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Red Hook, Brooklyn, Police and Fire Departments

My ancestors lived in Red Hook, Brooklyn in the late 1800s. I am attempting to take a look at what was happening in Red Hook during the period they lived there.

This page is a look at the Police and Fire Departments in Red Hook from the 1870s to circa 1900.


The Police Department

Red Hook was in the 11th Precinct.

The area was considered "rough" and patrolmen were constantly on guard against river thieves and common thugs who assaulted and rolled sailors as the returned to their ships late at night. Most of the precinct's arrests were for intoxication, drunken fights and assaults, concealed weapons, petty larceny (such as the theft of liquor and cigars), thefts (especially out of the docked vessels and the warehouses), river piracy, gambling and infractions of the excise laws. Knife fights were common. There were several murders, mostly as a result of fights or burglaries getting out of hand. There were also several cases of embezzlement.

A large number of the drunken fights occurred at political rallies and/or election time. Domestic fights were quite common; as were fights between tenement neighbors.

In reporting crimes to the police there were a surprising number of people who claimed to have been robbed of gold watches, gold pieces, diamond studs and rings and/or large amounts of cash.

According to "The History Box" there was no 11th Precinct in Brooklyn in 1865.

From at least 1874 to 1889 the Eleventh Precinct police station was housed in a privately owned tenement building the city rented at the south east corner of Van Brunt and Seabring. In 1889 the department moved to a newly built facility at Rapeley and Richards streets near Hamilton Avenue.

1874: Members of the Eleventh Precinct police force attended the "third free excursion" to Rockaway Beach. The officers and their families traveled by "steam car" from East New York to Canarsie where they boarded the steamboat Rockaway which took them to the beach. The arrived at the beach after an hour's sail across the bay. There was swimming in the surf, dancing on dance platforms, music by a sting band, a shooting gallery, bowling, and billards. A "fine clam chowder" made by the Eckert House Hotel was served. On the beach there were races, football games, and stone throwing competitions. Police from Manhattan and Newark joined in the festivities. The steamboat Rockaway returned to Brooklyn at 6 o'clock.

1874: By 1874 the 11th precinct was headed by Thomas J. Cornell and located on the corner of Van Brunt and "Seibert" [Seabring].

1875: In December of 1875 the Eleventh Precinct Station House, was declared unfit for the purposes of a police station house.

"The building is an old one erected on piles of artificial ground, and the tide often floods the cellar to a considerable depth producing an almost continual moisture."
A committee was formed to investigate. There was no indication of the street location.

1876: In an article in 1876 about the 4th and 11th Precincts it is not exactly clear what was happening but it appears the city was renting a building to use as the 11th Precinct Station House. An amount "not to exceed $500" was appropriated to re-floor and install proper drainage for the eight cells in the building. No indication of the location of the building was given.

In June 1876 Captain Oliver B. Leich of the 4th Precinct testified that he knew nothing of the work done for the 11th Precinct Station House "in setting the desk and platform".

1879: A. Rowley was the property clerk at the 11th Precinct Van Brunt and Seabring when an ad was placed for the "owner" of "eleven bags of cotton". Presumably this was stolen property.

1880 and 1884: Articles in the newspaper indicates there was an Eleventh Precinct Station House in South Brooklyn. The 1880 article mentions the "Van Brunt street station".

1883: "For Sail Row Boat" sold by auction at the Eleventh Precinct Station House, Van Brunt st corner of Seabring.

1887: In 1887 the Eleventh Precinct Station House was located at Van Brunt and Seabring.

According to Brooklyn Gardians (published in 1887) the 11th Precinct Station House was in the center of the manufacturing district of South Brooklyn. It was housed in a four story brick building at the corner of Seabring and Van Brunt in a "tenement house" that since April 19, 1876 had been the headquarters of the 11 Precinct.

The building housed the Captain's private office and the sergeants's office where an album was kept of photos of all the noted criminals in the Precinct. The second floor contained a sitting room for the policemen. At the center of the sitting room was an "old fashioned" stove around which the men gathered in the winter. This floor also contained a sleeping room for the Captain. The third floor contained sleeping quarters for the men. Eight large cells occupied "the ground floor of an extension connected with the main building by a covered passageway." The building was not considered adequate to accommodate all the officers and men. A measure to find a new building was vetoed by Mayor Seth Low. (Note: Seth Low was mayor of Brooklyn from 1881 to 1885)

The Precinct was "bounded" by Sackett street and 4th place to the north, the Gowanus canal to the east and the river and bay to the south and west.

THE FIRE STATION which is still standing was located at Van Brunt and Seabring in 1886 and identified on the map as "Hook and Ladder Engine No. 2". See Fire Department below. There is NO indication of a police station at Seabring and Van Brunt on the 1886 map.

1887: September 23, bids were being taken for excavation and pilings for the Eleventh Precinct Station House to be built at the corner of "Rapalyea" and Richards street.

September 9, 1888:

"It has been announced with much confidence that the new Eleventh Precinct Station House, now in the course of construction at the corner of Richards and Van Brunt streets, will be ready for occupation by the first of next May at the very latest."
1888: October 23, bids were being taken for fencing, flagging, etc. around the Eleventh Precinct Police Station House.

1888: December bids were being take for "furniture etc." for the Eleventh Precinct Station House.

1889: December 29, The new Eleventh Precinct Station House was said to be "near perfection".

"The quarters for the men are comfortable and the captain's own room, the main office and muster room are models of convenience."
Captain Lowery was always willing to escort visitors around the facility showing off the "commodious and well ventilated cells"
"There are flowers in the windows, canaries in cages hanging from the ceiling and a green parrot which roams at large."
The parrot just flew in the window one day and stayed. The parrot was familiar with "the quaint sayings of the mariner and the symbols of speech which obtain in the forecastle and the long shore lodging houses". (I guess it knew a few swear words.) Deceptive Connor, with whom the bird appears to have developed a special relationship, attempted to cure the bird of some of the "seeds of wickedness sown on a fertile soil by the wicked tar" but was not successful.

1890: January 15 The Eleventh Precinct Station House was said to be opposite 3 Woodhall Street. Note: 3 Woodhull street is near the corner of Woodhull and Hamilton across from Richards street.

1893: December Giuseppi Citarella, age 28, of Carroll street "staggered" into the 11th Precinct station house with an "ugly" pistol wound in his left shoulder. Citarella refused to say who shot him. He had previously been to the station in May with three bullet wounds to his abdomen. He refused to say who shot him. At the time of the May incident, he claimed to have only been in the States for a month.

In 1896 the Richards Street station house at Hamilton avenue, Precinct 11, had a stables and was valued at $60,000.

1898: Eleventh Precinct - 5th, Smith, 4th place, Coles, Hamilton ave, Hicks, Sackett, East River, Gowanus Canal, Station House corner of Hamilton ave and "Rapeyea" st. Captain Cullen force 79. (Brooklyn Daily Eagle Almanac)

The 1899 map shows the 11th Precinct police station labeled as such at Richard street near Hamilton.

The police station at the corner of Richards street and Hamilton at Rapelye street was mentioned in articles in 1891, 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897.

It was indicated on the 1907 map on the south east corner of Richards at Rapelye street.

1915: 145 precinct Hamilton Avenue - 44 Rapelye street, the station house was in front with the jail to the rear. It had steam heat. There were no women's cells and no matron. There was a 5 feet corridor between the cells and the outer wall. The rest of the report is similar to that of 1917 (see next entry).

1917: The 145th Precinct Police station at Hamilton Avenue - 44 Rapelye st. Brooklyn - A 1916 inspection stated that the jail is in a brick annex in the rear of the station house and contains seven steel cells in a room having a 10 ft ceiling. The floor was concrete. There were three large windows in front and a skylight over the cells. Each cell had a folding bunk and "an iron closet flushed from the corner" (I asume this was a toilet). Drinking water and washing facilities were in the corridor. There were gas jets for lighting.

1924: 89th precinct 44 Rapelye street.

1946: The Hamilton Ave. Precinct station at 44 Rapelye street was being torn down to make way for the widening of Hamilton avenue and the construction of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. The building had served as the station house for 57 years. The first commanding office of the station was Lt. John Farrell, retired.

On the 1880 map the corner of Seabring and Van Brunt shows Engine No 2 on the north corner. There is a brick building unlabeled on the south corner. That building was still there in 1886 - still unlabeled.


Some Eleventh Precinct Policemen


Captain Thomas J Cornell (1826-1894) Headed the 11th Precinct in 1873 to 1875

Thomas J Cornell was born in Virginia circa 1826. By 1860 he was a member of the Brooklyn Police force. He marred Marie and had two sons, Thomas J and William.

1860: Ward 10, Thos J Cornell 32, policeman, $300, born Virginia, Maria Cornell 25, born England, Thomas Cornell 8, born N. Y. William F Cornell 3, bron N. Y.

1863: Thomas J Cornell was a police sergeant.

1865: Thomas J Cornell 36, Virginia, policeman. Maria Cornell 29, born England, Thomas J Cornell 13, born Kings, William T Cornell 9, born Kings

1870: Census Thomas J. cornell, Police sergeant, Commerce street, Ward 10, $55,00 and $500

1873: August - The old Third Sub Precinct in South Brooklyn became the Eleventh Precinct with Thomas J. Cornell, late Sergeant of the First Precinct, as Captain. Captain Cornell was a Republican.

1875 Census: Ward 12, June 1, Thomas Cornell, police captain, May wife, Thomas Jr. William

1875: September 3, Captain Thomas J Cornell of the 11th precinct resigned from the Brooklyn Police force to become telegraph operator at the central office.

1876: Thomas J. Cornell was listed as a telegraph operator. The telegraph allowed communications with the city, the state of New York and the country in general. In addition to the Police and Fire departments, contact was maintained with hospitals, penitentiaries and all "public" buildings. The telegraph department was one of the most important departments in the city government. In 1876 there were four operators.

The Telegraph department was founded in 1854 with its headquarters in the basement of City Hall. By 1883 the department was much more modern and was located in the Municipal Building in two bright well furnished rooms. Wires ran from between Police Headquarters in Brooklyn and New York City. Other were later added to every precinct in the City. In October 1887 a new switch board was installed which greatly speeded up the process of communication. All of the telegraph operators had done service in the precincts and had a good working knowledge of how the police department functioned. In addition to "criminals and crime" the work extended to "accident and misfortune". The department was also the source of information for newspaper reporters. (Brooklyn Guardians 1887) .

1878: Mr. Thomas J Cornell of the Police Telegraph Department spent his summer vacation in Chatham, New Jersey with his family.

1880: Federal Census, 300 Pearl street, Thomas J. Cornell 49, born Virginia, parents born Virginia, telegraph operator, Maria Cornell 42 Thomas J. Cornell 28, works in fan factory, William F. Cornell 23, at home, unemployed, Fanny Cochran, 22, niece, clerk in store

1880: 18, January, Thomas J Cornell a telegraph operator at Police Headquarters won $2,500 in the Louisiana Lottery.

1882: Mr. Thomas J. Cornell was reappointed telegraph operator a position he had held for several years. In 1882 it was reported that the former Captain of the Eleventh Precinct had been a member of the police force for over twenty years.

1884: Police telegraph operator.

1893: Police telegraph operator.

1894: Sept 6, Cornell, Thomas J on Tuesday Sept 4, 1894 died in his 68th year. He was a member of the Commonwealth Masonic Lodge No 409 and a Royal Arch Mason. Funeral at the home of his son William.

Captain Thomas J. Cornell died in Troy, N. Y. where he had been visiting some relatives. Strangely, his wife had also died suddenly several years before while visiting the same relatives. Captain Cornell's death was not such a surprise; he had long been suffering form Bright's desease. He had had a acute attack the year before and had not been expected to live. Captain Cornell had been living with his son-in-law, Police Sergeant Alexander Barr, at 442 Monroe Street. Thomas J Cornell had been appointed to the police force in February 1862. He was made Captain on August 8, "1876" (should be 1873) and was assigned to the Eleventh Precinct. "Shortly after his promotion he severed his connection with the force, but a year later he secured a reappointment and, with the grade of sergeant, became one of the telegraph operators at police headquarters." He was an operator from August 1875 until June 1893 when he requested to be retired on a pension. (BE) (Note: These dates are off in regards to those stated in other articles.)

Another death notice said Thomas J Cornell died of apoplexy and that he had been an active member of the police force for 35 years.

Find a Grave: lists Thomas J Cornell, Birth Date: 24 Jul 1826, Death Date: 4 Sep 1894, Cemetery: Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, USA Spouse: Maria M Cornell born September 17, 1834 died July 15, 1891

1900: Ward 23, Monroe street, Alexander Barr 48, police sergeant, William Cornell 42, son-in-law, merchant, (can't read), Emma L Cornell 41, daughter, William A Cornell 10, grandson, Robert B Cornell 7, grandson, and two boarders.

1900: Thomas J Cornell Jr, real estate broker, was a boarder in Ward 11, age 48, widow, father born "Kentucky" mother born England,

1903: Willaim Cornell of 442 Monroe street reported to the police that a thief had torn a two carat diamond stud from his shirt front during pushing and shoving on the Jamaica train platform. August 3, 1903.

1907: October 18, Thomas J Cornell the "son of a deceased policeman" was arrested on charges of making book on the races on Nevins street which was not a "duly authorized race course". Cornell pleaded "not guilty". The bets were on horses running at Belmont Park. The hearing was postponed and the accused was released until November 1. (BE)

1927: Thomas J. Cornell born May 12, 1853, died Mar 25, 1927 buried Greenwood. Father, Thomas J. Cornell, mother, Marie M Cornell


Captain Edward Reilly (1842 - 1895) Captain of the Eleventh Precinct 1875 to 1886

Captain Edward Reilly was in charge of the 11th Precinct from September 4th 1875 until he was made an Inspector of Police in July 1886. The district he commanded was a rough one with many thieves and "disorderly characters".
"It was also the home of stevedores and boatmen. Men of this class are strong, self-assertive and addicted to drink. When intoxicated, they frequently quarrel and are then very dangerous."

Brooklyn Guardians,, 1887

Captain Edward Reilly was born in New York City June 9, 1842. He spent most of his life in Brooklyn. He joined the Brooklyn Police force in June 1867 as a patrolman. He made sergeant in June 1870. He made captain in September 1875. (National Police Gazette May 21, 1878 - fultonhistory.com)

Edward Reilly fought in the Civil War. He served in Company G 9th Regiment New York Volunteers for two years starting in May 1861. He was wounded in the knee at Antietam. When he had recovered from his wound he returned to fight at Fredericksburg. (BE)

He was listed in the Civil War Draft Registration, 1863, age 22, -- street near Columbia, moulder, unmarried, born American, served 9th Regiment.

Captain Reilly was "an all around athlete, quite expert with the gloves and a lover of aquatic sports." (BE, 1 June 1890)

Edward Reilly married Catherine (Kate). They had a daughter Grace born circa 1879 and a son Joseph born circa 1881.

1877: In July 1877 Captain Reilly of the Eleventh Precinct confined his holidays to trips to Coney Island and Rockaway.

1878: Captain Edward Reilly of the Eleventh precinct was commended for his "personal energy and shrewdness" in capturing a gang of counterfeiters in South Brooklyn and he was complimented by the "United States authorities".

Captain Reilly was mentioned in charge of the the Eleventh Precinct in Brooklyn Eagle Articles:

  • August 1878.
  • January 1879
  • June 1880 - in charge of the "Van Brunt street station".
  • July 1880
  • September 1881
  • 1883
  • 1884
  • 1886

1886: March Captian Edward Reilly was in charge of the eleventy Precinct.

1886: Captain Edward Reilly was appointed and Inspector of Police in July 1886.

