Charles W. Young was one of several foreman for the bridge labor gangs, others were: E.F. Farrington (master mechanic), Arthur V. Abbott (civil engineer), William Van der Bosch (architect), and Harry Supple (foreman of riggers).

Construction was started on the bridge in 1869. The bridge was completed 14 years later in 1883.

David McCullough in his book The Great Bridge: Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge does mention Charles Young in relationship to men suffering from Cassions Disease.

"Scarcely any man escaped without being affected by intense pain in one form or another. Martin and Collinwood both suffered attacks. Charles Young, the foreman who had collapsed in the Brooklyn caisson the same time as Roebling did, had again become so affected by the compressed air that on the advice of his own doctor he resigned, taking a job overseeing work on the dock instead."

Don's query about Charles Young made me curious about others who had worked and died on the bridge. I am always looking for the "little guy" who helped make history. This page is dedicated to the men who worked on the bridge and received some passing acknowledgement for their efforts.

Charles W. Young, Brooklyn Bridge Foreman (c. 1834-189?)

"Mr. C. W. Young went into the caisson as general foreman with the first gang of men that was set at work, and for three months had entire charge of the labor force, and continued in that position during the whole time of sinking the caisson and filling it with concrete, a period of nine months and sixteen days. He was disabled from work for a few days from partial paralysis, produced by over-exertion and long continuance in the compressed air at the time of the fire.

After the work of sinking had been in progress about three months, it was found practicable to work a second "shift" of men, and Mr. George Clark was employed as general foreman, and continued in charge of one of the "shifts" until the caisson was filled with concrete.

The work was difficult, and required great skill and good judgment for its proper execution, and these they both possessed, as the success of the work indicates.

Report of the Chief Engineer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge, 1872

Birth: Circa 1833/36 Pennsylvania

Marriage: Charles W. Young married Dora Fleishman before 1856, place unknown.

Children:

1. Wilhelmina born 10 April 1856 Philadelphia - died 1935, Brooklyn

   Married William P. Bainbridge, electrician circa 1891

   1900: Bainbridge, Wm P. Electrician m 9 years, Wife, Wilhelmina no children, born Pa., public school teacher, Emma Young, sister in law, born 1867 teacher, plus a maid

   1905: Brooklyn, William and Wilhelmina no children

   1910: William and Wilhelmina, Hillsborough New York, no children, Wilhelmina born Pa.

   1917: Bainbridge, Wm P. buried 08/11/1917 Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, lot 30351 section 196 grave 3 (Courtesy of Don Sayenga, November 20016)

1920: 2 Macon street Brooklyn, listed as widowed

1935: Bainbridge, Wilhelmina buried 12/31/1935 Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, lot 30351 section 196 grave 2 (Courtesy of Don Sayenga, November 20016)

2. Charles circa 1858 died 1862 - In 1860 census in Philadelphia.

   Death: Charles Young died 23 May 1862, age three years 9 months, Philadelphia, 1st Ward, Lafayette Cemetery, father Wm Young mother Doreitha Young

3. Matilda (Tillie) born 1864 Philadelphia - died 1922 Brooklyn

   Marriage: Richard L. Heaslip

   Richard L Heaslip married Matilda Young September 28, 1882 certificate #2864

   Child:

   1. Charles Thomas Heaslip - died 15 October 1941

      THE NEW YORK SUN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1941. C. T. HEASLIP IS DEAD AT 57 Public Relations Counsel for Tunnel Authority. Charles Thomas Heaslip, public relations counsel for the New York Tunnel Authority and director of many large publicity campaigns, died yesterday at his home at 50 east 72nd street. He was 57 years old. Born in Brooklyn, Mr. Heaslip was educated at Columbia University and then entered the newspaper business. ....... After the war, in which he served the Naval Air Corps, Mr. Heaslip returned to the publicity business..... He was survived by his widow and two daughters.

      Charles Thomas Heaslip SSN: 089015145 Birth Date: 13 Jul 1885 Birth Place: Brooklyn, New York Death Date: 15 Oct 1941 Claim Date: 18 Nov 1941 Type of Claim: Death Claim Notes: 24 Sep 1976: Name listed as CHARLES THOMAS HEASLIP

   Death of Richard L Heaslip: According to his probate he died in 1887 leaving his widow Tillie and a son Charles T Heaslip age 2.

   Heaslip, Richard Ludlow, buried 11/09/1899 Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, lot 30351 section 196 grave 1 (Courtesy of Don Sayenga, November 20016)

   Note: The body was trasfered from another grave or cemetery.

Probate: 1887 Flatbush, $1,000, Tillie J Heaslip widow, son Charles T Haeslip age 2

1893: September 17, Mrs. T. J. Haeslip was dropped as a Sunday school teacher from the Methodist Church in Windsor Terrace over an argument with the Pastor Wright. Emma Young was also involved in the situation. Mrs. Haeslip accused the pastor of paying unwanted attention to her. Mr. Wright declined to comment.

Remarriage: James H. Bolton

1905: James H. Bolton age 39, clerk, comp, Tillie age 40 teacher, Charles T Haeslip, son, age 19

1920 Census: Tillie Bolton age 56 teacher, born Pa, Wilhelmina Bainbridge age 60, no occupation, born Pa.

1922 Death: Tillie Bolton buried 03/14/1922 Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, lot 30351 section 196 grave 1 (Courtesy of Don Sayenga, November 20016)

Tillie J. Bolton, born Philadelphia, died at the home of her son, Charles T Heaslip. She had lived in the Flatbush and Bedford sections of Brooklyn. She was a public school school teacher. Survived by her son and her sister, Wilhelmina Bainbridge, of Millstone, N. J.

4. Emma born 1867 Philadelphia - died 1908 Brooklyn

   Marriage: Edward Ambrose November 16, 1904 Kings #9870.

   1904: Edw'd J Ambrose 601 10th Brooklyn, New York, USA Occupation: Clerk Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1904

   Death 1908: Ambrose Emma D. buried 09/25/1908 Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, lot 30351 section 196 grave 2 (Courtesy of Don Sayenga, November 20016)

1860: Philadelphia ward 19, Chas Fleishmann 55, born Darmstadt Josephine Fleishmann 22, tailoress, born Pa, Wm Young age 23 seaman, "Victoria", age 23, Wilhelmina, age 4, Charles age 2, Mathilda age 7 months

1869: Charles Young said he started working on the bridge in 1869.

1870:

• Mr. Charles Young was described as a "strapping man".

• July 9, 1870 Scientific American listed Mr. Charles Young as the superintendent of the caissons.

• November 19 1870 - A reported went down in the caisson, 40 feet below the water level, and described his experience in detail on the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. "The temperature was that of a Turkish bath." The men worked shirtless, using pic axes and shovels to fill wheelbarrows full of dirt and rocks. Mr. Young was the foreman.

  "Calling loudly for Mr. Young, at last a great bulky mass lifted itself out of a deep ditch and said"

  "That's my name - I'm Mr. Young."

  Young told the reporter he had been twenty-nine weeks in the caisson excavating with his men. Young was described as:

  "a big, muscular, good looking fellow, with a moustache and a hearty face, and wore a blue flannel shirt, open at the neck and showing a grand chest, and powerful ribs. His arms, which were bare to the shoulders, were tattooed with India ink, allegorically and nautically, and altogether the man seem to be fit for any risk or entreprise."

• There was a fire in the Caisson on December 1, 1870. The General foreman was Charles W. Young.

  The New York Herald reported :

  "the atmosphere became so dense there that Mr. Roebling feared that he was becoming paralyzed and made the assent to the surface; he was rubbed with salt and spirits for a couple of hours in order to restore circulation; Mr Young, the foreman, is now confined to his dwelling."

  David McCullough: "Charles Young, the foreman, got the men under control. Nobody left the caisson and Young ordered clothes, rags, and mud into the cavity where the fire was burning to shut off the draft of compressed air as much as possible."

  And further: " Charles Young, the foreman, who had also been carried up through the lock about the same time, was equally in a bad state."

• City Directory: Young, Charles W 16th N 10th street, Brooklyn foreman

1872: Two regular gangs were at work in the caissons. Each gang was comprised of about 70 laborers who worked 4 hours off and 4 hours on under the supervision of 7 foremen.

The foremen working in the caissons were: Creen, Young, Woliver, O'Malley, and Kroner.

"The work in the caisson was, at first, under the charge of General Foreman, C. W. Young, and as work progressed and a second gang of men were set to work. Mr. Cornelius Creen was employed as general foreman of this gang, and had performed the duties of the position very satisfactory. After working in the caisson for about three months, Mr. Young was so much affected by the compressed air and long continued work in the cassons, that by advice of his physician he resigned his position. He has since been employed in charge of work on the dock. He has probably had more experience in continuous work in compressed air than any other man living."

1873-74: Reports (Annual & Special) 1873-74 on the East River Bridge: Mr. C. W. Young is general foreman of labor and evinces rare ability in organizing the labor force to accomplish the varied and often difficult operations incident to the work".

1873 to 1876: Young Charles W., foreman 512 16th street Brooklyn, directory

1875: Mr. C. W. Young has charge of laborers on the Brooklyn anchorage (Brooklyn Union)

1875: State Census - Young, Charles age 39 born Pa, forman ER Bridge*, Dora, age 38 born Germany, Wilhelmina age 19, Matilda age 15, Emma age 12

*East River Bridge

1876: Charles Young was still listed as general foreman of laborers Brooklyn Bridge. "He was the right man for the right job and work was moving forward rapidly and with little friction." (Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Volume 6)

1877: Victims of the Casisson

A TERRIBLE DISEASE PRODUCED BY WORKING UNDER THE EAST RIVER BRIDGE - FORMAN YOUNG'S EXPERIENCE - SIX WERE KILLED AND MANY CRIPPLERD.

"Mr. Charles W. Young, the oldest foreman in the yard, who worked the cassons from the day ground was first broken until they were finished, and who the men say, seven years ago was a perfect young Hercules, was in the yard yesterday. Bronzed from long exposure to the sun, without coat or vest, his sleves rolled up, showing a pair of muscular arms, he displayed a splendid physique; but the reporter noticed at once a certain halt and feebleness in his walk."

Young was at first reluctant to speak to the reporter but finaly opened up. He said he began working on the bridge on January 3, 1870 and worked in the caissons on both sides of the river. Ground was broken on May 16, 1870 and work continued in the caissons for 9 months and 15 days. Asked how many hours the men would work in the caissons he replied it depended on the depth - "the further down the, the more compressed the air, and the greater difficulty breathing." At the lowest point of 78 feet the men were allowed to work only 4 hours in every 24 hours. The men were paid $2.10 for four hours work. About 200 men worked on the Brooklyn side and about 100 on the New York side. If they went down too quickly the men were subject to nose bleeds. If they came up too quickly they often vomited and paralysis would set in. Once a man suffered from the caisson disease he would not go down again. Young said he initially had no problems until the caisson fire when he was down of 16 hours. After that he suffered form bouts of pain and weakness in his legs. Sometimes he had to stay home for days on end and take morphine to relieve the pain. Five or six* of the men had died of the disease and at least one third of the men employed were "more or less disabled". Some men were still employed in the yard but most had left the bridge building completely. (From the Osewgo Palladium Aug 4, 1877 reprinted from the New York Sun Aug 1, 1877 Submitted by Ken Loed - Save Ontario Shipwrecks Newsletter Fall 1986)

*Three men died of the caisson disease. (MLB)

1880: Census - Brooklyn - Young, Charles, W. laborer, age 47, born Pa., Dorothy age 44, Wilhelmina age 23, Tillie age 19, Emma age 17

1883: May 23 Brooklyn Eagle in reference to caissons disease:

"The most striking example of this sort is Mr. C. W. Young who worked in both the New York and Brooklyn caissons. At times he suffers the most excruciating pain, until it seems as though life could not be longer sustained. Then again he is completely free of pain."

1884: C. W. Young listed in the report of the Chief Engineer of the Bridge as the "general foreman".

1884: Reporting on work in 1871 - For three weeks Mr. Young and his crew were involved in leveling off and removing boulders which lay under the frames.

Death of Charles Young: Unknown - before 1890.

??? Charles "N" Young. Age: 52, Birth Year: abt 1837, Death Date: 17 Dec 1889, Death Place: Flatbush, New York, USA, Certificate Number: 2889 (Ancestry.com. New York, New York, Death Index, 1862-1948 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. )

1890: Special Schedule - surviving soldiers, Sailors and Marines and Widows 172 Windsor Terrace, Flatbush, Brooklyn - Dora C., Widow of Young, Charles W, seaman USN

1892: Flatbush Brooklyn, Dora Young, age 55, Bainbridge Young age 35, Tillie Haeslip age 32, school teacher, Emma Young age 29, schoolteacher

1894: Brooklyn Eagle - An article in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle of 28 January 1894 stated that during the 13 year construction of the bridge there were 20 fatal accidents. The article states that Charles W. Young died of congestion of the lungs.

1899: Charles W. Young and Dora Young were buried in Greenwood Cemetery

Death: 11/09/1899 lot 30351 section 196 grave 2 (Courtesy of Don Sayenga, November 20016) Note: The body was transferred from another cemetery or grave.

1899: Dora Young age 62 died November 6, 1899 Certificate #18673 Kings.

Note: At the time of her interment the bodies of her husband, Charles, and her son in law, Richard Haeslip were transfered to Greenwood Cemetery.

Fatal Accident on the Bridge October 23, 1871 - John French, James ( aka John) Mc Garrity (variations of spelling) and William Doherty died

In 1872 the Brooklyn Bridge Report, published in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, stated:

"On the 23d of October owing to a defective weld in a rope socket, two of the derricks fell, causing the death of three men and the wounding of several others."

Cornelius Lynch, John Cook, William Hines (variety of spellings), Robert Ast and Michael Mahon were listed as injured.

The first fatal accident during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge occurred about 4 o'clock on October 23, 1871. The New York Herold listed the dead as John French and James "McCarrity" (Garrity and other spellings) who were "caught under falling timbers".

The news reports were a bit conflicting and included the folowing;

Foreman Thomas Douglass was badly hurt. Cornelius Lynch, a laborer, and William Haines also suffered severe injuries.

William Doherty who fell forty feet from the trestle to the dock was said to have died of his injuries.*

"McGerrity" was a stout man, who was crushed between the derrick and the stonework, was married and lived in Oxford street. John French was struck in the heard.

John Cook was said by another paper to be in the hospital following the incident.

*(Note: I cannot find a death record for Dogherty (or variations in spelling) in October or November 1871.)

McGerrity was also spelled M'Garrity and McGarigle. Haines was also spelled Hines. Mr. Doherty was also listed as Henry.

Brooklyn Eagle October 24, 1871 listed dead: John French, of 11 Oxford street, and James McGarrity who lived on Boerum street both killed instantly. Both were said to be married men. Thomas Douglas, William Hines, Cornelius Lynch wrere listed as injured as were Robert Ast and Michael Mahon.

The Buffalo New York paper listed the dead as John French and James M. Gerrity. Injured: Thomas Douglas, Cornelius Lynch, William Hayes and Henry Dougherty. "All were employed on the tower." (Same story carried in other New York cities.)

The New York Herald ran a longer story and mentioned: Cornelius Lynch was "injured internally by a piece of lumber striking him", William Haines was injured in the spine, William Doherty may have suffered fatal injuries. William Doherty was thrown from a car on the trestle due to jarring of the platform as the stone which fell hit it. He fell 40 feet to the dock. Men on floats had a narrow escape as debris rained down. This article said that McGarrity, a married man, lived on Oxford street.

Several articles say McGarrity had to be extracted from between the derrick and the stonework with a hydraulic jack.

The men ran in every direction when they realized what was happening. French and McGarrity were caught between the derrick and the stone work.

On October 15 the Brooklyn daily Eagle reported four men injured:

1. Cornelius Lynch age 40 married lived at 535 Herkimer street.

2. John Cook German age 28, unmarried, no address.

3. William Hines, Scottish, age 26 lived on DeKalb ave.

4. Henry Dogherty, age 28 a native of Ohio - not expected to live.

In November 1871 the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported the verdict on the coroner's jury into the accident. It stated "Henry" Doherty, John French and "James McGonigle" were killed on the 23 October "by the breaking of the arm of a derrick on the new Bridge". The paper stated that three men had died and four men were wounded. The deaths were ruled accidental.

According to David McCullough's book, Brave Companions:

"John French, a rigger, John McGarrity, a laborer, and Thomas Douglass, a stonemason, were killed when a derrick fell."

A Picture History of the Brooklyn Bridge by Mary J. Shapiro stated that in October 1871 T. G. Douglass, head mason and foreman on the Brooklyn tower, had been in a terrible accident when a guy wire supporting a boom derrick broke. The derrick crashed pinning Douglass. Douglass suffered damage to his kidneys, never regained his health and died in 1873. ( MLB note - He died in 1876.)

1871: Financial considerations of $250 were made in November 1871 to the families of John French and James "McGarigle", who were killed on the work October 23. (Report of the Committee Appointed by the Board of Trustees)

1877: Donation to the widow of John French Feb 7, 1877 $250

NYC Death Index:

1. John French age 36, October 23, 1871 Kings #9139
2. No death certificate for Doherty
3. McG October 23 1871 Kings #9140

Find a Grave - 1871: John French 24 Oct 1871 Cemetery: Holy Cross Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, USA - Ship Brandywine U.S. N. Died October 24, 1871 age 35 years

No deaths listed for Doherty or McGarrity on Find a Grave.

1871: November - To the families of John French and James McGarigle who were killed on the work October 23, $250.

1871: December 4

To Mr. John French (balance of $500).....#50.00
To Mrs. James McGarigle (balance of $500)... $00.00

Report of the Committee Appointed by the Board of Trustees

The New York Times reported that French left a wife and family "McGerrity" was single.

Mentioned as injured were: William Haines* permanently injured to the spine, Cornelius Lyman badly bruised.

*The name was listed in the papers as: Hayes, Haines and Hines.

1877: February 5th - Mrs. French the widow of John French who was killed in 1871 was given assistance for her four small children $250.

1872: June 22, Brooklyn Eagle General Superintendent's Report stated that "On 23rd October owing to a defective weld in a rope section two derricks fell, causing the death of three men and wounding several others. A thorough investigation was asked for and was made by the Coroner, which resulted in a verdict entirely exonerating the Bridge company from all blame."

There were other problems on the bridge in the spring of 1872. In April and May several men died of caissons disease. The June 22 article stated: "Knowing from the reports of other similar works that compressed air was liable to affect some men unfavorable, every known precaution was taken to guard against this danger." Dr. Andrew H. Smith "a competent physician" visited the works everyday to make sure the men were fit for work. Not withstanding all safety precautions three men died from the effects of the compressed air. Their names were not mentioned in the article. They were, however, Daniel Reardon, John Meyer and Patrick McKay. See below.

1883: The Evening Bulletin - Maysville Kentuckey: James "Garrity" and John French were killed outright on the Brooklyn Tower when a derrick fell. "William" Doherty was knocked from the tower and fell 40 feet to the pier, but survived. Thomas Douglass, a foreman, was severely injured with a broken knee and other injuries.

• John French
• John McGarrity
• Henry Doherty
• Thomas Douglas

See also:

• Cornelius Lynch
• John Cook
• William Hines

Thomas Talbot - accident - killed August 24, 1871 - rigger

"Thomas Talbot, a rigger, was on a scow against the Brooklyn tower taking a turn in a rope, when his leg caught between the rope and a timber-head of the boat . He died subsequently of his injuries." 1883 Report.

See Thomas Talbot

John Deneys fell February 25, 1872

John E Deneys fell 25 feet from the East River Bridge and died.

See John E. Deneys

Patrick McKay, John Meyers, and Daniel Reardon died of Cassons Disease - April and May 1872

Three men, Patrick McKay, John Meyers, and Daniel Reardon, died of caissons disease (also known as the bends) within in a short period in April and May of 1872. Many other were taken ill including Washington Roebling and Charles Young.

See

• Patrick McKay
• John Meyers
• Daniel Reardon

John Enright - carpenter (c 1831-1872) - Killed - Accident April 1872

John Enright, age 23 a ships carpenter born in Ireland circa 1831, died on April 2, 1872 when a derrick (or gallows) fell on him while he was working on the Brooklyn Bridge. He left a widow and four children.

See John Enright

Cornelius McLaughlin was killed by falling stone June 28, 1872

Cornelius McLaughlin, a caisson worker, was killed by a falling stone on the Roosevelt street abutment on June 28, 1872.

See Cornelius McLaughlin

Hensen/Hansen, Lourtz September 9, 1873 fell from bridge

Lourtz Hensen, stone mason, working on pier 29 New York side, stepped backwards and fell from the scaffold, lived a week and then died, September10, 1873.

See Lourtz Hensen

Peter Koop, April 4, 1873 - caught in Machinery

When the rope did "not wind to his satisfaction" Peter Koop "endeavored to kick it into place". His foot slipped under the rope and his leg was caught in the hoisting drum. He died from his injuries.

See Peter Koop

William Reid killed October 11, 1875

William Reid's neck was broken by falling from a derrick on the Brooklyn anchorage on October 11, 1875.

William Reid

John Mc Cann (McCorrmack) killed fell from bridge September 9, 1875

John McCann (McCorrmack) died when he fell from the bridge on September 9, 1875.

See John McCann (McCorrmack)

John Elliott died when he fell from the bridge on May 17, 1876

John Elliott, a worker receiving stone, fell from bridge May 17, 1876 and died.

See John Elliott

William Cambridge

William Cambridge, a rigger, was hit by a falling debris on October 27, 1874. He suffered kidney damage as a resut of the accident and died of related causes on December 5, 1877.

See William Cambridge

Neil Mullen (Mullin) killed by falling arch December 22, 1877

Neil Mullen was killed "by the falling of two of the arches" on December 22, 1877.

See Neil Mullen

Henry (Harry) Supple and Thomas W. Blake were killed on the bridge June 14, 1878 when a cable snapped - several others were injured

Henry Supple, the foreman of the cable makers (a gang of riggers) and one of the best men on the bridge, died when a strand of number 4 cable snapped around noon on June 14, 1878 on the New York side anchorage of the East River Bridge. Henry Supple who lived at 63 Poplar street, was struck in the head and shoulder, dragged off the anchorage and plummeted 60 or so feet to the ground. He landed still alive, his back, arms and legs broken. He was sent to the hospital at Chambers street where he died at 2:15. His mother was with him in the hospital at the time of his death. It was said he left a wife and child. I found a wife, Margaret, but no child.

Thomas Blake (315 Broome street), cable maker (or laborer), was killed outright either when his skull was crushed by the shoe at the end of the strand or when he was flung into the air and fell from the northern end of the anchorage. It was reported that he was single, however he did have a wife, Emily, who he married in 1872 and a son Charles born in 1872.

Several men were injured including: foreman Henry Lipple*, William R. Arbuckle, James McGrath (18 Monroe street) and Peter Raborg (Arbour)* (66 Columbia Place, Brooklyn). McGrath and Arbuckle, laborers, were severely bruised. McGrath was "caught about the feet by the flying wire-rope" and thrown backwards about 20 feet. It was initially reported that Henry "Lipple", the gang forman, was not expected to live. *Also listed as Thomas Arberg, same address and Peter Arburgh. *Surely a misprint of Supple.

Three other men: Master mechanic Edward F. Farrington, Alexander Laurence and John Brady, were uninjured.

Henry Supple, age 25, died June 14, 1878 cert #293049 Manhattan.

Thomas W. Blake age 28 died June 14, 1878 cert #293087 Manhattan.

Henry "Lipple" was not listed NYC Death index in 1878.

The men in other parts of the construction site returned to work to finish out the day.

Henry Supple a former seafaring man once told a reporter that he felt as save on the tower and cables as he did on the ground. He was willing to except a challenge to cross the bridge hand over hand with no support but his own muscle for the mere sum of $100.

An inquest was held on the deaths of Blake and Supple on June 21, 1878. Their deaths were deemed accidental. Four men: Henry "Lipple", Peter (or William B.) Arbuckel, Peter Erbig (Arbig/Arburg), and Thomas McGrath, were injured in the June 14th event.

Henry "Lipple" was the foreman of the gang. Holding onto a rope he was whirled up into the air and thrown clear of the anchorage. His fall was broken by wires that stretched across the yard. He fell head forward and received major gashes to his head. He was not expected to live.

See

• Thomas Blake
• Harry Supple

See

• Peter Arburg
• Thomas McGrath

W. E. Starr 1878

The Trustees of the Brooklyn Bridge paid funeral expenses for W. E. Starr in October 1878.

See W. E. Starr

Michael Noone (1829-1878) died November 27, 1878 after being thrown from scaffolding

1878: A communication from Assistant Engineer Martin was read in relation to the death of Michael Noone, who was thrown from a scaffold on the Brooklyn approach, injured, and died on November 27th, recommending the payment of his funeral expenses, amounting to about $45. It was ordered that said expenses be paid. (Report of the Committee Appointed by the Board of Trustees)

See Michale Noone

Patrick Murphy carpenter, fell from bridge July 1879

Patrick Murphy, riveter, fell from the trestle July 1 and died July 5th, 1879.

See Patrick Murphy

Thomas Martin, riveter, fell from bridge and died in November 1882

See Thomas Martin

Michael Collins fell from bridge and died August 30, 1882

Michael Collins, a riveter, fell from the roadway of the bridge and died on August 30, 1882.

See Michael Collins

William Delaney, a laborer, fell onto York street and died while wheeling cement October 18, 1882.

See William Delaney

Deaths On The Brooklyn Bridge

In 1883 when the bridge opened 24 men were listed as having died during the construction. They were listed as: Chief Engineer John A. Roebling, John French, James Garrity, William Dougherty, McLoughlin, Enright, Brown, Cope, McCann, John Elliott, Reed, Neil Mullen, Harry Supple, Blake, Thomas Talbot, William Delaney, Michael Cullin, Thomas F Martin, Jacob MullerGeorge Pfenn, Higgins, Gardner, Murphy and Edward Hanson*. It was stated that funeral expenses of the workmen who were killed or died from injuries were paid by the trustees.

Notes:

• Several of these men are listed under different spellings. e.g. Garrity and McLoughlin

• Edward Hansen did not die during the bridge construction. He was injured and sued the Brooklyn Bridge trustees.

• Other lists and references bring the count higher than 24.

It was reported in 1894 that in the 13 years of construction on the bridge there had been 20 fatalities. The first was the death of John A. Roebling who died of tetanus from an injury.

Gleaned from a variety of sources are the following men who were said to have died during the construction of the bridge. Some may be duplicates. For instance "Arbuckle" was listed among the dead in the 1878 accident. But I believe the name was actually Arberg, who survived the 1878 accident and died in 1904.

There is a significant problem with the spelling of the Irish and German name and with the possibility of typos.

Harry Supple was one of the most popular riggers on the bridge. He was a foreman of a gang of riggers, performed some remarkable high wire feats, and died in a fall in 1878. Several reports at the opening of the bridge in 1883 mention Harry "Tupple". News coverage of the 1878 accident also list Harry Lipple. I am sure both Tupple and Lipple should be "Supple". McGarigle who died in the 1871 accident was variously spelled McGerrity, MGarrity, McGangle, McGarigle and McGonigle.

1. Roebling, John A 1869 - lockjaw

   Roebling, John A. - 1869 - Died of lockjaw -tetanus.

   1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

   "Chief Engineer John A. Roebling was the first who lost his life by and accident on the work. The accident occurred June 28, 1869...

2. French, John (c1835 - 1871) - fell when derrick collapsed - October 23, 1871

   John French died in 1871 - killed outright when derrick collapsed on the Brooklyn tower - listed in 1883 news report.

   1871: Kings #9139 October 223, November inquest, French, John, born Ireland, age, 36, address 14 North Oxford, Ward 20, laborer, married, in US 8 years, parents born Ireland, fracture of skull, buried Holy Cross

   1883: Brooklyn Daily Union report.

   "John French and James Garrity were killed outright on the Broooklyn tower by the fall of a derrick. French had the top of his head knocked off."

   Birth: Circa 1835 based on death record, age 36 in 1871

   Married: Per news reports, death certificate and Trustees reports. Ellen per subsequent records.

   Family: Per news reports - Three children per subsequent records.

