. 
 Thomas, Geo. P., 318, 320. 
 Thomas, John, 371. 
 Thomas, Mr., 268. 
 Thomas, W. A. & Co., 269. 
 Thomaston, Me., 86. 
 Thompson, 86. 
 
 Thompson, Dr., alias, see Ch. R. Titus. 
 Thompson, Kate, 209. 
 Thompson, Levi P., 67. 
 
432 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Thompson, Wm., 134, 371. 
 
 Thorn, Harry, alias, see Geo. Havill. 
 
 Three-Fingered Jack, alias, see Wm. Carter, 
 
 Tibbits, 336. 
 
 Tiffany & Co., 209. 
 
 Tighe, Pop, S3. 
 
 Tilden, Governor, 148. 
 
 Tilges, E., 144. 
 
 Tim, Red, 309. 
 
 Titterington, James, 188, 190, 191. 
 
 Titus, Charles R., 18, 76, 105. 
 
 Toledo, Ohio, 64, 135, 193, 194. 
 
 Tombs, 97, 104, 106, III, 121, 122, 133, 151, 156, 
 
 158, 164, 172, 252, 279, 312, 368, 369, 373. 
 Tombs Police Court, 319, 330. 
 Tool, Annie E., 203. 
 Torino, Italy, 305, 306. 
 
 Toronto, Can., 68, 85, 103, 104, 138, 254, 332,413. 
 Tottenham Court Road, 301. 
 Toulon, Brussels, 304. 
 Tow, James, 343. 
 Towle, John B., 21, 25, 185. 
 Townsend, Jeremiah, 270. 
 Townsend, Mrs., 342, 343, 344. 
 Townsend National Bank, Mass., 90. 
 Townsend, Wm., 370. 
 Townstown, Md., 84. 
 Tracy, John, alias "Big John," 25, 29, 70, 95, 163, 
 
 189, 413, and addenda. 
 Traders' Bank of Louisville, Ky., 297. 
 Tradesmen's National Bank of New York, 291, 296, 
 
 3°i, SOS- 
 Tramp Rock, Westchester Co., N. Y., 145. 
 
 Traphagen, Jas., 150. 
 
 Treasury Department, 313. 
 
 Tremont Hotel, Chicago, 114. 
 
 Trenton, N. J., 91, 109, 118, 150, 164, 166, 210, 
 214, 275. 
 
 Trieste, 78. 
 
 Trimball. Merritt, 58. 
 
 Troft, Dan'l, 316. 
 
 Trost, Jacob, 316. 
 
 Trott, William, 413. 
 
 Troy, N. Y., 95, 105, 127, 145, 149, 154, 161, 242, 
 243> 258. 329, 413, 414. 
 
 Truatt, Matilda, 324. 
 
 TuUy, Edw'd, 39, 216. 
 
 Turin, 304. 
 
 Turkey, 73. 77, 78. 
 
 Uhl, Dr., 349. 
 
 Union Bank, London, Eng., 280. 
 
 Union Bank of Scotland, 102. 
 
 Union Insurance Co., 293. 
 
 Union National Bank, 350. 
 
 Union Pacific R. R., 122, 297. 
 
 Union Trust Co. of New York, 77, 296. 
 
 Ulrich, Chas. Fred'k, 290, 291, 301. 
 
 United States Court, 77, 98, 191, 154, 257. 
 
 United States Court of Western District of Penn- 
 sylvania, 97. 
 
 United States Consulate, 301. 
 
 United States Express, 105. 
 
 United States Treasury Dept., 98, 116, 290, 312. 
 
 Upper Mississippi, 114. 
 
 Utah Territory, 126. 
 
 Vail, Ike, alias " Old Ike," 43, 66. 
 
 Valentine, Lawson, 221. 
 
 Valentine, Mrs. Josephine G., 112. 
 
 Valley Hotel, Wilkesbarre, 253. 
 
 Van Alstyne, Judge, 235. 
 
 Van Brunt, Judge, 67, 315. 
 