1886: Department of Police, Captain Edward Reilly, salary $2,000. All the captains were listed with this salary.

1886: Captain Edward Reilly was appointed and Inspector of Police in July 1886.

In 1889 "Captain Reilly" was in charge of the 19th Precinct.

1880 Census: Brooklyn, Clinton street, Edward Riley 37, police captain, born New York, parents born Ireland, Kate Riley 32, born Ireland, Grace Riley 1, daughter, Maggie Kennedy 12, niece, and a servant, born Prussia.

1892 Census: Clinton Street, Edward Reilly age 50 inspector, Joseph Reilly age 11, Katie Reilly age 40, Maggie Kennedy, age 23, Grace Reilly age 13,

"Inspector" Edward Reilly was mentioned in a news articles of Jun 11 and December 14, 1893 (BE)

On the 26th of June 1895 it was announced in the Brooklyn Eagle that Police Inspector Edward Reilly was dangerously ill and was not expected to live. He had been confined to his home at 568 Clinton street for several weeks with liver and stomach troubles that had effected him for several years. He had been almost continually confined to his home for the year before his death.

All of his police service had been in the Eleventh Precinct. He was promoted Inspector in July 1886. He was said to be an honest and fearless police office with a clean record.

In June 1895 Edward Reilly, inspector died on June 27. He had served in the police force for 28 years. The flags of the department were flown at half mast for thirty days. (BE).

July 02, 1895

FUNERAL OF INSPECTOR REILLY; Many of His Late Associates in Brooklyn and Prominent Politicians Attended the Services. The funeral of the late Police Inspector Edward Reilly took place from St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, Summit and Hicks Streets, Brooklyn, yesterday morning. The church was crowded with former associates and prominent politicians. (New York Times)

The funeral mass was attended by many prominent people as well as a large representation from the police force. Pall bears were members of the police force and the coffin was carried into the church by six of the tallest and most stalwart of the policemen. The casket was draped with the national colors. A drum and fife corps played the "Portuguese Hymn as a dirge" (Adeste Fideles). At the end of the service the casket was opened so those who choose to could pay their last respects. Apparently this was not the normal custom.

As the procession left the church a guard of honor of over 240 police men was formed on either side. The procession was led by the 23rd Regiment band. The cortege wound its way through the neighborhood as far as the Union Street bridge. Captain Reilly's 90 year old father, an invalid, was still alive and the procession passed by his house so he could pay his respects.

1900 Census: Brooklyn Ward 12, 564 Clinton street, Catherine Reilly 47, widow, 9 children 2 still living, immigrated 1855, Grace Reilly 20, music teacher, Joseph Reilly 19, son, iron worker, Maggie Kennedy 31, niece

1910: Ward 15, 176 Chauncey street Catherine Reilly 60, widow, born Ireland, Margaret Kennedy

1934: Margaret Kennedy the niece of the late Inspector Edward Reilly died in 1934.


Inspector Edward Reilly - Brooklyn Guardians

In 1879 the Eleventh Precinct included: Captain Edward Reilly, Sergeants, Timothy Gill, James Kenney, James Shepherd, and Patrick Slattery, Roundsmen, John McMahon and Daniel McMillan, Patrolman August Breden, James Cain, Edward Cahill, Philip Cleary, Peter Cummings, Patrick Darby, Edward Fitzsimmons, James Flood, William J Gillen, David Holran, Miles Keleher [Kelcher], Michael Keenan, James McCauley, Patrick Mulligan, Hubert Oberley, William Pelham, Michael Roche and Dennis Travis, Doormen, John Byrne and John O'Reilly. (The Two Americas: Their Complete History, from the Earliest Discoveries, 1881)


Captain Daniel J Lowery (1846-1891) Captain of the Eleventh Precinct 1887 to 1891[?]

Daniel J Lowery was born in 1846. He made his way up the latter in the police department starting as a patrolman in the 4th Precinct in 1874. In 1887 he was promoted to Captain and took command of the Eleventh Precinct.

Daniel J Lowery was the son of Bridget and James Lowery. He married Mary E. Gorman, the daughter of John and Bridget Gorman. Daniel and Mary E. had: Mary Ellen c. 1872 (died 1893), Julia c. 1874 (died before 1880), Laura c 1878 [Loretta] (died 1894), Daniel J. c 1883 (died 1885), Henry (Harry) c. 1887.


Daniel J. Lowery - Brooklyn Guardians 1887

1875 Census: 194 York Street Brooklyn Ward 5, Lowery, Daniel J age 29 born Kings, policeman, Mary wife, age 23 born Kings, Mary E. daughter age 2 and a half, Julia, daughter age 22 months.

1880 Census: Danl J. Lowery 36, policeman, Mary E. Lowery 26, wife, Mary E. Lowery 8, daughter, Laura Lowery 2, daughter, John Gorman 70, father-in-law, Bridget Gorman 60, mother-in-law

1885: Daniel J Lowery Jr., age 2, son of Daniel J. Lowery and Mary E died January 1885

1887: Captain Lowery and his officers, detectives Connors and O'Rorke, and six policemen raided a "den on a canal boat" Tom and Jim in the Erie Basin. However, no gaming was in process when the raid occurred. The captain of the boat, Henry Britt, proclaimed his innocence and claimed that he was being harassed by other canal boat captains out of spite because he carried a cargo of coal despite a coal strike. Britt pleaded guilty at his trail but claimed the men were only plying poker for fun not profit. He was fined $25.

1889 : Captain Lowery was the commander of the Eleventh Precinct when the new station house opened in 1889.

1890: Brooklyn City Government Captain 11th Precinct Daniel J Lowery, salary $2,400

1890: April 7, Captain Lowery and his men broke up a boxing "prize fight" on the dock at the foot of Commerce street.

1890: August 31 Captain Lowery of the eleventh Precinct was presented with a clock by the men of his command.

"Captain Lowery is a strick disciplinarian, but the affair of the clock shows that his men like him none the less on that account."
1890: December, Captain James Kenny of the 18th precinct was temporarily transferred to the Eleventh Precinct to replace Captain Lowery who "was confined to his home for some time with an affliction of the eyes."

1891 Death: Daniel J Lowery, born abt 1847, 44, Death Date: 22 Aug 1891, Death Place: Kings, New York, USA, Certificate Number: 14406

Daniel J Lowery died of Bright's disease. Several months before his death he had been given a leave of absence but he was never able to return to work. He left a widow and three children. Buried Holy Cross.

A great crowd of people attended the funeral of the late Police Captain Daniel J. Lowery, at St, James's Catholic Church." (NY Times)
Police Captain "Lowrey" died at his home 185 Gold street. The funeral was at St James' Catholic Church on Jay street. "Between three and four hundred patrolman attended in a body. After the service the men formed in line and escorted the hearse to the city line in Flatbush." (The Evening World 25 Aug 1891)

1891: September 1891 a motion was approved to pay the August Salary of the late Captain Daniel J. Lowery to his widow.

1892: Mary E Lowry age 38, Mary E jr age 18, Loretta A 13, Henry 5

1893: Mary Ellen Lowery dearly beloved daughter of Mary E and the late Daniel J Lowery, captain of police died May 6, 1893

1894: Loretta Lowery youngest daughter of Mary E and the late Capt. Daniel J Lowery, captain of police, died February 27, 1894

1896: Died 12 August, Lowery, Bridget mother of James H. F. and the late Daniel J. Lowery and Margaret A Carey.

1900: Brooklyn ward 5, 185 Gold street Lowery, Mary, widow, Hanny son born May 1888 age 13.

1905: Mary E Lowery 40 Harry Lowery 18, typewriter, Thomas Kelley 60, boarder, Philip Tracey 36 boarder

1910: 185 Gold Street Lowery, Mary E. 50 widow, 7 children one living, Harry C son 23, clerk, bank

1918 Draft Registration: Harry C Lowery age 30, 514 8th Ave Brooklyn, born December 12, 1886 Brooklyn, secretary, Guaranty Trust Co. Broadway, NY, dependent, mother, tall, slender hazel eyes and brown hair.

1926: Lowery, Mary E widow of Capt. Daniel J Lowery died January 1926 - Mary E Lowery, 69, 4 Jan 1926, Kings, New York, USA, Certificate Number: 264


James Kenny - Interim Captain in 1891

In December 1891, Captain James Kenny of the 18th precinct was temporarily transferred to the Eleventh Precinct to replace Captain Lowery who "was confined to his home for some time with an affliction of the eyes."

1891: October, James Kenny was Captain of the Eleventh Precinct at the time of the death of Officer Edward Kennedy in October 1891. Edward Kennedy died at his residence at 89 Luqueer street. He was appointed to the force in October 1884.

1893: In 1893 James Kenny was Captain in the 18th precinct.

1900: In January 1900 Captain Kenny's headquarters were on Surf Avenue and West Eight streets.


Captain Dennis J Driscoll (1847 - 1921) Eleventh Precinct Captain from 1892 to 1897

Captain Dennis Driscoll was the commander of the Eleventh Precinct by June 1892.

According to the Brooklyn Almanac of 1892 Sergeant Dennis Driscoll of the 8th precinct was made a captain on April 9, 1892.

Dennis J. Driscoll was born August 9, 1847 to Bridget and Jeremiah Driscoll. He married Elizabeth _________. They did not have any children.

1855: Jeremiah Driscoll 50, Ireland no occupation, Bridget Driscoll 30, Michael Driscoll 18, Dennis Driscoll 8, Jeremiah Driscoll 6

1880: 142 8th street, Dennis Driscoll 32, police sergeant, Elizabeth Driscoll 25, Bridget Driscoll 67, mother, born Ireland

By 1897 he was at the Fort Hamilton precinct.

Someone made a crayon caricature portrait of "Captain" Driscoll of the 11th precinct in September 1892.

1892: Dennis J. Driscoll born New York, age 44, Elizabeth A age 37, Bridget age 80 born Ireland. Ward 22

1894: Eleventh Precinct S. E. Cor. Hamilton av and Rapalyea st. Captain Dennis Driscoll, salary $2,700 per annum.

1894: Captain Denis Driscoll, age 46, of the Eleventh Precinct was said to have done much to banish lawlessness in Red Hook Point and his mustache could not be rivaled by anyone in the city. The captain was said to have twinkling, laughing eyes, an aristocratic nose, but his most important feature was his distinctive mustache. He was a "big broad figure" who wore a "handsome uniform" and dressed well. In 1894 he was the commanding office of the Eleventh Precinct and had lived almost all of his life in South Brooklyn. He had worked at the 5th ave station house. He had raised through the ranks, from patrolman, to roundsman, to sergeant, and finally to captain. He was said to be popular with his men. He was a sergeant in the Eighth Precinct for many years. When he was promoted to Captain he was put in charge of the Eleventh Precinct. The eleventh was described as a very important precinct covering Red Hook Point, including the Atlantic Docks and Erie Basin, with much valuable business property and "a somewhat rough element" who lived there. It was said to have been one of the "most turbulent" areas in the city which had changed in recent years- murders and serious brawls were an every day occurrence. Things changed under Driscoll's leadership.

Sergeant Denis Driscoll was born August 9, 1847. In 1871 he was appointed patrolman, which position he filled until March 23, 1871 when he was appointed roundsman, and had accredited himself so well that on August 1, 1872 he was promoted to the sergeant's desk."

"Doorman" Driscoll was mention as an office of the 11th Precinct in an article about a family dispute in the Van Riper family in March 1898.

1897: Captain Dennis Driscoll was said to be in charge of the 25th Precinct, Fort Hamilton.

1900: Brooklyn Ward 22, Denis J Driscoll 51, captain, city police, born New York Irish parentage, Elizebeth Driscoll 44, Kathrine Sullivan 27, cousin

1900: In July 1900 Captain Dennis Driscoll was transfered from the Fort Hamilton Precinct to Coney Island in a Police Department shake-up.

"Why the people who manage the affairs of the police office, or mismanage them, should have chosen Captain Dennis Driscoll to take charge of things at the vice-ridden seaside resort is not easy to explain. Driscoll has been all of his life a Democrat and a faithful follower of the mandates of Willoughby street and it may be that Tammany is willing to make a sacrifice of him."

He was referred to as "Dinny". Driscoll had been in charge of the Fort Hamilton precinct. The Willoughby street "machine" was Brooklyn's equivalent of Tammany Hall.

1900: In December another police "shake-up" sent Captain Dennis Driscoll from the 66th (Coney Island) to the 57th (flushing ave) Precinct.

1901: Captain Driscoll of the Coney Island Precinct was on the sick list in March 1901. He had been confined to his home with pleura-pneumonia.

1902: January Bridget, the mother of Daniel Driscoll, police captain, of the Coney Island precinct, and widow of Jeremiah Driscoll died of paralysis at age 93 at her home at 140 8th ave. She was a native of County Cork and had lived in Brooklyn for 60 years. She had been in America for over 70 years. She spend several years in the 6th ward before mocving to the 22 Ward. She was survived four sons and her husband. Jeremiah Driscoll died in 1856. Her son Michael Driscoll died in 1899 at age 75. Until shortly before her death she was described as "a woman of remarkable mental and physical activity."

1902: Captain Dennis Driscoll was the new commander of the Flatbush Precinct. He was greeted in his command with a five feet high horseshoe of red and white roses and white asters with the sentiment GOOD LUCK in small red roses. It was sent by the men of the Coney Island precinct. 1903: Captain Dennis Driscoll of the Flatbush station was on trail before the Deputy Police commissioner on a charge of having disobeyed orders concerning the transfer of registered records to the office of the state superintendent of elections. It was stated that the error was due to an innocent oversight.

1905: Captain Dennis Driscoll of the Butler street station evicted some residents of a shaky building on Warren street which had been condemned by the Building Department.

1905: 134 8th street, Dennis J Driscoll 57, no occupation, Elizabeth Driscoll 50 Catherine Sullivan 29, cousin, James Sullivan 28, cousin, day labourer

1906: Captain Dennis Driscoll was removed from the department for "alleged inability to do police business". He was seen almost daily on Fulton street not looking "too weak or incapacitated to do the not over arduos duties of a police captain." (BE)

1907: Captain Dennis Driscoll applied for retirement at half pay. He was to be replaced at Hamilton ave by Captain Schlottman.

1919: Driscoll, Elizabeth A age 65, December 11, 1919, #23369 Kings

1920: Brooklyn, Dennis Driscoll 72, widowed, no occupation, Catharine Sullivan 50, cousin

1921: Dennis J Driscoll Age: 73 Death Date: 2 Feb 1921 Death Place: Kings, New York, USA Certificate Number: 2289

DRISCOLL February 2, 1921, 134 8th st, Dennis J retired police captain, beloved husband of the late Elizabeth A. Driscoll. Buried Holy Cross


Captain Driscoll, 1894, Brooklyn Eagle


Captain Thomas Cullen (1853-1916) Eleventh Precinct Captain from 1896 to 1900

1898: Eleventh Precinct - 5th, Smith, 4th place, Coles, Hamilton ave, Hicks, Sackett, East River, Gowanus Canal, Station House corner of Hamilton ave and "Rapeyea" st. Captain Cullen force 79. (Brooklyn Daily Eagle Almanac)

Thomas Cullen was born circa 1851 in Connecticut according to the 1900 census. He married Bridget ______. They had: Thomas, George, Addie, Alfred, and Ethel.

In a sworn statement in court in 1902, Thomas Cullen said he was a police captain in the City of New York and a captain in Brooklyn since 1892. He was attached to the old 22nd precinct in Brooklyn from June 15, 1892 to June 1896 when he was transfered to the Eleventh Precinct. In 1902 it was designated as the 45th precinct. The station house was at Hamilton ave on the corner of Rapelyea and Richards.