   1. Sarah circa 1866

   2. John circa 1870

   3. Thomas circa 1873

   1865: Brooklyn, Ward 20, John French 29, laborer, Ellen French 23

   1870:

   1871: Address 14 North Oxford street

   1871 Death: John French age 36, October 23, 1871 Kings #9139

   1871: John French 24 Oct 1871 Cemetery: Holy Cross Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, USA - Ship Brandywine U.S. N. Died October 24, 1871 age 35 years

   1871: Kings #9139 October 223, November inquest, French, John, born Ireland, age, 36, address 14 North Oxford, Ward 20, laborer, married, in US 8 years, parents born Ireland, fracture of skull, buried Holy Cross

   1873: Confectioner, Ellen French 168 Classon av Brooklyn, New York, USA Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1873

   1875: Classon ave, multi family frame, Ellen French 36, Ireland confectioner, Sarah French 9, John French 5, Thomas French 3

   1876: Ellen French 154 Classon av Occupation: Confectionery widow John French Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1876

   1889: Ellen French, widow John 96 Schenck, Brooklyn NY

   1900: Brooklyn Ward 7, Emerson place, Sarah French 38, born 1862, cannot read occupation, head, John French 34, born 1865, brother teamster, Thomas French 31, born 1868, brother salman liquors parents born Ireland. Note: The years of birth are off but the relationship is correct and no of years difference in ages is correct. This is not an unusual occurrence in the censuses.

3. McGarigle, James - killed October 23, 1871 - pinned when derrick collapsed

   James McGarigle/McGarrity (and variations of spelling McGerrity, MGarrity, McGangle, McGarigle, McGonigle) - (c. 1840-1871)

   Birth: Circa 1840 per death index

   Married: 1871 donation to Mrs. James McGarigle from the BB trustees.

   NYC Death Index: James McGangle Age: 31 Birth Year: abt 1840 Death Date: 23 Oct 1871 Death Place: Kings, New York, USA Certificate Number: 9140 (next issued after that of John French)

   1871: Kings cert #9140 - M'Garigle, James, age 31, 26 Dean street, Ward 10, laborer, born Ireland in city 3 years, married, parents born Ireland, cause of death internal chest and abdominal injuries, buried Holy Cross, inquest November.

   28 November 1871 coroner's report in the case of deaths of Henry Dohery, John French and James "McGonigle" all killed on October 23, 1871 when a derrick broke killing three men and wounding four.

   1870: ??? Ward 12, Patt Mcgarrigle 67, laborer, Ebbie Mcgarrigle 60 Thomas Mcgarrigle 20, laborer, James Mcgarrigle 31, laborer

   McGarigle, James AKA McGarrity, John - 1871 - same day as John French - listed as Garrity in 1883 news report - killed outright when derrick collapsed on the Brooklyn tower.

   1871: Kings cert #9140 - M'Garigle, James, age 31, 26 Dean street, Ward 10, laborer, born Ireland in city 3 years, married, parents born Ireland, cause of death internal chest and abdominal injuries, buried Holy Cross, inquest November.

   1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

   "John French and James Garrity were killed outright on the Broooklyn tower by the fall of a derrick. French had the top of his head knocked off."

4. Doherty, William 1871 - fell when derrick collapsed October 23, 1871 - (death date not known)

   Henry Doherty/Dogherty/Dougherty/Daugherty (c 1843-??)

   Dougherty/Doherty, Henry (or William) - said to have died in the October 23, 1871 incident with John French and John McGarrity. See above. Listed in 1883 news report - William Dougherty

   "jumped off the tower to escape the derrick. "If he had stood still he would have been uninjured. He fell fifty feet, and, notwithstanding terrible injuries, lived several days."

   I cannot find a death record for him, either by surname or by date of death (from Oct 23, to 31, 1871). Nothing appropriate listed for 1871 after October 23, 1871.

   1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

   "William Dougherty jumped off the tower to escape the derrick. If he had stood still he would have been uninjured. He fell fifty feet, and, notwithstanding terrible injuries lived several days."

   Conflicting reports list two or three men dead in this accident. Some reports indicate that Henry (or William) Doherty/Dougherty/Daugherty survived the fall but died of his injuries some time later.

   David McCoullough says Daugherty was working near Thomas Douglas. "When Daugherty was struck, his knees came down on Douglas' back, pinning Douglas so he could not move. In his agony Daugherty kicked Douglas in the kidneys so severely that Douglas never recovered." McCoullough does not give the fate of Daugherty.

   Not listed in NYC Death Index for October 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or 31 in Kings.

   The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of October 25, 1871 stated: Henry Doherty, a native of Ohio age 28 sustained fatal injuries and was not expected to live. He had a broken arm and leg and serious internal injuries.

   1872: ????? 95 Front street, Henry Dougherty, labourer, same address Sarah Dougherty widow

   I could not find him listed in the NYC Death Index for 1871 through 1873

5. Talbot, Thomas (1831-1871) -accidental caught his leg in a rope August 1871 - died of his injuries

   Talbot, Thomas died 1871

   1871: Talbot, Thomas age 40, Aug 25, 1871 Kings #7364 - Thomas Talbot age 40, married, born Ireland, lived Hudson street, 5th ward, rigger, parents born Ireland, juried accidental injuries, August 24, 1871, buried Holy Cross

   Not obvious in 1865 or 1870 census.

   1883, May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

   Thomas Talbot, a rigger, was on a scow against the Brooklyn tower taking a turn in a rope, when his leg caught between the roppe and a timber-head of the boat . He died subsequently of his injuries."

   No date - he was listed out of order compared to the rest of the deaths. Listed after the 1878 deaths.

   Another report listed Talbott no first name. "killed in early part of the work" was in a scow near the Brooklyn Tower injured when he was caught in a rope. Later he died of his injuries.

   28 August 1871 KILLED AT BRIDGE Thomas Talbot "a laboring man" address 13 Hudson ave, died in the City Hospital from injuries received on the 17th from a fall while working on the East River bridge.

6. McLaughlin, Cornelius - January 1872

   At the caissons a workman, Cornelius McLauglin, was crushed by a stone that broke loose from a derrick as it was being swung around to be lowered into place. The "immense block caught M'Lauglin's head between it and the side of the sections, crushing it horrible and killing him instantly." A fellow worker got out of the way in time. The body was carried to the dock. McLauglin was a family man and lived in Staten Island. (BDE)

   New York Times January 28, 1872 - On the Roosevelt street abutment of the Brooklyn bridge as a huge stone was being lowered the tackle slipped and fell crushing the skull of Cornelius McLaughlin and killing him instantly.

   NYC Death Index McLaughlin: Cornelius age 40 January 27, 1872 #106398 Manhattan

   Cornelius Mclaughlin 27 Jan 1872 Manhattan, New York, Age 40 Marital Status Married Occupation Laborer Birth Year (Estimated) 1832 Birthplace Ireland Burial Date 29 Jan 1872 Burial Place Flathens Father's Birthplace Ireland Mother's Birthplace Ireland (familysearch.org)

   A report of the deaths and accidents on the Bridge that was given to the Brooklyn Union in 1883 listed "McLoughlin" killed in the New York Tower when a block of stone being hoisted broke in two and fell on him. No date.

   1883, May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

   "McLoughlin was killed on the New York tower. A block of stone while being hoisted broke in two and fell on him. His head was completely flattened."

   1883: Brooklyn Daily Eagle -

   " McLoughlin, I forgot his first name, was a machinist. At the time he was killed he was employed on the New York side, cutting off iron pipe on the ciason. The masons at the same time were setting stone which was being hoisted with a derrick. Orders had been given that when the stone was being lifted, all workmen should stand from under, suspending thier work. Two or three times when stones went up, he obeyed the rule; but on the last time that ever the poor fellow saw a stone lifted he said to his helper, "I won't get out of the way. I will take chances." The stone was lifted. He stopped his work to watch it. Slowly it ascended in the air. Slowly it swung around until it hovered in the air, just over his head. The suddenly unit broke in two pieces, and before his horrified assistant could warn him one piece struck him upon the head, crushing in his skull and killing him instantly."

7. Enright/Enwright, John - April 1872 - Killed when gallows frame fell on him (1831-1872)

   John Enright, a ships carpenter born in Ireland circa 1831 was crushed and died on April 2, 1872 when a derrick, gallows or beam fell on him while he was working on the Brooklyn Bridge at the foot of Roosevelt street. He was taken by ambulance to Centre Street Hospital where he died several hours after the accident. He lived in Williamsburg. He left a widow and four children.

   Note: One paper said he was 22 another that he was 40 years old. He was 42.

   SHIPS CARPENTER KILLED AT THE EAST RIVER BRIDGE

   "John Enwright, a ship carpenter about 40 years of age accidentally met his death on Tuesday morning while workking at the caisson of the East River bridge at the foot of Roosevelt street. Dredging was to have begun at 7 o'clock, but the foreman had not arrived and the engineer had strict orders not to start the engine in his absence. Desiring, however, to ascertain that everything was in working order, he proceeded to draw the dredging bucket partly up from the well. One of the four guys supporting the gallows frame had for some reason ------ ---- (two words) and no sooner was the weight of the bucket brought to bear upon it, then the whole of the ----- (one word) fell from the unsupported side ----ing Enright with terrible force. His left shoulder was completely crushed and several of his ribs broken. He was removed to the Park Hospital where he sank rapidly, dying shortly after 10 o'clock."

   The New York Sun April 4, 1872

   1883 report - Enright carpenter, a heavy timber fell on him from the New York caisson.

   1872: Manhattan Cert #112219 Enright, John died Central Hospital, 21 April 1872, verdict not rendered, born Ireland, ships carpenter, intensive injuries, by a ---- falling -- -- at the caisson ---- after 2 hours, buried Calvary

   1863: Civil War Draft Registration, Enright, John age 32, born Ireland, ships Carpenter, Brooklyn

   1865: Brooklyn, John Enright 34, carpenter, Grace Enright 30 Mary C Enright 2 Grace E Enright 1

   1870: Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Ward 15, John Enright 36, ships carpenter, born Ireland, Grace Enright 30 Mary Enright 7 Grace Enright 6 Dennis Enright 4 Margt Enright 1

   1872: Enright John, April 2, 1872 Manhattan #112219, age 42, April 2 1872 - died at Central Hospital 21, April 1, 1872, of intensive injuries after 2 hours, born Ireland, ships carpenter in US 20 years, verdict not rendered, buried Calvary.

   1872: Enright, age 22, a carpenter and a native of Ireland, was at work on the New York caisson at the foot of Roosevelt street when a derrick (or some timber) fell on him and killed him.

   1874: Grace Enright, widow, h 132 Grand

   December 4, 1876 The Brooklyn Eagle reported that the Board of the Brooklyn Bridge heard an application on behalf of Mrs. Enright, "the widow of one of the men who was killed on the work three or four years ago by the falling of a derrick." A sum of $750 was awarded to her at the time of the death. But the money had been spent and she was in need of assistace to cover her rent and get her four children through the winter. "She was a worthy woman but very poor and unable to pay her rent."

   1875: Brick multi family, Brooklyn Ward 13, Ireland, thread and needle, Tess* Enright 35, Mary Enright 13, Tess* Enright 11, Denis Enright 9, Magie Enright 6 - * Hard to fred but not Tess. Ends in "ss".

   1876: December 5th, donation to Widow Enright $250.00 (Report of the Treasurer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge)

   1876: "Widow Enright whose husband was killed by falling of the gallows frame over the water shaft on the New York tower in 1872, applied for assistance."$250 was given to her in December of 1876. (Report of the Committee Appointed by the Board of Trustees)

   1876 & 77: Grace Enright widow John 191 N 5th Street, Brooklyn

   1883, May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

   "Enright was a carpenter. A heavy piece of timber fell upon him on the top of the New York caisson and killed him."

   1898: Death Grace A. Or Ann Enright 14 Sep 1898 319 Marcy Av, Brooklyn, Age 33 Single Occupation Fon woman Birth Year (Estimated) 1865 Birthplace U.S. Burial Date 16 Sep 1898 Cemetery Calvary Father's Name John Enright Father's Birthplace Ireland Mother's Name Grace Enright Mother's Birthplace Ireland

   1939 Death: Dennis J. G. Enright 04 Feb 1939 1742 E. 5th St. Brooklyn, N.Y. Age 65 Marital Status Single Occupation Metal Polisher Birth Date 14 Jun 1873 Birthplace U.S.A. Burial Date 06 Feb 1939 Cemetery Calvary Father's Name John Father's Birthplace Ireland Mother's Name Grace Palmer Mother's Birthplace Ireland

8. Deneys, John (1839-1872) - accidental fall

   New York Evening Telegram: "An inquest was held on the body of John Deneys a German laborer age 33, who died on February 25, 872 at 40 Oak street from injuries received at the new Brooklyn bridge."

   1872: Manhattan #108660 John E. Deneys, 24 February age 33 born Germany, found at morgue Ward 21, injuries accidental received by falling from a --- a distance of 25 feet --- East River Bridge February 21, 1872, single, sailor, in US 6 years, 40 Oak Street, buried Lutheran, fracture of ribs on right side pierced lungs, 2 days

   Died February 25, 1872

   "Deneiss" killed no date. One of the last to die per 1894 article. Not listed in the 1883 report.

   Deneys - listed in 1883 report on the bridge.

   1872: LDS - John E. Deneys Death 23 Feb 1872 New York, New York, United States Age 33 Single Occupation Sailor Birth Year (Estimated) 1839 Birthplace Germany Burial Date 26 Feb 1872 Burial Place Manhattan, New York, NY Father's Birthplace Germany Mother's Birthplace Germany

   Note: John Deneys was not listed in the 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

9. Meyers John - April 22, 1872 - caissons disease

   John Meyers, a German laborer on the Brooklyn Bridge, was the first to die of the caisson disease in connection with the construction of the bridge.

   The stories of his sickness and death vary somewhat. One said he began work on Monday and after working only two and a half hours he was taken ill and soon died of asphyxia (lack of oxygen). Another report said he had been working nearly 100 feet below the surface and had begun to feel "oppressed by the impurity of the air". Upon arriving at the surface he died within a few minutes. Or that upon reaching the surface fainted, fell and died within a few minutes.

   Another report stated Meyers had been sick for some time. April 23, 1872 Brooklyn Daily eagle:

   "John Meyer, a German laborer, who had been sick for some weeks past but who yesterday morning thought himself strong enough to commence work in the caisson of the East river bridge, died last night, at his boarding house, No. 332 Water Street, form the effects of the foul air upon his system."

   A lengthier report in the New York Sun claimed that John Meyer only went into the caisson one time. He was described by them as a strong well built German age 35. He retuned to his "German hotel" on Water street complaining of weakness in the chest and stomach and trembling in his lower limbs. He was not able to stand and legs shook. He went to his room where he died of convulsion within a few minutess.

   A reported visited the rooming house where the kindly landlady answered his questions. She said John Meyers was a large and heathy man who had been in the county for four years. Last summer he had broken his leg and was laid up for some time. He had not been able to find work and had run out of money. The landlady took pity on him and gave him a place to sleep and some food. The day before his death he applied for work at the caisson. He was taken down into the caisson 73 feet below the level of the river to test if he could stand the pressure. He came home and said he though he could do the work required although while he did not feel badly in the caisson his knees had trembled and he felt sick upon reaching the ground level. He felt well in the morning and went off to work. Only to return home that night and die almost immediately. An autopsy revealed congestion of the lungs, kidneys, and liver diseased, but though the death was by asphyxia. The lungs were firmly affixed to the walls of the chest by old adhesions. The lungs were very congested with the air cells being entirely full. All the other organs were healthy. The Bridge company said that Meyers had been examined by a company doctor and was not found to have any organic disease.

   When the Sun reporter was talking to the landlady two caisson workmen standing nearby opined that the air in the caisson affected only new men and the strongest and biggest men seemed to suffer the most.

   One of the myths about the disease was that only those inured to working in the caisson did not succumb.

   1872: April 24, New York Times - An inquest was held on April 23 into the death of John Meyer, a German labour who died after coming out of the caisson of the East River Bridge at Roosevelt street. He was though to have died of a heard attack but the medical examination showed "the lungs were intensely congested, and the death resulted from asphyxia. (a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death; suffocation.)

   1872: Manhattan #114205 Meyer, John April 22, 1872, age 35, found at morgue native of Germany, congestion of the lungs worked 2 hours in caisson foot of Brooklyn one hour after coming out he died, congestion of lungs, laborer, single, in US 5 years, 33 Water Street buried Lutheran

   Note: John Meyers was not listed in the 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

10. McKay/McCay, Partrick - 1872 - Died April 30, 1872 caisson disease

    According to David McCullough, Patrick McKay born in Ireland, age 50, died on Apirl 30, 1872 and was listed as the second Brooklyn Bridge fatality of the caissons disease. He had been working in the cassions for four months with no ill effect.

    The day he died, as he came up the lock, he suddenly slumped to the floor. He was carried out unconscious and taken to the hospital where he later died. An autopsy revealed Bright's Disease and the Bridge's doctor, Andrew H. Smith, concluded that McKay would have died soon anyway.

    Another news report said Patrick McKay, a laborer in the caisson on the New York side finished work, came to the surface and started for home , however, when he reached the corner of Roosevelt and South street he fell to the sidewalk insensible. He was taken to Centre Hospital where he died during the nigh of "congestion of the brain." An inquest was held.

    April 25, Evening Telegram ANOTHER MARTYR "Death of Another Laborer at the East River Caisson" Patrick "McCay" had been laboring in the East River caisson for "a considerabel time" he was not a "new hand". He was healthy. He had been working in the caisson from the time the pressure was 25 pounds to the square inch. When he died the pressure was 45 pound per square inch. He worked his usual shift and came to the surface. "He had scarcely been standing a moment on the pier when he fell as if he was shot." He became unconscious in a second. He was taken to the Centre Street Hospital where it was "discovered" that he was suffering from "congestion of the brain". He never regained his speech from the time he became unconscious. He died at 12:30 April 25th. An inquest was to be held.

    26 April, 1872 Brooklyn Eagle:

    "Patrick McKay, age 42, of 273 High street in this city, who has been employed for several weeks in the caissons of the East river Bridge, on the New York side, died yesterday morning at the Park Hospital from Bright's disease of the kidneys."

    Upon coming to the surface he fell unconscious. It was though that he suffered asphyxia from the pressure in the caisson, but an autopsy revealed Bright's disease of the kidneys.

    1872: Manhattan cert #114482 Patrick McKay, 25 April 1872, Central Hospital, Brights disease, married laborer, born Ireland, in US 10 years, fatty liver --- kidneys, buried Holy Cross.

    1872: New York Times Patrick McKay, an Irish laborer, 253 High street Brooklyn, had worked 70 to 80 feet below the surface of the water in the Roosevelt street caisson of the East River Bridge. As he left work and surface to street level was suddenly taken ill. He was taken to Park Hospital where he died several hours later. an autopsy revealed he had died of Bright's disease.

    Note: Patrick McKay was not listed in the 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

    250 men were said to be working in the caissons, there were four reported cases of partial paralysis and three deaths. The men had been working only five hours a day in two periods of 2 and a half hours each and a 2 and a half hour break.

11. Reardon, Daniel - (1837-1872) - caisson disease

    "THE CAISSON AGAIN" May 18, 1872 Another victim - It was becoming evident that the hapless men who had been laboring for months for a pittance in the extremely oppressive conditions in the caissons where reaching their limits. Everyday as they came to the surface someone else came down with symptoms of the caisson disease: cramps, partial paralysis, neuralgia. No fresh laborers were able to withstand the immense pressure and the "old hands" were "giving out". The latest causality was Daniel Reardon of 46 Centre street. He came out of the caisson suffering terrible pains, paralysis from the waist It was feared he was injured for life.

    "Daniel Reardon overcome by air in the bridge caisson' died on May 19th."

    1872 Cert #116795 Daniel Readon, born Ireland, died Central Hospital of paralysis, laborer, married in US 18 years, parents born Ireland, in hospital died May 19, exhaustion from from panplegia (Paralysis of all four extremities) about 24 hours, compression of spinal --- 2nd lumbar vertibra, (hard to read) clots at dorsal and lumbar --- of cord inflamed and --- quality of --- beneath -- comp--- of right lung liver and kidneys fatty--- employed at work in caissons fotot of Roosevelt st. buried Calvary

1872: Daniel Reardon Death 18 May 1872 Manhattan, New York, New York, United States Gender Male Age 35 Marital Status Unknown Birth Year (Estimated) 1837 - cert #116795

Note: Daniel Reardon was not listed in the 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

12. Hensen/Hansen, Lourtz (18-- 1873)

    Hensen, no first name no date, stone mason, working on pier 29 New York side, stepped backwards and fell from the scaffold, lived a week and then died.

Listed in the 1883 report as "Hansen" no other info.

1873: September 10, 1873 New York Times - On September 9 Lourtz Hansen, a workman,

"was almost instantly killed and two others workmen narrowly escaped with their lives. Hansen, who had only been employed on the works for two hours, and two others, were shoving a truck loaded with concrete along the track, when the tramway broke down, precipitating the car to the ground. Hansen's companions escaped, but he fell with the car, his head being caught between the car and the trestle work, was crushed almost to jelly."

Note: Lourtz Hensan/Hensen was not listed in the 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report. "Edward Hansen" was listed with no date or other information. Note: Edward Hansen fell from the bridge in January 1880, but did not die. He later sued the bridge and won. See below.

13. Koop/Cope, Peter 1873 - killed by falling hoisting apparatus

    Koop/Cope, Peter, rigger

    Cope, rigger, on Pier 29, no first name no date New York side killed by falling hoisting apparatus

    1883 report said his leg was caught in the drum of a hoisting engine at the New York Pier.

    "The rope did not wind to his satisfaction. He endeavored to kick it into place, and in doing so his foot slipped under the rope. He died from his (1883 Report) no date no first name

    BDE: 7 April 1873 Monday, DEATH ON THE BRIDGE - Died at 10 o'clock April 6, Peter Cope, German laborer, died of injuries received on Friday while employed on the New York Tower of the East River Bridge.

    Koop, Peter age 20, March 6, 1873 Manhattan #144815 - age 20 born German, died at Center Street Hospital - Inquest pending, was caught in machinery at East River Bridge foot of Roosevelt st, April 4, 1873 laborer in US 5 weeks buried Lutheran, died of exhaustion compound fracture of left tibia & fibula with laceration & and rupture of the popliteal artery, 3 days, buried Lutheran April 8

    1883, May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

    "Cope had his leg caught in the drum of a hoisting engine at the New York pier. The rope did not wind to his satisfaction. He endevored to kick it into place, and in doing so, his foot slipped under the rope. He died form his injuries'."

14. Reid/Reed, William - 1875 - fall

    Reid/Reed/Reade, William - 1875 - fall

    The 1883 report listed "Reed" neck broken by falling from a derrick on the Brooklyn anchorage no date - no first name

    Read (Reade - Reed), a laborer or a mason, fell on masonry from the Brooklyn tower. He broke his neck and died. No date. Said he was subject to fits. Fell from the Brooklyn anchorage. Said to be one of a notoriously careless trio of men which included, John Elliott and Thomas McCann.

    1875: Kings #9938 Reid, William - inquest on the body of William Reed, age 55, born Scotland, found at the Brooklyn anchorage 2nd Ward, res of city, occupation, rigger, parents born Scotland, married, death by accidental fall from boom of derrick Brooklyn Anchorage October 11, 1875, buried Greenwood (crossed out),

    1875: October 12 William Reid, age 50, a rigger, 220 Madison st, New York was instantly killed by falling from a derrick on the Brooklyn anchorage of the East River Bridge, while he suffered from a fit about 4 P. M. yesterday". New York Times and the New York Daily Tribune

    NYC Death Index Kings #9938 William Reded age 55 October 11, 1875

    1883, May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

    "Reed had his neck broken by falling from a derrick on the Brooklyn anchorage."

    No date

    The entry is out of order in comparison with the other deaths listed. Reed who died in 1875 was listed between John Elliott who died in 1876 and Neil Mullen who died in 1877.

15. McCann, John (or Thomas) - 1875 - fall

    McCann, "J." John, or Thomas - 1875, a laborer, working on New York tower jumped or tripped over a box of mortar and fell from the tower to the dock below, 210 feet. His death was instantaneous.

    1875: August 28, New York Times:

    "John McCann, age 25, who resided at No. 330 Pearl street, a laborer employed on the Brooklyn Bridge Pier No. 29 East River fell from the top of the tower to the dock beneath and was instantly killed."

    1875: Kings #8129 "Man" Unknown, man 27 (or 29) August, no age, no other information, came to his death by drowning, found on the 28th day August at the foot of ---- Brooklyn, buried Kings County Farms [?]

    September 9, 1875 Funeral expenses for "J." McCann $39.

    In 1876 "Thomas" McCann was reported to have died in 1875 as a result of a fall off over 200 feet from the tower. He was listed along with "Reed" and John Elliott as a "trio of notoriously careless" men.

    Greenfield Massachusetts Gazette Monday August 30, 1875 John McCann, a laborer, slipped and fell 200 feet from the top of the New York abutment of the East River Bridge, Friday morning. "He was crushed into a shapeless mass."

    Brooklyn Daily Eagle August 27, 1875 KILLED INSTANTLY - A Man's Fall From the Bridge Tower This Morning

    Thomas McCormack, a laborer, fell 100 feet from the tower and was instantly killed. He was working near the edge "when his foot caught on a rope and threw him over." It was said it was the 12 death in connection with the bridge.

    1883, May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

    "McCann fell from the top of the New York tower to the ground and was instantly killed. Nearly every bone in this body was borken, but there was only a slight bruise on his forhead. The accident was due to his own carelessness."

    Not date

16. Elliott, John - 1876 - Fall

    Elliott, John - 1876 - a worker receiving stone near the top of the tower, fell 60 feet (or 240) feet from tower. The stone was hoisted up through an opening in the car track. Elliott was supposed to push a car under the stone, unloosen the tackle and push the stone to wherever it was needed. He fell though the opening. Funeral expenses paid in 1876. The Trustees of the Board recommended a donation of $300 to his widow in June 1876.

    1876: John Elliot, of this city, falls from the New York tower of the Brooklyn Bridge and is killed. The New York Herald Almanac and Financial, Commerical, and Political

    1876: Elliott, John age 45, May 17, 1876 Manhattan #237190 - John Elliott, 7 May 1876, age 45, native of Ireland, fount at -- between Street -- hom--in 4th Ward, died of schock and accidental injuries fracture of skull, place of death, Brooklyn Bridge, laborer, married, in US 7 years, buried Evergreen May 18

    1876: June 5, funeral expenses John Elliott $52, June 14 donation to the widow Elliott, $300

    1876: August 24, last spring John Elliott fell 240 feet from the New York tower. He was said to be one of a trio of "notoriously careless" men. The other two were "Reed" and "Thomas McCann".

    1883, May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

    "John Elliott also fell from the top of the New York tower and in falling struck twice and landed on the roadway under the arch. He was dead. In receiving stone at the top of the tower he fell through."

    No date

17. Douglas Thomas - died 1876 related to injuries received in 1871,

    Several reports on the Bridge state that Thomas Douglas died as a result of injuries he received in the October 23, 1871 accident. However, his death certificate says he died of Malaria and secondarily of gastine [?] liver.

    1873: Thomas Douglas 31 Front street, Brooklyn, New York, USA Occupation: Foreman Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1873

    1875: 1st district 11th ward, Douglas, Thomas, 57, mason born Mass. [?], Kate age 27, wife, born Penn., Fredk age 6 born Kings, single family brick

    1876: August 24, Thomas G. Douglass, superintendent of masonry, survived all the dangers of his work and died at his residence in Brooklyn on Monday of a bowel complaint.

    1876: NYC Death index - Thomas G Douglas age 61, Aug 14, 1876 Kings 8126.

    1876: funeral expenses for T. G. Douglas $43.78 (Report of the Treasurer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge)

    1876: Kings cert #8126 - Thomas G Douglas age 61 years 1 month and 6[?] days married, mason, born Jamestown, R. I., resident of NYC 9 years, in US from birth, married, occupation mason, parents born Rhode Island, place of death 10 Hicks Street, tenement, 3rd floor, cause of death: primary malaria, secondary gastine[?] liver, attended by a doctor from July 25 to death on August 14, at 5 o'clock, buried Lowell, Mass.

    Mr. Thomas G Douglas was in charge of the masonry. He "laid all the stone he could get, in a throughly workman like manner, at a low rate of cost and without accident" (1871, Report of the Chief Engineer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge: 1884)

    1876: Report of the Chief Engineer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge: Nos.

