William Poole, born on July 24, 1821, in Sussex County, New Jersey, was a prominent figure in the criminal underworld of 19th-century New York City. Known as a leader of the Washington Street Gang, which later became the infamous Bowery Boys gang, Poole's life was filled with violence, crime, and controversy.
In the 1840s, Poole worked with the Howard (Red Rover) Volunteer Fire Engine Company #34, located on Hudson and Christopher Streets. It was during this time that he honed his skills as a fighter and gained a reputation for his fierce demeanor. He eventually went on to establish the Washington Street Gang, which quickly evolved into the notorious Bowery Boys gang.
As a local leader of the Know Nothing political movement in mid-19th-century New York City, Poole wielded considerable influence and power. His ruthless tactics and unwavering loyalty to his gang members made him a force to be reckoned with on the streets of Manhattan.
Despite his criminal activities, Poole was also known for his gambling habits and heavy drinking. He was a brutal bare-knuckle boxer and a skilled knife fighter, thanks to his background as a butcher. His prowess in combat earned him a fearsome reputation among his enemies and a sense of respect among his followers.
On March 8, 1855, tragedy struck when Poole was shot in his home on Christopher Street at the young age of 33. His death marked the end of an era for the Bowery Boys gang and left behind his wife and son Charles, mourning the loss of their patriarch.
Despite his untimely demise, Poole's legacy lived on in popular culture. Actor Daniel Day-Lewis famously portrayed a fictionalized version of him, renamed William Cutting, in Martin Scorsese's 2002 film "Gangs of New York." The portrayal brought renewed interest in Poole's life and the turbulent times in which he lived.
William Poole's life was a testament to the harsh realities of 19th-century New York City. His leadership of the Bowery Boys gang and his involvement in the criminal underworld cemented his place in history as a formidable figure. Despite his violent tendencies and criminal activities, he remains a figure shrouded in mystery and intrigue, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate audiences to this day.