1880: Thos. Cullen 29, police, Bridget Cullen 26, wife, Henry Cullen 4, Thos. Cullen 2, Wm. Cullen 22, brother, truck driver

Captain Thomas Cullen was in the 22nd precinct in 1892 where he was presented with a handsome gold chain and locket by his friends at the Union Democratic club.

1892: Police Captain Thomas Cullen of the 22nd precinct was presented with a magnificent 18 karet gold badge decorated with 67 diamonds by Democratic friends in the 6th Ward. The top of the badge had the state coat of arms surmounted by an eagle with large ruby eyes. The word Captain was spelled out in diamonds. In the center was a large diamond of two katats. On the reverse was inscribed: "Presented to Captain Thomas Cullen by his friends in the Sixth Ward. Brooklyn, N. Y. 1893"

A celebration was held at Irvings Hall corner of Columbia and Irving. At the presentation he was described as a faithful and intelligent patrolman, an alert and studious roundsman and his competence as a sergeant made it easy to be eligible for Captain.

1892: Cullen, Thos, police, 38, "Grace", 35, Thos, Jr 14, Goe, 12, Grace, 8, Addie 6, Alfred 4, Ethel 2, Mary Walsh 35, Ireland, John Walke 13 US, Wm Cullen 25, [?] police Kate Cullen 28

1895: Police Captain Thomas Cullen of the "Richards Street Precinct" "met with a severe accident". He was sitting in his carriage in front of his house at the corner of Tompkins Park and Harrison street when a small boy set off a fire cracker, which freighted the horse who bolted. The Captain was thrown from the carriage. His left wrist was fractures and he received "severe contusions about the face and head".

1896: February The steamship Merida of the Morgan Line was due to sail from the North Central Pier of the Atlantic Dock for Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Rosario when she ran into some mechanical problems. In addition to her regular cargo she was carrying $500,000 in gold. Fearful that the layover to make repairs might be long enough to create a temptation to thieves the captain asked for extra protection. Captain Cullen of the Eleventh Precinct was directed to insure the safety of the gold as the neighborhood was considered "dangerous" as it was for many years "infested by land and water thieves, who caused the police and ship owners much trouble." Captain Cullen assessed the situation and sent two well armed policemen to guard the entrance to the vessel while on board the ship there were Morgan line personal guarding the gold in the hold.

1896: In 1902 Captain Thomas Cullen stated in court that he was transfered to the Eleventh Precinct on June 15, 1896. By 1902 the precinct was known as the 45th. The station was on Hamilton ave corner of Rapelyea and Richards.

1896: Captain Thomas Cullen celebrated 20 years on the Brooklyn Police force in December 1896. At the time he was captain of the Eleventh Precinct. The men of the Hamilton avenue station chipped in a presented him with a "handsome" oil painting himself. He was staid to be very popular with his men.

Thomas Cullen was born in the 6th ward in 1853 and joined the force December 28, 1876.

He became a roundsman in June 1891. The following July he was made sergeant. At a fair at St. Stephen's church Cullen won a prized diamond badge in a popularity contest. It was presented to him when he became Captain. He was assigned to the Eleventh Precinct "one of the hardest to handle in the city, having its boundaries about as wicked a portion of Brooklyn as could be imagined. An Italian settlement or two and a bad water front cause the police of his command not a little trouble." In 1895 the Captain almost lost his live when a horse drawn buggy he was driving turned over after the horse made a "sudden dash" in frond of his house at 224 Harrison street. He sustained serious injuries.

1896: In a attempt to discipline patrolman James M Rorke who reported to duty drunk Captain Cullen ordered Rorke to bed. Rorke when up to the dormitory and when Cullen came up to see his that his orders had been followed the two got into an argument the result of which turned physical. Cullen punched Rorke in the eye. Rorke fought back and the two ended up tumbling down the stairs when a roundsman sought to intervene. Rorke was fined $3 for assault and was suspended pending an examination before the commissioner. He had been on the force six years and had a clean record. See Detective James O'Rorke above.

1897: The Raines Law was passed in March 1896. Attempts to impose the Raines law were reenforced in May 1897. The Raines law aimed to restrict the consumption of alcohol on Sundays. It was a very unpopular law among the working class of Red Hook and the saloon and liquor dealers who ran their business there. A loose interpretation was that the saloons and liquor stores should close at one o'clock in the morning on Sunday and remain close until Monday morning at 5 o'clock. However, hotels and restaurants were allowed to serve liquor with meals. A way of getting around the law was to maintain a few "rooms" to sell "food" as a cover to sell liquor. According to the Brooklyn Eagle, each police captain interpreted the law and approached the situation a little differently. Captain Cullen of the Eleventh Precinct said the saloonkeeper in his district would not be allowed any leeway. He said his officers were instructed to make sure all saloons were closed at midnight. Only genuine hotels would be allowed to be open until one o'clock. It was expected that the interpretation would be laxer in Coney Island as there were many hotels there that catered to a "transient travelling population." See Red Hook, Brooklyn, Liquor "Dealers" Mid to Late 1800s

1899: Strikers in South Brooklyn set off a bomb at the elevated train structure on 5th ave between 34 and 35 the streets. The structure was destroyed but no one was hurt. The two bombs had been time to explode after one train had passed and before another was in the vicinity. Captain Thomas Cullen of the Hamilton ave station and a Sergeant from the 4 ave station were standing at the station of the elevated railway at 3rd ave and 58th street when the explosion happened. They found telephones and notified headquarters immediately.

1900: Captain Cullen was said to be a close friend of James Kane the Commissioner of the Department of Sewers, who apparently held some sway in Brooklyn.

1900: Concerning gambling in pool halls and the violation of the law Captain Thomas Cullen of the Hamilton ave precinct declined to talk to a Brooklyn Eagle reporter.

1900, March 11: Captain Thomas Cullen who was transfered from the Hamilton ave station to the Gand ave station "by the police shake up" was presented with a three feet high horseshoe of roses by many of his friends in South Brooklyn. He also received a gold headed cane. He had previously served at the Grand ave station when it was first opened. He was reported to have many friends there.

1900: June 7, Mrs. Thomas Cullen the wife of Police Captain Cullen of the Grand ave station died at 193 Harrison street age 42. She had been ill for several months. She was survived by her husband and five children.

1900: Bridget Theresa Cullen beloved wife of Thomas Cullen. Buried Holy Cross.

1900: Cullen, Bridget T, age 45, June 6, 1900 #10970 Kings

1900: December 16, Captain Thomas Cullen was transfer back to the Hamilton street station. He professed to be disappointed about the move. He had just had a new roof put on the stables at Grand ave. He said: "I'm sorry that I have been sent back to that precinct down in Red Hook. I have already received some complaints there. But I'll show them that I can do my duty. I mean to keep that precinct as clean as any in the city. I'll show them that they can not trifle with the law down there. There is always plenty of work to do in the Hamilton avenus district, but as long as I am kept there there will be no gambling or vice; no red light district, I can assure you of that."

1900: 193 Harrison, Thomas Cullen 46, widower, born Connecticut, parents born Ireland, police captain, Thomas Cullen 22, clerk, George Cullen 19, Addie Cullen 14, Alfred Cullen 12, Ethel Cullen 9, Kate Griffin 57, servant

1901: Captain Thomas Cullen was transferred from the Hamilton ave station to the 4th ave station.

1901: In a letter to the editor of the Brooklyn Eagle it was stated that a large number of robberies, assaults, and "other violations of the law" had occurred under the command of Captain Thomas Cullen. It was said that under Cullen watch "gambling and disorderly houses, carrying on their business" went from bad to worse. Sackett street and Hamilton ave were noted as being particularly bad. Cullen was replaced with Miles O'Reilly who cleaned up the precinct. The letter was submitted by Francis L Corrao President of the Italian Independent League.

1903: Captain Thomas Cullen owned a French Poodle named Rags. Apparently the dog did not like Captain Cullens's transfer from South Brooklyn to the Bath Beach station and kept running away back to South Brooklyn.

1905: Thomas Cullen 52, police captain, Thomas Cullen 26, tally clerk, George Cullen 24, tally clerk, Adeline Cullen 19, Ethel Cullen 13, Kate Griffin 60, servant

1907: Captain Thomas Cullen celebrated 30 years on the force. At the time he was stationed at the Liberty ave station. He was described as a "modest" officer with many friends in and out of the police department. A resident of the 6th Ward for 50 years, he became Captain in 1892 and was commander of the Eleventh Precinct during the "anti-Mafia crusade in 1896" when he was responsible for the arrest of "six notorious Italian criminals". He had a comfortable residence at 193 Harrison street.

1908: Miss Ethel Cullen 193 Harrison held a reception for the Lorello Juvenile Club.

1910: Brooklyn Ward 6, 193 Harrison street, Thomas Cullen 56, born Ohio, police captain, city, Thomas H Cullen 31, clerk importer, George L Cullen 29, clerk importer, Alfred F Cullen 22, sales person real estate, Adelaine Cullen 24 Ethel M Cullen 18 Katherine Griffen 66, servant, John Hallan 36, boarder, Peter Duffy 60, boarder.

1915: Miss Ethel M. Cullen daughter of Captain Thomas Cullen of 193 Harrison st was married Thanksgiving eve at st Peter's Hicks and Warren to Mr. Frederick Joseph Cosher. Reception at the home of the bride.

1916: April 8 Captain Thomas Cullen filed a request to retire from the Brooklyn Police Force at half pay. He was 66 years old and had served for 40 years. A widower with five children including a married son and a married daughter.

1916: April 15, Captain Thomas Cullen, age 66, retired after 40 years of service in the Brooklyn Police Department. His last command was the Prospect Park Police Precinct.

1916: May 27, Died Thomas Cullen 193 Harrison Buried Holy Cross.

1916: June 25, Miss Adeline Cullen of 193 Harrison street became the bride of John Gillin. Miss Cullen was the daughter of the late Thomas Cullen, captian of the Prospect Park force who died May 14. A large wedding had originally been planned but the Captain's death had precluded that.

1938: Death of Thomas Henry Cullen on November 4, son of the late Captain Thomas Cullen N.Y.P. D., brother of George and Alfred and Mrs Adeline T. Gillin. Buried Holy Cross.
Captain Thomas Cullen (Brooklyn Eagle)

14K gold Chief of Police badge Central Railroad Co. of New Jersey of Chief Joshua B. Gray


Cain - James (1825-1897) and his son, Peter (1850 - 1902)

In January 2021 Ed Cain wrote to introduce me to his ancestors, James Cain and his son, Peter, who were police officers and lived for many years at 46 Woodhull street in Red Hook.

James Cain was born circa 1825 in Derry, Ireland.

Immigration:

Marriage: Anne/Bridget Bradley

Children:

  1. Peter c. 1850

    Marriage: Elizabeth Klein (1856 - 1921)

    Children:

    1. William (1875 - 1926)

      William Andrew Cain Sr, Birth Date: 24 Jul 1875, Birth Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), Death Date: 4 Oct 1926, Death Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), Cemetery: Holy Cross Cemetery, Father: Peter Cain, Mother: Elizabeth Cain, Spouse: Ann Cain, Children: Edward F Cain , Joseph V Cain (Find a Grave)

      William Andrew Cain, Marital status: Married, Age: 49, Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, Death Date: 4 Oct 1926, Death Street Address: 352 56th St, Death Place: New York City, Brooklyn, Cause of Death: Mitral Stenosis, Dropsy Exhaustion, Burial Date: 7 Oct 1926, Burial Place: Holy Cross Cemetery, Occupation: Lineman, Father: Peter Cain, Mother: Elizabeth Cain, Certificate Number: 20057

    2. John c. 1877

    3. George 1879 - 1925

      George J Cain, Birth Date: Nov 1879, Birth Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), Death Date: Sep 1925, Death Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), Cemetery: Green-Wood Cemetery, Father: Peter Cain, Mother: Elizabeth Cain, Spouse: Mary Cain Fallon, Children: Peter Edward Cain, Gevevieve Smedley Malmsea

      George Cain, Marital status: Married, Age: 45, Birth Date: 22 Nov 1879, Birth Place: USA, Residence: 242 49th St, New York Death Date: 13 Sep 1925, Hospital: Riverside Hospital, New York City, Bronx, New York, Cause of Death: Carcinoma of Lung, Chronic Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Chronic Endocarditis, Burial Date: 16 Sep 1925, Burial Place: Green Wood Cemetery, Occupation: Deck Hand, Father: Peter Cain, Mother: Elizabeth Cain, Executor: Mrs Cain, Executor Relationship: Wife, Certificate Number: 6046

    4. Lizzie c 1885

    5. Peter c 1888

    6. Kate c 1896

    1880: 48 Woodhull, Peter Cain 30, engineer, Elizabeth Cain 25 William Cain 4 John Cain 3 - a name crossed out - son crossed out age 6 months, Klein, Margaret mother in law age 56, Klein, Andrew, age 54 father in law, George age 18 bro in law, ship caulker, Fredrick age 28 bro in law, plumber,

    1888: November 15 - Officer Peter Cain of the 11th precinct arrested John Lahey for refusing to go home. Lahey told Officer Cain "if he laid his hands on him he would have his buttons taken off". Cain was not frightened by the threat and claimed if that was all he had to worry about he didn't have much to complain about.

    1892: 6th Ward Brooklyn, Peter Cain, age 41 Policeman, Elizabeth 36, William 16, John, 14, George 12, Lizzie, 7, Peter 4

    1900: 48 Woodhull street, Peter Cain 49, patrolman, Lizzie Cain 44, 8 children 6 living, Frank Cain 22, newspaper dealer, George Cain 20, boiler maker helper, Lizzie Cain 15, Peter Cain 12, Katie Cain 4

    1902: Find a grave - Peter Cain Birth Date: 1 Aug 1849 Birth Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, United States of America Death Date: 9 Oct 1902 Death Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, United States of America Cemetery: Holy Cross Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, United States of America Mother: Catherine Cain Spouse: Elizabeth Cain Children: George J Cain Catherine Smedley James Cain William Andrew Cain Joseph Cain Elizabeth Leaver

    1902: October - The Times Union and the Brooklyn Citizen - Patrolman Peter Cain, age 46 (or 53), attached to the Amity Street Station (48th Precinct) died at his home at 44 Woodhull street. He had suffered from rheumatism for several months. The disease had attacked his heart a few days before his death. He was said to have been mourning the recent death of a daughter*. He had become an officer in December 1880 and had served duty at South ferry for twelve years where he was known for his courtesy and kindess. He left a widow and 5 children. He was a member of the Empire Council, Knights of Columbus No 490; Court of America No 51, Foresters of America; Frand Head Post, G. A. R; and the 6th Ward Democratic Club.

    *His mother had died on September 3, 1902.

    1908: 14 February, Frank J. Cain, born July 31,1878, well known newspaper dealer and son of patrolman Peter Cain died of Bright's disease at his home at "48" Woodhull street. Survived by his mother, three brothers and two sisters. Buried Holy Cross.

    1921: May 17 - Elizabeth Cain, age 64, widow of Patrolman, Peter Cain, died at her home at "48" Woodhull street. Survived by three sons, William, George and Peter, two daughters, Mrs. Catherine Smedley and Elizabeth Cain and 8 grandchildren. Funeral at the church of St. Bernard, Hicks and Rapeleyl streets. buried Holy Cross.

    Find a grave: Elizabeth Cain, Birth Date: Nov 1855, Birth Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), Death Date: 16 May 1921, Death Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), Cemetery: Holy Cross Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Brooklyn, Kings County, Father: Andrew Klein, Mother: Margaret Klein, Spouse: Peter Cain, Children: George J Cain , Catherine Smedley , James Cain , William Andrew Cain, Joseph Cain, Elizabeth Leaver

    1922: December 04, 1922 - Peter J. Cain of 48 Woodhull street was held on $500 bail on charges of violating the liquor law.