    "During the year Mr. Thomas G. Douglas, General Superintendent of Masonry, died. He had held that position from the commencement of work on the masonry having set the first stone on the Brooklyn Tower - and he lived to see nearly the last stone set on the New York Tower, and the towers and anchorages grow into their present grand proportions.

    Win. Conners, a foreman of masons, who built a considerable portion of both towers, also died during the year."

    1876: August 15, Thomas G Douglass, the Superintendent of Masonry on the East River Bridge, died at this home at 10 Hicks street. He was 62. He had been ill for a few weeks. He was born in Newport, R. I. and apprenticed as a stone mason and brick layer at age 12. He laid the first stone on the bridge. He had been inspector of Masonry for the Brooklyn Water Works before being employed on the bridge. His family resided in Lowell, Mas. where his remains were interred.

18. Mullen, Neil - 1877 brick arch fell on him December 22, 1877

    Neil Mullen died - "by the falling of two of the arches, and the death of Neil Mullen thereby." - an accident occurred on December 22, when one of the arches gave way killing Neil Mullen. (Report of the Committee Appointed by the Board of Trustees, 1884)

    December 23, 1877 New York Times reported that Neil Mullen a laborer, was killed around 4 o'clock in the afternoon when a brick arch on the approach of the East River Bridge on the Brooklyn side fell. The arch was near York street within the anchorage yard. About a dozen men were at work on the arch when it started to give way. A call went up to the men to save themselves as the arch slowly started to fall. They were all able to escape except Mullen who was hauling a rope under the arch. The falling bricks completely buried Mullen. He was a widower with "five" children. He had been employed at the bridge for a least a year. His remains were taken to his home at 44 Front street. Farrington, the master mechanic, refused to give an opinion on the cause of the accident.

    A gang of workemen dug around for about ten minutes to find Mullen's body. He was lying flat on his face and his body and head were so mangled that it would have been impossible to identify him in any other circumstances. The body was covered with a canvas and moved to the tool house. A coroner's report determined the centering was removed befoe the mortar had not been properly hardened.

    CRUSHED TO DEATH A BRIDGE ARCH FALLS WITH FATAL EFFECT One Man Killed-Narrow Escape of a Dozen Workmen-What the Master Mason Says. A fatal accident involving the death of a laborer Neil MULLEN, aged forty-five, a widower, and the sole support of "six" children, occurred at 4:10 P.M., Saturday, at the Brooklyn Anchorage of the East River Bridge. It was occasioned by the fall of a brick arch. MULLEN was buried in the debris, and so shockingly mangled that his body was crushed almost out of human semblance. The remains were removed to the late residence of the deceased, No. 44 Front street. December 24, 1877

    
    THE BRIDGE ACCIDENT VERDICT OF THE CORONER'S JURY--A LACK OF PROPER PRECAUTION.
    Coroner SIMMS concluded last evening the investigation respecting the death of Neill MULLEN, the workman crushed on the 22d of December, by the giving way of a brick arch at the Brooklyn anchorage of the East River Bridge.
    The witnesses were Robert R. BURWICK, foreman of the brick yard; Michael FLAHERTY, foreman of the stone mason; Wm. CONNOLLY, a stone mason; Michael LYNCH, assistat foreman; George McNULTY, Assistant Engineer, in charge of construction; C. C. MARTINS, Assistant Engineer, in charge of construction.
    The verdict was that "Neil MULLEN came to his death by being crushed beneath the brick and mortar of the fallen arches, at the Brooklyn anchorage of the East River Bridge on the 22d day of December, 1877; it is the opinion of the jury that had the "centres" been allowed to remain a sufficient time to have admitted of the mortar becoming properly set, that the accident might have been avoided, and they are more strongly inclined to this belief from the testimony that one of the piers which supported the arch in question, had sustained an injury during the progress of the work, which was deemed at the time to be a very serious character by those in charge of the work, but was, it seems to the jury, of sufficient importance to have called for greater precaution in the construction of the arches, pending the construction of the final pier or abutment, with the completion of which, in our opinion, such an accident would be impossible. The jurors were: Samuel BOOTH, J.W. NAUGHTON, Abram ALLEN, Henry A.ROGERS, J. D. McCLOSKY, B. C. MULLER, and M. J. BRIEN

    Death of Ellen Mullen: Ellen Mullen 28 Jul 1877 44 Front St, 2nd Ward Brooklyn, N.Y. Female Age 40 Married Housewife Birth Year (Estimated) 1837 Birthplace Ireland Burial Date 30 Jul 1877 Cemetery Holy Cross Father's Birthplace Ireland Mother's Birthplace Ireland

    Death certificate: Kings #6444 July 28, 1877 age 40 Ellen Mullen

    The orphaned children were financially provided for by a "sum of money" raised and Mr. Markey "a benevolent gentleman in the Second Ward" was appointed their gardian. It was suggested tha some institution be found to care for them. Colonel Carrol preferred to keep the children together. The oldest boy was said to be 15 years old. "The oldest girl in some sort filled the place of a mother to the younger children." (BDE)

    According to the censuses the Mullen children were: John born circa 1861, Mary born circa 1862, Margaret (Maggie) born circa 1867, Neil born circa 1870 and Bernard born circa 1875.

    1865: 2nd ward, Brooklyn, Neal Mullin 30, born Ireland, laborer, Ellen Mullin 25, born Ireland, John Mullin 5 Mary Mullin 3 Neal Mullin 0, children born Kings

    1870: Neil Mullen M 50 Ireland, laborer, Ellen Mullen F 37 Ireland, John Mullen M 9 New York, Mary Mullen F 8 New York, Maggie Mullen F 2 New York, Neil Mullen M 0 New York

    1875: Front street, Brooklyn: Neil Mullin 45, laborer, Ellen Mullin 37, John Mullin 15, Mary Mullin 12, Margaret Mullin 7, Neil Mullin 5, Bernard Mullin 3

    1877: Neil Mullen Age: 50 Birth Year: abt 1827 Death Date: 22 Dec 1877 Death Place: Kings, New York, USA Certificate Number: 11038 - found at Brooklyn Bridge anchorage juried ruled he died of injuries received from the falling of a brick arch in the roadway support of the Brooklyn bridge anchorage, died December ? 1877, laborer, widower, born Ireland in US 27 years, parents born Ireland, residence 4(-) Front street, 2 ? Ward, buried Holy Cross

    1878: February 5, New York Times - Henry C. Murphy, chair of the Trustees of the East River Bridge read a report of the Coroner's inquest into the death of "Ned Mullen" on December 22. The conclusion was reached "that the accident was one which might be regarded as inseparable from the execution of a work of such great magnitude as the building of the bridge." The chairman was directed to make suitable provisions for the five Mullen children who were left with no visible means of support.

    1878: 8 January, Brooklyn Daily Eagle: Relief For Families of Men Accidentally Killed. Neil Mullen was killed on the Brooklyn approach on December 22, 1877. The coroner investigated.

    Copy of Coroner's inquest for the death of Neil Mullen $10.00

    1878:

    • January 10, 1878 Funeral expenses for Neil Mullen $50.12

    • January - Copy of Coroners inquest into the death of Neil Mullen $10

    • May 9, Francis Markey expenses for the caring of the children of Neil Mullen $101.38

    • 1878-79 August, Francis Markey for the care of the children of Neil Muller $101.00

    • May 1879, Francis Markey for care of the children of Neil Mullen $345.31

    • 1880 January 26, Francis Markey for the carre of the children of Neil Mullen deceased $272.56

    • May 1 ditto $114.07

    1878: The Board was questioned in regard to the death of "the man Mullen" recently killed by a fall of an arch. The coroner was investigating the incident. Meanwhile the President of the Board "had ordered that the six children left by the deceased man" were to be taken care of, their mother having died about six weeks before January 8, 1878.

    1877: John Mullen admitted to Kings County alms House, October 1, 1878, age 15, born Brooklyn father born Ireland, town unknown, mother born Ireland town unknown, siblings unknown, destitute, death of both parents, 1 week in hospital in 1877 will remain dependent, education read and write

    1892: Brooklyn Ward 22, J--- Gorman, age 22, no occupation, Maggie Gorman age 23, Barney Mullen age 19, no occupation listed, Cornelius Mullen age 22, --- business, John Gorman age 1 all born US

    1905: 4th ave. Brooklyn, James Gorman Head M 35y United States, driver, Maggie Gorman Wife F 35y United States, John Gorman Son M 13y United States, Maggie Gorman Daughter F 10y United States, James Gorman Son M 8y United States, Mellie Gorman Daughter F 5y United States, Bernard Mullin Head M 31y United States, BR& RR Cornelius Mullin Boarder M 33y United States, paper rull--

    1910 and 1920: Maggie Mullen Gorman listed with her husband and children.

    1918: Death Cornelius Mullen 23 Nov 1918 66 Fulton St. Brooklyn, Kings, NY Age 48 Single Race White Bookbinder Birth Year (Estimated) 1870 Birthplace US Burial Date 27 Nov 1918 Burial Place Brooklyn, Kings, NY Cemetery Holy Cross Father's Name Comelius Mullen Father's Birthplace Ireland Mother's Name Allen Flaherty Mother's Birthplace Ireland

    Listed in the 1883 news report of death during the construction of the bridge, no date was given.

    1877: Kings #11038 December 24, 1877 Neil Mullen found at Brooklyn Bridge anchorage, jury verdict he died of injuries received from fall of a brick arch in the said roadway support Brooklyn Bridge anchorage died December -- 1877, age 50, laborer, widow, born Ireland in US 27 years, parents born Ireland, residence 4- Front Street Ward 2- buried Holy Cross.

    1883, May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

    "Neil Mullen was killed by the fall of an arch at the Brooklyn approach, It was one of the first arches turned there. A swinging stone stuck the pier, and the arch being only finished, fell in: Mullen happened to be under it at the moment it fell."

    No date.

    Francis Markey owned a lot of real estate in the 2nd Ward, had a liquor business and was supervisor 1856-7-8) and an alderman (1868-69) in the Second Ward.

    1870: Second Ward Brooklyn, Francis Markey 52, liquor dealer, born Ireland, Margaret Markey 45, blind, born Ireland, Joseph Markey 18, Peter Markey 15, Thomas Markey 12, Ellen Mclaughlin 29, domestic servant, Catharine Bonnor 23, domestic servant

    1875: Main street, Brooklyn Ward 2, Francis Markey 56, liquor dealer, Margaret Markey 56, wife, blind, Joseph B Markey 22, liquor dealer, Peter Markey 19, Thomas Markey 16, college, Alice Duffy 25, servant, Catherine Banney 26, servant, Margaret Hughes 20, servant, Peter Boyle 25, boarder, John McClure 60, boarder, bar keeper, Wm Markey 27, nephew bar keeper

    1880: Francies Markey 60, real estate, Magereth Markey 58, Joseph B. Markey 27, Peter Markey 23, Thomas A. Markey 20, Magereth Mcmahon 13

    Francis Markey died in March 1892. He was born in County Monaghan, Ireland circa 1819 and was in Brooklyn by 1842. He left a widow and three sons. Buried Holy Cross. Francis Markey was a very wealthy man. His widow Margaret also born county Monaghan, Ireland, died in October 1892.

19. Cambridge, William - Injured in October 1874 died December 1877 as a result of his injuries.

    Cambridge, William, a rigger, injured in October 1874. He died 1877. He was married with small children

    William Cambridge was working on a scow near the Brooklyn tower when a block fell from the top of the tower onto his back. He suffered damage to his kidneys which caused dropsy. After long suffering he died.

    1874: 27 October, 1874 - Brooklyn Daily Eagle - Around 11 in the morning an "immense" derrick fell from the Brooklyn tower to a "couple of stone boats that were lying on the pier". The six ton derrick was used to lift and place large pieces of granite. There were a dozen or so men on the boats below as the derrick and debris crashed down. Wm. Cambridge "received a sever blow" from one of the fragments. He was taken to Long Island Hospital. The other men jumped overboard and were fished out of the water.

    FALL OF BROOKLYN BRIDGE DERRICK

    "The central derrick at the summit of the Brooklyn tower of the East River Bridge fell this morning carrying with it several loose pieces of timber and wire cables. The derrick which weighed several tons, struck a scow loaded with stone lying at the foot of the tower, and was shattered into fragments. A laborer named Cambridge, at work on an adjoining scow, was seriously injured by the flying pieces, and was taken to the hospital."

    1870: Brooklyn Ward 11, Wm Cambridge 50, laborer, Ann E Cambridge 28, Mary E Cambridge 9, Martin E Cambridge 6, Rosanna Ward 39, seamstress born Ireland

    1874: Cambridge, Wm donation $25 (Report of the Treasurer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge)

    1875: Frame single family, Hudson ave, Brooklyn Ward 11, Will Cambridge 58, laborer born Virginia, Elizabeth Cambridge 32, wife, Mary Cambridge 14 Edward Cambridge 12 Chas Cambridge 2 James Nolan 60

    1877: William Camridge Death 05 Dec 1877 Brooklyn, Kings, New York, United States Age 62 Married Occupation S... Birth Year (Estimated) 1815 Birthplace Virginia Burial Date 07 Dec 1877 Cemetery Holy Cross Father's Birthplace Virginia Mother's Birthplace Virginia (Not listed NYC Death Index)

    1877: #10605 Kings, William Cam-ridge, age 62, married occupation (cannot read - smudged), born Virginia, in NYC 30 years, parents born Virginia, place of death 246 Navy street, Ward 11, 4 family house, attended by physician November and December 1877, died December 5, 1877 11 o'clock valvular disease of the heart, time of attack unknown, buried Holy Cross

    1877 - December 31, 1877 funeral expenses for William Cambridge $50.12.

    1878 - January 1878 Donation to widow of William Cambridge $25. - March 30 1878 donation to the widow of William Cambridge $25.

    January 1878 the widow Cambridge, applied for "pecuniary aid". Her husband had recently died three years after he was injured by the fall of a derrick. She claimed the accident was the ultimate cause of his death. She was destitute with a family to support. It was suggested to pay her $50. Dr. Hall, "said he was opposed to the idea of the Board paying money for injuries received. He feared it would set a bad precedent"

    1880: Brooklyn, Navy street, Elizabeth Cambridge 36, widowed, born New York, parents born Ireland, Mary Cambridge 18, Edward Cambridge 16, works on hats, Charles Cambridge 6 Agnes Cambridge 3

    1885 to 1888: Elizabeth Cambridge widow of William 250 Navy st.

    1890: Death of Elizabeth Cambridge age 46, October 1, 1890, Kings

    Note: William Cambridge was not listed in the 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

20. Supple, Henry - 1878 - strand snapped

    Supple, Henry 1878, see above - Manhattan #293049

    Listed in the 1883 news report of death during the construction of the bridge, no date was given.

    1878: Manhattan death certificate #293049 June 14, 1878, Supple, Henry, age 26 years, 6 months, native of Newfoundland, died at Chambers St. Hospital, inquest pending, injuries received by being struck with a strand knocking him from the anchorage Brooklyn Bridge, N. Y. side June 14, 1878, fall from the anchorage -- Brooklyn, foreman rigger, in US 12 resident of Brooklyn, born Newfoundland, died Chambers Street Hospital, buried Holy Cross June 16. Cause of Death was: shock from compound depressed fractures of the skull & fractures of both arms.

    1883, May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

    "Harry Supple and a man named Blake were killed by the breaking away of a wire strand at the New York anchorage. Supple was swept off and fell about 90 feet, striking his forehead on a block of granite. He lived two hours."

    No date.

    Henry (Harry) Supple (1851-1878) - Rigger - Died on the Bridge

    Henry (Harry) Supple was a highly respected rigger and foreman during the early bridge construction. In 1876 he was selected as one of two expert riggers who would start cutting the lashings on the wires that had been pulled across the river by the traveller cable. In February 1877 the Chief Engineer Farrington spoke to a reporter about the men he most trusted on bridge. He mentioned Henry Supple "foreman of the New York tower whose name indicates his nature" as an experienced rigger. Farrington also stated that it was a rare thing for a rigger to loose his life from lose of nerve.

    A former sailor, his age was given as 26 years in 1876. It was reported that he had been working for the bridge construction company for 5 years.

    Hanging from a boatswains chair (little more than a swing seat suspended by four ropes and attached to the traveller wire by an ring) Harry Supple started along the traveller cable. He had a piece of rope in one hand which he could use to slow his speed if he was moving too fast. He shot down the wire to the first lashing stopping himself with his rope. He sliced the lashings with a knife causing the cable to vibrage violently along its length. Undeterred he sped onto the next lashing and on to the entire 900 feet of the cable. The whole adventure took him ten minutes. Meanwhile down below anxious crowds watch the entire event. The other rigger was William Cohne who took 40 minutes to perform the same opperation. See Cohne below.

    Later when a fellow rigger, Thomas Carroll, got into trouble and became stuck - unable to move either forward or backward - Harry Supple came to the rescue. Swinging hand over hand Supple went out about 100 feet, untangled Carroll and returned hand over hand. His own grip on the wire was his only support. He reached Thomas Carroll (a heavy set man - about 215 pounds) who was stuck behind the pulley bar as his chair was too large to pass. Upon reaching Carroll he helped him to cut the lashings that were restricting him. This accomplished Supple made his way back to his position on the top of the New York tower about 100 feet away.

    He was cheered by the hundreds who watched in suspence.

    "The brave fellow went along the swaying cable hand over hand, very slowly and cautiously at first, but increasing his speed as he swung clear of the mass of stone and masonry."

    Forty five minutes later Carroll again ran into trouble. Coming from opposite directions Carroll and another rigger, Patrick Timbs, met on the wire, and were joined together. The expectation was that they would be pulled together to the Brooklyn side. However, the wires and the traveller were twisted so they could not move. Supple traveled out to them hand over hand on the wire with a rope around his waist. The rope was attached to Carroll and Timms and the three were pulled to the tower.

    Another report said that Supple carried out a rope and attached it to Carroll's "chair". Supple got on the chair with Carroll and they were both pulled back to the Brooklyn tower, leaving Timbs waiting in the middle. Timbs attached himself to the traveller and was pulled to safty.

    After these adventures they continued the work of cutting the lashings.

    Henry Supple was described as a pleasant looking young man of medium height "in the very flower of physical development, with muscles as tough and unyielding as steel, and a bright eye that betokened excellent health"

    In an article in the Atlantic Guardian, the magazine of Newfoundland, in 1954 Henry was described as a master mechanic, "a stocky, dark haired, Newfoundlander". It further said Henry Supple, Jr., was born in St. John's the son of Henry Supple, Sr. . who was

    the well known "champion of fisherman's rights", who led the sealer's parade to demand free berths to the sealfishery back in 1858. Henry, Sr. lived at 78 Gower St., St. John's. His sister was married to Henry Oldridge, who kept a tavern at 120 Water St. and for years managed an hotel known as the Devonshire House at the same spot."

    The article goes on to say that Henry Jr.s fate was unknown but that he lived to an advanced age.

    Notes: Henrys's father was Gerrat Supple and Henry died at a young age falling off the bridge in 1878.

    See Trade Unions in Canada 1812-1902

    1864-54: Supple, Catherine, wid of Henry, Supple, Honorah, wid of Garret, Supple, John, fisherman

    Garret Supple was an old name in Newfoundland. It is said that Garret Supple was an Irish crewman who arrived in St. John's circa 1787.

    1877: REPORT OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE New York & Brooklyn Bridge, JANUARY 1, 1877.

    Mr. Harry Supple was all that could be desired as foreman of riggers and laborers on the tower."

    1877 On October 20, Harry Supple and other riggers were at work releasing the "heavy cradle rope from the carrier."

    1878 The death of Henry Supple:

    The Brooklyn Daily Eagle did NOT report the death until many years later!!!

    The New York Times reported that Henry Supple was the foreman of a gang of riggers. He fell 70 feet and his chest was torn open.

    Other papers reported that Henry Supple was a foreman of a rigging gang on the anchorage on the New York side in 1878. He was a native of Newfoundland, said to be aged 28, married and the father of one child* - address 63 Poplar street Brooklyn. He had been employed by the bridge for about 6 years.

    *Possible child - Mary Ann born 26, January 1877, father Henry, mother Maggie (LDS)

    In a 1883 recap of the building of the bridge:

    Harry Supple and a man named Blake were killed by the breaking away of a wire strand at the New York anchorage Supple was swept off and fell about 90 feet, striking his forehead on a block of granite. He lived two hours. (No date was given)

    Henry (AKA Harry) Supple was born in St John's Newfoundland in 1851, died on the Bridge at age "26" in 1878 and was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery Brooklyn. His tombstone reads:

    Harry M Supple
    A native of
    St Johns N. F.
    killed on
    Brooklyn Bridge
    June 14, 1878
    age 26 years and 7 months
    Erected by his mother
    may his soul rest in peace. Amen

    1878: Manhattan death certificate #293049 June 14, 1878, Supple, Henry, age 26 years, 6 months, native of Newfoundland, died at Chambers St. Hospital, inquest pending, injuries received by being struck with a strand knocking him from the anchorage Brooklyn Bridge, N. Y. side June 14, 1878, fall from the anchorage -- Brooklyn, foreman rigger, in US 12 resident of Brooklyn, born Newfoundland, died Chambers Street Hospital, buried Holy Cross June 16. Cause of Death was: shock from compound depressed fractures of the skull & fractures of both arms

    1878: The New York Times reported that the coroner found that Henry Supple, age 26 of Dover and Cherry streets, died from shock produced by a compound comminuted* fracture of the skull and fracture of both arms.

    *Broken to pieces.

    Henry commented that most of the men had been seafarers and were used to the height.

    "Henry Supple the foreman who was killed was a man of great daring and nerve and noted for his athletic feats in the earlier days of the bridge." (Various papers, 1878)

    A delegation of workmen from the bridge attended the funeral.

    "Harry" Supple was remembered by name in the Bridge opening speeches on May 24, 1883.

    Report of the Treasurer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge 1877 - 1881

    • H. Supple and T. Cosgrove injury to clothing $24.00

    • July 10, 1878 $100 donation to the widow of Henry Supple

    • August 12, F. Harper, funeral expenses of Henry Supple $108.62

    • September 1878 - a donation of $250 was recommended by the trustees.

    • October 1878 - a donation of $250 to Mrs. Supple, widow of Mr. Supple who was killed in a fall June last.

    • December 5 Donation to widow of Henry Supple $100

    • May 29, 1879 Donation to the widow of Henry Supple $50

    Birth of Henry Supple: 1850 St John Nova Scotia to Honora (Nora) and Garret/Janet/Gerard Supple.

    Garett Supple and Honora Whelan, the parents of Henry and Michael Supple Brooklyn Bridge Workers

    Marriage of Garrett Supple and Honora Whelan: 1849, May 17, - marriage of Jarret Supple to Honora Whelan witness Philip Lan--- and Bridget Supple

    Children of Garrett Supple and Honora Whelan:

    1. Henry - St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, 1850, 4th (month after March - April? or later) Henry of Jerret (sp?) Supple and Honora Whelen sps Philip Lanan and Bridget Supple

       See more above.

    2. Mathew of Garrett Supple and Honor Phelan sponsors William Bre-- and Agnes Thompson 24th November 1851, St John's Newfoundland

    3. Elizabeth of Garrett Supple and Honora Whelan 22 October 1853 St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada sponsors John Supple and Anna Supple

       Marriage: William Ritsma, Marriage 27 Aug 1872, Providence, Providence, Rhode Island, United States Age 27 Father's Name Taber, Mother's Name Catherine, Spouse Elizabeth Supple, Age 19 Spouse's Father's Name Garrett Spouse's Mother's Name Honora (LDS)

    4. Michael Supple (1857-1928) also worked on the Brooklyn Bridge. In 1883 he was severely injured while working on the bridge.

       Birth: Michael Supple, to Garret Supple and Honora Whelan 8 Mar, 1857, St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada

       Michael Supple Birth 4 Mar "1855", St. John's, Avalon Peninsula Census Division, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Death 14 Oct 1928 Burial Holy Cross Cemetery, Spouse: Elizabeth Supple - (Find a Grave)

       In the 1871 censes in Newfoundland with his mother.

       In 1875 in Rhode Island with his mother and brother Joseph

       In the 1880 Census in Brooklyn with his mother, brother, Joseph, and sister in law, Margaret Supple.

       1881: Michael Supple Record Type: Oath Arrival Place: USA Oath Date: 24 Oct 1881 Oath Place: Kings, New York, USA, his mark

       1883: Brooklyn daily Eagle - December 23, 1883 Michela Supple fell 30 feet and was severely injured.

       3 Michael Supple "a middle aged man who lived with his wife and family" was severely injured while "attending" and electric light on the bridge at the Sands street entrance. As he climbed about 30 feet in the air up the lamp pole his foot sliped on the icy foot rest and he fell to the ground landing on his back on the granite coping. In addition to internal injuries, three ribs were broken and one had pierced his left lung. Supple had been employed on the bridge since construction commenced. He was retained after it's completion "because of faithful services rendered". He was not expected to live. He had a brother "John" who died on the New York tower when a cable snapped. The trustees would continue to pay his salary during his illness and his wife would receive a pension in the event of his death (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 23 December 1883). A report in the New York Sun said he fell as a result of an electric shock.

       1888: Michael Supple "the electric light man" was a witness to the death of Peter Maguire, age 29, as he lept from the roof of a house at 103 Fulton street to the street on March 25, 1888. 103 Fulton was adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge anchorage yard. (BDE)

       1892: Ward 11, Brooklyn Supple, Michael age 35 born Newfoundland, electrician, Citizen, Elizabeth age 35 born Ireland, Nora age 9, Henry, age 8, James age 2 Joseph and Florence age 1 all born US.

       1905: 70th street Michael Supple 47, electrician, Elizabeth Supple 43, Nora Supple 23, telephone operator, Harry Supple 22, machinist, Jennie Supple 15, Florence Supple 13, Frank Supple 13, John Supple 11

       1910: Ovington Ave, Brooklyn, Michael Supple 54, electrician, bridge, born, Canada, Elizabeth Supple 50, wife, Harry Supple 25 Jenny Supple 20 Frank Supple 18 Florence Supple 18 John Supple 16, own house

       1910: Michael Supple, from the position of Inspector in the Competitive Class, at $3.50 per day, to that of Wireman in the Labor Class, at $4.50 per day, in the Department of Bridges (paragraph 5 of Rule VI), to conform to Classification. (Municipal Civil Service Commission OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. Minutes of the Commission for the Year 1910)

       1914: Department of bridges, Retirement of Michael Supple, wireman (Cal NO 44) recommended December 23, 1913

       "Gentlemen - On December 23, 1913. the Commissioner of Bridges recommended the retirement, pursuant to the provisions of sections 165, 166 and 167 of the Greater New York Charter, as amended, of Michael Supple, a wireman in this department.

       The records in the Department show that Mr. Supple entered the service of the Board of Trustees of the New York and Brooklyn Bridge on June 18, 1877 as a regulator. He was emploved from that date to September 30, 1879, when he resigned. On October 19, 1884. be reentered the service as Inspector and has been working for that Board and its successor, the Department of Bridges, ever since as Inspector and Wireman. He has been in the service an aggregate period of over thirty-one years.

       The Medical Examiner of the Department of Finance examined Mr. Supple on December 20, 1913, and states that he is unfit for duty. The detailed report is submitted herewith.

       The average annual rate of compensation of Mr. Supple during the three years ending February 28, 1914, was $1,476. His actual earnings during that time averaged $1,461 per annum. April 3, l914. We recommend the adoption of the attached resolution retiring Michael Supple from active service and awarding and granting him an annuity of $738, equal to 50 per cent of his average annual rate of compensation for the past three years.

       Minutes of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment of the City of New York By New York (N.Y.). Board of Estimate and Apportionment

       1914: Supple, Michael age 56 born Newfoundland, naturalized Kings co court 1879, 539 Ovington ave. Brooklyn arrival, 18 Jun 1914 Port of Departure: St Johns Port of Arrival: New York, New York Ship Name: Stephano,

       1925: Michael age 69, Elisabeth 68 naturalized Brooklyn October 23, 1880, 539 Ovington ave. Brooklyn, 11 Sep 1925 Port of Departure: Southampton, England Port of Arrival: New York, New York Ship Name: America

       1919: Supple, Michael age 62, and Elizabeth, his wife, also age 62, naturalized Kings county Brooklyn Sept 1879 to 539 70-th street, Brooklyn arrival, New York 25 Sep 1919 Port of Departure: St Johns,nf Ship Name: Rosalind

       1920: In census with Elizabeth and son, Joseph on Ovington ave, Brooklyn

       1928: Michael Supple Birth 4 Mar 1855 St. John's, Avalon Peninsula Census Division, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Death 14 Oct 1928

       1928: Brooklyn Daily Eagle - Supple, Michael, at Cape May Court House, N. J., on October 14, husband of Elizabeth, father of Harry, Frank, and John Supple and Mrs. Florence Armstrong.