 Vanderbilt, C, 286. 
 
 Vanderkeep, M., 120. 
 
 Vanderpool, Chas. O., alias, see Brockway, 70, 71. 
 
 Van Eten, Lewis V., 288. 
 
 Van Horn, John C, 336. 
 
 Van Houten, Annie, 100. 
 
 Venice, 305. 
 
 Vereins Bank, Hamburg, Germany, 239. 
 
 Vermilyea, Fannie, 373. 
 
 Vermillyea & Co., 285. 
 
 Vermont, 105, 311. 
 
 Vermont Central Railroad, 253. 
 
 Vermont National Bank, 105. 
 
 Vicksburg, 147, 176, 299. 
 
 Vienna, 301, 303. 
 
 Vincent, George A., 278. 
 
 Virginia, 169, 251, 298. 
 
 Viveres, Belgium, 254, 256. 
 
 Voegtlin, Emile, 21, 112. 
 
 Vogel, Mose, 6, 90, 115, 118 
 
 Vogel, Wm., 212. 
 
 Volkmer, Joseph, 199. 
 
 Vosburg, Bill, 11, 25, 54, 60, 61, 156, 258. 
 
 Wade, Geo., 309. 
 
 Wagner, George, 370. 
 
 Wagner, Mary, 370. 
 
 Walker, H. S., 335- 
 
 Wall Street, 7. 60, 70. 
 
 Walpole, N H., 278. 
 
 Walpole (N. H.) Savings Bank, 253, 254. 
 
 Walsh, John, 144. 
 
 Wannamaker's, 204, 209. 
 
 Wandell, Judge, 157, 159. 
 
 Ward, Charles, 18, 43, 183, 184. 
 
 Ward, D. S., alias "Capt," 18, 124, 125, 
 
 Wardley, 308. 
 
 Warner, Mrs., 165. 
 
 Warnock, W., 328. 
 
 Warren Institution for Savings, 88, 89, 137. 
 
 Washington, D. C, 61, 65, 92, 94, no, 115, 153, 
 
 192, 239. 315. 
 Washington Market, New York City, 212. 
 Waterford, N. Y., 310. 
 Waterford (N. Y.) Bank, 140. 
 Watkins, F. W., 319. 
 Watson, Dan'l, 29, 88. 
 Watson, Frank, 38, 263, 268, 269. 
 Watson, Geo. B., 287. 
 Watson, Jas, T., 281. 
 Watson, John, 177. 
 Watson, Sam'l, 51. 
 Walters. Fred., 316. 
 Watts, Mary Ann, 199, 200. 
 Waurehus, John, 363. 
 Waurehus, Peter, 363. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 433 
 
 -, 298, 299. 
 
 Webb, 
 
 Webb, Frank, 385. 
 
 Webster, , 287. 
 
 VVeisberg, Abraham, 371. 
 
 Welland, Ont.. 332. 
 
 Wellington, Samuel B., 232. 
 
 Wells, Chas. H., alias, see Ciias. W. Bullard. 
 
 Wells, James, alias " Funeral " Wells^ 222, 223, 
 
 228, 229. 
 Wells, John, alias, see John Love. 
 Wellsboro', Pa., Bank, 83, 90, 91, 140, 327. 
 Welsh, Jack, 137. 
 Welsh, Mike, 311. 
 Wernd Charles, 371. 
 West Brighton, S. I., i6i, 321, 323. 
 West, Dr., alias, see Edward Fairbrother. 
 West Jefferson, Ohio, 237. 
 West Side Bank, 162, 246. 
 Westchester Co., N. Y., 186, 187. 
 "Western, Frank,'' alias, see Frank Hammond. 
 Western International Bank of Baltimore, Md., too. 
 Western Missouri, 64. 
 Western Penitentiary, Pa., 66, 92, 259. 
 Western Union Telegraph Co., 12, 122. 
 Westminster Hotel, 127. 
 Weston, Henry, alias, see Henry Cline. 
 Wethersfield, Conn., 133, 141, 163. 
 Whalen, Joe, 25, 29, 139. 
 Wheeler & Parsons, 148. 
 White, George, 256. 
 White James, 166. 
 White, Justice, 152, 319. 
 White, Nathan, alias " Nat," 43, 333, 336. 
 White Plains, N. Y., 139, 151, 161, 187, 254. 
 White Plains Jail, 326. 
 White, Plinn, 123. 
 White, Pop, alias, see Dr. Long. 
 White, R. H., 197. 
 White, Samuel & Co., 287. 
 White, Thos., 21, 174, 179, 180, 181, 316. 
 Wichita Copper Co., 314. 
 Wilde, Oscar, 42, 167. 
 Wiley, The., alias, see Theo. Wildey, 25, 213, 424, 
 