    1925: George Cain, age 45, son of the late Peter Cain died in September 1925. Survived by his widow, Mary, two daughters, two sons, two brothers William and Peter and a sister Catherine Smedley.

  2. Susan c. 1857

    St Paul's Catholic church - baptism - Cain, Susan, 5 April 1857 father James, mother Bridget Bradley - sponsors Fran Brady and Mary Donohoe

  3. Anne c. 1860

  4. James c. 1862

1855: Brooklyn ward 12, 2 family frame house, Kane, James 30, Ireland, Policeman, Bridget, New Jersey, 22, Peter 5

1865: Ward 2 Brooklyn - frame house, three families - James and Anne born Ireland, children born Kings, James Cain 40, lighterman, Anne Cain 31, Peter Cain 15, Susan Cain 8, Anne Cain 5 James Cain 2

1870: Ward 12, Brooklyn James "Kane", 40, lighterman, born Ireland, Bridget Kane 38, born NJ, Peter Kane 21, labourer, Susan Kane 13, Anne Kane 10, James Kane 6, Thomas Kane 1/12, children born NY.

1875: 12th ward, Dikeman street, wood frame, Cain, James, age 45, policeman, born Ireland, Anne age 36 born NJ, Susan, 18, Annie 14 James 14, Thomas 4, Catherine 2

1880: Partition street, James Kane 45, policeman, Ireland, Bridget Kane 40, James Kane 17, Annie Kane 16, Thomas Kane 11, Catharine Kane 6

1892: Ward 8, James Kane, 60, born Ireland, Police, Thomas age 21 railroad, James F 28, lumber handler, Bridget age 55, Marie Kane age 21, Irene Guerin age 8 and Kate Guerin age 6.

1892: March 08, 1892 the Brooklyn Citizen, The new 18th Precinct station house situated on the southwest corner of Forth avenue and Forty-third street opened with a gala night. For the previous 6 years the officers and patrolmen had been housed in the old barracks on 3rd avenue near 37th street. The new building was a three stories brick with brownstone trim. The interior was finished in polished oak. The main entrance was on 4th avenue. The captain had an office and a bedroom with an attached bathroom. There was a room and toilet for the matron (6ft x 12 ft), four rooms for sergeants and a waiting room on the first floor. There were cell for eight men and two women. Each cell was large enough for two prisoners. The second and third floors contained sleeping rooms and offices for detectives and roundsmen. Adjoining the building was a stable for the mounted squad. The station was heated with steam. James Cain was listed as a "detailed" man (one of eight).


18th Precinct 1892

1894: December Brooklyn Eagle - Patrolman James Cain patrolman of the 18th Precinct retired on a pension of $550 a year.

1894: The Brooklyn Eagle reported he had put in 30 years of service although the years were not consecutive. He was a Derry man from the north of Ireland and came to the United States as a young man. He initially joined the force in May 1852 and served for 5 years. He resumed service in July 1871 and continued til his retirement in December 1894. He was an one of the service's finest and was spoken of with the highest regard. He was to be missed by the citizens of Gravesend and New Utrecht where he made many friends. He was said to be 65 years old.

Death of James Cain:

Find a Grave: James Cain BIRTH 1829 Ireland DEATH 9 Sep 1897 (aged 67-68) Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, USA BURIAL Holy Cross Cemetery Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, USA PLOT St. Mary, System CEM, Section MARY, Plot 1432. "James Cain was originally buried in Section St Plots, Range 5, Grave 92 and removed on Nov 4, 1897 and moved to St. Mary's." Spouse Bridget, Daughter Susan.

1897: James Cain, retired policeman 18th Precinct died September 7 - funeral from his home 163 Tenth street Friday Sept 10th. (Brooklyn Citizen)

Probate: Peter Cain 44 Woodhull street, son of James Cain died 7 September 1897, Bridget Cain widow, children: Peter Cain, James Cain, Catherine McDonald, James Gerine. Catherine and Mary childen of Annie Gerine a deceased daughter, also Maggie Conley, James Conley and John and Catherine Conley children of a deceased daughter, Susan Conley.

1900: 157 Center street, Brooklyn Ward 12, Bridget Kane 55, widowed, born New Jersey, 11 children 2 living, James S Kane 37, single, son, tailor, Ireane Guerin 18, grand daughter, Catherine Guerin 13, granddaughter, James Guerin 13, granddaughter

1902: Death of Bridget Cain - dob December 1834 - dod Sept 3, 1902 - pob New Jersey - buried Holy Cross, spouse James Cain, daughter Susan Connell (Find a Grave)

Death: Bridget "Coin" [Bridget Brady], Gender: Female, Race: White, Marital status: Widowed, Age: 69, Birth Date: abt 1833, Birth Place: Jersey City USA, Years in US: 40 Years, Death Date: 3 Sep 1902, Death Street Address: 8 Ave & 16th St, Death Place: New York City, Brooklyn, New York, USA, Cause of Death: Chronic Nephritis, Burial Date: 5 Sep 1902, Burial Place: Holy Cross, Occupation: Inmate of the Home, Father's Birth Place: Ireland, Mother's Birth Place: Ireland, Father: James Brady, Mother: Catherine Doherty, Certificate Number: 15956


Daniel Daly [Daley] (1847 - 1905 )

Detective Daniel Daly was born in New York on December 15, 1847. He was made a patrolman in December 1870 and detective on January 28, 1876 when he was assigned to the Eleventh Precinct. (National Police Gazette May 21, 1878 - fultonhistory.com)

Daniel Daly was listed as a detective in June 1878 when he attended the St Stephen's church annual picnic.

In October 1886 he was with the Congress Street station and was called "Big Dan". In October 1885 and August 1886 he was mentioned in connection with the 15th Precinct.

In November 1889 Detective Daniel Daly was transfered form the 15th Precinct to the 8th Precinct.

Daniel Daly was a detective sergeant by September 1893.

1855 Census: Ward 6 Brooklyn Bartholomew Daly 45, Ireland, boatman, Sarah Daly 40, Ireland, Mary Ann Daly 9, New York, Daniel Daly 7, New York, Sarah Daly 2 Kings

1885 Census: Ward 12, Barth Daly 62, Ireland, laborer, Sarah Daly 50, wife, Ireland, Daniel Daly 27, son, New york, police officer, Ellen Daly 17, Kings County

1880 Census: 3rd Place, Daniel Daly 33, city detective, born New York, parents born Ireland, Mary A. Daly 25, wife, Joseph Daly 2, son

1889: Daniel Daly, 41 Manhasset pl Brooklyn, New York, USA, Police, Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1889

1897: Supreme Court Kings County, Mary A. Daly, Ellen McGuinn, and Catherine Fitzgerald plaintiffs against, Eliza McGuinn, individually and as administratrix of goods chattels and credits which were of Patrick H. McGuinn deceased and Henry Gorman and Ethel Gorman defendants.

1900: 6th ave., Daly, Daniel, Nov 1850 age 49, married 33 yrs, detective, Mary A wife, 1 child 1 living, Joseph son age 22, physician, McGuinn, Eliza, mother in law, widow, age 59, born Ireland, 10 children 3 living, Maria Timmons, servant, age 21 (listed by ancesty.com under David - it is clearly Daniel.)

Death: 1905, Daly, Daniel, age 55 Jan 10, Kings #821

Daniel Daly, beloved husband of Mary A and father of Joseph D. Daly M. D., died January 10, 1905. 243 Sixth ave.

1905: 243 6th ave Mary A Daly, 47, Joseph T Daly, 27, physician, Elzi McGuinn, 62, mother, Ireland, Agnes Welsh, 22, servant, Elizabeth Kasshoph, 35, boarder, Anna Waddy, 28, boarder

1907: Died, McGuinn, December 27, 1907 Elizabeth widow of Patrick H McGuinn survived by her daughter Mrs. Daniel Daly 243 Sixth ave.

Detective Edward J. Looney

Edward Looney was born in Ireland May 3, 184[5]?] and came to New York when he was very young. He worked as a ship caulker for several years before joining the police in August 1870. He became a detective in August 1875. (National Police Gazette May 21, 1878 - fultonhistory.com)

In January 1872 Officer Edward Looney of the Third sub Precinct was appointed roundsman in place of O'Shaughnessey. In August 1873 Roundsman Edward Looney of the Eleventh Precinct was reappointed.

In August 1877 Edward Looney was "known among the Red Hook boys (AKA "the criminal classes") as "Ned the Nipper"*. He was one of the youngest members of the Detective Squad. He had served in both the Eleventh Precinct and Police Headquarters. His first years on the force were in the the "old Third sub" (later known as the Eleventh Precinct).

"At that time Red Hook Point was in some respects outside the borders of civilization and one of the roughest spots in Brooklyn."
The area was isolated and most of the inhabitants had "maritime inclinations".... "River thieves abounded". By 1877, despite an increase in the population and "fast increase in shipping and warehousing, robberies are comparatively few and the genus "river thief" has well nigh been exterminated".

Edward Looney in his capacity of "patrolman, roundsman and detective" was said to have played an important part in bringing the neighborhood under control during the four years he served "Red Hook Point".

He captured several notorious thieves including: Charles Curtis, "Captain" William Hammond, William Powers and the gang that robbed the canal boat Betz.

In August 1887 Detective Edward Looney

"who, many a time and oft, has tried a bout with the arch wrestler rum, concluded about a week ago that he would retire upon his laurels and would cede his place in the arena to other and more youthful warriors."
1870 Census: Ward 12, Edward Looney 25, caulker, born Ireland, Maria Looney 25, born England, Edward Looney 5, Patrick Looney 4, Maria Looney 3, Michael Looney 1

1880 Census: Dikeman street, Edward Looney 35, born Ireland, detective Mariah Looney 34, born England, Edward Looney 15, born NY, in oil yard, William Looney 14, born NY in brokers office, Mariah Looney 12, born NY, Michael Looney 11 Catharine Looney 9 Margaret Looney 8 Joseph Looney 6, children all born NY.

1887: September 20, Maria Looney, wife of Detective Edward Looney of the Brooklyn Central Office, died of paralysis at her home 92 Dikeman age 42.

1888: June - Detective Looney's recipe for a drink was called "the prince royal" of libations:

"Bury four fingers of brandy beneath a cold seltzer lemonade; drop a couple of absinthe* tears over the tomb; deck the sod with a forget me not in the shape of a dash of Chartreuse, finish off with strawberries and other blooming plants and you have before you the most blissful of beverages. A necktie for the gods, although I say it myself. What do I call it? 'Old shoe' of course, and it fits every time."

*Absinthe - wikipedia

1888: It was announced that Edward J. Looney of the Central Office had become insane. It was said that he had been slightly demented for several months and was take to the Bloomingdale Asylum on October 3 by Detectives Lowery and Mahoney. There was a lot of sympathy for him and his family. He was obviously a popular personality.

1889: December, DETECTIVE LOONEY DEAD Edward Looney died in the Bloomingdale Asylum for the Insane where he had been confined for about a year. He had been on the Brooklyn police force for over 20 years. He began his career in the 11th Precinct under Captain Reilly. He had been a patrolman, a roundsman, a detective and "for efficient work he was detailed to the staff at Police Headquarters." He had been shot while assisting Detective Lowery in the arrest the burglar Harrington. Three years before his death he lost his wife and "some children" and it was believed that those losses unhinged his mind. He was fond of the horses and became convinced that he had the money to invest in race horses. He was diagnosed with paresis. (General paresis is one form of neurosyphilis, an infection of the brain or spinal cord. It usually occurs in persons who have had untreated syphilis for many years. - Medline Plus - )

An other article said that Detective Looney lived at 181 Dikeman street. It also stated that the immediate cause of the insanity was a "couple of bullet wounds" he received while chasing a fugitive. It commented that he was very popular with his colleagues on the force. His funeral was "largely" attended by city officials and members of the force.

1901: Patrick W. Looney age 35, late police officer of the 45th precinct son of the late Detective Sergeant Edward and Marie Looney (nee Lally) and beloved husband of Elizabeth Looney (nee Donnelly) died at 165 Coffey street March 29, 1901

Edward Looney, Senior was born C 1825 in Ireland. He was married to Catherine and they had several children born in Ireland before they immigrated to Brooklyn. The men in the family were mainly caulkers. His son, Detective Sergeant Edward Looney, born 1845 in Ireland was a policeman and was shot in the neck trying to capture a bank robber. He survived. Another son, Joseph, born in the US in 1856, died in the Brooklyn Theater fire of 1876. See Looney

*A nipper is a handcuff. See The Nipper Gallery

Patrick Slattery (1847-)

Patrick Slattery born in Ireland in 1847 was promoted to sergeant in the 11th Precinct in 1875.

1875: Ward 6, Patrick Slattery 27, policeman, born Ireland, Annie Slattery 25, wife, Lillie Slattery 1, daughter, John Slattery 63, laborer, Ellen Slattery 58, wife

1880: Henry Street, Patrick Slattery 33, police officer, born Ireland, Annie Slattery 28, wife, Ireland, Nellie Slattery 6, daughter, Lenora Slattery 4, daughter, Daniel Slattery 3, son, Mary Slattery 6m, daughter, John Slattery 65, father, stevedore, born Ireland, kids born NY.

Sergeant Slattery was in the 11th Precinct in 1881,1883, 1884 and 1887.

In 1889 Patrick Slattery of the 11th Precinct was proposed for Captaincy.

By 1892 Patrick Slattery was still a sergeant when he was assigned to the 15th Precinct.

1892: Ward 6, Slattery, Patrick, 43, police sergeant, born Ireland, Ann 40, born Ireland, Elle, 16, Leanor, 15, Henry 10, Ann E. 8, Kate, 6, John 4, Gertrude, 2, John P., 72, born Ireland laborer, children all born US.

By 1895 Patrick Slattery was out of the police force and owned a saloon on Hamilton Ave.

"Ex-Police Sergeant Patrick Slattery has a saloon at 152 Hamilton Avenue.

June 1895. (New York Times)

James P White (1851 - 1905)

James P White was born February 25, 1851 to James White, a tailor, and Elizabeth White, both born in Ireland.

In 1875 he was listed with his father and siblings as a carpenter, age 26.

He joined the police force in 1876 as a patrolman. He made sergeant in 1887 when he was assigned to the 11th Precinct. He became a captain in 1898 and was assigned to the Atlantic Ave station.

In the summer of 1903 he was injured by a wild steer. The steer had been brought from the West, got loose on the streets of Manhattan, was captured and trucked to a south Brooklyn stable. As the wagon arrived at the stable the steer broke loose, jumped over the team of horses, and ran through the streets of Park Slope as far as Flatbush avenue. Captain White was butted by the steer as he sought to protect some women and children. The captain suffered some significant injuries as a result. Two operations followed. One operation envolved the removal of a "portion of the intestines". He never fully recovered his health.

He died of cancer in December 1905. He was survived by his widow, Mary E (nee) Lyons, to whom he had been married for 26 years, three daughters, Grace, Elizabeth and Loretta and a son Frank.

1880: Jay street, James White 58, tailor, Ireland, James P. White 30, policeman, New York, son, Mary White 23, wife, Mass., daughter-in-law, John White 16, son, Mary E. White 12, daughter, Rosa A. White 10, daughter

1900: Ward 9, St. Johns Place, James P White 49, police captain, born NY, Mary E White 41, born Mass., Francis J White 19, son, at college, Grace White 17, daughter, Elizabeth White 12, daughter, Louratta White 5, daughter, James White 79, father, Mary E White 29, sister, school teacher, Rose A White 26, sister, George Holden 63, boarder

Jonas (James) Evans (1840 - 1925)

Jonas Evans was listed as James Evans in the 1887 Brooklyn Gardians. It stated that "James" Evans was born in 1840. In 1861 he enlisted in the 44th New York (Ellsworth Avengers). He was twice wounded in the Civil War. He was also a prisoner at Libby. He joined the force at the end of the war. He was a patrolman until 1883 when he became a roundsman. He was promoted to sergeant in the 11th Precinct in 1886.