    5. Joseph Francis Supple, Baptism 12 Nov 1859, St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, Gerard Supple and Honora Whelan

       Marriage: Mary Walters April 28, 1897 Kings #3786. Mary Walters Supple died in 1903 and was buried Holy Cross Cemetery. Big monument included Joseph born 1901 died 1921.

       Children: Joseph and Ethel (married Lord)

       Occupation: Electrician

       1910: Joseph was in the 1910 Census with his mother and two children, Joseph and Ethel

       1920: Joseph age 60 electrician city plant born Newfoundland

       1920: Manhattan Avenue Brooklyn, Joseph Supple, widow, age 60 electrician, City Plant, lodger born Newfoundland

       Death of Joseph Supple 1927: Joseph F Supple dob 1859, dod 1927, Cemetery: Mount Hope Cemetery, San Diego, San Diego County, California, United States of America Children: Ethel F Lord

       1890:

       "The fourth, annual ball of the Aid and Benefit Association of the employes of the Citizens' Electric Illuminating Company, of Brooklyn, will be held on the 5th of December. The officers of this association are: Joseph Supple, President; B. F. Rush, vice-president; Edward Reynolds, secretary, and J. R. Barefleld, treasurer; Messrs. E. F. Peck and L. Duncan arc the trustees, and Mr. J. Duncan is the chairman of the executive committee.

       The Edison Illuminating - Company, of Brooklyn, is extending its underground conduit system throughout the western district. It is an amusing sight to see the installation going on at night, particularly on the main streets, where the colored lights are used for signals of danger, blue lights for the soldering torches and large lights for illuminating the work. This company is constructing a large station in Bedford avenue, whence it is to distribute current to the middle section of its district. The company is to run large wireB from the main station in Pearl street to the Bedford station, and use this current until this plant is installed, distributing from the Bedford station. It is now installing more than 250 h. p. of engines, Edison dynamos, as well as more Babcock & Wilcox boilers to meet the increased demand. W .T. H. (Electrical world, Volume 16, 1890)

       1904: Department of Bridges compensation for employees fixed at 50 cents per hour as of August 14, 1904 - Joseph Supple, East 35th street and Avenue L Inspector. (The City Record: Official Journal, Volume 32, Part 8 By New York (N.Y.))

       1912: Taxes and Assessments; Joseph Supple, from the position of Inspector (Electrical), at a salary of $4.50 per day, to that of Wireman, at the same salary in the Department of Bridges, to conform with the Classification (Rule VI., clause 5) (Minutes)

    Birth of Garret Supple 1820: "Gerald" Supple the son of Henry Supple and Catherine Reddy was baptized Nov. 8 1820 in St Johns Newfoundland.

    Birth of Honora Whelan 1828 : Honora Whalen the daughter of Michale Whelan and Mary ??Hicky?? baptized October 13, 1828 St. Johns Newfoundland

    Irish in Newfoundland

    More on the Supple Family

    1871: Novia Scotia, Halifax West, "Mary" Supple 40, Michael Supple 14, Lizzie Supple 18, Joseph Supple 9 - next to John Supple age 50 laborer, Margaret 13, Ann 11 and Henry age 9, all Roman Catholic, all born Newfoundland

    (Margaret age 13 in 1871 was the daughter of John Supple and Rachael Baer* baptized in St John's on February 10, 1858. *Also spelled Baird)

    1874: ?? Henry Supple lab h[ome] r[ear] 141 Hudson Brooklyn (Nora, Michael and/or Joseph not listed).

    Marriage of Henry Supple: Margaret AKA Maggie last name unknown, marriage date unknown, born circa 1850 St John's Nova Scotia - See 1880 census

    Possible Child of Henry and Margaret Supple: Mary Ann Supple father Henry Supple mother Maggie Supple - January 26 1877 (LDS) - see obit of Henry

    1878: Henry Supple 37 Charles Brooklyn, New York, USA Occupation: Foreman Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1878 (Nora, Joseph and/or Michael not listed.)

    1879 and 1880: Supple, Margaret, wid, Henry H 252 Front street. Also listed at 252 Front street was John Supple, laborer.

    1875 Rhode Island Census: Providence County, Springfield Georgeville street, Supple, Honora, age 45, head born Newfoundland, Michael age 18 born NY Doffer, Joseph age 15, born NY carder

    1879 and 1880: city Directory - Margaret Supple, 252 Front, Brooklyn, New York, USA, Widow of Henry Supple, Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1880 (at the same address John Supple laborer)

    1890: Brooklyn City directory, Supples at 39 Ashland pl, John, lineman, Joseph insp., Michael insp.,

    1892: Ward 11, Supple, John 43 born Newfoundland, line man, Theresa 7 born US, Honorah age 45 born Newfoundland, Joseph age 32, born Newfoundland, electrician

    1880 Census: Prospect Street, Brooklyn, Nora Supple 50, head born St Johns, Michael Supple 23, son, works at telephone, Joseph Supple 20, son, Margret Supple 30, daughter in law, widowed, boarder, all born St. John's

    1900: Degraw street, Joseph Supple 39, imm 1870, electrician, Mary Supple 22, married 3 years, wife, 2 children 1 living, Ethel Supple 7/12, Nora Supple 70, mother 8 children 2 living imm 1860

    1900 Census: Michael Supple Head M 40 Newfoundland, electrician, Eliza Supple Wife F 31 Ireland, Nora Supple Daughter F 18 New York, Hanah Supple Daughter F 17 New York, Jennie Supple Daughter F 11 New York, Francis Supple Son M 9 New York, Florence Supple Daughter F 9 New York, John Supple Son M 7 New York

    1905: Joseph Supple 42, electrician in US 37 years, Nora Supple 79, mother in US 42 years, born Canada Thresa Supple 21, granddaughter, stenographer, Ethel Supple 5, granddaughter, Mary Clifford 18, servant, born Irelandrand

    1910: E 35th Street, Brooklyn, Joseph Supple 50, widowed, inspector, Electrical Works New York, imm 1875, nationalized Ethel Supple 10 Joseph Supple 8 Honora Supple 79, mother widow, immigrated 1875, Adults born Canada, children born New York

    1910: Honora Supple age 81 died November 1910 at her home 1215 East 35th street, Flatbush

    Honora Supple, "born Ireland", died November 25, 1910, in Brooklyn age 80 widowed, father Michael Whalen, buried 27 November 1910 Holy Cross (LDS), Her obit was listed in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, age 81, buried from her home 1315 East 35th street Flatbush Sunday November 27, 1910.

    Supple tombstone: Holy Cross Tilden ave, Brooklyn

    1. Harry M died June 14, 1878 (Henry M. Supple A Native of St. John's N. Fd. Killed on Brooklyn Bridge June 14, 1878 aged 26 years & 7 mos., Erected by his Mother May he rest in peace Amen)

    2. John born Feb. 26, 1850 died June 28, 1894

       John H Supple Birth 26 Feb 1850 St. John's, Avalon Peninsula Census Division, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Death 28 Jul 1894 Holy Cross Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, United States of America

    3. Elizabeth born May 5, 1856 Ireland died September 9, 1938

    4. Michael born 1857 died 1928

       Michael worked as an electrician on the bridge. See above.

       Michael Supple born 1857 Newfoundland was buried in 1928 in the same graves as Henry.

    5. Joseph born 1902 died 1921

    6. Mary born circa 1877 died Aug 1, 1903

    7. MOTHER no date

21. Blake, Thomas 1878 - strand snapped

    Blake, Thomas W., 1878, see above

    Manhattan #293087: Thomas H. Blake 315 Broome st, inquest pending, cause of death: shock from comp[ound] fractures of the scull & comp[ound] fracture of the right humerus at elbow over joint, buried Greenwich, Conn. June 17

    1883, May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

    "Blake laid where he was killed on top of the Anchorage."

    See Harry Supple above.

    Thomas W. Blake (1850-1878)

    1878: Age 28 address 315 Broome street, NY. He was a sailor until he went to work on the Bridge. The week before his fatal accident he had fallen from the anchorage "but was saved by catching hold of the ropes and climbing up again." He lived with his mother, sister, wife and child. Killed instantly on June 14, 1878.

    The New York Times reported that he was flung in the air.

    Find a Grave: Thomas W Blake Birth Date: 1850 Birth Place: Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut, USA Death Date: 14 Jun 1878 Death Place: New York, USA "Killed building the Brooklyn Bridge"

    1878: Manhattan certificate #293087 Thomas H. Blake 315 Broome street, inquest pending cause of death: shock from comp[ound] fractures of the scull & comp[ound] fracture of the right humerus at elbow over joint, buried Greenwich, Conn. June 17

    1878: The New York Times reported that the coroner found that Thomas Blake, age 28, 315 Broome street, died of shock produced by a compound fracture of the right frontal bone and a compound comminuted* fracture of the right forearm. *Broken to pieces.

    1870: Hartford Ward 4, Hartford, Connecticut, Meriot Grover 37 Sarah R Grover 45, carpenter, 2,000. George W Blake 24 Benjamin F Blake 21, Thomas W Blake 19, sailor, George L Blake 6

    A claim for a ccivil War Widow's pension indicates that Thomas W. Blake was married to Emily Loomis in 1872.

    Box # 44152 Cert # 472851

    Emily C Hamilton widow of George A Hamilton

    GENERAL AFFIDAVIT.

    State of Connecticut, County of Hartford, SS:

    IN THE MATTER OF claim for widow pension of Emily C Hamilton widow of George A Hamilton ON THE 16th day of August, A.D., 1898, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, William O. Buckley aged 68 years, a resident of Hartford in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut whose Post Office address is 10 Ford st.

    Thomas Francis McKenna aged 54 years, a resident of Hartford in the County of Hartford and State of Conn. whose Post Office address 1053 Broad st Well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to the aforesaid case as follows:

    That they have been personally acquainted with the claimant for 26 years and 15 years respectively and know that she was not married after the death of her former husband Thomas W. Blake, until she married the said George A. Hamilton. They also know the soldiers prior to the death of his first wife mary Hamilton, and he was not remarried again until he married the claimant, they were never divorced from each other and the claimant has not remarried since the soldiers death and that the child Emily is now living

    They further declare that they have no interest in said case and are not concerned in its prosecution.

    William O. Buckley Thomas Hauas McKenna (Signature of Affiants.)

    19 Sisson ave., Hartford, Conn., Sept. 10, 1929

    Other documents connected with this case include the statements:

    • "the certificate of marriage to Thomas Blake February 18, 1872, shows her age as 19 years."

    • "That she was married under the name of Emily C. Loomis to said soldier at Hartford, Conn., on the 25th day of June, 1884, by Rev Williams; that there was no legal barrier to the marriage; that she had been previously married; that the soldier had not been previously married, her first husband Thomas W. Blake died. Killed on the Brooklyn Bridge, while in process of erection.

    1900: West Hartford, Hartford, Connecticut Emily C Hamilton 44, Sept 1855, widow, Chas L Blake 27, Dec 1872, carpenter, Emily* Dec 1883, 14, all born Connecticut

    *After Emily senior married George Hamilton, Emily junior assumed the surname Hamilton. Charles also assumed the surname Hamilton in the 1910 census.

    Report of the Treasurer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge Aug 19, B. F. Blake, funeral expences of Thomas Blake $116.25

22. Noone, Michael - 1878 - thrown from scaffolding

    November 27, 1878, cert #10074 Kings: age 49, laborer, born Ireland no indication of marital status, in US 14 years, parents born Ireland, place of death 31 Vine Ward 1, 3 family, attended by physician November 19 to death on November 27, cause of death pneumonia, buried Holy Cross.

    Note: Michael Noone was not listed in the 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

    Michael Noone (1829-1878) killed November 27, 1878

    1878: A communication from Assistant Engineer Martin was read in relation to the death of Michael Noone, who was thrown from a scaffold on the Brooklyn approach, injured, and died on November 27th, recommending the payment of his funeral expenses, amounting to about $45. It was ordered that said expenses be paid. (Report of the Committee Appointed by the Board of Trustees)

    1878: F. Harper for the funeral expenses of Michael Noone $40.62

    1878: Michael Noon, Age: 49, Birth Year: abt 1829, Death Date: 27 Nov 1878, Death Place: Kings, New York, USA, Certificate Number: 10074 - age 49, parents born Ireland, in US 14 years, place of death 31 Vine Ward 1, 3 family - floor, attended by physician form November 19 till death on November 27, no indication if he was marred, single or widowed, cause of death pneumonia, 9 days, buried Holy Cross

    1870: Brooklyn, Ward 2, Michael Noon 42, laborer, born Ireland, Kate Noon 30, born Ireland, John Noon 15, born England, errand boy, Thomas Noon 11, born New York, errand boy, Edward Noon 4/12, born New York

    1889: Kate Noon Gender: Female Residence Year: 1889 Street address: 302 Plymouth Residence Place: Brooklyn, New York, USA Widow of Michael Noon

    Note: Michael Noone was not listed in the 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

23. Starr, William E. - 1878 - unknown

    1878: Paid to M Murphy & sons for funeral expenses for W. E. Starr $59.50, October 25, 1878

    NYC Death index lists: Starr, William age 44 died July 1, 1878 Manhattan cert #294802. Unfortunately, this death certificate is not for William Starr. I looked at the entries for death certificates for July 1 but did not find the Starr death certificate.

    LDS lists: William E. Starr, Death, 01 Jul 1878, Event Place Manhattan, New York, Age 44, Marital Status Married, Occupation Laborer, Birth Year (Estimated) 1834, Birthplace Ireland, Burial Date 03 Jul 1878, Cemetery Calvary, Father's Birthplace Ireland, Mother's Birthplace Ireland

    Note: William Starr was not listed in the 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

24. Murphy, Patrick - 1879 - fall

    1879: Murphy, Patrick could not find death certificate. A lot of certificates around July 4, 1879 are extremely faded.

    Murphy, Patrick July 5, 1879 DEATH FROM INJURIES - Patrick Murphy while working on the bridge fell from the trestle on July 1, died at Bellevue Hospital on July 5 from his injuries.

    Murphy a riveter fell on the Brooklyn side and died. No first name no date. July 31, 1879 funeral for Patrick Murphy $50. Donation to widow Murphy $50. October 1879 donation to widow Murphy $400

    Murphy, a riveter, was working on the Brooklyn side. Just after eating his lunch he had stepped outside to check the weather. As he went back into the engine house someone grabbed at his pipe. He recoiled, lost his balance and fell to the ground.

    September 1879 $50 for the funeral of P. Murphy (falling from the scaffoldings) and $50 donation to his widow.

    "To Mrs. Mary Murphy, whose husband Patrick Murphy, a carpenter, was killed in July last by being thrown from the scaffolding on the New York approach, in the performance of his duties, the sum of $400 October 1879.

    1875: Ward 25 single family brownstone, Patrick Murphy 30, Ireland, Mary Murphy 30, Ireland, John Murphy 0, Timothy Murphy 3

    1879: NYC Death Index - Murphy, Patrick age 38, July 4, #322689 Manhattan

    1879: Brooklyn Daily Eagle - the trustees of the bridge awarded $400 in compensation to the family of Patrick Murphy who was killed on the bridge on July 4th.

    1880: Mary Murphy 30, born Ireland, widow, John L. Murphy 5, born NY Timothy Murphy 7, born NY

    1881 Mary Murphy widow Patrick 1st near 4th ave.

    1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report. Just Murphy listed in the 1883 report - no first name, no date, no other information.

25. Martin, Thomas F - 1882 - fall

    Thomas F. Martin - November 1882 - fell (1856-1882)

    Thomas F Martin of Saratoga Springs age 26, single, brother of Mrs. Jacob Hess of 152 Lake Ave., fell 80 feet from the bridge into the yard of a foundry at the corner of Water and Dock streets. He died instantly. He was employed as a riveter on the bridge. He stumbled backwards when returning from his lunch break. He was an experienced riveter who had work on the construction of several bridges. Daily Saratogian Nov 1-, 1882. (and other papers) 1883 news report listed Thomas F. Martin a riveter fell from the substructure into an iron molders yard between Water and Front streets - sometime in 1883.

    Another report stated - Martin, a riveter, on the New York side lost his balance and fell while carrying a plank across a floor beam. He lived several days. - no date - no first name

    1882: Death Certificate Kings #14129 Martin, Thomas F, single, 2 Harris Court 2 family 2nd floor, injuries received by accidental fall from Brooklyn Bridge, at -- street, November 1882, age 26, born US riveter, 6 months in NYC buried Evergree, November 19

    1883: May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

    "Thomas Martin was a riveter and fell from the superstructure a few months ago into an ironmoulder's yard, between Water and Front streets this city. He was dead when he touched the ground."

    Ellen Martin Hess

    1875: Saratoga Springs, single family frame, Jacob Hess 38, born Germany, coachman, Ellen Hess 26, born Essex, John Hess 14*, born Saratoga, Katie Hess 9 Rosa Hess 5 *Too old to be the child of Ellen.

    1880: Saratoga Springs, Jacob Haas 46, hotel keeper, Ellen M. Haas 31, parents born Ireland, Catherine Haas 14 Rosa Haas 8 Mary Haas 3

    1897: Ellen Haas, widow Jacob, bds 169 Lake ave Saratoga Springs, New York, Jacob died March 2, '97 Mary Ellen, bds, 169 Lake ave, Rose L. bds a69 Lake ave.

    1900: Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, Ellen Hass 52, 2 children 2 living married age 23, widow, Clarra L Hass 16, daughter, William J Snyder 22, son in law, bookkeeper, Mary M E Snyder 22, daughter, William J Snyder 1, grandson

26. Collins, Michael - (1859-1882) - fall - 1882

    The New York Times reported on August 31, 1882: Around 2:30 while working on the East River Bridge Michael Collins, a riveter, fell abot 130 feet from the superstructure near the Brooklyn tower into the bridge yard. He died almost instantly. He was 25 years old, boarding on Front street, had recently arrived from Boston and had no relatives in Brooklyn.

    1882: Collins, Michael 1882 Kings #11294 31 August 1882 21 Water Street, accidental fall from roadway East river bridge to ground 30 August 1882, age 23, single laborer, born New Brunswick, in US 1 year, parents and places of birth unknown, buried Holy Cross - NYC Death Index 1882, Michael Collins age 23, August 31, Kings #11294

    Michael Collins Death 30 Aug 1882 Brooklyn, Kings, 2 Harris Court, 2 Ward Brooklyn Male Age 23 Single Laborer Birthplace New Brunswick

    Collins a riveter fell 120 feet from the Brooklyn tower. He had brought some coke for the furnace at the center of the bridge out to the edge where the riverters were working. He returned for something he forgot and fell through a whole. He died almost instantly.

    The 1883 report said that a hour before the accident he had been swimming in the river near the tower. Michael Collins fell from the superstructure near the Brooklyn tower. "He was a rivet heater and walked off the planking." There was an investigation.

    1882 August 30, 1882 Michale Collins must have walked off the end of onte of the planks. He was probably no more than 25 years old, and had worked on the bridge for about 3 months as a riveter. He had come from Boston and had been living in a rooming house on Front street. He did not have relatives in the area.

    Collins Michael August 31, 1882 New York Herold

    "Michael Coollins, an employee of the Brooklyn Bridge as a riveter was instantly killed yesterday afternoon by falling form the superstructure near the Brooklyn tower to the ground a distance of 130 feet."

    Michael Collins Event Type Death Event Date 30 Aug 1882 Event Place Brooklyn, Kings, New York, United States Address 2 Harris Court, 2 Ward Residence Place Brooklyn Gender Male Age 23 Marital Status Single Race White Occupation Laborer Birth Year (Estimated) 1859 Birthplace New Brunswick

    1883: May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

    "Michael Collins fell from the superstructure near the Brooklyn tower into the bridge, yard, last summer. He was a rivet-heater and walked off the planking. An investigation failed to show why he was at that particular point on the superstructure at that time. His legs and arms were broken in several places. An hour before the accident he was swimming around in the river near the tower."

27. Delaney, William (1845-1882) - 1882 - fall

    Delaney, William a laborer, fell onto York street and died while wheeling concrete. It was at the end of the day as night was falling. He fell 45 feet and died instantly (or lived a few minutes depending on the newspaper). He fractured his skull and both arms. Residence 301 Hudson avenue.

    The widow of Wm. Delaney, who fell off the bridge applied for assistance, the funeral expenses of $51.12 were paid and a donation of $25 was made. "She had no legal claim on the Trustees, and any donation which might be made would be simply an act of charity". An additional "donation" of $100 was made in March 1883. (Report of the Committee Appointed by the Board of Trustees)

    1883 report in Brooklyn Daily Eagle William Delaney was at work on the York street bridge, Brooklyn approach, wheeling concrete in a barrow. It was the last load and as he dumped it on one side he lost his balance and fell over on the other side of the plank into the street and was killed."

    Birth: Ireland circa 1840??

    Marriage: Rosanne

    Children:

    1. William 1868 -per census

    2. John circa 1870

       Convicted of manslaughter in the first degree of the murder of Mary Jane Cox in 1887. See below.

    3. Catherine 1872

       Delany, Birth, 21 Jan 1872, Brooklyn, Kings, Female, Father William Delany, Mother Rose Mulhern

    4. Michael 1874

       Delany Birth, 03 Jul 1874 Brooklyn, Kings Male, Father William Delany Mother Rosa Mullen

       Not liste 1880.

    1870: Ward 10, William Delaney M 30* Ireland, general laborer, Rosanna Delaney F 35* Ireland, William Delaney M 2 New York, John Delaney M 0 New York

    *The ages of William and Roseanna were the same in 1870 and 1875 - a common issued with the censuses - however, I think this is the right family given all the other info.

    1875: Multi family frame, William "Delany" M 30, laborer, Rosanna Delany Wife F 35, William Delany Son M 7 John Delany Son M 5 Catharine Delany Daughter F 3 Michael Delany Son M 1, adults born Ireland children born kings, Ella Snodgrass Boarder F 52, boarder born Ireland sewing

    1880: Ward 5 Brooklyn, William "Dellenay" 34, laborer, Rose Dellenay 46 William Dellenay 12, glass work, John Dellenay 10, Kate Dellenay 8, E. Snodgrass boarder servant, born Ireland

    NYC Death Index: Delenay, William, age 37, October 18, 1882 #13127 Kings

    Death: William Delaney 18 Oct 1882 Brooklyn, Kings, 301 Hudson Ave. Place Brooklyn Gender Male Age 37 Marital Status Married Race White Occupation Laborer Birth Year (Estimated) 1845 Birthplace Ireland Father's Birthplace Ireland Mother's Birthplace Ireland

    Probate: Rosanna Delaney of the city of Brooklyn widow of the deceased William Delaney who died 18th October 1882, Rosanne saw the body after the death, The deceased died from a fall from the Brooklyn Bridge on October 18, 1882, personal property $15, plus a probable amount to be received by reason of any right of action granted to an adminin--- of deceased by special provision of law does not exceed about five thousand dollars - three surviving children: William F Delaney, John J Delaney and Kate Delaney all under twenty years. Ages 15, 12 and 10. Widow unable to give bond for more than $100. She signed with her mark.

    According to entries on Ancestry.com William and Catherine married and had families.

    1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report. Not listed.

    1886: Rose Delaney h 49 Prince Brooklyn, New York, USA widow William Delaney Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1886

    1887 - 1888: John Delaney killed his girlfriend, Mary Jane Cox, by poison.

    Mary Jane Cox, a servant girl age 18 (or 20), died on June 3, 1887 at 240 Prince street, Brooklyn. An autopsy revealed she die of "corrosive poisoning". Her boyfriend, John Delaney, was drunk when he confessed his culpability in June 1887. Later when he sobered up he denied his confession. He was jailed by the coroner's office, but after only twenty five minutes deliberation the Grand Jury failed to indict him and he was let go on June 24th. They considered that John Delaney, age 17, had bought the poison but that Mary Jane had taken it with her own hand with the intent of bring on an abortion.

    At the inquest testimony was given by: Mr. Joseph Bland and Mrs. Teresa Bland, Mary Jane's employers who she had worked for about 4 years, and Mary Jane's sister, Mrs. Mary Loring (or Dorring), who claimed she did not like John Delaney and the fact that her sister had been keeping company with him for about six months.

    John Delaney testified that he was drunk when he confessed to the murder. He said they had quarreled but he did not give her any poison, which according to the analysis was arsenic.

    Eventually, in early December 1888, haunted by the memory, full of remorse, and yet again drunk, John J Delaney confessed to the murder of Mary Jane Cox. He said he had been seeing Miss Cox for about eight months and that they had gone to museums and amusement parks together. He had also "betrayed" her when they met at the Keystone House on Third ave, a 25 cent lodging house, where he worked at the time. He had promised to marry her but she said they were too young and they quarreled.

    The body of Mary Jane Cox, a pretty little brown eyed servant girl, was found in the kitchen. She was seated in a chair in her night dress. There was evidence that she had vomited a lot - both in her bedroom and in the kitchen. In the bed room the police found a half empty bottle of rat poison. The girl mistakenly though she was pregnant, a fact the autopsy refuted. She asked Delenay to get her something to end the pregnancy. John Delaney eventually told the police he had bought twelve cents worth of powered rat poison, called Rough on Rats, at a drug store. He put the poison in a bottle and mixed it with water. He gave the potion to Mary telling her it would help her but knowning it would kill her.

    At the time of his December 1888 confession he was employed in Burke's restaurant at Fulton and bridge streets. Delaney made a statement but refused to sign it.

    "Delaney's father was employed as a rigger on the Brooklyn Bridge and was killed while at work. A year and a half ago Mrs. Delaney, his mother, who was addicted to drink died. The Bridge policemen subscribed enough to defray the funeral expenses. Instead of paying them Delany went to Coney Island and spent the money." (The New York Herald)

    Several papers mention Delaney's father as a rigger who died on the Bridge.

    The New York Press said that his mother died shortly afterward while intoxicated and out of sympathy for his father's death John Delaney was taken on as a messinger by the Bridge management. A collection was taken up for the mother's funeral expenses but he took a girl to Coney Island and bridge Superintendent Martin payed for the funeral out of his own pocket. Delaney quit the bridge employment a few days later.

    February 8, 1888 John J Delaney age 17 on January 25th was placed on trial in the court of Sessions charged with murder in the first degree. The case was originally though to be one of suicide but Delaney, haunted by the ghost of the girl, had confessed to murder. On February 11, 1888 after an hour and a half deliberation, John Delaney was convicted of manslaughter in the first degree. His young brother had stood by him manfully though the trial. It was thought the judge would deal leniently with the sentence.

    Since Delaney had no fund he was defended by a court appointed lawyer.

    The story was widely covered by the press.

    Defenders and Offenders picture of John J Delaney

28. Murphy

    Murphy - fell - no first name - no date

    There are several notations of two Murphys who died.

    David McCollough - Brave Companions - two men named Murphy died in falls.

1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report. One Murphy listed, no first name, no date, no other information.

29. Gardner/Gardiner, William - died 1877 or before

    Gardiner killed - no date.

    In February 1877 the Chief Engineer Farrington spoke to a reporter about the men he most trusted on bridge. He mentioned William Gardner as an experienced rigger. Farrington also stated that it was a rare thing for a rigger to loose his life from lose of nerve.

    1877 April 8, Funeral expenses for William "Gardner" $44.12 (Report of the Treasurer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge). Consequently he had to have died before April 8th.

    1877: There is a death for William Gardner April 9th, 1877 but LDS says his occupation was "tailor"

    1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report. Listed only as Gardner, no first name, no date, no other information. In an article in the Brooklyn Eagle the speaker could not recall how Gardner died.

30. Pfenn/Pfann, George - c. 1858 New York State USA - 1883 Brooklyn - Fall

    George Pfenn died in February 1883. He fell from the superstructure on the New York side between Water and Front. He died instantly. 1883 report.

    New York Times February 14, 1883 - George Pfann, a young riveter at the East River bridge, fell from 40 or 50 feet from the bridge to the roof of 276 Front street on February 13. He was seriously hurt with cuts to his head, a broken right arm and a fracture to his right ankle. It was said that he slipped on the narrow and wet planks. He was take to the Chambers Street Hospital. His address was the Gruner's Hotel, 392 Pearl street.

