William Poole

William Poole
An 1888 engraving of Poole
Born(1821-07-24)July 24, 1821
Sussex County, New Jersey, United States
DiedMarch 8, 1855(1855-03-08) (aged 33)
Cause of deathMurder by gunshot
Resting placeGreen-Wood Cemetery, Kings County, New York
NationalityAmerican
Other namesBill the Butcher
Occupation(s)Butcher, fireman, criminal gang leader, politician
Known forNativism, 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
Washington Street Gang
Founded byWilliam "Bill the Butcher" Poole
Founding locationWashington Market, Manhattan
Years active1840s
TerritoryWashington Market, Manhattan
EthnicityEnglish American
Membership (est.)?
Criminal activities?
Bowery Boys
Founded byWilliam "Bill the Butcher" Poole
Founding locationBowery, Manhattan, New York City
Years activeMid-19th century
TerritoryBowery, Manhattan, New York City
EthnicityNon-Irish, European American
Membership (est.)?
Criminal activities?
RivalsDead 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.