The civil War records list him as both James and Jonas.

In 1865 Jonas Evans was listed as a stone cutter. In November 1866 an article in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle listed him as a patrolman.

1872: July 18, Officer Jonas Evans of the 8th precinct was fined 2 days pay for "standing in conversation with a female for about twenty minutes."

1875: Brooklyn Ward 8, Jonas age 35, born England, Police, Anna M age 29 and Emma age 5

1880: 19th street, Jonas Evans 40, police officer, born England, Ann Evans 33, Emily Evans 10, William T. Evans 4, Edward Evans 2, Robert Evans 8m, Mary Sweeney 16, niece

In 1894 Jonas Evans was in the 8th Precinct.

1899: Sergeant Jonas Evans was in command of the 4th ave station.

1896: Police sergeant of the 5th ave station suffered heat prostration in August 1896 and was sent home.

1900: Brooklyn Ward 8, 22nd street, Jonas Evans 60, born England, imm 1850, sergeant police, Annie Evans 54 Emma L Evans 29, dressmaker, William L Evans 22, clerk insurance, Edward F Evans 21, jeweler, Robert F Evans 19, plumber Mary Evans 51 George S Evans 14 Timothy Rabbitt 49, bro in law, day laborer

1910: Ward 8, Brooklyn, Jonas Evans 70, no occupation, Annie M Evans 63, Emily L Evans 36, William T Evans 34, Robert F Evans 30, Marie A Evans 24, George V Evans 23, Tim Rabbitt 55

Civil War Military papers describe him as using the names Jonas and James. He was wounded at the battle of Hanover Va May 27, 1862. Brooklyn NY age 21, marble cutter, gray eyes, sandy hair, 5 ft 8 inches. Enlisted in Albany New York October 5, 1861.

Jonas Evans became a citizen in Brooklyn in January 1866.

Death: April 1925 Jonas Evans retired police lieutenant, and beloved husband of Annie Rabbitt. Buried Holy Cross.

Timothy Gill (1843 - 1912)

Timothy Gill was born in 1843. He became a patrolman in 1870. In 1874 he became a roundsman, a position he held for a year before becoming sergeant in the 11th Precinct. He was still in the 11th Precinct in 1887.

In 1889 Sergeant Gill was reprimanded and fined for talking back to Captain Lowery of the 11th Precinct.

1889: In December 1899 Jacob (Jake) Gill, age 21, the oldest son of Sergeant Timothy Gill of the 10th Precinct, was having a hard time finding permanent employment. He may have also been having girl friend problems. His parents claimed they were not aware of a girl friend. In any event, he shot and killed himself in a boarding house in the Bowery in Manhattan where he had registered under the name, James Nolan. He was buried in Holy Cross. It was reported that the family had lived on Wolcott street, Red Hook for about 30 years.

1895: Sergeant Timothy Gill of the 5th ave police station requested to be retired at half pay as of November. He was "one of the oldest men of that grade on the force".

1908: July 15, Mary Dooley (nee Gill) beloved wife of Lieutenant William J Dooley and daughter of ex-sergeant Timothy Gill died at her home at 206 11th street.

1912: Ex sergeant Timothy Gill of 541 Bergen street, beloved husband of Caroline Gill and father of Florence, Caroline and Fredrick Gill died February 21, 1912.

Office John McMahon (1845-1904)

John McMahon was born circa 1845.

In September 1875 Officer McMahon was mentioned at the arrest of three people living at the end of Columbia street after a drunken family dispute where the wife was banishing a razor. The combatants were taken to the 11th Street Precinct.

1875: Ward 12, John McMahon 30, born Brooklyn, police Amelia McMahon 24

1880: Partition street, John Mcmahon 35, policeman, born New York, Amelia Mcmahon 26 Mary Mcmahon 5 William Mcmahon 3 Annie Mcmahon 2

1885: McMahon, John, police, h 249 Conover

1887: In February 1887 Officer McMahon was mentioned in connection with the Eleventh Precinct and the arrest of a husband who was trying to abscond with his wife's money aboard the Australia, a Hamburg line steamship bound for Germany.

In June 1889 Patrolman McMahon of the Eleventh Precinct was mentioned in a incident between two men having a quarrel which ended in a shooting.

1892: John age 48, police, Amelia, 38, Mamie, 17, William 15, Annie 13, Lizzie, 9, James 4

1891: McMahon, John, Police, h 44 Van Dyke

1898: Police Sergeant John McMahon of the 45th precinct testified in the trial of Luigi Mutarelli for murder in the first degree of Giovanni Lombardi by cutting his throat while he was sitting in a barber chair at 313 Van Brunt. Maria Mutarelli, the sister of Luigi Mutarelli, had been in love with Flori Lombardi, the son of Giovanni Lombardi. Luigi Mutarelli did not approve of Flori and according to the Italian custom wanted to select a husband for his sister. Marie went against her brother wishes and married Flori. They had children. Sometime later Luigi Mutarelli and Giovanni Lobardi had a confrontation at Maria's house. Mutarelli swore he would kill Giovanni Lombardi. He even prayed over a crucifix that his attempt would be successful. After Mutarelli had cut Lombardi's throat he went to the police station on Hamilton avenue and turned himself in.

See Murder in A Barber's Chair

1899: February - Sergeant John McMahon fell on the slippery side walk during a snow and rain storm as he was making his way to the Hamilton avenue station. In an attempt to break his fall he put is hands forward and ended up breaking his right wrist.

1899: McMahon, John, police, two listings, h 111 Nelson and h 51 3d

1904: The city Record, Sergeant John McMahon, 45th precinct, June 8, date of death date of appointment Sept 17, 1872.

1904: June 8, 60 years, 1904 Kings #11927

McMahon, June 8, Sergeant John McMahon of 43 precinct age 60 at his home 124 Beard street.

Roundsman/Detective Daniel McMillin (1847-)

Daniel McMillen 90 Dikeman Police Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1874 and 1876, and 1886

Daniel McMillen 88 Dikeman Police Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1882

In 1883 McMillen was listed as a roundsman when Simon Noonan stabbed John Timmons in the back during a drunken quarrel

He was listed as a roundsman in the 1887 list of offices in the 11th Precinct.

Detective McMillen was mention as an office of the 11th Precinct in an article about and assault and drunken brawl between to men at Elizabeth and Van Brunt in July 1891.

He was mentioned as a detective in a 1892 article about a neighborly shooting during an argument.

In May 1893 he was mentioned in a case involving John and Mary Higgins of 153 Conover street. The Higgins had an argument and Mary produced a .32 caliber revolver and shot John in the mouth. The bullet lodged in John's jaw and the injury was not serious.

In May 1893 he was mentioned in the case of Giuseppi Citarella and Italian who had been shot in the abdomen and claimed not to know who shot him and refused to give the police any information whatsoever. A Mafia connection was suggested as a weapon that was found was a sawed off shotgun of the type used by the Mafia. Citarella was not expected to survive but he did.

In Aug 1893 he was mentioned in a case in the 11th precinct involving a stolen $20 watch.

1880: 88 Dikeman Street, Daniel Mc Millen 33, policeman, born England, Catharine Mc Millen 30, Frank Mc Millen 6, John Mc Millen 5, Daniel Mc Millen 3, Mary Mc Millen 2, Bernard Mc Millen 10m

1900: Brooklyn War 12, 94 Dikeman Street, Daniel Mcmillen 53, bor England to Irish parents, immigrated 1881 [?] no occupation, Catherine Mcmillen 50, born England to Irish parents, imm 1864, John Mcmillen 25, machinist, Mary Mcmillen 22, Bernard Mcmillen 20, iron worker, William Mcmillen 19, iron worker, Elizabeth Mcmillen 16, Edward Mcmillen 13, Margaret Mcmillen 12

1910: Brooklyn Ward 12, 47 Dikeman Street, Daniel J Mc Millen 63 Catharine E Mcmillen 60, own income, Francis J Mcmillen 36, Mary J Mcmillen 32, Elizabeth A Mcmillen 26, Margaret M Mcmillen 22

1920: Dikeman street, Daniel Mcmillen 73 Mary Mcmillen 40 Elizabeth Mcmillen 35 Margaret Mcmillen 30

1922: Daniel J McMillen, Birth Year: abt 1846, Age: 76, Death Date: 25 Sep 1922, Death Place: Kings, New York, USA, Certificate Number: 17710

McMillen, Sept 25, Daniel J McMillen 49 Dikeman street. Solemn requiem mass Visitation. Automobile cortege. Buried Holy Cross.

Detective John Connors

John Connor was listed as a detective in 1887.

Detective John "Connor" of the Eleventh Precinct was mentioned in May 1882.

Detective "Connors" was mentioned in 1883, 1885, 1886 and 1889 articles about the 11th Precinct station.

Listed as "Detective Sergeant John Connors" in November 1889.

"Detective Connors" of the "central office squad" was mentioned in 1891.

In 1894 Detective John Connors of the central office squad was said to have a "genuine taste for literature" and a "fair sized library at his home". (This may have been in jest. MLB) In 1896 "Detective Sergeant John Connors was listed at the Brooklyn headquarters force.

Not listed 1891 directory as a policeman or detective.

Listed in 1890 as John "Connor" police home 549 Henry st.

Listed in 1894 John Connors "police" home 549 Henry street.

Listed in 1899 John Connors police home 541 Henry street.

In February 1900 Detective Sergeant John Connor was assigned to the "branch office".

1896: Died Connor Jan 16, at 549 Henry st. William P. eldest son of Mary D. and the late Patrick Connor. Funeral mass St Stephen's.

1890 William P Connor 549 Henry street clerk also John Connor police, 549 Henry street.

1892: Ward 6, Connor, Patrick age 54, furniture, born Ireland, Wm P. 26 furniture, born New York, Chas H 23, furniture, Mary A 50, born New York, Mary Ryan, age 18, John Connor age 50 detective, born US.

1880: Carroll street, Connor Patrick, furniture dealer, age 42, born Ireland, Mary A wife age 40, William 16, Charles 10, May 19 niece.

1870: Brooklyn Ward 6, Patrick Connor 35, furniture dealer, $32,000, $18,000, Mary A Connor 25, William Connor 5, Thomas Connor 3, Charles Connor 11/12, Bridget Mahoney 30, servant

Detective Sergeant James O'Rorke (1848 - )

James O'Rorke 443 Sackett Occupation: Police Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1884

James O'Rorke was mention as a detective in 1887.

1888: June - Detective O'Rorke of the Eleventh Precinct made a clever arrest of a professional sneak thief. A young man would knock on the door of a prosperous looking house and tell the servant he had a message for the mistrees of the house handing the servant a note. While the servant went to deliver the message, the young man would take something, like a coat, from the hallway. He repeated this "trick" several times. Detective O'Rorke got a description of the young man and waited for the him at the Hamilton ferry. He was placed under arrest. Evidence that connected him to the crimes was found on his person. He was said to be a member of the Whyo gang. "Overcoats" could be quite impressive. In April 1888 Detective O'Rorke apprehended a "rogue" with a dark chinchilla overcoat that did not belong to him.

1889: Detective Sergeants James O'Rourke and John O'Connor investigate the theft of money and jewelry valued at $300 from four Italians who lived in a furnished room at 98 Union street. The room was rented from Michaele Costellano, a tailor, who had a shop on the ground floor and a room on the top floor rear. Part of the stolen property, including two gold chaines and a gold watch, was found under Costellano's mattress. Costellano denied involvement. He was arrested non the less. Upon appearing before the Justice he was discharged "without going into the formalities of an examination". "The officers in the case were very much surprised by the magistrate's action."

Detective Sergeant O'Rorke was on duty when a man was killed in January 1890.

Detective O'Rorke was mention as an office of the 11th Precinct in an article about and assault and drunken brawl between two men at Elizabeth and Van Brunt in July 1891.

1892: Detectives O'Rorke and McMillan of the 11th Precinct where mentioned in connection with a stabbing death as the result of a family dispute.

1894: November Detective Sergeant O'Rorke was on a case of theft from a furniture store on Wycoff between Smith and Court streets.

December 1894 Detective Sergeant O'Rorke was envolved in a case of the larceny of a watch.

By December 1894 Detective Sergeant James O'Rorke was at the Butler Street Polie Court. 1897: A mysterious fire broke out under the stoop of Detective James O'Rorke at 443 Sackett Street at around one in the morning. O'Rorke and his family occupied the lower floor and had tenants on the upper floor. The wooden steps were completely consumed before the fire could be put out. O'Rorrke was on duty that night and when he returned late his wife and little girl were waiting for him in the back parlor. His first knowledge of the fire was when the fire engines arrived. By that time escape through the front door was impossible so the family ran out the back.

In 1894 O'Rorke was listed as being with the 18th Precinct.

1880: Brooklyn, Sackett street, James O'rorke 32, policeman, born Ireland, Teressa O'rorke 25, Ireland, James O'rorke 2, New York, Rose Mc Keene 50, Mother, born Ireland

Patrick Darby (1851-1886)

Patrick Darby died in 1886 age 35 "devoted husband and kind father". The station house was draped in crepe for 30 days.
Patrolman Patrick Darby, of the Eleventh Precinct, died at his home, 523 Clinton street, at nine o'clock this morning from hemorrhage of the lungs." Brooklyn Eagle, Mar 18, 1886
1875: Patrick Darby age 24, born Brooklyn, policeman, his wife, Catherine, age 22 born Ireland and a daughter, Mary E age 2 months were listed in the 1875 census in Ward 12 on Luquer street.

Patrick Darby, Age: 35, Death Date: 18 Mar 1886, Death Place: Kings, New York, USA, Certificate Number: 3305

Peter (and/or Patrick) Cummings (1845-1896)

In December 1894 Patrolmen Edward Cahill and "Patrick" Cummings of the Eleventh District made application for leave to retire on pension.

Peter Cummings was listed among the men to honor Patrick Darby at his death in 1886.

1880: 159 Huntington street, Peter Cummings 35, policeman, born Ireland, Kate Cummings 38, Ireland, James Cummings 16, New York, Peter Cummings 13, New York, three family.

1879 Cummings, Peter, police h 157 Huntington.

1881 Cummings, Peter, police h 157 Huntington.

1889 Cummings, Peter, police h 255 Hamilton.

1892: Census, Peter Cummings, 49, Ireland, Police, Catherine 49 Ireland

1896 Peter Cummings age 52 died at 107 Nelson Street.

1900: Ward 12 107 Nelson, Peter Cummings 35, bottle dealer, Kate Cummings 38, James Cummings 16, Peter Cummings 13, Catherine age 60 mother born Ireland, two family.

1903 July 13, Mary, age 33, wife of Peter H. Cummings of 107 Nelson street died.

Edward Cahill (1846-1905)

Office Edward Cahill was mentioned at the Eleventh Precinct in July 1882.

Patrolman Cahill mentioned in Red Hook in February and June 1889.

Edward Cahill, 71 Verona, Brooklyn, New York, USA, Police, Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1891 In the 1890 directory Edward Cahill of 71 Verona was listed as a "furrier" and as "police". Also at the same address were John Cahill furrier and William police.