    1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

    " George Pfenn, was killed in February last by falling from the superstructure on the New York side, between Front and Water streets. He fell on the roof of a house. He was a riveter by trade."

    More on George Pfann and his family: In September 2017 Jean Pfann wrote and shared her family tree from FammilySearch.com:

    George Pfann born circa 1858 die 13 February 1883 parents: George M Pfann (1825-1906) mother Christine Beck (1835-1901)

    CHILDREN OF GEORGE M PFANN AND CHRISTINE BECK

    1. George Pfann 1858 - 1883
    2. Catharine Pfann 1860 - Deceased
    3. Mary Pfan 1860 - Deceased
    4. Henry Albert Pfann 1862 - 1918
    5. William B. Pfann 1863 - 1904
    6. Annie C. Pfann 1867 - 1926
    7. Margret Pfann 1870 - Deceased
    8. John Martin Pfann 1872 - Deceased
    9. Laura Pfann 1875 - 1918

    1860 Census, Buffalo New York : George Pfan M 35 Bavaria, cabinet maker, Christine Pfan F 24 Bavaria George Pfan M 2 New York Mary Pfan F 1 month New York

    Death of George Pfann senior: 10 Oct 1906 Hamilton, Wentworth, Ontario

    1871: St George's Ward, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Geo Pfann 47 Christina Pfann 37 Geo Pfann 13 Kate Pfann 11 Henry Pfann 9 William Pfann 7 Annie Pfann 4 Margaret Pfann 2

    1881 Census: Hamilton Ontario, Canada, George Pfann M 56y Germany, cabinet maker, Lutheran, Christina Pfann F 46y Germany George Pfann M 23y USA, blacksmith, Henry Albert Pfann M 19y Ontario, cigar maker, William B. Pfann M 17y Ontario, packer, Annie C. Pfann F 14y Ontario Margret Pfann F 11y Ontario John M. Pfann M 8y Ontario Laura Pfann F 6y Ontario Mary Hangel F 56y Germany

    1891: Ward 3, Hamilton City, Ontario, Canada 31 Mar

    1901: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

    1880: Toledo, Lucas, Ohio, USA 456 Summit George Pfann 22 iron worker, borader with Thomas Walker bridgeman, and (a name I cannot read ??? Cilaflier, Sewell ????) age 30, bridge builder, both boarders

    George Pfann Overseas deaths reported in Ontario Canada: George Pfann, Male, Age 24, Machinist, Borth Hamilton, Ontario, Death Date: 18 Feb 1883, Cause of Death: Killed by Fall From Bridge, reported by Rev. B. H Wamke, Hamilton, Lutheran

    1891: Hamilton Ontario, George Pfann 66, cabinet maker, Christina Pfann 56 Annie C Pfann 23, shirt maker, Maggie Pfann 21, stiching linings, John Pfann 19, tailor, Laura Pfann 16, general family service, George McKeown 7

    Note: Catherine Pfann age 18 spinster daughter of George and Chistina Pfann married James Mc Keown age 22 carpenter, June 12, 1978.

    1895: PFANN - In this city on July 28th, Christina, beloved wife of George Pfann, aged 51 years. Funeral from 206 Caroline st. south, Wednesday at 2 pm. - July 30 1895 Christina Pfan female age 61, born Germany died of consumption duration 9 months, Hamilton Ontario

31. Miller (or Muller), Jacob - 1883 - fall

    Jacob Miller or Muller, an ironworker, fell from the Sands street station in 1883 and was killed.

    March 15, 1883, Jacob "Muller" of 225 North 6th street instantly killed when he was thrown 60 feet from the bridge as a joist collapsed at the Sands street approach. Willam Warden of Leonard street was seriously injured.

    Jacob "Muller" was said to be an employee of the iron contractors. It was rumored that the men were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

    Not listed on the NYC Death index under Muller.

    Miller, Jacob age 52 March 17, 1883 Kings # 9416

    Death Jacob Miller 15 Mar 1883 Brooklyn, Kings, New York, United States Residence Place Brooklyn Ward 14 Gender Male Age 52 Marital Status Married Birth Year (Estimated) 1831 Birthplace Switzerland Burial Date 18 Mar 1883 Burial Place New York, New York Cemetery Lutheran Cemetery Father's Birthplace Switzerland Mother's Birthplace Switzerland (familysearch.org)

    1870: Brooklyn, Jacob Miller 39, born Germany, iron moulder, Bridget Miller 41, born Germany, Emma Miller 16 Kate Miller 13 George Miller 12 August Miller 9 Charles Miller 3 Willie Miller 10/12, children all born NY

    1875: Brooklyn, Ward 21, multi family, Jacob Miller 44, machinist, Ernestine Miller 46 Emma Miller 20, Caty Miller 18, Georg Miller 16

    1880: Brooklyn, Jacob Miller 49, piano maker, Ernestine Miller 51, George Miller 22, shawl straps, August Miller 18, Catharine Miller 23, seamstress

    1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report.

    "Jacob Muller, an ironworker, fell from the Sands street station building, this city, a few weeks ago, and was killed. The hoisting beam broke at the time the men were raising a portion of the cornice and carried away the scaffolding."

    Children of Jacob Miller:

    Pius Mayer Event Type Marriage Event Date 14 Sep 1875 Event Place Brooklyn, Kings, New York, United States Event Place (Original) Brooklyn, Kings, New York Gender Male Age 30 Marital Status Unknown Birth Year (Estimated) 1845 Birthplace Petra, Prussia Father's Name George Mother's Name Sophia Zimmermann Spouse's Name Emma Elisabeth Miller Spouse's Gender Female Spouse's Age 22 Spouse's Marital Status Single Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated) 1853 Spouse's Birthplace Brooklyn, Kings, New York Spouse's Father's Name Jacob Spouse's Mother's Name Ernestine Tranworth (family search.org)

32. Harris, Ross

    Harris, Ross - died in fall, no date - Not listed in the 1883 report

    David McCollough - Brave Companions - "Ross Harris died in a fall".

    1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report. Not listed.

33. Denning, August

    Denning, August - slipped on the ice in winter dropped 40 feet to frozen ground. Taken to New York Hospital. Said to have recovered from his injuries. Other listed him as deceased. - Not listed in the 1883 report.

    David McCollough - Brave Companions - August Denning died in a fall.

    1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report. Not listed.

34. Brown

    Brown before 1883

    Brown, rigger, no first name no date pier 29, New York side killed by falling hoisting apparatus containing a bucket of coal. He lived a week and died in the hospital.

    Listed in the 1883 report - no first name no date

    Brown and Cope, riggers on the New York side, were next killed by a hoisting apparatus falling (1894 report in the BDE). Cope/Koop died in 1873.

    David McCollough - Brave Companions - listed Brown "lingered in the hospital before he died".

    1883, May 24 Brooklyn Daily Union report:

    "Brown met his death by a bucket of gravel falling from a derrick upon him on Pier 29, New York."

    This report in the Union seems to list the deaths in the order they occurred, although no dates were given. If the death did indeed occur in the order given, Brown died between 1872 and 1874. He was listed between Enright who died April 1872 and Cope (Koop) who died April 7, 1873.

35. Higgins

    Higgins before 1883 -

    Higgins no first name no date, while pushing a cart of cement over the Brooklyn anchorage a track broke, Higgins fell and was caught between the car and a heavy beam. He hung by his head until he was released by fellow workers,

    Mentioned only as Higgins in the 1883 report

    David McCollough - Brave Companions - Higgins died in a fall.

    1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report. Listed only Higgins, no first, name no date, no other information.

36. Young, Charles

    See above. Said to have suffered from caissons disease from 1872 onwards. Died of complications of the disease date unknown - before 1892.

THE SACRIFICE OF HUMAN LIFE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE

In 1876 the bridge had been under construction for six and a half years.

An article entitled THE SACRIFICE OF HUMAN LIFE UPON THE EAST RIVER BRIDGE stated:

"The casualties attending the enterprise, with the exception of those incident to the work in the caissons, have been caused in nearly all cased by the carelessness of the victims themselves."

In reference to the accident in 1871 that killed John French and James "Garrity" and wounded several others:

"It was found that the iron which gave way had been imperfectly welded, but as it was not manufactured at the Bridge Company's works, they were not held responsible for the accident."

The same 1876 article mentioned three men who fell form the bridge: a workman named Reed and Thomas McCann fell 200 feet from the Brooklyn tower, John Elliott fell 240 feet from the New York tower.

"One of this trio was a notoriously careless man."

and further on in reference to the death of Thomas Talbot (although he was not named) it was stated that the deceased had been instructed to do his job in a certain was to guard against accident.

"This warning he disregarded."

and finally a man "trundling a wheelbarrow ful of earth"...:

"The barrow ran off the plank, and the man, with strange fidelity, clung to it, falling to the bottom of the caisson.

Two other death were mentioned in passing: a workman crushed by a block of granite and a carpenter killed by a falling stone. No blame was assigned in either case.

In June 1883 the Watkins Express said that 20 lives had been lost during the building of the bridge: "

"The Toll Paid to Death" -

Since the death of John A Roebling of tetanus in July 1769 until the 15th of March when Jacob Muller "tumbled from the station at Sands street, Brooklyn to be smashed on the stones 60 feet below" "some twenty lives: were "spend" or "dashed out" in the course of the bridge construction. 110 cases of caissons disease were reported of which at least three were fatal. The most "notable" accident was the 19th of June 1878 when a cable snapped."

David McCoullough reported the following deaths in Brave Companions:

"The cost must also include the life of John A. Roebling and others who followed. John French, a rigger, John McGarrity, a laborer, Thomas Douglas, a stone mason, were killed when a derrick fell. Henry Supple, another rigger, and "one of the best men upon the Bridge," had the top of his head taken off when a strand of wire snapped. Thomas Blake was killed in the same accident. Ross Harris died in a fall. August Denning died in a fall. Hensen, Read, Delaney, Collings, Noone, McCann, Elliot, Higgins and two men named Murphy died in falls. McLaughlin, a machinist, was "killed" instantly" by a falling stone. Dougherty was crushed to death by a falling derrick. So was Enright. Mullin was crushed by a by a stone swung into place. Cope, a rigger, had the job of guiding a wire rope onto a hoisting drum........ Brown lingered on in the hospital before he died. His back was broken when a coal bucket fell on him."

Died of the bends: John Myer, Patrick McKay, and an Englishmen named Reardon.

Two others named Deneiss and "Gardiner" also died.

David McCullough, Brave Companions.

Injured During Construction of the Bridge

1. Barney Rooney

   EXPLOSION IN THE EAST RIVER BRIDGE CAISSON - ONE MAN SERIOSULY INJURED

   September 29, 1970 - New York Times - a laborer, Barney Rooney, was badly burned on his chest, face and eyes following an explosion of powder in the Fulton street caisson of the Brooklyn Bridge. He was ramming a powder charge into a rock so it could be blasted when the powder exploded. He was taken to City Hospital where it was feared he would lose his eyesight. He was referred to as "Rooney" not Mr. Rooney. Whereas, another worker was referred to as "Mr. Wm Card" who "received a slight wound in the breast."

   Brooklyn Daily Union, September 28, 1870: The surgeons said "his sight may possibly be saved." Before it was discovered exactly what had happened the noise and confusion caused the the men to panic. The engineers "were on hand promptly, and soon, succeeded in allaying the excitement." The wounds of the injured man were dressed, he was taken home and the other men returned to their work.

2. Willam Card

   EXPLOSION IN THE EAST RIVER BRIDGE CAISSON - ONE MAN SERIOSULY INJURED

   September 29, 1970 - New York Times - a laborer, Barney Rooney, was burned in the face and breast. "Mr. Wm Card" "received a slight wound in the breast."

3. Cornelius Lynch - stone mason born Ireland circa 1825/30 injured October 23, 1871

   Cornelius Lynch - October 23, 1871 - October 15, Brooklyn Eagle listed among the injured - Cornelius Lynch age 40, married residence 535 Herkimer Street

   1869: Cornelius Lynch Dean n Vander av Brooklyn, New York, USA Occupation: Mason Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1869

   1870: Brooklyn Ward 21, Cornelius Lynch 45, stone mason, born Ireland, Mary A Lynch 44, born Ireland, Mary A Lynch 18, born Massachusetts, John F Lynch 16, Elizabeth Lynch 14, Cornelius Lynch 12,, Joseph Lynch 10 Michael Lynch 8, Charles Lynch 2, all children born Mass.

   1875: Brooklyn, brick multi family Herkemer street, Cornelius Lynch 49, stone mason, Mary Lynch 49, Mary Lynch 23, John Lynch 21, Lizzie Lynch 19, Cornelius Lynch 17, Joseph Lynch 15, Michael Lynch 12, Charles Lynch 7, born NY Agnus Lynch 4, born NY

   An 1878 article about workemn on the bridge referred to "Con" Lynch who helped lay the first course of stones on the Brooklyn tower. He and William Connelly were said to have know every mason who worked on the bridge. (New York Sun)

   1880: Brooklyn, Cornelius Lynch 53, stone mason, Mary Lynch 52 John F. Lynch 26 Mary A. Lynch 28 Lizzie Lynch 24 Cornelius Lynch 22 Joseph Lynch 19 Michael Lynch 17 Charles Lynch 12 Agnes Lynch 9

   1900: Herkimer street, Brooklyn Cornelius M Lynch 75, imm 1845, Mary A Lynch 74, imm a834 Mary A Lynch 48, proprietor confectionary, Charles A Lynch 31, plumber, Agnes B Lynch 29, sales woman confectionary

   1902: June 23, 1902, Herkimer st, 225ft w Utica ave 25x100 Cornelius Lynch to May A. Lynch all liens

   Listed in the 1883 news report on the bridge construction.

4. John Cook, German, born circa 1843 - injured October 23, 1871

   Several men were injured on October 23, 1871 including John Cook, German age 28, unmarried. Listed October 25, 1871 Brooklyn Daily Eagle.

5. William Hines/Haines/Hayes - Scottish born 1845 - injured October 23, 1871

   William Hines/Haines, Scottish age 26, resident De Kalb ave., injured October 23, 1871.

   Willam Haines spine permanently injured October 23, 1871 - 1883 Report on the bridge.

   A New York Times article about the incident said: William Haines had his spine so badly hurt that "his life is despaired of."

6. William (or Henry) Doherty - injured October 23, 1871

   Henry Doherty, injured October 23, 1871 not expected to live. See John French, John MCGarrity above. above.

   He is on my dead list. MLB But I have not found his death record.

   A New York Times article about the incident said : "William Doherty, who was standing on the suspended railroad that surrounds the tower, was knocked senseless into the river, and although picked up alive was so severely injured that little hope is entertained of his recovery."

7. Ast, Robert - October 23, 1871

   Ast, Robert listed in several reports - injured in the October 23, 1871 event

   Robert Ast, Thomas Malloy and Thomas G Douglas were listed as the masonry foreman July 22, 1872 The Bridge Report.

   I believe that Robert B Ast was a stone cutter born in Canada.

   1875: Albany, 3 family brick, Robert Ast 40, no occupation entered, Cathern Ast 37 Mary Ast 2

   1880: Albany, New York, Robert B. Ast 60, born Canada mother born Ireland father born canada, Cassie Ast 39, wife, Mary Ast 7, daughter

   1893: Robert B Ast 63 S Hawk Albany, New York, USA Occupation: Stonecutter Publication Title: Albany, New York, City Directory, 1893

   1898: Robert B. Ast Birth Year: abt 1833 Age: 65 Death Date: 26 Jul 1898 Burial Date: Abt 1898 Burial Place: Menands, New York, USA Cemetery: St. Agnes Cemetery Book: 3 Page: 285, Albany County

   Not listed in The Great Bridge.

8. Mahon, Michael - October 23, 1871

   Mahon, Michael listed in several reports - injured in the October 23, 1871 event

   The name is very common.

9. E. Riley, February 16, 1872

   Case 11, "E." Riley Feb 16, 1872

   Case 11, E. Riley Feb 16, 1872 E. Riley. Taken sick February 16th, one hour after leaving the caisson. Pressure 26 PSI. Epigastric pain and pain in the legs. No loss of sensibility. Profuse cold perspiration. Pulse, when I saw him, two hours after the commencement of the attack was 96. The pain, which at first was very severe, had by this time become much less. Gave him an ounce of brandy and a teaspoonful of fluid extract of ergot. In ten minutes the pulse had fallen to 82. Was able to resume work the next day. A.H. Smith - Surgeon to the Bridge Company, Case Note*

10. Brown, Joseph, February 28, 1872

    Case 12 Joseph Brown foreman, American age circa 28, 28 Feb 1872

    Case 12 - Joseph Brown, foreman, American aged about 28,. Taken on 28th February, about an hour after coming up from a three hour watch. Excessive pain in left shoulder and arm, coming on suddenly, Like the thrust of a knife.". Pain continued until he went down again in the afternoon watch, when it ceased immediately.......*

11. Barnabo, John, March 13, 1872

    Case 14 John Barnabo, Italian age 42 13 March 1872.

    John Barnabo, Italy 42, reports on the 13th of March while in a car returning home, he was taken with severe pain in both arms. This was followed by dimness of sight and partial unconsciousness. Extremities very cold. Remained in this condition for two hours. Was obliged to keep to his bed for three days. For a week afterwards he was unable to work, feeling very much oppressed about the chest. No medical attention. Had a similar but less severe attack about a month previously.

12. Henry Stroud, April 2, 1872

    Case 13, Henry Stroud, driver, April 2, 1872

    Henry Stroud, a driver by occupation, began work on the morning of April 2d. Half and hour after coming up from the first watch, was taken with numbness and loss of power in the right side, also dizziness and vomiting. This followed by severe pain over the whole body. Excessive perspiration. Was treated with stimulants and ergot, and in five hours was well enough to return home.

13. Sullivan, Eugene - April 30, 1872 caisson disease

    Eugene Sullivan, an Irish laborer, of 23 Roosevelt street suddenly and seriously ill while at work in the caisson at the foot of Roosevelt street. Taken to Park Hospital for treatment. - New York Times - April 30 1872 and New York Daily Tribune

14. Gifford, Louis - April 30, 1872 caisson disease

    Louis Gifford suddenly and suddenly ill while at work in the caisson at the foot of Roosevelt street. Taken to Park Hospital for treatment. - New York Times - April 30 1872 and New York Daily Tribune

15. Fielder/Felder, Owen - April 30, 1872 - feet badly injured

    Owen Felder or Feilder of 111 Mulberry st feet badly hurt - h foot crusehd by a piece of lumber. New York Times - April 30 1872 and New York Daily Tribune

16. Heffner - caissons disease May 2, 1872

    On May 2, when he left the caissons Mr. Heffner, a laborer, started vomiting and continued to do so for 24 hours. This was just a few days after the deaths of John Meyer and Patrick McKay from the caisson disease. It was the cause of much alarm among the workers, who went out on strike.

17. White, William - caissons disease May 3, 1872

    William White of 142 Ten Eyck street, had been working for two weeks in the Brooklyn bridge caisson. On his way home from work on May 2 he became prostrate with temporary paralysis of his legs. He was found in this condition in Ewen street, near Scholes. The bridge management spoke in "eulogistic terms, saying that every facility possible had been adopted by those in charge of the work, to secure the health and safely of the men." White was feeling better the next moring and expected to be back at work within the week. (BDE)

    May 3, 1872: NY Times - William White a laborer in the East River caisson fell prostrated by paralysis on Ewen street while on his was home from work "the effect of the foul atmosphere in which he had been working.".

18. Mitchell, Samuel - 17, May 1872

    Samuel Mitchell, a laborer in the caisson, was taken by wagon to Centre Street Hospital from the Caisson of the East River Bridge, suffering from cramps and neuralgia. He experienced violent pains in his limbs but no difficulty breathing. He was completely bent over and appeared to be in great agony. He had been working in the caissons for some time. He lived at 19 (or 10) State street. "The engineers claim that the air is just as pure inside the caisson as outside." (BDE)

19. Dougherty, Edward - 18, May 1872

    The work of excavating the caisson was almost completer on the New York side when Edward Dougherty, a laborer in the caisson was severely burned around the face and eyes by a premature discharge of a blast. He was Taken to Park Hospital.

20. Reilly, James - June 18, 1872 - caisson disease

    James "Rielly", a laborer living at 87 Olive Street, was taken from Pier 34 the East River to the First Precinct station house in Oak street, suffering from neuralgia and partial paralysis. An ambulance took him from the station house to Park Street hospital. He was said to have been in critical condition. He had worked in the caisson for several months.

    The report was carried in several papers.

21. Peterson, Peter - June 19, 1872 - caisson disease

    NY Telegram: June 19, 1872, Peter Peterson was a Dane residing in a tenement house on Roosevelt street. He was working in the East River caisson for several weeks and he woke up feeling a little under the weather. He later sufferd to acute neuralgia and partial paralysis. He was a strong healthy man when he started working on the bridge. He was taken from Pier 34 East river by ambulance to Centre Street Hospital. It was the second case of caissons disease brought to the centre Street Hospital within twenty-four hours.

22. Donnelly, William - June 19 1872

    William Donnelly a workman at the Fulton Ferry caisson was "protracted by the heavy pressure of the air". He was taken to his residence at 2-8 Front street. Attended by Dr. Cutter. (BDE)

    Notice carried in several papers.

23. Rogers, Patrick, 1872 date unknown

    Patrick Rogers age 40 Irishman, lived in Brooklyn returning from work had no feeling on his right side and could not stand or move. Pain lasted less than 12 hours. The next day he returned to work in the caisson but was advised to go home. (The Great Bridge, David McCullough)

    Did not find him in the papers.

24. Bartholomew Higgins - injured in 1872

    Bartholomew Higgins, a laborer, who was injured in a fall from the New York tower was suggested for financial relieve in November 1872

    Children per censuses:

    1. Daniel

    2. Margaret (Maggie) c

    3. Ann

    4. James

    Children baptized St. Paul's Catholic Church Brooklyn:

    1851: Daniel Higgins Birth Date: 19 Jul 1851 Baptism Date: 27 Jul 1851 Baptism Place: Brooklyn, New York, USA Father: Bartholemeu Higgins Mother: Ann "Hoyt" God Parent: John Dunlin God Parent: Hanna Dunlin (familysearch.org)

    1853: Charles Higgins Birth Date: 2 Mar 1853 Baptism Date: 6 Mar 1853 Baptism Place: Brooklyn, New York, USA Father: Bartholemew Higgins Mother: Ann "Hide" God Parent: James Dondon God Parent: Eliza Murphy (familysearch.org)

    1854: Mary Ann Higgins Birth Date: 19 Jul 1854 Baptism Date: 23 Jul 1854 Baptism Place: Brooklyn, New York, USA Father: Barth Higgins Mother: Ann "Hyde" God Parent: John Higgins God Parent: Julia Mc Grath (familysearch.org)

    1866 and 1871: Bartholomew Higgins, Hamilton ave. Mill, Brooklyn, New York, USA, Occupation: Mason, Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1866

    1872: Bartholomew Higgins 315 Hamilton av Mason Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1872

    1870: Barthol Higgins 40, born Ireland, brick mason, Ann Higgins 38, wife born Ireland, Daniel Higgins 11 Margaret Higgins 10 Anna Higgins 7 James Higgins 4, children born New York

    1873: Death Bartholomew Higgins age 50, July 9, 1873 Kings #5318

    1875: Hamilton ave., near Church street, frame, occupation "private", Anne Higgins 50, Daniel Higgins 20, Margt Higgins 16, Hanna Higgins 11, James Higgins 8

    1879: Ann Higgins Age: 50 Birth Year: abt 1829 Death Date: 4 Sep 1879 Death Place: Kings, New York, USA Certificate Number: 7420

    SUDDEN DEATH - Ann Higgins age 50 was found dead in her bed at her residence 315 Hamilton ave. She had been ailing for some days. Inquest to be held.

    1880: Mortality schedule 1880, Ann Higgins, Female, Ward 12, Widowed, Birth Place: Ireland Age: 50 Death Date: Sep 1879 Cause of Death: Organic Heart Disease Census Year: 1880 Census Place: Brooklyn, Kings, New York, USA LINE: 25

    1880: Brooklyn Higgins Maggie age 20, bag server, Annie sister age 17, bag server, James brother age 16 all born New York parents born Ireland

25. Frank (or George) Harris) 1872

    July 9, 1872, "Yesterday Frank Harris of No. 196 Pearl street fell into the man-hole in the center of the pier of the East River Bridge. The hole is 100 feet deep with about three feet of water at the bottom. Harris escaped uninjured.

    New York Times

    Frank Harris (or George Harris) of 195 Pearl street, fell 103 feet and escaped with little injury. Harris was standing by a derrick when a rope he was holding slipped out of a groove. He though it was broken and let go of the rope. He fell head over heels to the well 103 feet below. He crashed into an empty cement barrel that was floating in three feet of water. Fellow workers lower a rope to him. He tied it around his waist and was hoisted out of the well. He was taken to the hospital but no broken bones were found. July 10, 1872

    10 July 1872 Brooklyn Eagle: There were two holes in both towers, each one hundred and three feet deep and ninteen by thirty feet wide. George Harris missed his footing and fell down one of these holes. As the men rushed to the shaft expecting to find Harris' mangled body, they saw Harris standing in the darkness. A derick was swung around and a rope lowered. Harris tied the rope around himself and was hoisted up. He suffered a cut over his one eye but no bones were broken. It was beleived that three or four feet of water in the hole saved his life. He was taken to the city Hospital in good condition.

    The incident was mentioned agin in the Brooklyn Eagle on July 29th, 1872. The article dealt in part with the reaction to the extreme heights at which the men were working and he feeling that there is nothing between one and "the stepping off place." The workmen on the towers had become accustomed to the height and moved about as feely as they did on the ground.

    1873/1874/1876 : Directory Harris, Francis, lab h 69 Pearl street.

26. John Noonan 1875 - fell 25 feet

    1875: John Noonan of 226 York st Brooklyn, while at work on the New York Pier fell 25 feet to the ground. He was knocked unconscious.

    Noonan was a very common name at the time.

27. James O'Neil/O'Neill - injured September 1876

    Listed as one of the riggers who cut the lashes when the wires were brought across in 1876. On August 30, 1876 he and a fellow workman, Fred Arnold, got stuck on the wires midway between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Somehow the two men went out on the wrong wires which became entangled. They were forced to cut loose their chairs and change wires 185 feet above the river. See Arnold.

    A tid bit in an article in The Graphic (November 16) about the transfer of the wires across the bridge in 1876 discribes O'Neil thus "this man is represented in the buggy lying on his back, smoking and taking matters as cooly at a height of 288 feet as if he were lying on a sofa at home." There were two men in the "buggy": "O'Neill" and Timbs.

    The report of the Chief Engineer stated that James O'Neil was injured at this time by a plank which was thrown by a falling rope. It was recorded as the only accident that occurred while the wires were being drawn across in August-September 1876.

    New York Times September 15, 1876 A cable slipped out of a grove in a pulley and fell with a crash on some blocks of wood at the top of the pier. One of these blocks of wood was hurled with great force hitting James O'Neil, a laborer, on the upper thigh near the hop. He sufferd "intense pain" but no broken bones. Three men carried him down and a carriage was ordered to take him home at 16 York street, Brooklyn.

    The incident was reported in the Report of the Chief Engineer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge - James O'Neil was injured by a plank which was thrown against him by a falling rope. The accident was the only one that happened while the rope wires were being pulled out over the bridge.

    As a cable was about to be lifted from the river to the tower strain caused it to leap out of its grove. It struck a portion of the timber famework and sent a heavy plank flying. The plank hit James O'Neil, struck him in the hip and knocked him senseless. It was a miracle that he was not thrown from the tower to the river. He was carried down from the tower by fellow workmen. After an examination by a physician he was sent home in a carriage. His condition the next day was said to be serious, with swelling in the groin and limb, inflamation having set in. He was one of the most skilled laborers employed at the Bridge and was "universally liked" by his fellow workers and the engineers on site. A rigger by trade, he was one of the men who cut the lashings on the cables. (Brooklyn Daily Union September 15, 1876) In February 1877 the Chief Engineer Farrington spoke to a reporter about the men he most trusted on bridge. He mentioned William Gardner as an experienced rigger.

28. Henry "Lipple", foreman - injured or died June 15, 1878

    Henry Lipple 15 June 1878 foreman of a gang, was holding a rope, was whirled up into the air, and thrown clear of the anchorage. His fall was broken by some wires. He fell head first on the stones.