 245- 
 Wilgus, Captain, 214. 
 Wilkes, Geo., see Bill Bartlett, 18, 65, 75, 76, 77, 
 
 80, 94, 101, 102, 270, 276, 312,333. 
 Wilkes, Henry W., 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 
 
 301, 302, 303, 304, l°1i, 306, 307. 308, 325- 
 Wilkesbarre, Pa., 253. 
 Williams, Albert, alias, see Albert Cropsey. 
 Williams, Billy, 189. 
 Williams, Chas., 21, 24. 
 
 Williams, Geo., alias, see Geo. Bell, 62, 103, 150, 
 
 229, 274. 
 Williams, Jesse, 123. 
 Williams, John, 29, 91, 211, 222, 244. 
 Williams, Maria, 373. 
 Williamsburg, 144, 225, 299. 
 Williamson, Chas., 18, 121, 278, 279, 280. 
 Williamson, Jim, 90.. 
 
 Williard, , 215. 
 
 Wilmington, Del., 162. 
 
 Wilmont, James, 29, 153. 
 
 Wilson, Albert, 18, loi, 270, 3 53, 304, 305, 306, 307. 
 
 Wilson, AL, alias, see Jake Sondheim. 
 
 AVilson, Chas., 95, 151. 
 
 Wilson, Geo., 174, 179, 180. 
 
 Wilson, James, 39, 165, 211, 217, 218. 
 
 Wilson, John, 29, 153. 
 
 Wilson, Joe, alias, see Whalen, 192, 193, 194. 
 
 Wilson, Kitty, 257. 
 
 Wilson, Mike, 153. 
 
 Wilson, Paul, alias "Little Paul," 24, 95. 
 
 Wilson, Peter, 132. 
 
 Windam County Superior Court, 141. 
 
 Windsor, Can., 196, 310. 
 
 Windsor Hotel, 20 r. 
 
 Wise, Albert, 25, 38. 
 
 Wise & Sons, Wm., 246. 
 
 Wolf, Annie L., 283. 
 
 Wolf, Joseph, 265. 
 
 Woods, Charley, 146, 211. 
 
 AVood, Chas. F., 153. 
 
 Woods, Frank, 160, 182, 183. 
 
 Woodhaven & Brooklyn R. R., 161. 
 
 Woodville, Miss., 124. 
 
 Woodward, Chas., alias, see Chas. Williams, 271, 
 
 272. 
 Woolsey, C. W., 313. 
 Worcester, Mass., 62, 93, 276. 
 Worcester, Sam, alias, see Sam Perris. 
 Worth, Adam, 6, 243, 326, 327. 
 Worth, E. W., 114, 
 Worth, Tom, 309. 
 Wright, Judge, 61. 
 Wright, Wm., 24, 251. 
 Wurtemburg, Germany, 76. 
 Wyoming County, 140. 
 Wyoming Territory, 231. 
 Yerkers, Judge, 274. 
 Yonkers, N. Y., 54, 118, 130. 
 York Co., Me., 96. 
 Yost, Gilbert, 6, 29, 144, 414. 
 Young Hope, alias, see John Hope. 
 Young, James H., 58, 59, 60.