1860: Ward 12, Edward Cahill 25, born Erie, plumber, Bridget Cahill 23, born England, John Cahill 1, born Kings

1870: Ward 12, Edward Cahill 30, sugar sampler, born NY, Bridget Cahill 27, born England John Cahill 6, Andrew Cahill 4, Edward Cahill 2

1875: Ward 12, Veronica street $10,000 frame, Edward Cahill 38, born "Sing Sing", police, Brooklyn, Bridget Cahill 35, born England, John Cahill 11, Andrew Cahill 9, Edward Cahill 7, James Cahill 5, Michael Cahill 3, Catharine Cahill 1, two family

1883: Edward Cahill of the Eleventh Precinct was a witness in an investigation of the assembly seat of Tommy Sheridan in 1883.

1892 Ward 12, Edward Cahill age 52, policeman, Bridget age 48, John, age 27, laborer, Andrew furier, 25, Edward 23 furrier, James, 21, tinsmith, Catharine Cahill 15, Joseph, 13

1899: John T Cahill, bridge keeper, of 71 Verona street jumped into the Gowanus Canal to save a woman from drowning. He was awarded a medal for his efforts.

1899: Cahill, Edward, 71 Verona street, Brooklyn 550.00 (Annual Report By New York (N.Y.). Police Dept) 1908: Appointed to city position as a special process server Edward Cahill, 71 Verona street.

The Cahills lived in a wood frame house near the Visitation church which burned in July 1896.

1900: Ward, 12, 71 Verona street, Edward Cahil 55, Bridget Cahil 54, John Cahil 34, b engineer, Andrew Cahil 30, ----. Edward Cahil 29, ---- Mary Cahil 21

1900: Jan 16, Joseph Cahill of 71 Verona street born in 1878 died 1900.

1905: Edward Cahill age 59 died at his home at 71 Verona street January 1905 from heart failure. He was born in Sing Sing, New York, and moved to Brooklyn at age 3. He was a retired policeman. He had been attached to the Hamilton ave station for nearly twenty years. Funeral mass at Visitation. Burial Holy Cross. Survived by his wife, 4 sons and a daughter. In 1905 Bridget Cahill the widow of Edward Cahill petitioned to receive his pension (The City Record: Official Journal, Volume 33, Part 2).

1905: 71 Verona street, Bridget Cahill 60, widow, John T Cahill 40, bridge tender, Andrew Cahill 38, furrier, Edward Cahill 36, clerk, Mary Cahill 26, dress maker

1940: Edward Cahill age 70 and Mary Cahill, his sister, age 65, were still at 71 Verona in 1940.

Edward Kennedy (1858 - 1891)

1884: Not listed in the local directory.

1886:

"Officer Kennedy" and Officer Michael J. Murphy were shot at by a "lunatic" with a heavy revolver" at a house at 130 Dikeman street. Kennedy returned fire getting off two shots in rapid succession one of which hit the assailant, Michael O'Neill, in the nose. O'Neill had been released from the Flatbush insane asylum the week before. He appears to have survived his wound.

1886: Officer Kennedy found the body of an unknown man about 40 years of age on the North Central Pier of the Atlantic Docks.

1886: Officer Kennedy arrested Hamby Augell of 70 Wolcott street for stealing $510 in cash from a truck belonging to Augell's father. The following morning the father refused to press charges.

1887: Officer Kennedy of the Eleventh Precinct arrested Joseph O'Shea, who worked at Reilly & McMahon's grocery store at the corner of King and William, for selling beer without a licence.

1887: Kennedy, Edward, police h 293 Columbia

1888: Officer Kennedy of the Eleventh Precinct arrested Bertram Jacobson, 23, on charges of stealing two billard balls valued at $12 from a local saloon.

1889: Kennedy, Edward, Police home 281 17th

1889: Officer Edward Kennedy of the Eleventh Precinct fired a shot in the air and chased two suspicious looking men. The men escaped but Officer Kennedy found six bales of "water soaked" cotton which the two men had apparently been trying to steal. The cotton was taken to the station house until the owners could be found. Mar 16, 1889 (BE).

1889:

Officer Kennedy of the Eleventh Precinct arrested John Jansen and two women from breaking quarantine for diphtheria, leaving their house, and attending a meeting of about 100 Norwegians, Danes and Swedes in the old Temperance Hall on Hamilton ave.

1891: January, Policeman Kennedy of the Eleventh Precinct arrested a man acting strangely in a saloon at 570 Court street.

1891: Kennedy, Edward, police 89 Luguer

1891: October 18, Officer Edward Kennedy of the Eleventh Precinct died at this residence at 89 "Luqueer" Street He was appointed to the force in October 1884 and served until a short while before his death. Buried Calvary. He left a widow and two children. The station house was draped in his honor. He was said to ba a well known and respected office.

1891: October 16, Kennedy, Edward, age 33, #17320, Kings NYC Death Index

Michael J. Murphy

1885: March 31, Michael J. Murphy patrolman of the Eleventh Precinct was fined a days pay for neglecting to report.

1886: See Edward Kennedy above.

1886: Murphy, Michael 517 Curt, police

1902: Patrolman Michael J. Murphy of the Hamilton ave station was charged with being unfit to serve "through indulgence in strong drink". Murphy denied the charges. The decision was reserved.

Officer John H. Gillen (1856-1896)

1892: Ward 12,

1896: Gillen, 119 Wolcott st, South Brooklyn, John. H. age 40 late police officer of the Eleventh Precinct Bridge Police died at his home. Mass Visitation.

John H Gillen, Age: 40, Death Date: 31 Mar 1896, Kings, New York, USA Certificate Number: 5801

Officer Dolan

Patrolman/Office Dolan was in the Eleventh Precinct in 1884 and 1888.

Patrolman Thompson

1894: Patrolman Thompson of the Eleventh Precinct arrested Charles Rec, an Italian laborer, who was caught firing off his revolver in front of his house at 157 Conover street.

Patrolman/Roundsman Gallagher

1891: Roundsman Gallagher and officer O'Conner boarded the ship Daisy and arrested Thomas O. Boyle, age 62, who was charged with shooting James Forrester outside the liquor store on the corner of Court and Lorraine.

Policeman Casserly

Policeman Casserly of the Eleventh Precinct arrested Alexander Mills on the complaint of his wife who claimed she was hit in the head with a screwdriver.

1889: March, Patrolman Casserly of the Eleventh Precinct arrested James Brooks on charges of assault and intoxication. Brooks had returned hom drunk and drove his wife and 15 year old daughter into the street. When officer Casserley escorted Mrs. Brooks and he daughter back to the house Brooks struck Casserly in the head knocking him down. Brooks then kicked Casserly before he could rise. With the assistance of Patrolman Kelly, Brooks was subdued and brought to the station.

Patrolman McLoughlin

In August 1889 Patrolman McLoughlin was accused by James Berry of battering him in the shins as he slept at his doorstep at 378 Colombia street.

Officer William H Hopper

1888: Officer William H. Hopper of the Eleventh Precinct was charged with assault preferred by Mrs. Ann Swenson who lived on Hamilton avenue. Officer Hopper had been before the commissioner on more than one occasion and had been suspended for 10 days the previous summer for assault. Mrs. Swenson claimed the officer had entered her apartment early one Sunday morning in an intoxicated condition. He called Mrs. Swenson some "vile" names and proceeded to hit another woman in the household with his night stick. Officer Hopper made no statement on the case.

1890: William H Hopper of the 19th Precinct charge with being uncivil to a citizen whom he arrested was acquitted. For being off post for three hours he was fined a days pay.

1890: Hopper, William police h 73 Verona

1891: 12 Jan, William H Hopper beloved husband of Maggie Riley age 32, years. 73 Verona street.

1891: Patrolman William H. Hopper who had been on the Brooklyn Police force since 1884, died of consumption at his home at 73 Verona. street. His son (unnamed) died in a adjoining room two hours later of diphtheria. He left a wife and four children

Hopper, Martin age 3, Jan 11, 1891 #581, Hopper, william H. 32, Jan 11, 1891 #644

1892: Verona street, Margaret Hopper, 30, Sarah 10, Catherine 9, William 7, Margaret 5 and Francis 2

1903: Frank Hopper, age 12 73 Verona street found a blank cartridge pistol when it went off causing "painful wounds" to his left hand.

1905: 73 Verona street, Margaret Hopper 43 William F Hopper 20, boiler maker, Margeret M Hopper 19, school teacher, Francis G Hopper 14, clerk Mark Archer 10, boarder

1907: Hopper, Frances G Hopper beloved son of Margaret Hopper (nee Riley) 73 Verona. Mass Visitation. Buried Holy Cross.

Sergeant O'Brien

Sergeant O'Brian was at the desk in the 11th precinct in January 1890 when a man was killed.

Patrolman Byrnes

Patrolman Byrnes was mentioned in connection with the 11th precinct at the arrest of Daniel Henley in October 1893.

James Peacock

1897: James Peacock mas the manager of the 11th Precinct base ball team in May 1897.

The 11th precinct beat the 20th Precinct in the opening game of the season.

Patrolman James Peacock was mention as an office of the 11th Precinct in an article about a family dispute in the Van Riper family in March 1898.

1900: Ward 12, James Pecock 33, policeman, Of Irish decent born in New York. Elizabeth Pecock 27, Bessie Pecock 6, Edna Pecock 2

1901: July 9, Salvadore Margro of 40 Carroll street, an Italian, was stabbed in the abdomen by Bastenia Spardro, also Italian, in a fight at Van Brunt and Bowne. He died the next morning. Spardro was arrested by Officer James Peacock.

1901: James M Peacock 157 Huntington Police Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1901

1902: James M Peacock 545 Clinton Police Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1902

1903: Died, 20 Sept, Elizabeth Peacock beloved wife of James M Peacock 545 Clinton street.

1904: Died, Peacock Patrolman James M Peacock of the 45 Precinct, funeral from his residence 481 Smith street. Buried Holy Cross.

1905: Smith Street, Catharine Peacock 58,born Ireland, Daniel Peacock 30, son, driver, Bessie Peacock 12, grand daughter, Edna Peacock 7, grand daughter, James Peacock 5, grand son

Charles Carrao (1873- 1934)

Office Charles Carrao was mention as an office of the 11th Precinct in an article about a family dispute in the Van Riper family in March 1898.

1934: Sixty one year old Police Lt. Charles Carrao, who had been born in Italy, and who had won fame in the Police Department for his work in the Italian and bomb squads died of blood poisoning following an appendectomy. He had become a patrolman in Brooklyn in 1898. In 1904 he was appointed to the Italian Squad. He was survived by his widow Nellie Bowsles [Bowles] three sister and two brothers. No children.

Peter Langan (1865 - )

1892: Policeman Peter Langan was complimented for his bravery in the rescue of a drowning man. John Dunn fell off the north pier of the Atlantic docks. Langan dove in hand held Dunn's head above water until help arrived.

1893: Patrolman Peter Langan, of 71 Degraw street, age 28, a policeman for 5 years serving at the Eleventh Precinct called in sick when, in fact, he wanted to go to a party at Feldman's Tivoli. While there he got himself in trouble about the payment to 35 cents worth of drinks. The confrontation escalated, a fight ensued, and Langan ended up with a black eye, broken nose, and cut and brused face. He was called before the Butler Street Police Court with a charge of felonious assault. The charges against him were dropped but he was dismissed from the police force even though Captain Driscoll spoke well of him saying he had a good record. The commissioner said Langan should have been at home if he had called in sick.

Office John B Smiley [Smilie]

1889: June, Officer Smilie, of the Eleventh Precinct arrested Thomas Rooney age 21 for being drunk and disorderly. On the way to the station house Rooney struck Smilie in the face and tried to get away. Smilie charged Rooney with assault in the "Butler street Police Court".

1889: Officer Smilie arrested Fredrick Kavanagh, age 21, on the complaint of his father-in-law with a charge of assault in a domestic quarrel.

Office Smilie was mentioned in a case of a drunken quarrel that ended with one man being hit in the mouth with a hammer knocking out his two front teeth in January 1890.

1890: John B Smiley 93 Luquer Police Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1890

Office Smiley was mention as an office of the 11th Precinct in an article about a theft at he Norwegian Lutheran Church In July 1891.

Office Hubert Oberly (Oberle) (1830 - 1901) 11th Precinct in 1879

In October 1873 Officer Oberly was attached to the mayor's office. In July 1874 "Officer Oberly" was sent from the mayor's office to the the Howard Mission in New York to determine the status of three children who were placed in the home by their father.

In January 1876 Officer Oberly was relieved of his duty at the mayor's office and was assigned to the 3rd Precinct. Officer Oberly had been attracted to the mayor's office for several years and "always attended to his duties. The mayor though that one office was sufficient to perform the duties required. .

In October 1879 Officer Oberly was mentioned in connection to the 11th Street Precinct.

1870: Ward 12, Oberly, Hubert, age 40, policeman, born Prussia, Ann 37, Daniel 16, Kate 9, Hubert 7, John 4

1892: Oberle, Hubert, 63, Germany, policeman, Annie 50 Germany, Mamie, 31, Tilly, 17, Samuel 16, Tess--- (female) 13

In May 1893 Hubert Oberle, "a well knownSouth Brooklynite, was feted with a 66th birthday surprise party at his residence on 4th ave and 9th street. There was singing and dancing and a "light supper" at midnight.

1900: Brooklyn Ward 29, Hubert Oberle 78, France, retired policeman, Ann Oberle 60, Ireland, 16 children 8 living, Tillie B Oberle 24, Theresa Oberle 23, stenographer, Micheal J Reid 46, son-in -law, mason Catherine Reid 39, daughter, born "Arizona", other children born New York.

1901: September Hubert Oberely beloved husband of Ann in his 75th years died at his home at Sherman ave and Ocean Parkway.

His obit in the New York Tribune called him an "an old soldier and a policeman" He was "an unusually large man" and his death was attributed to a heart condition due to overweight. For many years he had been station at the Wall street Ferry and was well know to the thousands who used the ferry every day. When he retired in 1893 he was "a member of the park police." He was born in Strasburg and came to America at an early age. He entered the army at age 12 as a drummer boy. In 1845 he was at Corpus Christi Texas as the American Army prepared for the Mexican-American War under General Zachary Taylor. After serving in the Mexican American War Hubert Oberle went to the West and served in the Indian "campaigns". During the Civil War Oberle was a "color sergeant". His responsibility was to burn the flags if the troops surrendered. He was captured and "sent home" as a prisoner of war. Later in the war he joined the Army of the Potomac. From 1866 to 1886 Hubert Oberle was a member of the Brooklyn police force.

1905: Ann Oberle, widow of Hubert Oberle, died age 62.



Brooklyn Guardians 1887 - Brooklyn Police "Guarding the Home"


Brooklyn Guardians 1887 - Brooklyn Police "River Pirates"


In 1879 Red Hook Point was called "the den of all midnight pirates".

River piracy was often the work of "professional" gangs such as the Red Hook Canalers (Canallers) the Smokey Hollow gang - who both operated out of South Brooklyn.

One famous Red Hook river pirate was Frank-Schmidt (Smith), called "Dutch Frank". He described himself as a junkman and boatman. He was a large man prone to wearing fancy suits and patent leather shoes. He was captured on Governors Island as he tried to escape after the theft of a $50 hawser off the British steamship "Salisbury". (A hawser is a thick rope for mooring or towing a ship.) He was found guilty of theft and receiving stolen goods in October 1885. He was sentenced to 5 years in the penitentiary. He was arrested again for receiving stolen goods in November 1892.

One method of stealing goods was to row up under the piers and bore a hole in the timbers of the wharf, cut into the sacks of sugar or coffee, and catch the goods in bags as it ran out of the opening. Four or five hundred pounds of sugar or coffee could be taken by this method. Most times the thieves would not plug the hole so hundreds of dollars of goods washed into the river.