    I believe that this is a misprint of "Supple". See Harry Supple.

29. McGrath, James - 1878 - fall

    McGrath, James - in the 1878 accident

    James McGrath (18 Monroe street) was "caught about the feet by the flying wire-rope" and thrown backwards about 20 feet. An Assistant foreman on the New York side close to Cherry street. Thrown 20 feet and the soles of his shoes were torn off.

    Not listed in the 1883 report.

    1878: Treated and sent home June 15, New York Times - June 16 New York Times, reported that McGrath was doing very well and his early recovery was looked for.

    McGrath, James - very common in 1875

30. Arbuckle, William B. (or Peter) - injured June 15, 1878

    Arbuckel, William B. injured same day - 15 June 1878 - see also dead list

    Is this Peter Arberg listed below?

31. Arberg - Erberg/Arbig/Arburg/Raborg, Peter- injured in 1878

    Erberg/Arburg injured same day 15 June 1878

    Peter Raborg (Arbour)* (66 Columbia Place)

    There was an accident on the bridge June 15, 1878 when some hemp ropes and partially constructed cable broke and men went flying on the New York end of the bridge. A strand of No. 4 cable composed of about 400 wires and weighing about 49 tons released around noon and went crashing into the river sending af50 foot fountain of water into the air. It narrowly escaped hitting the ferry, the Farragut. One man was killed outright and another was so badly hurt he was expected to die. Henry Lipple the foreman of the gang handling the rope was thrown into the air. Wounded were: Thomas McGrath, William B. Arbuckle, and Peter Erbig.

    Also listed in another article were:

    1. Thomas Blake, cable maker, killed outright, struck down and his skull grushed by the shoe at the end of the strand

    2. Henry Supple, foreman of cable making, 63 Poplar street, struck on the head and shulder, supposed fatally, dragged off the anchorage and fell about 60 feet to the ground

    3. "Peter" Arbuckel

    4. And Thomas McGrath laborers in the yard at the foot of the anchorage.

    New York Tribune 1878 - Arbig, Peter, rigger, sever contusion to right thigh. He was standing beside Thomas Blake between the two blocks of the tackle "when the fall parted, and took a run with a noise like a burst of artillery, and the tackling caught me and dragged me fifteen or twenty feet." He did not remember what happened subsequently, except he was taken home in a doctor's carriage. He was a married with six children. Address given as 66 Columbia place Brooklyn.

    1878: June 16 New York Times reported Peter "Raborg" of 66 Columbia place, Brooklyn was visited by a doctor and was found to be doing well under the circumstances. His injuries were compared to those of a "inflicted by the concussion of air from a passing canon ball." There was no abrasion, no swelling of the injured area. Only two small pink lines to show where he had been hit. However, there was the most intense pain in the leg.

    1870: Arberg, Peter sailmaker h 35 Atlantic

    1872: Naturalization of Peter F Arberg, Brooklyn, October 9, rejected queen of Britain and Ireland.

    1875: Columbia Place, Brooklyn Ward 01, Kings, Peter "Arberay" 33, sail maker, born Scotland Ann Arberay 27, Ireland, Anna Arberay 10, Alice Arberay 6, Mary Arberay 4, Edward Arberay 2

    1876/1877/1881: Peter Arberg 66 Columbia pl Occupation: Laborer Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1876

    1878: New York Times - Peter "Raborg" was thrown and received a severe contusion of his right middle thigh. He was examined by the company doctor and sent home - 66 columbia place.

    1880: Atlantic street, (Columbia Place a very short street is just off Atlantic street) Peter "Arber" 40, Scotland, Ann Arber 36, Ireland, Ann A. Arber 15, Alice Arber 10, Mary Arber 8, Edward Arber 6, Ellen Arber 4, George Arber 2, Cathrene Arber 2m

    1904: Peter F. Arberg Age: 62 Birth Year: abt 1842 Death Date: 8 Feb 1904 Death Place: Kings, New York, USA Certificate Number: 2699

    Arberg/Arbuckle

    Arburg Arberg/Arbuckle, Peter - injuries in the June 1878 accident (1842-1904)

    Not listed in the 1883 report.

    1872: Peter F Arberg - Naturalized - Brooklyn - no occupation

    1876 to 1881: Peter Arberg, laborer 66 columbia

    1904: Kings #2699 Peter Francis Arberg, age 62, place of death, Long Island College Hospital, widowed, seaman, born Scotland, physician attended Jan 7 to Feb 8th, asthma, heart disease died January 8, 1904 buried Holy Cross.

    1904: Peter F Arberg Burial 1904 Event Place Brooklyn, Kings (Brooklyn), New York, United States of America Death Date 10 Feb 1904 Affiliate Record Identifier 166473409 Cemetery Holy Cross Cemetery - LDS

    1904: Find a Grave: Brooklyn Kings County (Brooklyn) New York, USA Plot: St. Anne, System: CEM, Section: ANNN, Row: A, Plot: 85 GPS (lat/lon): 40.64654, -73.93475

    1883: 1883 Brooklyn Daily Union report. Not listed.

32. John McGarron - injured on September 10 1878

    September 11, 1878 Brooklyn Eagle reported the injury of John McGarron when a guy rope he was holding "parted" and he was thrown from the top of the anchorage and fell 20 feet. He received a contusion of the right hip, a scalp wound and at the back of his head and his shoulder was "severely bruised". He was taken home to 57 Main street by a group of his fellow workers.

    John McGarran, "a laborer, thrown from wall of the approach on York Street, September 10, last, and disabled from work, having a family dependent upon him and entirely destitute" $100 to be paid to McGarran. Report of the Committee Appointed by the Board of Trustees: December 2, 1878

    Report of the Treasurer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge - donation to John McGarran Dec 3, 1878, $25, Dec 21 1878 $25 and Feb 28, 1879 $25

33. George W. Stuart - injured in July 1879 - (c 1834 - 1923)

    1870: Green Point, Brooklyn, multi family, George "Stewart" 38, house carpenter, born Maine, Lavinia Stewart 29, born New Brunswick, Minnie Stewart 9, born Mass. Hubert Stewart 2, boen NY

    1875: Brooklyn Ward 7, Kalb ave., two family frame, George W "Stuart" 42, carpenter born Maine, Louisa Stuart 34, born Nova Scotia, Minnie E Stuart 13, born Mass., Hubert Stuart 7, born Kings

    1878: George Stuart 362 Clason av Carpenter Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1878

    October 13 1879 - to G. W. Stuart, carpenter, thrown from the scaffolding in "July" last and severely injured, breaking several bones, and producing paralysis of one of his arms $250

    To G. W. Stuart in 1879 $25.

    1879: October 14, Brooklyn Eagle reported the trustees of the bridge awarded $250. "G. W. Stewart" was badly injured in July by a fall from one of the arche centers on the New York anchorage. He broke his shoulder, collar bone and breast bone as well as suffering other injuries and his arm was paralyzed.

    1880: Sanford street, Brooklyn George W. Stuart 46, carpenter, disabled, fall, born Maine, parents born Scotland, Lavinia Stuart 46, born Mass., Minnie Stuart 19, pattern folder, born Mass. Hubert Stuart 12, cash boy, born NY, Frank Stuart 4, born NY Dewitt Stuart 1 born NY

    1881: George W Stuart 218 Sandford Carpenter Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1881

    1883: Death of Lavinia C Stuart age 42, Kings #3514 April 2

    Marriage 2 of George Stuart: Kings Nov 9, 1884, #3552 to Louisa Hadley

    1900: Queens Ward, 4, George Stuart 67, born Maine, parents born Scotland, collector insurance, Louise Stuart 66, 6 children 6 living, Thomas Stuart 22, born NY, insurance agent

    1910: Queens, Cedar Ave., George W Stuart 76, born Maine, parents born Scotland, 2nd marriage, Own income, own house, Louisa Stuart 75, born New York, second marriage 5 children 2 living

    1915: Cedar Ave., Queens, George W and Louse Stuart both 81

    1916: Mrs Louisa Stuart wife of George Stuart died of old age at her home 141 Cedar Ave., Richmond Hill. She was survived by her husband, two daughters, Mrs. Jennie Behler and Mrs. Mary Kirkpatrick and three stepsons, Herbert, Frank and De Witt Stuart and a stepdaughter, Mrs. Minnie Payne. Funeral service St John Lutheran church. Buried Maple Grove.

    1920: Nostrand ave, Brooklyn, Bernard Green 70 Hanner Green 60 Jacob Green 22 Joseph Green 18 George Stuart 86, boarder, born Maine, parents born Scotland, widow, occupation none

    1923: Died - March 27, 1923 Stuart George W in his 89th year at Hamilton Sanitarium.

    Thomas Dewitt Stuart SSN: 577183486 Birth Date: 12 Mar 1879 Birth Place: Brooklyn, New York Father: George W Stuart Mother: Lavinia C Bigelow Type of Claim: Original SSN. Notes: Oct 1937: Name listed as THOMAS DEWITT STUART

    Herbert Stuart was also a carpenter. He married and had a family. He was listed in the 1900, 1905, 1910 and 1920 censuses.

    1905: Brooklyn, Evergreen ave., Herbert Stuart 36, carpenter, Elizabeth Stuart 27, wife, L Lillian Stuart 8, W George Stuart 5, D Thomas Stuart 26, brother, driver

34. David Parent - injured in July 1879

    October 15 1879 - to David Parents, a carpenter, who was injured in July last and his leg broken, by having a piece of timber thrown against it by one of the cars of the Bridge, in Cherry street, New York and who has been unable to work since, the sum of $100.

    1860: New York, David Parent 36, ship carpenter, Mary Parent 33, Mary A Parent 11, Catherine A Parent 6

    1865: Kings David Parent 43, ship carpenter, Mary M Parent 38, Mary A Parent 17, Catherine A Parent 11, Hattie Parent 0

    1879: Brooklyn Eagle reported on October 14, 1879 that the trustees of the bridge awarded $100 to David Parent who was injured in July.

    1879: October 14, Brooklyn Eagle reported the trustees of the bridge awarded $100 to David "Parrent" whose "leg was broken by one of the cars on the bridge.

    1880: Brooklyn, David Parent 56, carpenter, Mary Parent 54, wife, Catherine Parent 25, daughter, Hattie Parent 15, daughter

    1892: Brooklyn, Parent, David carpenter, age 68, Mary age 64, Mary M. age 38, Hattie A age 27

    1893: Death of David Parent: David Parent Death Date: 15 Jul 1893 Cemetery: Cedar Grove Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Flushing, Queens County, New York, USA

35. Silas Copeland - injured 1879

    1875: Ward 4, Jay Street Brooklyn - multi family frame, - Silas Copeland 42, born Conn., rigger, Mary Copeland 33, wife, born Ireland, John J Copeland 11, born New York, Johanah Copeland 8, born Kings, Elizabeth Copeland 0 James "Gavitt" 23, brother in law, born New York, laborer

    1876: Silas Copeland 214 Jay T Occupation: Fireman Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1876

    1878: Birth, Copeland, Male 16 Dec 1878 Brooklyn, Kings Father's Name Silas Copeland Mother's Name Mary "Gabbett"

    1879: May 31, 1879 $25 to S. Copeland injured, for temporary relieve for the family.

    S. Copeland $25

    1887: 133 Adelphi, silas copeland fireman

    1888/89: Mary Copeland, widow Silas Location 2: 133 Adelphi Year: 1888, 1889 City: Brooklyn State: NY

    Silas Copeland Not listed YNYC Death index

    1900: 196 Adelphi street, Copeland, Mary head, born May 1844, age 56, married 30 years, 3 children 3 living, born Ireland, imm 1854, dressmaker, Elizabeth daughter age 25,clerk dry goods, Harriet daughter age 23, dressmaker, Francis son age 21, ferry ticket agent, mother born Ireland father born Connecticut, and a boarder, Mary Riley age 70 landlady

    1905: 311 Adelphi street, Mary Copeland 60, head, Francis Copeland 26, son, bookkeeper, Mary Murphey 32, daughter, saleswoman, Harriet Copeland 26, daughter, dressmaker, Mary Dickenson 70, lodger, William Palmer 34, lodger, Mary Palmer 30, lodger, Hellen Francher 29, lodger, Morris Francher 26, lodger

    1908: Death suddenly, on October 16, Francis J. beloved son of Mary J. Copeland 311 Adelphi st and the late Silas Copeland

    1936: Elizabeth Innes Death 03 Nov 1936 Brooklyn, Kings, 1618 Atlantis Avenue Brooklyn Gender Female Age 59 Widowed Occupation Housework Birth Year (Estimated) 1877 Birthplace United States Burial Date 05 Nov 1936 Cemetery Woodlawn Cemetery Father's Name Silas Copeland Father's Birthplace United States Mother's Name Mary "Gabbett" Mother's Birthplace Ireland Spouse's Name Andrew J. Innes (familysearch.org)

36. John Boyle, rigger - injured in 1879

    1879 January - On December 19, John Boyle, a rigger on the Brooklyn tower, suffered a fit and to the "floor" frothing at the mouth and gnashing his teeth. He moved about convulsively and was in danger of falling 200 feet off the parapet when fellow workers came to his aid. Six men carried him with some difficulty along the foot bridge to the Brooklyn anchorage. His illness was attributed to pulmonary problems. He was taken to city hospital where he recovered. The story was retold in the January 5, 1879: Sunday Eagle.

    December 20, 1878 John Boyde, a rigger on the bridge, suffered from convulsions while carrying clamps from the toolhouse on the tower. Six men carried him down from the tower to the anchorage. One of the workmen stated that recently Boyle had not been well. He had apparently been taken some herbal medicine. The doctor who saw him at the anchorage though Boyle had been taking some narcotic medicine. They took him to 276 Front street, but it turned out it was not his address. His address was 176 Front street where Boyde lived with his sister Mrs. McDonald. Boyde was staken to the hospital where he was in "very critical condition". Boyde was not married and until his employment on the bridge he had been at sea.

    National Police Gazette: John Boyle John Boyle, a rigger employed in wrapping the cables of the East River Bridge, was seized with a fit on the Brooklyn tower. He was assisted by his companions and carried off the bridge and taken to City Hospital.It was stated that he had taken some Indian herbal medicine in an attempt to cure his rheumatism.

37. Peter Cullen, laborer - injured in 1879

    Peter Cullen, a laborer, who was severely injured by the falling of a brick on his skull from the first arch of the New York approach, while engaged on the work there" October 27, 1879

38. John Conway, 1879

    1879 John Conway a rigger age 40, was employed as a wrapper up to December 25, when he went on a spree. He came to work the following morning appearing to be sober. Up on the tower, however, he appeared intoxicated. He produced a bottle of whiskey from his pocket and took a good swig, then offered it around. The other men refused but Conway continued to drink. He began to dance around "like a madman". Four of his companions tried to calm him down. In addition to their concern for Conway they felt in danger for their own lives. A scuffle ensued. Conway was bound up in a canvas. A rope was tied around him and he was lowered to the ground. He was fired.

    The men working on the bridge were strictly forbidden to drink on the job.

39. Edward (or Henry) Hansen, rigger, Norwegian - injured in 1880 - sued the Brooklyn Bridge commission

    Edward Hansen - January 24, 1880 a rigger while engaged in taking down a trestle near Vanderwater street, New York was struck by a timber.

    Another version - Edward "Hassen" of 3 Harrison court Brooklyn, a workman on the bridge, fell from a trestle on the New York side 20 to the ground and broke both legs. January 25, 1880.

    A suit was brought to the Supreme Court in 1880 by Edward Hansan against the trustees of the bridge for injuries he sufferd when he fell from a scaffolding being taken down by a "gang" of which he was a member. "A fellow rigger struck loose the piece of scaffolding Hansen was standing on." The Trustees defence was that the negligence was caused by a fellow employee not by the Bridge Commission.

    "That on or about the 24th day of January, l880, the plaintiff, by and through the negligence and carelessness of the defendants, their servants and agents, while in the employment and service of the defendants, and while engaged as a rigger in taking down the trestle work built up against the wall of the approach to the anchorage of the bridge, then being and about to be erected by the defendants, at or near Vandewater street, in the City of New York, was struck by a timber, while the said timber was being negligently and carelessly removed from said trestle work by the defendants, and was thrown down a distance of about thirty feet from said trestle work, with great violence, to and upon the ground, whereby both legs of the plaintiff were broken, and the back of plaintiff greatly injured, and his body greatly bruised, injured and maimed, so that he was confined to his bed and house until the second day of April, 1880, and is still suffering from said injuries, and that by reason of said injuries so negligently and carelessly caused by the defendants as aforesaid, he is and will be permanently incapacitated from following his business as a rigger before mentioned, and is and will be permanently incapacitated from doing manual labor, and in supporting himself through life, by reason of all of which he has sustained damages to the amount of ten thousand dollars."

    Edward Hansen was born in Norway, age 23 in 1880, had been in the US for 6 or 7 years, US citizen, employed at the Brooklyn Bridge since October 1879, before that employment he was a sailor since he was 12 years old - he was injured in the morning of Saturday January 24, 1880.

    See Supreme Court for trail testimony.

    "Edward Hansen, the plaintiff in this action; he was brought to the hospital in the month of January; on the 24th of January, about three o'clock in the afternoon, I made an examination of him; he was suffering from a simple fracture of both bones of both legs, and from general contusions; both tibula and fibula of each side were fractured; these are the bones in this part of the leg (illustrating); the bones of the leg proper, both of the bones below the knee, between the knee and foot; these were fractured, on both sides; the ankles of both legs were not dislocated; the ankle of me leg was partially dislocated, owing to the rupture of one of the ligaments; he had Potts fracture on one side; I don't remember the other ankle; unless I am mistaken there was no injury to the ankle proper; he was suffering bodily pain at that time; the bones of the leg had been set before, but I set them permanently after; he remained in the hospital between two and three months when he was finally discharged; I should judge these injuries would be permanent in their effect and incapacitate him from labor - not very heavy manual labor, but from labor necessitating his - using his lower limbs constantly; it would interfere with labor requiring his climbing." Testimony of Alex M Fisher physician (Supreme Court By W. S. Bennett)

    In May of 1882 Hansen was awarded $5,000.

    VERDICT AGAINS THE BRIDGE. - On January 24, 1880 "Henry" Hansen, a rigger, was assisting with the removal of some trestle-work. A foreman order the work cut at the opposite end of the trestle. Henry Hansen was thrown to the ground and both legs were borken. He sued the trustees of the Bridge for $10,000 and was awarded $5,000.

40. Joseph Smith rigger - fell 65 feet from anchorage in 1881

    Joseph Smith, a rigger, was on the Brooklyn Anchorage when he fell 65 feet to Dock and Front streets. He suffered only severe shock and minor bruises. The accident occurred while several men were hoisting a beam which weighed 2 tons. Smith was holding one of the guy ropes, when the beam fell. Smith held onto the guy rope which was swung out 30 or 40 feet when he lost his grip and fell. Smith who lived at the corner of Hudson Avene and Johnson street was taken home after the doctor had examined him. He was expected to resume work in a few days. The accident occured about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. 20 December 1881

    MIRACULOUS: Suffered nothing more that some bruises and shock after 65 feet fall. It was expected he would be able to resume work in a "couple of weeks". BDE - December 20, 1881

    NY Times:

    HURLED OFF THE ANCHORAGE

    An accident occurred yesterday afternoon at the anchorage of the East River bridge, on the Brooklyn side, which may cost Joseph Smith, one of the workmen, his life, although his escape from instant death is regarded as almost miraculous. (NY Times)

    Joseph Smith was standing on top of the anchorage 65 feet above Front street holding a guy wire while fellow workers were hoisting one of the iron floor beams to be used for the roadway. When the beam was about half way up the derrick broke, snapping the wire which flung Joseph smith out horizontally from the bridge about 65 feet onto Front street. smith was "dreadfully bruised and torn, bud t did not lose consciousness". Smith was 36 years old and in "splendid physique". He was sure he would recover but the medical people expressed the opinion that death could ensue from "Shock." Smith was not even taken to a hospital, - the ambulance that was called took him home to Johnson street and Hudson.

    New York Times: December 20, 1881 HURLED OFF THE ANCHORAGE

    That Joseph Smith, age 36, escaped death was considered a miracle. Smith "was flung horizontally from the bridge about 35 feet" and then fell 65 feet to the ground on Front street. He was "dreadfully bruised and torn, but did not lose consciousness". He was examined by a physician who did not find any broken bones. He was taken home. New York Daily News December 20, 1881

    As reported in other papers he is quoted as saying he was hard to kill and was not dead yet.

41. Warden, William - March 15, 1883

    William Warden, 46 Leonard street, seriously injured March 15, 1883 on the bridge. He was thrown to the sidewalk when a joist broke. Jacob Muller was killed instantly in the same incident.

    March 15, "while hoisting a cornice in place on the iron work of the Sands street approach" two men were thrown to the ground a distance of 60 feet. "Jacob Muller" of 225 North 6th street died instantly. William Warden of 46 Leonard street was seriously injured. (BDE).

    His nose was cut off and he suffered other injuries.

    "it was rumored that the men were under the influence of liquor at the time of the accident." (BDE)

    The men were said to be employees of the iron contractor.

42. Peterson (or Andersen), Edward - fell - May 4, 1896

    Andersen - Petersen - a Swede - whatever. his name was Edward Peterson but a major story in the New York Herold called him Andersen. They got the address right.

    Edward Peterson, an employee of the Brooklyn Bridge since the construction had begun, slipped fell about 20 feet from the New York terminal to the promenade which was crowded with pedestrians. He had broken his left arm, left leg and fractured his skull. Peterson was married, age 40, address 210 Elton street, Brooklyn. He was not expected to live.

    Nine years before Peterson had tried to save a carpenter who had fallen on the train track of the bridge in front of an oncoming locomotive. He did not succeed. Both men were hit, the carpenter died and Peterson was sent flying. (Brooklyn Daily Eagle May 4, 1896)

    Mary 5, 1896:

    HE FELL BEFORE HORRIFIED THRONGS.

    Rigger on Brooklyn Bridge Injured by a Fall at New York

    Edward Andersen, veteran rigger, and, in point of service, the oldest employee of the New York and Brooklyn Bridge, fell from a height of thirty feet at the New York terminal yesterday and sustained fatal injuries.

    It was the rush hour in the morning. Hundreds of persons were passing within a few feet of Andersen and saw him strike the hard asphalt pavement. He was at work near the stairway which is the main New York exit. From where he was standing he could have shaken hands with a man on the footway.

    Andersen was a Swedish sailor. He left off climbing towering masts at sea to work at dizzy heights on land. He was as surefooted as a chamois. He was walking along a narrow ledge about five inches wide talking with a rigger of his own name, who was assisting him in the removal of some temporary scaffolding. He looked above at the clear sky, glanced at the throng which surged past him and hummed a Swedish song as he worked. He was a sturdy fellow, and he bore his 200 pounds as lightly as he did his forty years of age.

    HIS FOOT SLIPPED.

    The passengers on the walk saw him suddenly totter, throw up his hands and fall off the ledge upon the promenade below. His foot had slipped. He struck head first. It is thought that his skull is fractured. His right arm and left leg were broken. His blood dyed the walk. Those who were hurrying through the promenade turned their faces and ran. Men crowded to the edge of the rail, where the rigger lay writhing and bleeding. The police hurried the crowds form the platform.

    Policeman Dooley went to the injured man's assistance. Andersen raised his head, spoke to the policeman and became unconscious. The police cleared the women's waiting room and carried him in there. Matron McDonald attended him until the ar-rival of an ambulance. He was taken to the Brooklyn Hospital.

    Andersen is married and lives at No. 210 Elton street, Brooklyn.

    The workmen resumed their tasks on the Bridge, and fifteen minutes later another man was standing on the same perilous ledge, unconcernedly working and talking.

    1878: October 27, NY Sun - John and Charles Peterson were mentioned as a bridge workers in an investigation about a possible threat to blow up of the Brooklyn Bridge. Edward Peterson was not mentioned.

    The theory was that a mason had secretly placed dynamite and nitro-glycerine among the stones when the bridge was being built. John Parker or John Peterson were the suspended culprits.The article took a look at some of the masons who had worked on the building of the tower. No one named John Parker or John Peterson had been a mason on the bridge.

    • John Peterson, a rigger, had worked for the bridge for a short while "about the masonry, attending the derrick". He had worked after the first course of stones had been laid. He was a longshoreman in 1878 and had recently been seen by his former foreman Charles Young. See Charles Young.

    • Charles Peterson, a "tall fair haired and complexioned" "a blue-eyed young Swede" had worked for many years as a rigger on the masonry "attending the boom". He had worked on the Brooklyn tower "when it was being built at the surface" lowering the granite blocks and keeping the tackle in order. He was "lazy and careless" and was discharged in 1876. In 1878 he too was a longshoreman. He had been recently seen by William Lynch "one of the oldest hands on the bridge. Charles Peterson was described by Engineer McNulty as not being mentally capable of conceiving of or executing a plan to conceal dynamite in the masonry.

    The whole idea was denounced as untenable.

    NY Times: May 5, 1896 "Bridge Workman Seriously Injured" - Edward Peterson, foreman of the riggers on the New York Terminal of the Brooklyn Bridge missed his footing and fell head first about 30 feet from a cross section of iron beams to the pavement below. He fractured his skull and both legs. He was first taken to the Hudson Street Hospital and then moved, at his request, to the Brooklyn City Hospital. He was working with his brother, Carl. Edward Peterson was 38 years old, married, and lived at 210 Elton street, Brooklyn.

    HE SURVIVED THE FALL AND LIVED AT LEAST UNTIL 1930!!!!

    1900: 210 Elton street, Peterson, Edward, head March 1853, married 18 years, born Sweden, imm 1877, naturalized rigger, Augusta wife, age 37, born 1863, 0 children born Sweden, Grace age 5 adopted daughter, born New York Anna Mobay mother in law, widow, born 1844 Sweden

    1910: Brooklyn Schenectady ave., Edward Peterson 53, rigger, iron work, born Sweden, marriage 2, Louise Peterson 42, marriage 2, 3 years 1 child 0 living, born France

    1920: Same address, with Louise and father in law, Charles Rigoulot age 83 widowed, No occupation

    1925: Same address, Age 70, retired with Louise.

    1930: Park Place Edward Peterson 75, Sweden, Louise Peterson 62, France, Alexander Thompson 35, lodger

Bridge Workers

In August 1876 wire ropes were pulled from the Brooklyn to the Manhattan side. The ropes were made of twisted steel strands and were about three-quarters of an inch thick and more than a thousand feet long. The rope was attached to a hemp rope which pulled the wire rope up the Brooklyn tower. The other end of the rope was towed by scow to the Manhattan side, the wire sinking to the bottom of the river. After a long delay before the river was clear of traffic and no boats were about to pass the wire was pulled up on the Manhattan tower. The first wire was left hanging across the river about two hundred feet above the water. This was repeated with a second rope. The two ropes were spliced to form a "traveler". Brooklyn and Manhattan were joined!! Master Mechanic E. F. Farrington 60 yeas old, was the first person who crossed the river. He started across from Brooklyn to Manhattan about 22 minutes after one o'clock on August 25 in a boatswains' chair. There are multiple images of this crossing on line.

A second traveler was set up and the two travelers were used to bring more and more wires from one side of the river to the other. Next a wooden foot bridge was built from tower to tower.

More ropes were lashed to the traveler and moved along from one side to the other. The lashing had to be cut loose by hand with a knife. This was done by riggers sitting in a boatswains chair (little more than a swing on a hook). There were four men cutting the lashings On August 26, 1876. One man started from the top of each tower going towards the anchorage and one man form the top of the tower going towards the middle of the river. Cohne (Korner) started first going from the Booklyn tower towards the anchorage. Henry (Harry) Supple accomplished this with great flair but others got hung up as they tired to move along the ropes. In addition to Henry Supple who died in an accident in 1878 (see above) several riggers were named in the Chief's report on the bridge: William Kohrner (Cohne), a German, Patrick Timbs, an Englishman, Thomas Carroll an Englishman, on the first rope and William Miller, Frederick Arnold, James O'Neil (see James O'Neil under the injured) and E. F. Farrington on the second rope.

Riggers Harry Supple, William Kohrner, Frederick Arnold, James O'Neill, William Miller, Patrick Timbs and Thomas Carrol were all sailors who had never done rigging quite like bringing the cables across the Brooklyn Bridge towers.

In 1883 it was stated that the daily wage of a rigger was $2.00 to $2.50.The were paid less than stone cutters, masons and carpenters who made a dollar a day morre.

