William Poole | |
|---|---|
 An 1888 engraving of Poole | |
| Born | July 24, 1821 Sussex County, New Jersey, United States |
| Died | March 8, 1855 (aged 33) |
| Cause of death | Murder by gunshot |
| Resting place | Green-Wood Cemetery, Kings County, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Bill the Butcher |
| Occupation(s) | Butcher, fireman, criminal gang leader, politician |
| Known for | Nativism, was a pugilist and leader of the Bowery Boys, a street gang of Know Nothings and volunteer firemen; murdered by supporters of his political rival, John Morrissey of Tammany Hall |
| Founded by | William "Bill the Butcher" Poole |
|---|---|
| Founding location | Washington Market, Manhattan |
| Years active | 1840s |
| Territory | Washington Market, Manhattan |
| Ethnicity | English American |
| Membership (est.) | ? |
| Criminal activities | ? |
| Founded by | William "Bill the Butcher" Poole |
|---|---|
| Founding location | Bowery, Manhattan, New York City |
| Years active | Mid-19th century |
| Territory | Bowery, Manhattan, New York City |
| Ethnicity | Non-Irish, European American |
| Membership (est.) | ? |
| Criminal activities | ? |
| Rivals | Dead Rabbits, Plug Uglies |
William Poole (July 24, 1821 – March 8, 1855), also known as Bill the Butcher, was the leader of the Washington Street Gang, which later became known as the Bowery Boys gang. He was a local leader of the Know Nothing political movement in mid-19th-century New York City.