"Another style of river piracy, where the captain of a vessel combined with the thief to rob the owner, was unearthed by roundsman McMahon. Jack Walsh and his brother, Mike, one dark night boarded the John Cody, lying in the Erie Basin, and with the assistance of Captain Lacken carried off twelve bags of wheat. McHahon watched the men unload their boat at the dock and saw them go away in a truck.

Brooklyn Eagle 13, November 1892

The men were arrested. Mike Walsh was "discharged from custody". Jack Walsh was "sent to the penitentiary for three years" and the Captain Lacken got 29 days in jail.

Watchmen were employed by the warehouse and boat owners to discourage theft. In 1885 a special harbor police division was established to deter river pirates. These methods lessened the river piracy in Red Hook.

1896: May - June

History box - South Brooklyn Vendetta or Mafia? 1896 Part II

SOLVING A MAFIA MYSTERY - A fight between several Italians in a Union Street saloon resulted in the a "shooting affray" and the vengeance murder of Salvatore Serrio. Captain Cullen, Detective Farrell and Policemen Farley, Rooney and Curran of the Hamilton ave Police station arrested several of the men involved ater shadowing them to New York, Long Island City and Woodhaven, L. I. The arrests were made in Woodhaven where the men had hidden in a barber shop. Further arrests were made at another barber shop at 427 East New York ave. Farrell was attacked by a man with a stiletto. They fought until Farrell hit his attacker with the butt end of his revolver. Farrell was described as a "little man but a plucky one" who fought hard. The whole "gang" of Italians were charged with homicide.

"the eleventh precinct men are jubilant over their success and believe that they will land several more of the Mafia band before long. They do no doubt the existence of a strong branch of the secret society in Brooklyn, but hope to break it up pretty thoroughly before they are through with this case."

The Fight Which Resulted in Murder (Brooklyn Eagle)


Fire Department

In 1872 Red Hook was served by a engine company and a hook and ladder company - Engine Co, 2 and Hook and Ladder No. 1.

February 2, 1863:

A NEW STEAM FIRE ENGINE -- A new fire company has been organized in South Brooklyn, to take the place of Neptune Engine Company No. 2, which was disbanded in 1855. The members desire a steam apparatus, and, as the Commissioners are rather dilatory in recommending the Common Council to procure one, have made arrangements to purchase one on their own account. An order has been given to Mr. LARNED, of the New-York Novelty Works, to furnish an engine within the next six weeks, to weigh 4,600 pounds with water in boiler. The price is $3,500. The company will run a borrowed steamer meanwhile. The house of No. 2 is situated on the corner of Hicks and Degraw streets.

New York Times

Engine Company No. 2, a paid fire department, which serviced Red Hook was established in 1869.

Given the type of industries and the number of fires in the 12th Ward the fire department had to be very competent.

In July 1871 a lot on the north east corner of Van brunt and Seabring was purchased from Daniel Dougherty and his wife for $4,000.

January 5, 1872: The work on the new fire house at the corner of Van Brunt and Seabing was almost finished. Between 1869 and 1872 Engine company No. 2 was located:

"in a miserable little house in Van Brunt st, which had a frontage of only 15 feet, bearely (sic} sufficient to get the engines in and out of the house, and in consequence of its being so narrow that the horses had to be led and all the time when there was a fire considerable time was lost." (BE)
The article mentioned that the district was one of the most important in the city due to the "immense mercantile interests along the river front". Merchants in the area had pressed upon the Fire Commissioner the necessity of a bigger and better equipped station house. As a result a two engine house was constructed. It housed not only an engine company but a hook and ladder company. The building was two stories high with 55 feet frontage on Van Brunt and seventy five on Seabring.
"The first floot is divided in the centre by a row of open pillars, which made the division lines of the two, the engine company being being on one side and the truck company being on the other. At the end of each company's compartment are set fine stalls fro teir horses. Around the wall is a Drevett hose rack, for drying the hose, on which 750 feet of hose can be hung and dried, without any difficulty, in about two hours. Under the old system it took nearly two weeks to dry out the hose

THE SECOND FLOOR

is used for the sleeping rooms for both companies, the beds beng placed on each side of the room.

The second floor also contained a bath room and a reading room with books and newspapers.

Note: Drying fire hose was important because if water was allowed to remain in the hose there was a tendency for the hose to rot, hence becoming useless in time of fire.


(Old Brooklyn in Early Photographs, 1865-1929 By William Lee Younger, 1978)

Engine company NO 2. Van Brunt and Seabring Streets Ca 1870.

"Posed before their red brick firehouse with their horse-drawn engine are early members of Company no 2, organized when the City of Brooklyn established a paid fire department in 1869. This company protected the large manufacturing establishments and warehouses located in this section of South Brooklyn"

Back row left to right: Francis Curran, John B Donovan, Lawrence Fagan, Wm. P. Skidmore, Francis Monnaville, Thomas P Shea John Dwyer (engine driver)
Front row left to right: Fancis H Malloy, Peter Dunne, John Mahoney, George J Ryan, James Kemp, Jas. Cullen Assist Foreman, Platt Van Cott, Foreman. The medallion is the Forman, Platt Van Cott.

(Our Firemen: The Official History of the Brooklyn Fire Department, from the ... By Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.). Fire Dept 1892)

Engine company NO 2. 1892

In 1892 Engine Company No 2 (at Van Brunt and Seabring) and "adjoining" Truck No. 1 serviced Red Hook the "greatest manufacturing center in the city". In 1892 the Company No. 2's fire district was bounded by "Atlantic Avenue, the water-front and Gowanus Canal".

The building is still standing. The first floor has been altered but the upper floor appears to be relatively unchanged.

In 1894 Platt Van Cott was the foreman at Co, 2 Van Brunt and Seabring with 15 men.

Originally the company covered the 6th and 12th Wards and the area around the Gowanus and as far as Bay Ridge. By 1890 it's area was more limited and it did not go to the Gowanus until a second alram was sounded. By 1892 the district was bounded by Atlantic Avenue, the water front and the Gowanus, responding to 44 first alarm calls.

A Big Fire in Red Hook in 1892

A fire in September 1892 at the Occidental Oil Company at 137 to 145 Imlay street threatened the houses on Van Brunt. The building on Imlay was described as a two story brick factory that was "well stocked" with cotton seed, linseed and castor oils - all highly volatile. The building was totally destroyed. The firemen fought to keep nearby tenements and a grain elevator from catching fire.

A history of the Red Hook Fire Department can be found at. RED HOOK AND IT'S FIRE DEPARTMENT 130 YEARS OF SERVICE 1869-1995 Donated to FDNY Home Page by: Dispatcher 350 Mike Boucher Staten Island CO http://nyfd.com

Some Red Hook Fireman

  1. Robert J Furey (1831-1903)

    Robert J Furey born in New York October 22, 1831 and moved to Brooklyn in 1839. Before joining the fire department he had apprenticed as a sash and blind maker. He joined Neptune Engine No 2 in 1850 and was assistant forman under Foremen Vandeveer and Mc Queen. He was the First Assistant of company No. 2 in 1853. In 1864 he was appointed the bell ringer in the Sixth Ward Tower. In 1881 Robert J Furey was discharged from the Fire Department. It was claimed that a bell ringer was not a member of the Fire Department. He sued the city in 1883 to recover his salary from the time of his dismissal until the Brooklyn Supreme Court reinstated him. The commission of the Paid Department transfered him to the repair shop where he worked at the carpenters bench sometime after 1882.

    By 1892 he had served in the department for forty-two years.

    Robert J Furey, cousin of the late Commissioner of Jourers, William A Furey and the Street Commissioner, Robert Furey, died in September 1903, age 71. He had lived in the 6th ward for 60 years. His last residence was 153 Sackett. He had been ill for "a along time". He was survive by a daughter, Mary, and a son, Charles, foreman of the Truck Co. No. 10, of the Fire Department.

    1875: Brooklyn Ward 6, brick $10,000, Robert Furey 43, bell ringer, New York, Margret Furey 41, wife, born Albany, Matilda Furey 16, Kings, James Furey 14, Kings, Elizabeth Furey 11, Kings, Jennie Furey 8, Kings Charles Furey 6, Kings, Mary Furey 1, Kings, Mary Galagher 38, sister in law born Albany

    1881: Robert J Furey 149 Sackett Occupation: Bellringer Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1881

    The Fire bell ringer sounded the fire alarm. In 1888 he was remembered as "the one faithful bell ringer at the tower in the rear of the new House in Hicks street".

    In 1898 Fireman Robert J Furey, a carpenter, was send back to the repair shop from Engine Company no. 1 by the Deputy Fire Commissioner.

  2. James Doyle (1841 - )

    James Doyle, born Jackson Street, Brooklyn in 1841, apprenticed as a picture frame maker on Canal Street, New York. He fought in the Civil War in the 9th New York Volunteers and was wounded in action. He was honorable discharged in 1865. After the war he became a member of Hose No 9. At the formation of the paid fire department in Brooklyn in 1869 he was chosen foreman of Engine Company No. 2 on Van Brunt street where he served for 16 years. He was foreman of the company until his appointment as District Engineer in 1885.

    Under him in 1869 were: Francis Curran, engineer, John Geary, Driver, James Fitzpatrick, Stoker, and Privates, Andrew Douglass, James Farrell, Andrew Leonard, Henry Ryan and Robert O'Donnell.

    He was appointed district engineer on June 1, 1885 - in charge of the Greenwood section and a part of Red Hook. He was promoted to battalion chief in January 1898. When he retired in 1902 after 33 years in the service he was presented with a diamond badge.


    Battalion Chief Doyle, Retired, Brooklyn Eagle 1902

  3. Platt Von Cott (1846 - 1924 )

    Platt Von Cott became the commander of Engine No. 2 after James Doyle. He was born in Rockaway, Long Island April 6, 1846 to an old Long Island family. He served in the navy for 15 months during the Civil War. He moved around in different companies in Brooklyn before coming to Red Hook and Engine Company No. 2 in February 1886. He was of medium height, well built, "with and intelligent face and white hair".

    1891: Foreman Platt Van Cott of engine No. 2 slipped and fell while examining the hold of the iron steamship G. R. Booth after a dynamite explosion on the ship killed two and wounded four. His leg was seriously injured.

    1898: Platt Van Cott retired as District Engineer in 1898.

    1911: Fanny Platt Van Cott, age 16 daughter of the former deputy fire chief, took ill while at school. A short while later she died. The coroner's office said the cause of death was Bright's desease. Original reports said she had taken poison.

    "INSIDIOUSNESS or CHRONIC NEPHRITIS. -- The insidiousness with which chronic Bright's disease occasionally advances is strikingly shown in the case of the young daughter of Platt Van Cott, formerly fire chief of Brooklyn, who died on Dec. 20. She was sixteen years of age and in the graduating class of the Brooklyn Girls' High School, and up to the very day of her death was believed by her parents, teachers and school companions to be in the best of health. Of late she had been working hard preparing Christmas boxes for the poor, and as on the morning of the 20th she complained of not feeling quite well, her mother attributed it to too much work. She went to school as usual, however, but after her second recitation was seized with convulsions, and within three quarters of an hour was dead. The autopsy, by the coroner's physician, Dr. Charles Wuest, showed the presence of chronic Bright's with cardiac involvement."

    The New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 165

    1880 Census: Platt Van Cott 34, fireman, Rebecca Van Cott 25, Henry Van Cott 11, Isabella Van Cott 7, Frederick Van Cott 3

    1900 Census: Brooklyn Ward 29, Lawrence Ave., Platt Von Cott 55, retired, Rebecca Von Cott 46, Isabella Von Cott 24, Platt Von Cott 19, real estate, Fannie Platt Von Cott 4

    1924: Platt Van Cott, retired chief of the New York Fire Department, died on January 21, 1924 at his home 126 Highland Ave., Ridgewood, New Jersey.

    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  4. Samuel Duff

    Samuel Duff took over as Deputy Chief in Ward 6 in 1898 at the retirement of Platt Van Cott. At his appointment to Deputy Chief he was a bachelor and lived at 516 Hicks street. He was credited with numerous rescues. He became a fireman in September 1869. He became a district engineer in December 1887.

    He was born in the 6th Ward on January 7, 1845. He joined the Fire Department in 1869. He was made a district engineer in 1887. He retired "at his own request" in 1903 after 32 years in the department.

    1886: Captain Samuel Duff of Engine 3 was spending his vacation on Shelter Island shooting red headed ducks. He was apparently an ace shot.

    1887: "The modest and affable private on No. 3, Samuel Duff" was said to be contemplating matrimony with a young lady who lived on Shelter Island. Once or twice a month he took the Long Island Railroad to visit her.

    Also in 1887 Samuel Duff of Engine No. 3, was voted one of the most popular firemen in the department for which he was awarded a "forty-five dollar gold badge".

    1908 June: Former Deputy Chief Samuel Duff of the New York Fire Department, who retired in 1903, died at his summer home on Shelter Island after a protracted illness. About three years before he had broken his right leg. It was set but did not properly heal. Eventually his leg was amputated but resulted in a cancerous growth. It was determined that the cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage.

    His widow was Addie Dodge.


    Deputy Chief Samuel Duff, Brooklyn Eagle 1908

  5. James Cullen (1841 - 1910)

    James Cullen was assistant foreman in 1892. He was born in New York circa 1842. At an early age he moved to Brooklyn and settled in the 12th Ward. He served with the volunteer fire department before becoming a member of the paid force.

    1880: "Lauqueer" street, James Cullen 39, fireman, born New York, Ann Cullen 62, mother, born Ireland

    1887: James Cullen "of No 2, in the old country gained no little reputation as a sprinter....... Cullen who lives in South Brooklyn in the goat district" was to compete in at mile and a half race. He and is competitor were said to large men weighing "between 225 and 400 pounds each".

    1887: Assistant Foreman James Cullen of Engine 2 spent his vacation and week day leave at Far Rockaway in August 1887.

    1894: James Cullen assistant foreman of engine no. 2. applied for retirement due to physical injuries. He fell from a tender and fractured his knee cap. He asked to be restored to active duty should he recover.

    1910: March 24, James Cullen retired assistant foreman of Engine Company No.. 2 died at his home at 52 Second Place. A member of St. Stephens church he was a bachelor. He was born in New York and resided in the 12th Ward, Brooklyn for 50 years. He was survived by three sisters, Anna, Mrs. Hubert Conniff and Mrs. Albert Hubbard.

    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  6. Francis Curran (1844 - )

    Francis Curran was born in "New York" in 1844 but moved to Brooklyn as a child. He was below average in height. He was an engineer for the company and could get the best service out of the engine "as any man living".

    1870: Ward 12, Bernard Curran 55, labourer, Ireland, Mary Curran 53, Ireland, Francis Curran 24, engineer, Ireland, James Curran 22, works in pl---- mill, John Curran 20, box maker, Margaret Curran 36 Mary Curran 18, dress maker

    1877: Francis Curran h 816 Hamilton av Occupation: Fireman Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1877

    Francis Curran, engineer, was listed as a member of the original 1869 fire department and still an active fireman in 1901.

    He was listed as: retired on application - engineer of steamer - joined Sept 15, 1869 - retired Aug 24, 1904.

    In 1909 Engineer, Francis Curran was listed as being in the department for 39 years.

    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  7. John Dwyer (1844 - 1896)

    John Dwyer was born in New York in 1844. He became a fireman in July 1872. He served for two years in the Navy during the Civil War. He was a driver for company No. 2.

    1887: Fire Department gossip had it that John Dwyer of Engine Company No 2 never bet on the horses, unless he has a sure thing.