1. Cohne (Kohrner/Korner), William - a German, rigger 1876 (c 1839-1898)

   Spelled: Cohne in the Report of the Chief Engineer and in the newspaper reports of the unlashing of the cables - "Kohrne" by McCollough and in the news report in the Brooklyn Union August 26, 1876 - Koenhner in a Brooklyn Eagle article about the riggers cutting the lashings.

   1875: Brooklyn Ward 2, Sands Street, 4 family frame house, William Cohne 36, rigger born Germany, Hannah Cohne 35, wife, born Brooklyn, Hortense Hura 50, mother in law, born New Jersey, seamstress

   1876: Brooklyn Union - William Kohrner, a rigger, in the employ of the bridge was one of the men to cut the lashings with sceath knife.

   1880: Brooklyn, 68 Prospect street, William Cohn 40, rigger born Oldenburg, "Augusta" Cohn 40, born New York, father born Conn, mother born NJ, "Angela" Hurt 60, mother in law, born N J, father born Italy, mother born NY and a boarder.

   1881-1889: William Cohne 68 Prospect Occupation: Rigger Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1889

   In August 1876 Willam Cohne was in one of the first group of riggers cutting the lashings as the wires were drawn across the bridge. The feat of riding in a boatswains's chair along the travler rope and cutting the lashings, which held the new wire to the travler, was watched by hundred of spectators on the ground. The press extensively covered the activities. Some of the riggers, like Harry Supple, became momentary heros and the crowds watched with awe and anticipation as the men made their way across the wire, dangling high in the air. William Cohne was portrayed as portly and slow - taking much longer than the other riggers to cut the lashings. In the news papers his name was spelled with such a large number of variations one cannot help but wonder if this did not reflect an anti German sentiment.

   "Korner" was observed by a reporter through a telescope - "his progress was slow and laborious, and from the expression on his face was evidently hard work." He was suspended 200 feet in the air sitting on a board without being lashed into the seat. (August 26, 1876 Brooklyn Deaily Eagle)

   1898: Died William A. Cohne formerly of 125 Adams ave Brooklyn, Nov. 16, 1898.

   Cohne, William A. age 60, November 15, 1898 Manhattan #32137

2. Patrick Timbs, rigger 1876, bridge builder, (c 1834-1879)

   Said by McCollugh to have been lithe and powerfully built and an Englishman. (Note: He was born in Ireland.)

   One of the riggers who cut the lashes from the cables as the wires were pulled across.

   1870: Niagara Falls, Niagara, New York Patrick Timbs 30, carpenter born New York Mary Timbs 23, born Ireland, George Timbs 4, Ressella Timbs 1, James Parkerson 16, Thomas Parkerson 13

   1875: Niagara, Niagara, New York, USA, single frame one family, Patrick Timbs 40, born Ireland, carpenter, Mary Timbs 27, born Ireland, George Timbs 9, born Canada, Rosell Timbs 6, born Niagara, Patrick Timbs 4, born Niagara, Wm Timbs 2, born Niagara, Nora A Timbs 0, born Niagara

   August 27, 1876: Harry Supple, Patrick Timbs, Thomas Carroll, and William Cohne were assigned to cut the lashes on the cable strung between Manhattan and Brooklyn.

   Brooklyn Union Aug 27, 1876 - Patrick Timbs, "bridge builder" was one of the men who cut the lashings.

   By 1875. according to his sworn testimony, Patrick Timbs had been living in Niagara for 10 or 11 years.

   Lockport NY, December 11, 1879 - Patrick Timbs was injured at the Second street bridge and died of his injuries. He was a well known master mechanic and bridge builder. He was involved with the construction of a suspension bridge in Lockport and had been employed for one season on the New York & Brooklyn Bridge. He had been struck by a falling boom which tore two ribs from the spine and punctured his lung. He was in terrible pain and unable to eat. The immediate case of death was peritonitis. He was 42 years old and left a wife and six children.

   1880: Niagara, Mary Timbs 30, widow, born Ireland, George Timbs 14, born Canada, Rosa Timbs 11, Michael Timbs 9, William Timbs 7, Mary Timbs 4, Terressa Timbs 3, Florance Timbs 2m

   1880: Patrick Timbes Gender: Male Race: White, Carpenter, Marital Status: Married Estimated birth year: abt 1836 Birth Place: Ireland Age: 44 Death Date: Jan 1880 Cause of Death: Killed By Falling Timlur Census Year: 1880 Census Place: Newfane, Niagara, New York, USA Enumeration District: 185 LINE: 1

   1882: Probate, Mary Frances Timbs town of Niagara, last will and testament of Patrick Timbs deceased late of Niagara.

   Mary Timbs was listed as the wide of Patrick in the Lockport Niagara directories.

   1892: Mary was listed in Niagara under Tims, age 40 born Ireland. Rose age 21, Michael age 20 photographer, William 18 papermaker, Mary 16, Frances 15, and Florance 11

   Find a Grave: Patrick Timbs Birth Place: County Westmeath, Ireland Death Date: 8 Dec 1879 Cemetery: Saint Mary's and Sacred Heart Cemetery Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York, USA Spouse: Mary F. Timbs Children: Mary Timbs Agnes Timbs Esther Timbs Mile P. Timbs (1872-1901) William Timbs (1875-1919) Theresa Timbs (Mooney) 1878-1943 Mary Timbs (1878-1914)] Florence Timbs Schleider (1880-1903)

   "DIED Patrick Timbs, the contractor who was injured last Tuesday while engaged in superintending the construction of the new Iron bridge across the hydraulic canal at Second st."

3. Carroll, Thomas rigger 1876 (1833-??)

   Said by McCullough to have been a "huge, portly man" - "well over 200 pounds". McCullough also depicted Carroll as an Englishman, not very competent, running into trouble on the wire, having difficulty cutting the lashings and needing to be rescued by other riggers. Thomas Carrol was born in Ireland.

   Brooklyn Union Aug 27, 1876 - Thomas Carroll, wire worker, was one of the men who cut the lashings.

   Multiple news articles tell the story of Thomas Carroll getting stuck midway out over the river.

   The Scientific American August 4, 1877 Thomas Carroll was descried as a "portly" Englishman who fought in the Crimean War and helped lay the Atlantic cable. (Art of the Brooklyn Bridge by Richard Haw)

   1855: Manhattan, Ward 7, 9 family brick, Carroll, Thomas, 25, seaman, Ann, 25 wife, both born Ireland, Francis "son", 10 months born New York

   1870: 20th Ward Brooklyn Thomas Carroll 39, rigger, born Ireland, Ann Carroll 40, born Ireland, Francis S Carroll 15 Thomas Carroll 9 John J Carroll 7 Henry Carroll 4 George Carroll 1, children born New York

   1872: Thomas Carroll Residence Year: 1873 Street address: 2 Flushing av Residence Place: Brooklyn, New York, USA Occupation: Rigger

   1874: Thomas Carroll 1874 Street address: 14 Flushing av Residence Place: Brooklyn, New York, USA Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1874

   1875: 11th Ward, Brick 4 family, 12 Flushing ave. Carroll, Thomas, age 42, rigger, born Ireland, Ann age 42, wife, born Ireland, Frances "daughter", age 20 born New York, book folder, Thomas son age 14, John son age 12, Henry age 9 born Kings co, George 6 born Kings, William 4 and James 1 year and 2 months

   1876/1877: Thomas Carroll rigger h 12 Flushing ave.

   1878: Thomas Carroll Residence Year: 1878 Street address: 12 Flushing av Residence Place: Brooklyn, New York, USA Occupation: Boatman Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1878

   1879: BDE - In May 1879 Thomas Carroll swore that he was employed for eight year on the New York and Brooklyn Bridge. Before that he had worked on the Cincinnati and Covington and other bridges. On the Brooklyn bridge he had to supervise the setting of between eleven and twelve hundred suspender ropes into their sockets.

4. Miller, William - rigger 1876

   Listed by David McCollough in the Great Bridge. He said that on Monday (August 27, 1876) William Miller went from the New York Tower to the New York anchorage cutting lashes in seven and a half minutes - faster than Harry Supple who had made the run in 10 minutes.

   The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of 29, August 1876 - Another wire crosses - the last section of the second working rope - CUTTING THE LASHINGS - Mr. E. A. Farrington, Fred Arnold, James O'Neil, and William Miller between the New York tower and the anchorage.

   In February 1877 the Chief Engineer Farrington spoke to a reporter about the men he most trusted on bridge. He mentioned William Miller as an experienced rigger.

   There are 40 William Millers listed in the 1876 Brooklyn Directory. None of them is listed as a rigger.

   Miller and O'Neil went off from the New York Tower on August 29. Each man had a 150 foot rope attached to him to prevent them from going down too fast on the steep incline at the start.

5. Burwick/Berwick, Robert Rooke (c 1830-1904) - foreman 1877 -

   Robert Berwick was listed as a foreman at death of Neil Mullen in 1877. The Brooklyn Eagle reported that "Robert" Berwick the "boss mason" had three men putting finishing touches on one of the upper arches about 20 feet from the ground. Suddenly he saw a crack in the arch. He ordered his men to get down. They had barely reached safety when the arch fell. Unfortunately, Neil Mullen had not heard the order and was buried under a pile of masonry. See Mullen above.

   Beriwck was questioned about the work he had been supervising. He stated that the arch was all but completeted when it fell. There had not been any problems with a dozen or so other arches that had been built. Robert bErwich stood and watcched the tower for a hour after the accident. When he determined there was no further danger he went to inspect.

   Robert Berwick was born in Ireland according to his naturalization papers March 27, 1863 in the Superior Court in Norwalk, Connecticut. 1855: 4th Ward, 4 family frame, Buricke Robert R, age 25 born England mason, Ann E Burwick wife born NY. Julia child age 2 born West chester, Julia M Alington, age 54, mother, born Rockland Co, Samuel M Alington, child age 16

   1860: Norwalk, Fairfield, Connecticut, Robert R Berwick 29, butcher, born England, $150, Elizabeth Berwick 25 Julia R Berwick 7 Carrie Berwick 5 Henry C Berwick 2 Mary E Berwick 1

   1870: Norwalk, Fairfield, Connecticut Robert R Berrick 39, inspecter sewers, born England, $400, Lizza Berrick 36, Julia Berrick 17, Carrie Berrick 15, Mary Berrick 12, Nettie Berrick 8, Clara Berrick 5

   1871: Robert R Berwick Van Brunt c Vandyke Occupation: Bricklayer Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1871

   1880: Norwalk, Fairfield, Connecticut, Robert R. Berwick 49, brick mason, born England, Elizabeth Berwick 46, Carry A. Berwick 23, born NY Mary E. Beriwkc 20, Bron NY, Helen V. Berwick 18, born Conn, Claria L. Berwick 15, Julia M. Arlington 79, mother in law, Samuel M. Arlington 40, brother in law, tin smith

   1900: Superior Ward 1, Douglas, Wisconsin Edward B Banks 47, born Conn., civil engineer, Julia R Banks 46, born NY, Clarence B Banks 21, Marion L Banks 20, Edward J Banks 18, Clara S Banks 10, Robert R Berwick 70, father in law, widowed, born England, mason, immigrated 1850, Grace Anderson 17, servant

   1904: Robert Berwick Death Date 23 Oct 1904 Death Place Douglas, Wisconsin, USA Volume 02 Page number 0388 Reel 022 Image 1914 Sequence Number 026370, Wisconsin Deaths

6. McNulty, George - engineer in charge at time of the death of Neil Mullen in December 1877 - born circa 1852 died 1924

   George McNulty was an assistant engineer and supervised the building of the anchorages in Brooklyn and New York.

   He was only 21 when he started working on the bridge. He had not real bridge building experience. He was born in New York and graduated from the University of Virginia.

   1870: Brooklyn, Isaac Mcnulty 44, disteller, born Pa., Sarah Mcnulty 36, born New Jersey, John Mcnulty 19 George Mcnulty 16, born New Jersey, Joseph Mcnulty 13 Sadie Mcnulty 12 Eliz Somerville 19, housekeeper

   1870: Isaac McNulty 22 Sands Rectifier, Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1870

   1873: Isaac McNulty 26 Sands Occupation: Distiller Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1873

   1879: George W McNulty 26 Sands Engineer Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1879

   1879:

   In June, 1879, under the direction of Major George W. McNulty, M. Am. Soc. C. E., Mr. Brinckerhoff designed and inspected the construction of the iron street bridges in the Brooklyn approach of the East River Bridge - The first bridge across the East River, now officially known as "The Brooklyn Bridge." (Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Volume 66)

   1880: Isaac McNulty 26 Sands Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1880

   1880: George Washington McNulty, Major and Engineer, with rank from August. 17, 1880. (State Department of New york

   1882: George W McNulty 139 Henry Civil Engineer Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1882

   1885: Inspector of Rifle Practice Major George Washington McNulty (New York State)

   1885: George W McNulty 139 Henry Occupation: Engineer Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1885

   1890: Major George W. McNulty is Engineer of Construction of the new cable road and plant of the Broadway Railroad in New York.

   1893: New York Times - A cable car system which moved steel cables under the road surface fromm Bowling Green to 36th street was designed by George W. McNulty, engine.

   1894: Major George W. McNulty, under whose direction as chief engineer of the Metropolitan Traction Company, the Broadway Cable Railway was built, has resigned form that office and will be located at 45 Broadway, New York. (The Street Railway Journal, Volume 10, Part 1)

   1900: George Washington Mcnulty married Florence Cecilia Moutarn 27 Sep 1900 Manhattan, New York, New York Father's Name Isaac Mcnulty Mother's Name Sarah Stillwell Spouse's Father's Name George Moutarn Spouse's Mother's Name ... Moutarn

   1910: Manhattan, George W Mcnulty Head M 58 New York, civil engineer, Florence C Mcnulty Wife F 40 New York, Florence Mcnulty Daughter F 13 New York, George W Mcnulty Jr. Son M 6 New York, Washington R Mcnulty Son M 3 New York, Jennie Orr Servant F 39 Ireland, Hannah Norton Servant F 18 Ireland, 1920: George Mcnulty Head M 68 New York, born NY parents born Pa. civil engineer, Florence Mcnulty Wife F 48 New York, Florence Mcnulty Daughter F 23 New York, George Mcnulty Son M 16 New York, Washington Mcnulty Son M 13 New York

   McCullough says Washington NcNulty was named in honor of Washington Roebling.

   1924: Death - George W. McNulty was buried in Greenwood Cemetery 1924-04-22 lot 21725 section 147. Other McNultys in this grave: Isaac died 1897, Jennie May 1965, Joseph Gaskell 1949, Margaret 1927 and Sarah C 1921

   NcNulty George W age 72, April 19, 1924, Manhattan cert #11164

   Maj George Washington McNulty Death Date: 20 Apr 1924 Cemetery: Green-Wood Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, USA

   George W. Mcnulty Death 19 Apr 1924 N. 741 Riverside Drive N.Y.C. Gender Male Age 72 Married White Occupation Car Engineer Birth Year (Estimated) 1852 Birthplace United States Burial Date 22 Apr 1924 Cemetery Greenwood Cem Father's Name Isaac Mcnulty Father's Birthplace United States Mother's Name Laura C. Stillwell Mother's Birthplace United States Spouse's Name Florence Mcnulty

   GEORGE W. McNULTY DEAD. Was Assistant to Roebling in Building Brooklyn Bridge. George W. McNulty of 330 West Eighty Street, a civil engineer, died at the Polyclinic Hospital.(NY Times)

   George W McNulty designed the Brooklyn station of the Brooklyn Bridge.

   "McNULTY, George W., 1851 Civil Engineer. Final Year, 1868. George Washington McNulty, of New York City, is a native of the city, born September 6, 1851, son of Isaac and Sarah Cornelia (Stillwell) McNulty. He is of mingled Scotch-Irish and English ancestry. His paternal ancestor settled in Pennsylvania about 1738, and his maternal ancestors served with Cromwell, and came to America after the destruction of the monarchy under Charles II. Descendants of these parental stocks fought in the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War. War of 1812, and in the Civil War.

   George W. McNulty was educated in the Freehold Institute, at Freehold, New Jersey, and at the New York Polytechnic Institute. In 1867 and 1868 he was a student of Civil Engineering in the University of Virginia. He began his professional career as an employe of the Road Board of Essex County, New Jersey. In 1870 he became a member of the engineering staff of Colonel Washington A. Roebling, who succeeded his father, John A. Roebling, as Chief Engineer of the great East River Bridge, connecting New York City and Brooklyn. Major McNulty had been engaged in surveying until this time, but he was an enthusiastic student of all pertaining to engineering. To him was committed some very difficult branches of the bridge building work, and his success gained for him the unqualified approbation of his superiors and associates. He occupied his position until the completion of the Bridge in 1884, and from that time until 1890 was associated with L. L. Buck, Chief Engineer of the new East River Bridge, in bridge building work. He was Chief Engineer of the New York Metropolitan Street Railway Company from 18-- to 1895, when he became connected with the railway building firm of Naughton & Company, an association which is yet maintained, his duties having been in part in connection with the rapid transit subway construction in New York City. Major McNulty was during 1890 to 1891 a trustee of the Xew York and Brooklyn Bridge. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, which body lie has served in the capacity of director; and of the Engineer's Club, the New York Athletic Club, the Atlantic Yacht Club, the Democratic Club, Manhattan Club, and the Hardware Club. He was from 1880 to 1885 Engineer Officer, with the rank of Major, of the Fifth Brigade, New York National Guard.

   He married Miss Florence Moutarn, and two children have been born of their union, a daughter, Florence, and a son, George W., Jr. (University of Virginia: Its History, Influence, Equipment and ..., Volume 2)

7. Flaherty, Michael, foreman at death of Neil Mullen in December 1877

   1877: Brooklyn Daily Eagle February 5, 1878

   "The injury to the pier happened in this manner: In raising the stone, which weighed about two tons, to its place, originally, it was found not to be in its proper position, and it became necessary to raise it again from the pier, in order to reset it. In doing so it dragged along the top of the pier, carrying away tome of the brick. The stone was swung on a fall from the end of a derrick, which was from seven to ten feet short of the pier, and was raised on this occasion without the slack of the guy used to bring it to its place being taken in. Dragging in consequence, first in the manner mentioned, along the pier, it oscillated toward the boom as it fell off, and in its rebound came against the pier about two feet below the top, with a violent blow. As the pier, however, remained apparently firm in its place, no injury beyond the displacement of the few bricks was supposed by the workmen to have ensued, and no report of the blow was made to Mr. McNulty, the Engineer in charge.

   "The stone was raised from the pier, in thiis seemingly unskillful way, by reason of a misapprehension of the order given by the foreman engaged in resetting the stone, to the engineer who was running the two drums, one for the fall attached to the derrick, and the other to the guy used for the purpose of bringing the stone forward to its place. The order given by the foreman, Michael Flaherty, was to, "take it in," meaning to take'in the slack of the guy, which had been loosened when the stone was first lowered into place. The engineer, Edward S. Gutenez, understood the order to be to take up the stone, and accordingly put the strain on the foil of the derrick and not upon the guy." February 5, 1878 BDE

   1880: Michael O Flaherty 40, stone mason born Ireland, Margarat O Flaherty 40, born Ireland cannot read and write, William O Flaherty 14, born England, Daniel O Flaherty 12, born England, Annie O Flaherty 6, born NY James O Flaherty 8m, born NY

   1881: March 9, 1881

   An Employee of the Bridge company Charged with Abandoning his wife.

   The examination in the case of Michael Flaherty, a foreman in the employment of the Brooklyn Bridge Company, who was sued by his wife, Margaret Flaherty, for abandonment, was held this afternoon, before Justice Walsh. The complainant is a middle-aged respectable lookling woman, and is spoken of by her friends as hard working and industrious. She testified that she resided, at No. 140 Raymond street, with her four children, aged 14, 13 and 7 years, and 18 months, respectively, and that she had been abandoned by her husband in August last. During the past six weeks he had not given her and her children any support whatever. Up to within a few weeks she kept a little grocery and candy store, but the cares of her family obliged her to give it up. She had heard her husband say that his salary was $5 a day.

   The defendant admitted the abandonment but said that he had given his wife money from time to time for her support. Last May he had given her $100 and in August $47. He ademitted he had given her no money during the past six weeks. He refused to tell wheat his present address was; his present salary was forty cents and hour, and he generally worked ten hous each day.

   1882: July 20, A degree of seperation was granted in a limited divorce agreement between Michael Flaherty and his wife, Margaret. Michael was a well known contractor, a mason who done some "heavy jobs". He had worked on the East River Bridge. In 1882 he had a contract with the new Produce Exchange. He had married Margaret in England in 1845. They came to the States circa 1869 with their four children, three boys and a girl the eldest of which was 15 years old in 1882. Margaret alleged that starting about 1877 Michale beat and abused her and about 1880 had abandoned her. She said he rapped her on the top of the head with his knuckles so it would not leave a mark. He would hit her until she became unconscious. Michael, of course, denied all of this and claimed that Margaret had been treating HIM "cruelly and brutally" biting and scratching him and calling him foul names, destroying his wearing apparel. Life with her was unbearable. He wanted a seperation. Margaret was granted custody of the children.

   1883:

   Margaret Flaherty brought suit in the Supreme Court against her husband. Michael Flaherty, a stone-mason, residing in New York, for a limited divorce on the ground of inhuman treatment. The Court ordered him to pay her $9 a week alimony, which he has not done. This morning Mr. J. M. Pearsall on behalf of the wife applied to Justice Cullen in the Special Term of the Supreme Court for an order of arrest against the husband for contempt of court. The order was granted.

   1883: Friday May 11, The suit of Margaret Flaherty against her husband Michale continued in an attempt to punish Michale for comtempt of court. A degree of separation had been granted and Michael was ordered to pay alimony. He was $350 behind. He lived on 14th street, NYC. She lived on Henry street, Brooklyn.

   July 11, 1883: Micael Flaherty, a stone mason, was ordered to pay his estranged wife, Margaret, $9 per week in alimony. But he had not done that. An order was issued for his arrest for contempt of court.

   1883, August 15: The order of arrest was vacated as Michael Flahery was detained in jail for failure to pay alimony to his wife, "Mary". He wanted to appeal.

   1883: August 18, Michael Flaherty was in the Raymond street jail for non-payment of alimony in a suit brought by his wife "Mary". Michael did not possess and real or personal property to sequestrate.

8. Gutenez, Edward S. - engineer at death of Neil Mullen in December 1877

   Brooklyn Daily Eagle February 5, 1878

   "The engineer, Edward S. Gutenez, understood the order to be to take up the stone, and accordingly put the strain on the fall[?] of the derrick and not upon the guy."

   Gutenez is a name listed on Ancestry and familysearch.org but NOT in Brooklyn.

9. Lawrence, Alexander - Uninjured 1878 accident

   Alexander Lawrence, rigger, dumbfounded but uninjured in 1878 accident according to the New York Time, 15 June 1878.

   Riggers, Alexander Lawrence and John Brady, were stationed on the left side of the anchorage and were occupied with putting the stoppers or binding manila rope around the cables to hold them together when the cable snapped resulting in the death of harry Supple and Thomas Blake. Lawrence and Brady were left stunned, but uninjured.

   Can't find Alexander Lawrence, rigger as of December 2016.

10. Brady, John - rigger - Uninjured 1878 accident

    John Brady, rigger, dumbfounded but uninjured in 1878 accident according to the New York Times.

    See Alexander Lawrence.

    Very common name.

11. Farrington, Edward F. (Edmund F.) - Master Mechanic Uninjured 1878 accident

    Edward F Farrington was the master mechanic of the bridge.

    Sixty year old E. F. Farrington was the first person to cross from one side of the East River to the other via the Brooklyn Bridge when he famously made the crossing in a boatswains chair on the travler wire in August 1876. Lots of coverage and images on the Internet.

    1820: Brith Edmund Fisher Farrington 25 Oct 1820 Birth Place: Medway, Massachusetts Father Name: Asahel Farrington Mother Name: Henrietta

    1847: Edmond F . Farrington Spouse: Amelia Emma Smiley Marriage Date: 10 Feb 1847 City: Lowell County: Middlesex

    Children:

    1. FranK circa 1854

    2. Anne c 1860 Dutchess per 1875 census & 1880 census

    3. Jennie/Elizabeth circa 1870 per 1892 census In 1895 he was also said to have had two daughters

    1860: Poughkeepsie, Dutchess, New York Edmund P Farrington 39, carpenter, $175, Emma A Farrington 31 Frank D Farrington 6, Anna L Farrington 1, George D Farrington 1 month, Anna Coye 19, domestic

    1865: Dutchess Co. New York, single family frame $1000, Emma A Farrington 36, born Maine, married, Frank D Farrington 11, born Maine, Anne L Farrington 6, born Dutchess, Harriet A Davis 29, sister, married, born Maine

    1867: "A full and complete description of the Covington and Cincinnati suspension bridge - With dimensions and details of construction." 1867. by Edmond F Farrington.

    1869: Mr. E. F. Farrington, master builder of the Cincinnati and Covington suspension bridge was appointed to superintend the work on the Deleware Hancock bridge as Chief Engineer. It was another John A. Roebling bridge.

    1870: Poughkeepsie, Dutchess, Edw Farrington M 46 New York, carpenter, $400, Emma A Farrington F 42 New York, Frank Farrington M 16 New York, Annie Farrington F 9 New York

    1872: Listed as the master carpenter of the bridge.

    1877: At the death of Neil Mullen in December 1877 the New York Times reported that "Mr. Farrington, the master mechanic, refused to give an opinion last evening as to the cause of the accident."

    1878: Farrington thrown but uninjured in 1878 accident according to the New York Times.

    1874: A model of the bridge was set up by master carpenter, Mr. E. F. Farrington. He was sid to have experience from working on the Cincinnati bridge across the Ohio River. John a. Roebling was involved in the design and building of this bridge which was started in 1856 and finished in 1867. Renovations were done in in 1896.

    John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge

    1876/1877: Edm'd F Farrington 352 State Occupation: Bridge Builder Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1876

    1875: Brooklyn two family brick, "Edward" F Farrington, age 55, born Mass. bridge builder, Emily Farrington, 47 born Maine, Annie daughter age 16, Born Dutchess

    1880: Brooklyn, Waverly ave., single family, Edward Farrington 59, born Mass., "clerk in store", Emma Farrington 51, born in Maine, Annie Farrington 20

    1880 Death of Emily Farrington - October Mrs. E. F. Farrington, the wife of Mr. E. F. Farrington a member of the Washington ave. Baptist Church died. Emma A Farrington wife of E. F. Farrington, 409 Waverly place died.

    Emma A Farrington Age: 52 Birth Year: abt 1828 Death Date: 20 Oct 1880 Death Place: Kings, New York, USA Certificate Number: 10465

    1881: Edmond F Farrington 415 Waverly av Mechanic Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1881

    1881: Marriage - Farrington, "Edmund" F. August 31, 1881 #2144 Kings to Christina M Nichols.

    1881/1883: History of the building of the great bridge Author Edmond F. Farrington Publisher Mooney, 1881, Brooklyn, N. Y.

    1888: October 10, 1888 E. F. Farrington gave a lecture on the building of the bridge. He lectured on bridge construction and other topics fairly frequently over the years.

    1882: E F Farrington 164 St James Occupation: Mechanic Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1882

    1884: Mr. E. F. Farrington was superentending the alteration of the New Baptist Church.

    1888: Birth of Edward H Farrington - Farrington 04 Nov 1888 Brooklyn, Kings, New York, United States Gender Male Father's Name Edmund Fisher Farrington Father's Age 68 Mother's Name Christina Maria "Newcomb" Farrington Mother's Birthplace New York Mother's Age 40

    1892: Brooklyn, Farrrington, "Edmund" age 61, superintendent, Christina age 42, Jennie age 20, stenographer, Edwin age 4

    1895: E. F. Farrington visited Australia and New Zealand - date unknown - he gave a lecture about his travels in 1895.

    1895: Edmund F Farrington 385 5th Residence Place: Brooklyn, New York, USA Occupation: Supt. Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1895

    1898: 16 and 19 April - E. F. Farrington of Brooklyn was injured on the suspension bridge across the Ohio river in Cincinnati. The master mechanic on the Brooklyn bridge, he was the assistant engineer on the Cincinnati bridge and was making new cables for the bridge. He was 76 years old. He was in Cincinnati with his wife. His two daughters were in Brooklyn. He had been inspecting some repairs on a cable when he was hit by a Covington electric car. He was knocked to the curb, hit his head and was "rendered unconscious". He was not expected to live. (NY Times and Brooklyn Daily Eagle)

    1898: Name Edmund F. Farrington Gender Male Burial Place Darke Co. Death Date 22 Apr 1898 Death Place Cincinnati, Ohio Age 76 Birth Date 25 Oct 1821 Birthplace Franklin, Mass Occupation Mechanical Engineer Race White Marital Status Married Father's Birthplace U. S. Mother's Birthplace U. S.

