Tom Bray
Tom Bray | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Saloon keeper |
| Known for | New York saloon keeper and underworld figure during the mid-to late 19th century. |
Tom Bray (fl. 1850–1890) was an American saloon keeper and underworld figure in New York City during the mid-to late 19th century. He was the owner of a downtown Manhattan dive bar, "Tom Bray's", located on Thompson Street, and which served as an underworld hangout for thieves and bank robbers.[1] The saloon, according to author Frank Moss, was known for its violence as "several men were killed there and a number were badly cut and shot" during its forty years in operation.[2]
A contemporary of Johnny Dobbs, who ran a similar establishment on Mott Street, Bray acted as a fence in the old Fourth Ward and became one of the most successful in the district during his lifetime. Unlike Dobbs, who eventually died penniless after handling $2 million in his criminal career, Bray "banked" his money and was reportedly worth between $200,000[1] and $350,000[2] at the time of his death.[1] As of 1897, "Tom Bray's" was still standing.[2]
References
- ^ a b c Asbury, Herbert. The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the New York Underworld. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1928. (pg. 174) ISBN 1-56025-275-8
- ^ a b c Moss, Frank. The American Metropolis from Knickerbocker Days to the Present Time. London: The Authors' Syndicate, 1897. (pg. 17)