    Also in 1887 - Private John Dwyer of No. 2 accepted a challenge to play a hand ball match with the Hand Ball Champion of the World. It was said that during his vacation Dwyer would travel to Ireland for the match. "The genial member of No 2 has a record of seventeen hours" of hitting the ball against a stone wall without missing. (The part about the hand ball tournament in Ireland is most likely in jest. From Fire House Gossip)

    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  8. James Kemp (1840 - 1897)

    James Kemp was born in Ireland in 1849 and came to Brooklyn as a "youngster". At age 21 he became a fireman in July 1870.

    1860: Ward 12, Thos Kemp 60, laborer, Anne Kemp 45, John Kemp 21, Box maker, Kate Kemp 16, James Kemp 14

    1870: Ward 12, Ann Kemp 65, Ireland $2,000, John Kemp 27, lawyer, Johanna Kemp 33 David Gall 1 James Kemp 22, machinist

    1875: Ward 12, listed with his mother.

    1880: Clinton street, Kemp, Ann, 75, born Ireland, James Kemp 32, son, born Ireland, fire department.

    1892: Ward 12, Kemp Jas age 41, Fireman, Jas. Cullen 44, fireman, and Jas Doyle 44 fireman. See Cullen and Doyle above.

    1897: James Kemp of Engine No. 2 died of consumption in July 1897 at his home 199 [499] 18th street - the residence of his sister, Mrs. P. Ryan. He was 54 and had been in the department since February 1870. Buried Holy Cross.

    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  9. Lawrence Fagan (1850 - )

    Lawrence Fagan was born in Brooklyn in 1850. He became a fireman in February 1876.

    1880: Hicks street, Lawrence Fagan 32, fireman in employ of the city, Annie Fagan 27, George Fagan 5, Frederick Fagan 2

    1887: Private Lawrence Fagan of No 3, was said to be handsome and the "best shaped man in the Brooklyn Fire Department". He was tall with large shoulders, a deep chest, and sported a neat mustache. He was "careful" about his dress and "those individual who say that he wears corsets he stamps as defamers". He was a "ladies man" who stood in front of the engine house and ogled the ladies. (From Fire House Gossip)

    1891: Lawrence Fagan was arraigned on charges "of a grave character" in 1890 that impelled him to hand in his resignation from the fire department. The commissioner gave Fagan another chance, refused to accept the resignation and fined him 10 days pay. However, Fagan continued to get in trouble and in 1891 was charged with "absent without leave" on three occasions in August. Fagan again handed in his resignation. "Register Kane" interceded on Fagan's behalf and the commissioner again refused the resignation, gave Fagan a warning and fined him 10 days pay.

    1895: Fireman Lawrence Fagan of Engine Co. 2 was fined 50 days pay for being absent for 10 days with our leave and for being drunk part of that time.

    1905: Brooklyn, Laurence Fagan 56, retired fireman, Mary Fagan 35, wife, Mary Fagan 8, daughter, Regina Fagan 6, daughter, Laurence Fagan 4, son, Fredrick Fagan 28, son, Annie Fagan 24, daughter in law, Fredrick Fagan 8/12, grandson

    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  10. Francis H. Molloy (1850 - 1928 )

    Francis H Molloy was born Dec 5, 1850 in Brooklyn and became a fireman in December 1876. He was noted for several close calls and several rescues.

    1907: Fire Captain Molloy was mentioned in an article about the fire department as being a very popular Captain. Some accusations had been made against him and an "alleged neglect of duty" by the men of the hose company he led. A statement had been made that the men of the hose company had on their way to a fire on Kings avenue stopped at a saloon and "partaken of refreshments". The local citizenry was irate about the accusations and came to the defense of Captain Molloy and his men. The citizens asserted that Molloy was being persecuted for political reasons. Captain Molloy had been transfer from the Rogers ave station to Statin Island and the Rogers ave locals wanted him back.

    1910: Brooklyn Ward 32, Francis H Molloy 59, fireman, fire department, Bridget Molloy 53, Susan G Molloy 23, (cannot read), Rose M Molloy 19, account clerk, insurance co., Alice Molloy 14, Henery Molloy 19, file clerk , department store,

    1928: Francis H. Molloy died on December 4, 1928 at his residence 1591 Brooklyn ave. Survived by 3 daughters, one son, two sisters and five grandchildren. He was a retired Captain of the New York City Fire Department.

    His obit stated that he had retired in 1916 after serving for 40 years.

    "He has a splendid record in the department and never received a reprimand. He was born in the old First Ward and joined the Fire Department in 1876." (BE)
    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  11. Peter Dunne (1846 - )

    Peter Dunne was born in Ireland in 1846. He became a fire man in May 1880.

    1880: Hicks street, Peter Dunne 37, butcher, Bridget Dunne 33, wife, Thos Dunne 14, son, John Dunne 10, son, Jas. Dunne 8, son Edwd. Dunne 2, son Richd. Dunne 2m, son

    1892: Ward 6, Dunne, John -[2]1, US Clerk, Peter, 44, US. Fireman, Edward 14, clerk, Thomas, 25, (no occupation)

    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  12. Thomas P Shea (1865 - )

    Thomas P Shea was born in Brooklyn on November 29, 1865 and joined the department in May 1889

    1892: January 16, Thomas P Shea of Company No. 2 was fined five days pay for being absent without leave.

    1892: August 19, Thomas P. Shea of Engine No. 2 was arraigned on charges of absence without leave. He was away from duty for 8 or 9 days. He said he had been laid up as the result of a fight. He had not notified the department. He claimed he had sent a friend to report for him. The commission did not believe Shea as he did not have a good record. The commission concluded that Shea had been drinking. He was fined 10 days pay.

    1893, 13 Jan: FIREMEN ON TRIAL Thomas P Shea absent without leave 1 day's pay.

    1894: February, Thomas P Shea of engine 7 was dismissed from the Fire Department by the commissioner. He was charged with drunkenness and absence without leave. Since 1889 Shea had twenty seven charges against him.

    1900: Brooklyn Ward 12, Van Brunt street, William Shea 20, hotel keeper, Jeannie Shea 27, wife, Frances Shea 40, uncle, hotel keeper, Thomas P Shea 31, nephew single, hotel keeper, Edward Shea 17, nephew, bartender, Erarina Shea 14, niece, Mary Shea 12, niece, Matthew Shea 9, nephew, Edward Carey 61, boarder

    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  13. John Mahoney (1844 - )

    John Mahoney was born in New York May 26, 1844 and joined the department in June 1870. He served in several fire companies before joining Company No 2.

    1887: John Mahoney of Engine 2, was listed as a "capable inspector". Inspectors reported to work at 9 in the morning and served until 5 o'clock in the evening.

    1915: John Mahoney 70 one of the oldest members of the Brooklyn Fire Department, who had been retired for 20 years after 24 years of service died in April 1915 of pneumonia at the residence of his brother, Jeremiah T. Mahoney, 288 Sackett. He had never missed a day of duty and never had a charge brought against him. He was born in New York City and came to Brooklyn when he was 8 months old. He was a bachelor and a member of St. Stephen's church. He had been with Engine Co 2 on Van Brunt street for 20 years. Survived by his brother Jeremiah and a sister, Mrs. Nora Horn of Plainfield, N. J.

    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  14. William P Skidmore (1853 - )

    William P Skidmore was born in Brooklyn in 1853. He became a fireman on New Year's Day 1883.

    1870: Brooklyn Ward 6, Isaac Skidmore 40, customs -- stores, $500, Martha Skidmore 40, Minnie Skidmore 15 George Skidmore 13 William Skidmore 17, musician

    1880: Henry street, Isaac Skidmore 55, clerk, US ---- department, NY City, Martha A. Skidmore 54, William P. Skidmore 26, Engineer R. R. George W. Skidmore 21, clerk in shipping house

    1892: Skidmore, Wm P, 38, engineer, Kitt F, 31, Stephen, 11, Sherman, 10 and Isaac age 60 butcher.

    1900: Gold ave, Ward 5, William Skidmore 47, fireman, Catherine Skidmore 37, Stephan Skidmore 19, printer, Sherman Skidmore 17

    Listed in the 1910 census as a janitor apartment and 1920 census with no occupation and the 1930 censuses as a "stationary engineer, building". His wife, Catherine, was still alive in 1930.

    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  15. John B Donovan (1859 - 1928)

    John B. Donovan was born June 26, 1859 and joined the department Dec 15, 1885.

    1892 Ward 12, Donovan, John V 34 fireman, England, Theresa 10, New York, Nellie 9, New York, Christine 7, Elizabeth Donovan, 52, Ireland, Christianna Donovan 32

    1900: John B Donovan, fireman first grade of Engine Co. 102 was promoted to assistant foreman of Engine Co. 108

    1905: John B Donovan, enlisted Dec 15, 1885 as a fireman promoted to assistant foreman, Oct. 1, 1900

    1910: Ward 12, henry Street, John B Donovan 51, asst foreman fire department, Christiana Donovan 50 Christiana Donovan 23, daughter, John Baker 30, lodger, driver, Edward Clinton 23, lodger, boilermaker, George Edmonds 21, lodger, carpenter, Theodore Thompson 44, lodger, sailor, Joseph I Accardo 21, lodger, plater contractor

    1920: Sixth street, John B Donovan 57, fireman, city, Henry M Macbride 31, son in law, machinist, Christiana Macbride 33, daughter, Margaret E Macbride 2, granddaughter, John W Macbride 1, grandson, Elizabeth Donovan 66, sister, 30 August 1928:

    John B. DONOVAN died Tuesday at his home, 683A Sixth street. He was a retired lieutenant of Engine Company 246, of the New York Fire Department. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. J. NOLAN and Mrs. H. McBRIDE; a sister, Elizabeth DONOVAN and five grandchildren. The funeral will be held at tomorrow, with a reqiuem mass at the R.C. Church of St. Thomas Aquinas, Fourth avenue and Ninth street. bklyn-genealogy-info
    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  16. Francis Monnaville (1859 - )

    Francis Monnaville was born January 20, 1859 and became a fireman in April 1885.

    Francis Monnaville was appointed a private in the Frie Department in 1885 after a period of probation. Several other were appointed under the same circumstances at the same time.

    1889: Francis Monnaville, 167 Wolcott, Occupation: Fireman, Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1889

    1900: 18th ave., Francis Monnaville 41, engineer stationary, Jennie Monnaville 37 Malcolm Monnaville 7 Robert Monnaville 5

    1902: Engineer of Steamer Francis Monnaville Engine Company 143 stopped a run away horse at 18th and 86th street. The horse was running at a high speed with broken shafts dragging behind him. Monnaville caught the horse and threw it to the ground. He was commended for risks outside the line of duty.

    1920: Brooklyn, 85th street, Frances Monnaville 60, fireman, NY fire department, born New York, father born, Belgium, mother born Scotland, Jane M Monnaville 58, born Scotland, Malcolm F Monnaville 27, clerk post office, born New York, Robert H Monnaville 24, secretary, bottle business, born New York, Helen Burns 27, friend, born New Jersey

    1929: November, 12, Fireman Malcolm Monnaville, age 35, was pinned between a fire truck and a trolly. He had been standing on the running board of the fire truck when the trolly hit it. He suffered a broken rib and possible internal injuries.

    1930: Frances Monnaville 71, retired, Jane M Monnaville 69, Malcolm F Monnaville 37, fireman, city, Robert H Monnaville 34, secretary commissioner

    1932: February, Jane Howie Monniville wife of Francis Monnaville and mother of Malcolm F and Robert H Monnaville died

    1940: Francis and Malcom were listed in the 1940 census. Malcolm was listed as at lieutenant in the fire department.

    1942: Monnaville, Francis died April 19, 1942, husband of the late, Jane Howie Monnaville and father of Malcolm F and Robert H Monnaville.

    1949: January, Lt. Malcolm F. Monnaville of Hook and Ladder 9 faced charges (along with 11 others) for a party at Hook and Ladder 9 house at 42 Great Jones St. Manhattan which celebrated the length of service of "certain" firemen. Liquor had been serviced an civilians had attended.

    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  17. George J Ryan (1866 - )

    George J Ryan was born in Brooklyn in Nov. 1866 and joined the department in December 1891.

    1900: Van Brunt street, Brooklyn, Ward 12, George Ryan 32, fireman, born New York, Cathrine Ryan 29, George Ryan 5, Florence Ryan 2, Hellan Ryan 2, Katie Ryan 0/12

    1906: November - Report from the Medical Office that Assistant Foreman George J. Ryan engine company 102 totally unfit for duty.

    He is in the 1892 Engine Company No. 2 photo.

  18. Michael Quinlan (1863 - )

    Michael Quinlan was born in Brooklyn on June 3, 1863 and received his uniform July 1, 1892.

Some information from:
  • Reminiscences of the Old Fire Laddies and Volunteer Fire Departments of New ... By J. Frank Kernan, 1885
  • Our Firemen: The Official History of the Brooklyn Fire Department, from the ... By Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.). Fire Dept, 1892


Liquor Stores Red Hood 1870 and later

Red Hood Industry in the mid to late 1800s

Second Place near Henry, Brooklyn

Norwegians in Red Hook


Red Hood Churches

Other Brooklyn Images

HOME - FRITZ KETTLER - HANNA PETERS - JOHANN BEREND PETERMANN - IMMIGRATION

Retail Stores in Red Hook

Red Hook Butcher Shops

Red Hook Restaurants


Red Hook Celebrities


1870 Census Brooklyn Ward 12, Liquor stores and saloons

1870 Census Brooklyn Ward 12, Liquor stores and saloons


Red Hook Liquor Dealers

A Survey of Liquor Dealers in Red Hook mid to Late 1800s

Red Hook Liquor Dealers - The Families

Balfe - Ball - Baumann - Behnken - Bell - Black - Boysen - Bray - Brickwedel - Callaghan - Carberry - Cassin - Cavanagh - Collimore - Collins - Coogan - Cordes - Curran - Daly - Dawson - Dempsey - Depperman - Devan - Dixon - Dockery - Donovan - Doran - Ehrichs - Fay - Finkeldey - Fitzgerald - Garahan - Gillen - Graef - Haack - Henry - Higgins, Hugh - Higgins, George - Hoehn - - Hoffman - Hughs - Hunold - Hussey - Judge - Kassenbrock - Keleher - Knoop - Krohler - Kuhn - Lamont - Lever - Little - Looney - Madigan - Mahnken - McAvanny - McGee - McGrath - McKenna - McQuade - Meyers - Molloy - Mooney - Moran - Mullady - Munsinger - Murray - Noble - O'Brien - O'Hara - Oberdieck - Powere - Ropke - Schmadeke - Schwanemann - Shea - Sheridan - Siebe - Simmons - Struve - Sullivan - Weinphal - Winkelman -


Life in Red Hook - Mid to Late 1800s

History of the Isthmian Steamship Lines, Erie Basis, Red Hook Brooklyn includes an arial view of the Erie Basin Terminal and tons of other images and information

A Preservation Plan for Red Hook, Brooklyn Lots of good images and information on the history of Red Hook

Red Hook Waterfront, The O'Connell Organization is a family owned and operated real estate development business. Clearly they love the Red Hook waterfront and their website contains some fabulous photos of the old warehouses and other buildings in Red Hook.

Water Front Museum and Showboat Barge

Brooklyn Memories

Spanierman Gallery LLC - Winthrop Duthie Turney (1884-)1965) Brooklyn Paintings
Thanks to Bob Steward for making me aware of Turney's Brooklyn paintings and this web site.

Red Hook Flickr Group

If you have any suggestions, corrections, information, copies of documents, or photos that you would like to share with this page, please contact me at maggie@maggieblanck.com


© Maggie Land Blanck - Page created October 2013 from a page created in 2013 - latest update January 2021