    1904: At Cincinnati death of Farrington, Edward H. 15 year old son of Christine and the late E. F. Farrlinton of Brooklyn.

    Edward H. Farrington Birth Date: 6 Nov 1888 Birth Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, USA Death Date: 2 Jul 1904 Death Place: Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, USA Cemetery: Friends Cemetery Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland, USA, mother Christine Nichols Farrington (1851-1936)

    Edward H. Farrington Gender Male Burial Date 05 Jul 1904 Burial Place Cincinnati, Ohio Death Date 02 Jul 1904 Death Place Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio Birth Date 05 Nov 1888 Birthplace Brooklyn, Ny Occupation School Boy Race White Marital Status Single Father's Name Edmund F. Farrington Father's Birthplace Mass Mother's Name Christina Nichols Mother's Birthplace Elizabethtown, NJ

    1936 Death of Christina Farrington:

    Christina Farrington Birth Date: 1851 Death Date: 16 Jan 1936 Cemetery: Friends Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland, USA Children: Edward H. Farrington

    1847: Elizabeth Farrington Death 08 Jul 1947 Manhattan, New York, New York, United States Gender Female Age 78 Marital Status Unknown Birth Year (Estimated) 1869 Burial Date 10 Jul 1947 Burial Place Manhattan, New York, New York Father's Name Edmund F. Farrington Mother's Name Christina Nichols

    Biography of Edmund Fisher Farrington:

    "Norfolk County MA Archives Biographies.....Farrington, Edmund F. 1820 - Copyright. All rights reserved. File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com March 10, 2006, 6:02 pm

    Author: E. O. Jameson (1886)

    EDMUND F. FARRINGTON, ESQ.

    EDMUND F. FARRINGTON, son of Asahel and Henrietta (Fisher) Farrington, was born Oct. 25, 1820, in the "southwest room of the old Otis Fairbanks house," which formerly stood on the road from West Medway to the Village. His maternal grand-parents, Leonard and Betsey Fisher, resided for years on the borders of Franklin. Their bodies rest in the old burying-ground in West Medway. They originally came from Wrentham, as did his paternal grand-parents. Mrs. Henrietta Farrington, his mother, resided, during the later years of her life, in West Medway, and became a member of the Congregational Church in that place, but died in 1846, in Warren, Mass. "Incompatibility of temper" caused an early separation between Asahel and Henrietta Farrington, and the guardianship of Edmund was assigned to his mother, who returned to her father's house. Asahel settled in one of the northern towns in New Hampshire, married again and became the father of nine sons and daughters. He finally died at an advanced age in Lyndon, Vt. Some years before his death he became a Methodist lay preacher.

    Edmund Farrington in early life was frail in body, bashful and retiring in disposition, imaginative and unstable in mind. A few summers and winters in the district school and one term at Leicester Academy sufficed him for schooling in "book learning." The hand of poverty was ever upon him. In his tenth year he was "put out" on the farm of Sanford Ware, in Franklin. After one season of farming we find him making cotton wadding with A. M. B. Fuller, in what is now known as Daniels' box factory, in North Franklin. Subsequently he worked for Hiram Metcalf, making stocking yarn in the same building, and a year or two more as card stripper and piecer in White's and Gills' factories. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the carpenter trade. He afterward worked for "Boss Daniels" at boot making, having been instructed by William H. Temple. Leaving Medway in 1839, he went on a whaling voyage from New Bedford, was left in the Azore Islands, shipped from there to the coast of Africa; thence to Brazil, and coming up to the West Indies, he ran away in San Domingo, whence, after a sojourn of several weeks, he shipped and worked his passage to Boston in the brig "Sea Eagle." Soon after his return from sea he joined the Fourier Association at Brook Farm, West Roxbury. Here he became acquainted with such men as Ripley, Dana, Parker, and Greeley, and became dimly conscious that he had a mind and a soul, and that there might be a place and a work for him in the world. At Brook Farm he learned last making, which he followed in Boston, Maiden, Lynn, and Danvers, Mass., and in Gardiner, Me. In Lynn he edited for a time a paper called The Forum. He contributed also to various papers at different times and rode the "lecture hobby" with some success. He took up gas and steam fitting in Portland, and superintended gas works in Gardiner, Me.

    He married in 1847, in Lowell, Mass., Miss Emma A. Smiley, of Gardiner, with whom he led a happy life until her death in 1880. They had four children, but only a son and a daughter survive. In Lowell he assisted to build and fit up the large carpet mill, and afterward went to Chicago and engaged in building. He returned to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he remained for eighteen years, engaged mostly in contracting and building. He removed to New York and followed the same business, but failed in it during the first years of the war.

    While looking over a scrap of The New York Herald, in which a workman had brought a lunch, he saw an advertisement for a master carpenter on the Covington and Cincinnati suspension bridge. He answered this advertisement, was accepted and spent nearly three years in the position, mastering meantime all the mysteries of the business. He was next appointed superintendent of construction on the new suspension bridge at Niagara Falls, where he remained a year. He afterwards erected two suspension bridges over the Delaware River, between New York and Pennsylvania, at Hancock and Lordville.

    He was called to East River Bridge in 1870, and placed in charge of the wood work of that structure, to which was soon added the iron work, and finally the wire work, when he was installed master mechanic. He remained on this bridge twelve years and four months, when he retired July 31, 1882, on account of failing health. While on this work he went through the operations of sinking the caissons safely; got over all the temporary wire ropes and erected the foot-bridge after his own plans; and first crossed the space from one anchorage to the other in a "boatswain's chair," attached to the smallest of all the ropes. He erected the machinery for cable making, made the cables and suspended a large portion of the superstructure, and inspected and prepared the lumber for the roadway. No other individual had any previous knowledge of suspension bridge building except Col. W. A. Roebling, Engineer in Chief, and for nine years this gentleman was unable to visit the work, or to give it proper personal attention, so that the burden fell on Mr. Farrington. How well he bore it and how patiently, in face of the intrigues of place-seekers and the opposition of assistant engineers, arising from professional jealousy, the completed work and the encomiums of the public, who watched him in its daily progress testify. When he left the bridge, little remained but routine work to be done and men who had grown up under his instruction remained to do it. Mr. Farrington retired in 1882 to his native town to recuperate, where he remained until 1884, when he returned to New York to engage in new enterprises. Mr. Farrington's townsmen have reason to feel somewhat of pride and gratification in the success of one born among them who was a weak, friendless child, thrown on the world and his own resources at an early age, drifting for years on the tide without chart or compass, but who finally became an esteemed Christian, honored and even famous for his mechanical achievements.

    Additional Comments: THE BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT PERSONS, AND The Genealogical Records OF MANY EARLY AND OTHER FAMILIES IN MEDWAY, MASS. 1713-1886. Illustrated WITH NUMEROUS STEEL AND WOOD ENGRAVINGS. BY E. O. JAMESON, THE AUTHOR OK "THE COGSWELLS IN AMERICA," "THE HISTORY OF MEDWAY, MASS." ETC. MILLIS, MASS. 1886. Copyright, 1886. E. O. JAMESON, MILLIS, MASS. All Rights Reserved. J. A. & R. A. REID, PRINTERS, PROVIDENCE, R. I. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ma/norfolk/bios/farringt2gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mafiles/ File size: 7.0 Kb

12. Arnold, Fredrick (Fred) - rigger - 1876 - (c 1842-1927)

    Fredrick Arnold

    In 1876 when the first cables were stretched across the bridge. Fred Arnold was one of the riggers responsible for cutting the lashings between the travler wire and the cable being crosses. On August 30th, 1876 Fred Arnold and James O'Neil, a fellow rigger, went out on the wrong wires, a serious twist occurred about 600 feet our form the New York side. The two men at stuck and were suspended and left hanging up in the air until things got untangled. Midway across they had to change cables and shift their chairs from one cable to another. James O'Neil was apparently exceptionally cool about the whole thing, acting as if he was about to fall asleep. James O'Neil was later injured when a plank hit him. See James O'Neil in the injured list.

    In February 1877 the Chief Engineer Farrington spoke to a reporter about the men he most trusted on bridge. He mentioned Fred Arnold as an experienced rigger.

    Testified in the 1880 suit brought by Edward Hansen. In 1880 at the time of the accident he was assistant foreman rigger, at the time of the trial he was a rigger.

    "Arnold swore that Hoffman worked as a rigger for nine months, and part of the time under him. He never knew of Hoffman having charge of trestle work until a few days before. He told what he knew of the accident."

    1875: Hudson street, Brooklyn Ward 5, 2 family brick, Frederick Arnold 33, born England laborer, Bridget Arnold 30, born Ireland, Thomas Arnold 2, John Arnold 0

    1877: Mary Ann Arnold Birth 25 Nov 1877 Brooklyn, Kings, New York, Gender Female Father's Name Fred. Arnold Mother's Name Bridget Mccarty

    1879: Charles Arnold Birth 20 Jun 1879 Brooklyn, Kings, Gender Male Father's Name Frederick Arnold Father's Birthplace England Father's Age 36 Mother's Name Bridget Mccarty Mother's Birthplace Ireland Mother's Age 34 (familysearch.org)

    1880: In 1880 Fred Arnold was the leader of a "gang" of riggers.

    Census - did not find

    1880: Frederick Arnold 201 Hudson av Occupation: Laborer Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1880

    1890: Frederick Arnold rear 52 Amity Occupation: Rigger Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1890

    1892: Brooklyn, Arnold, Fred, rigger, 51, Bridget, 48, John H 18 rigger, Mary E, 15, Chas 12

    1900: Brooklyn Ward 10, Wycoff st., Frederick Arnold 60, ship rigger, born Englandm Bridgett Arnold 59, born Ireland, John Arnold 25, ship rigger, Mary Arnold 22, saleslady, Charles Arnold 20, dirver

    1905: Frederick Arnold 67 Bridget Arnold 65 John Arnold 30 Mary Arnold 27 Charles Arnold 26

    1907: Bridget Arnold Death Date: 19 Jan 1907 Cemetery: Holy Cross Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, USA

    Arnold, January 16, 1907 after a lingering illness, Bridget Arnold, beloved wife of Fredrick and mother of John, Charles and Molly Arnold. Residence 718 Bergen, burial Holy Cross. (BDE)

    1907: 23, June 1907, Arnold, June 22, 1907 John Arnold beloved son of Fredrick and the late Bridget, age 32, residence 718 Bergen.

    1910: Bergen street Brooklyn, Fred Arnold 61, rigger, born England, widowed, imm 1859, Charles Arnold 31, son,laborer, street work, Molly Arnold 32, daughter, saleslady dept. store

    1918: Charles Arnold, born June 20, 1879, truckman, --- Express, age 39, medium build, gray eyes, dark hair, contact Miss Mary Arnold, Sacket street.

    1926: May 27, 1926 Frederick Arnold Holy Cross Cemetery Brooklyn Kings County (Brooklyn) New York, USA Plot: St. Michael, System: CEM, Section: MICH, Row: 13, Plot: 186-187-188 GPS (lat/lon): 40.64574, -73.93379 (Bridget Arnold Death: Jan. 19, 1907 Holy Cross Cemetery Brooklyn Kings County (Brooklyn) New York, USA Plot: St. Michael, System: CEM, Section: MICH, Row: 13, Plot: 187 GPS (lat/lon): 40.64574, -73.93379)

    Mentioned by David McCullough in The Great bridge.

    1930: Brooklyn Ward 11, Molly Arnold, age 52, clerk in dry good store, single roomer father born England, mother born Ireland

13. Rudy, Andrew - rigger - 1880 born Switzerland circa 1838

    Andrew Rudy testified in the Edward Hansen trial

    "Andrew Rudy, called on behalf of the plaintiff, being duly sworn, testified as follows: "I was employed on the Brooklyn Bridge in January, 1880, as rigger, under Fred Arnold; I remember the occasion of Hansen being injured."

    Marriage: Ann/Annie born Ireland.

    Children: Mary, Andrew and Elizabeth

    1875: Brooklyn Ward 5, Andrew "Ruddy" 37, born Switzerland, "confectioner", Annie Ruddy 30, born Ireland, Mary Ruddy 9, Andrew Ruddy 0

    1877: Elizabeth child of Andrew Rudy and Annie Duane born June 15, 1877 (LDS, familysearch.org)

    1880: Sands Street, Andrew Ruddy 40, laborer, born Switzerland, Annie Ruddy 33, born Ireland, Mary Ruddy 14, envelope maker, Andrew Ruddy 5, Eliza Ruddy 3

    1879 & 1889: Andrew Rudy 205 Park av Brooklyn, New York, USA Occupation: Seaman Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1879

    At the same address Ann Rudy, dressmaker.

    1880: Ann Rudy 205 Park av Occupation: Dress Maker Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1880

    1880: Andrew Rudy 205 Park av Residence Place: Brooklyn, New York, USA Occupation: Seaman

    1884 and 1886: Andrew Rudy, home 170 Hudson street, Brooklyn, rigger

    Only listing for Rudy in 1884.

    1888: Baby, infant son of A. F. Rut- died at the family residence No 170 Hudson street, Brooklyn, Fruneral at the home.

    1889: Andrew Rudy 174 Hudson av Occupation: Seaman Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1889

    1892: Andrew Rudy, born Switzerland age 50, clerk, ann age 43 born Ireland, Andres J age 16 born US Elizabeth Rudy age 14 born US.

    1900: Brooklyn Ward 5, Sands near Hudson Andrew Ruddy 59, married 35 years, born Switzerland, imm 1862, city laborer, Annie Ruddy 53, 9 children 3 living, born Ireland imm 1863, boarding house, Elizabeth Ruddy 22, 10 boarders

    1905: Sands near Hudson Place Brooklyn, "Ruddy", Andrew born Switzerland, age 65, in US 50 yrs, rigger Annie wife age 53 born Ireland in US 40 yrs.

    1890: ??? Andrew Rudy, rank landsman, vessel, U. S. S. Susquehanna, enlistment 2 April 1861 discharge 12 Sept 1865 length of service 4 years, 5 months and 10 days Surviving Sailors 1890 special schedule (Schedules Enumerating Union Veterans and Widows of Union Veterans of the Civil War,1890.)

    1910: 71 Clermont, Andrew Rudy 34, city fire department, father born Switzerland, mother born Ireland, Annie Rudy 30, wife, Harold Rudy 5, Frank Rudy 2, Mary Mcglynn 60, lodger, James Mcglynn 35, lodger

    1912: Annie Rudy, Beloved wife of Andrew, mother of Andrew J. Jr., Mrs R. F. Hatter and Mrs E Hinds, 71 Clermont, lived most of her life in Brooklyn in the 5th Ward.

    #1890 Kings Jan 25, 1912, buried Holy cross.

    1915: Brooklyn, Hatter, Robert, age 50 etcher, Mary C wife age 48 Rudi, Andrew, father in law, 75 born Switzerland

    1920: Joseph A Finegan Head M 32 New York, fire department telegraph, Anna C Finegan Wife F 27 New York, Anna J Finegan Daughter F 5 New York, Robert F Hatten Father-in-law M 56 England, engraver newspaper, Mary C Hatten Mother-in-law F 53 New York, Andrew Rudy, widow, (no relationship entered) M 84 Switzerland (Note: MRs R. Hatter was listed as the daughter of Annie Rudy at her death in 1912)

    1948: Mary Hatton Death 17 Apr 1948 2110 Beverly Road Brooklyn, Kings, New York Gender Female Age 80 Marital Status Widowed Race White Occupation Housewife Birth Date 21 Aug 1867 Birthplace Brooklyn, Kings, New York Burial Date 21 Apr 1948 Cemetery Holy Cross Cemetery Father's Name Andrew Rudy Father's Birthplace Switzerland Mother's Name Annie Mother's Birthplace Ireland Spouse's Name Robert F. (familysearch.org)

14. Colligan, Joseph Patrick, foreman rigger on bridge in 1872 (born circa 1844 died 1896)

    Joseph Colligan, 97 Oliver street, corner of Water. Started working as a rigger on the bridge in June 1872. By 1880 he was a foreman rigger or assistant foremen rigger. He was familiar with the setting up and taking down of trestles. Trial of Edward Hansen.

    "Joseph Colligan, called on behalf of the plaintiff, being duly sworn, testifies as follows : I live at 97 Oliver street, corner of Water; I was employed on the Brooklyn Bridge in 1880."

    Marriage: Mary Ferron

    Children: John, James, Peter, Elizabeth, Mary, Gertrude, Veronica and Joseph

    1878/1879/1880: Joseph Colligan 3 Harrison Ct., Occupation: Foreman Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1880 - Listed as a laborer in 1881 - same address

    1882: Mary Ann Colligan Birth 20 May 1882 Event Place Manhattan, New York, New York, United States Father's Name Joeseph Colligan Mother's Name Mary Ann Farron

    1883/1884: Joseph Colligan 97 Oliver New York, New York, USA Occupation: Liquors Publication Title: New York, New York, City Directory, 1883

    1883: Joseph Colligan 97 Oliver Liquors Publication Title: New York, New York, City Directory, 1883

    1884: Thomas H. Colligan Death 10 Dec 1884 97 Oliver St. 4 Ward Residence Place NYC, NY, USA Gender Male Age 0 Birth Year (Estimated) 1884 Birthplace NYC, NY, USA Burial Date 12 Dec 1884 Burial Place NYC, NY, USA Cemetery Calvary Father's Name Joseph P. Colligan Father's Birthplace Ireland Mother's Name Mary A. Colligan Mother's Birthplace Ireland (familysearch.org)

    According to the death notice in the papers Thomas was 3 months and 17 days old.

    1886: Joseph P Colligan 379 Water Occupation: Liquors Publication Title: New York, New York, City Directory, 1886

    1887: N.Y. Supreme Court General Term - Investigating Committee: P. Joseph Colligan ; age -- ; occupation, agent, of 97 Oliver Street

    1888: Joseph Colligan 97 Oliver Occupation: Liquors Publication Title: New York, New York, City Directory, 1888

    1888: Joseph P Colligan was sued for $2,500 for the assault of James Leonard, "a typical stage Irishman, with a loud voice and a pronounced brogue." Leonard claimed he had been thrown out of Colligan's saloon and into a brick wall, dislocating his arm. The defence lawyer tried to insinuate that Leonard had been drunk and fallen causing the damage to his arm. (Brooklyn Eagle October 18, 1888)

    1890: Manhattan, Police census New York, Joseph age 45, Mary age 44, Lizzie age 17, Peter age 10, Gertie age 5, Mary age 29

    1890: Joseph P. Colligan of 97 Oliver street was the president of the Business Men's Republican Organization of the Second Assembly District. 1896: Patrick Joseph Colligan Death 11 May 1896 114 Berger Str., 10th Ward, Brooklyn, Gender Male Age 52 Marital Status Married Race White Occupation Liquor Dealer Birth Year (Estimated) 1844 Birthplace Ireland Burial Date 14 May 1896 Cemetery Calvary Father's Birthplace Ireland Mother's Birthplace Ireland

    1896: Colligan, Patrick J. age 52, May 11, Kings #8342

    1896: Colligan, Joseph P Monday May 11, funeral from his home, 114 Bergen st, Brooklyn May 14 buried Calvary, members of the John J. O'Brian Association and the Oriental Club were asked to attend.

    1896: Probate - Petitioner, Annie Colligan, 114 Bergen street, widow, of Patrick Joseph Colligan, died 11 May 1896, children, Elizabeth (over age 21), Mary A., Gertrude, John J, James H, Peter S, (all over age 14) Veronica & Jospeh (under age 14) all children of a proper marriage.

    1898: Veronica Colligan Death 23 Apr 1898 Manhattan, New York, New York, United States Age 37 Marital Status Single Occupation None Birth Year (Estimated) 1861 Birthplace US, New York, New York Burial Date 25 Apr 1898 Father's Name P. Joseph Colligan Father's Birthplace Ireland Mother's Name "Anne" Colligan Mother's Birthplace Ireland

    Death of Mary Fennon Colligan: Before 1900?

    1900: Brooklyn, Ward 11, Park ave., John J Colligan 23, head, stenographer, James H Colligan 21, brother, book binder, Peter Colligan 20, brother, ice dealer, Elizabeth Colligan 24, sister, May V Colligan 19, sister, Gertrude Colligan 13, sister, John Ferron 21, cousin, parents born Ireland

    1940: Gertrude Colligan Death 11 Sep 1940 43-17 Shore Road Place Astoria, Queens, New York Gender Female Age 55 Marital Status Single Race White Occupation housework Birth Year (Estimated) 1885 Birthplace U.S. Burial Date 14 Sep 1940 Burial Place Queens, New York Cemetery Holy Cross Cem Father's Name Joseph P. Colligan Father's Birthplace Ireland Mother's Name Mary Ferron Mother's Birthplace Ireland

    1919: Passport application, John J Colligan, born Nov 5, 1875 Brooklyn to Joseph J Colligan born Dublin, died 1895 at Brooklyn, he emigrated from Liverpool England (probably), on or about 1868, shipping agent to Cuba.

    1920: Passport application of John Joseph Colligan born Brooklyn November 5th 1875 to Joseph P. Colligan born county Clare Ireland deceased. Address of John J Colligan, 174 Clinton Place, Brooklyn, clerical work, to Cuba.

15. Hoffman, Henry, rigger

    Henry Hoffman trial of Edward Hansen said he was a sailor since he was a boy. Worked on the bridge as a rigger. He worked part time in the "Red Hook Yard". Was doing trestle work at the time of the accident.

16. Probasco, Samuel R. - assistent engineer

    Samuel R. Probasco, bron in New York city September 13, 1833, was assistant civil engineer on the bridge in 1875. He was the chief civil engineer on the bridge from 1898 to 1901. He was born in Manhattan and educated in the cities public schools. He was married with two sons.

    His son, Samuel Kinglsey Probasco, born September 11, 1869 in Burlington, New Jersey, fraduated form the University of {Pennsylvania with a degree in civil engineering in 1892. He later studied law and and worked for the Brooklyn office of the Corporation Council. The other son was Seldon R. Probasco of Burlington, New Jersey. Samuel R Probasco trial of Edward Hensen - assistant engineer.

    Refused to let reporters into the site after the 1878 accident, New York Times June 15, 1878.

    1880: Clinton street, living in a rooming house. Brooklyn, S. R. Probasco 45, civil engineer, single, born New York parents born Spain.

    1881: Samuel Probasco, 28 Clinton, Brooklyn, New York, USA Occupation: Engineer Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1881

    Samuel R. Probasco was born in New York on September 13, 1835. In January 1884 he made a passport application to travel to the West Indies.

17. Mollard, Frank E. - general foreman (1834-1904) English

    1871 & 1872: Mr. F. Mollard was in charge of the stone yard for the bridge.

    1879: Frank Mollard Gender: Male Marriage Date: 10 Mar 1879 Marriage Place: Kings, New York, USA Spouse: Lydia Nicholas Certificate Number: 532

    1879: Lydia May Mallard Birth Event Date 28 May 1879 Event Place Brooklyn, Kings, New York, United States Father's Name Frank Mallard Father's Birthplace England Father's Age 48 Mother's Name Lydia Nicholas Mother's Birthplace England Mother's Age 18

    1880: Frank Mollard general foreman as indicated by the Hansen trial

    1880: Bergen street, Frank Mollard 46, foreman Public Works, born England, Lydia Mollard 19, wife, Lydia Mollard 1, daughter, Bessie Nicholas 21, sister in law

    1881: Frank Mollard 57 4th Av Occupation: Foreman Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1881

    1883: Frank Mollard 57 4th av Occupation: Foreman Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1883

    1884:

    Mr. F. Mollard has had entire charge of the stone-yard at Red Hook, and during the year he has received from vessels and stored in the yard 25,000 cubic yards of stone, and has re-loaded on scows for the towers over 21,000 cubic yards of stone, all with promptness and without accident. (Report of the Chief Engineer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge)

    1900: Upper Providence, Montgomery, Pennsylvania Frank Mollard 65, born England, Nov 1834, married 22 years, imm. 1877, superintendent of public works, Lydia Mollard 39, 3 children 3 living, Lydia M Mollard 21, born NY, Frank E Mollard 17, born NY, Sidney G Mollard 5, born Pa. Bessie Nicholas 42, sister in law

    1904: Frank F . Mollard Birth Date: 1834 Death Date: 1904 Cemetery: Green Tree Church of the Brethren Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Oaks, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, USA

    1904: Probate - Frank F Mollard Probate Date: 1 Oct 1904 Probate Place: Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA Inferred Death Year: Abt 1904 Inferred Death Place: Pennsylvania, USA Item Description: Wills, Vol 31-32, 1904-1906 - Pay all just debts to Bessie Richards Nichols, sister in law $500 - all personland real to his wife, Lydia as long as she remained a widow - If Lydia died or remarried everything to go to his children, Lydia May Mollard, Frank Edward and Sidney James - share and share alike.

    1920: Philadelphia, Sydenham street, Lydia F Mallard Head F 58 England, widow, imm 1877, Lydia M Mallard Daughter F 40 New York, stenographer, law, Sidney G Mallard Son M 25 Pennsylvania, clerk locomative, Bessie R Nicholas Sister F 61 England Clarence S Roberts Boarder M 47 Pennsylvania

    1930: Philadelphia, Sydenham street, Lydia Mallard Head F 69 England, widow, $7,000, own, imm 1876,, Lydia Mallard Daughter F 50, secretary advertising co. New York and four lodgers.

18. McCarkin, Patrick - rigger

    Patrick McCarkin rigger - Hansen trial

19. Mangin, Henry - carpenter

    Henry Mangin (or P.) carpenter - Hansen Trial

20. Hassan, William

    1915: William S. Hassan, who lived in South Brooklyn his whole life, died at his residence at 263 85th street in Bay Ridge. He was born in Londonderry Ireland and came to the United States as a young man. He had worked on the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. Subsequently he was a builder in Bay Ridge and South Brooklyn.

    He was survived by his wife Nelly, two sons, William Jr. and Harry and two daughters Ruth and Mabel.

    Born circa 1855 - William S. Hassan Death Date: Sep 1915 Cemetery: Green-Wood Cemetery Burial or Cremation Place: Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, USA

    1875: Brooklyn Ward 22, George Lewis 26, blacksmith, born Ireland, Matilda Lewis 26, born Ireland, Isabella Lewis 5, Irshan Lewis 2, Mary Lewis 1, William Hassen 60, father, teacher, born Ireland, S William Hassen 23, tender, brother, born Ireland,

    1910: William S Hassan 55, builder, born Ireland, Nellie Hassan 40, William Hassan Jr. 15, Ruth Hassan 14, Mabel Hassan 12, Harry Hassan 7 Anna E Green 18, servant

21. Harris, Frank

    "Frank Harris (February 14, 1855 - August 26, 1931) was a British editor, novelist, short story ... jobs to support himself, working first as a boot black, a porter, a general laborer, and a construction worker on the erection of the Brooklyn Bridge." Wikipedia

    Empire City: New York Through the Centuries By Kenneth T. Jackson, David S. Dunbar

22. Smallfield, John D (or E) carpenter - born Ireland (c 1850-1912)

    1865: Brooklyn, John Smallfield 24, ship carpenter, born Ireland, Mary Smallfield 23, ----- Smallfield 2, Stephen Smallfield 0

    1870: Brooklyn, Ward 14, Williamsburgh, John Smallfield 30, ret liquor dealer, born Ireland, Maryan Smallfield 28, born NY, Stephen Smallfield 5 Cath Smallfield 3

    1876: August 14, Brooklyn Union - John D Smallfield was listed as a master carpenter on the Brooklyn bridge.

    In February 1877 the Chief Engineer Farrington spoke to a reporter about the men he most trusted on bridge. He mentioned John E Smallfield as a foreman carpenter.

    1880: 77 North Front street, Brooklyn, John Smallfield 40, born Ireland, ship carpenter, Mary Smallfield 36, born NY, Stephen Smallfield 15, Kate Smallfield 13, John Smallfield 11

    1881: John D Smallfield was a member of the Regatta Committee for the Second Annual Regatta of the East River Yacht Club which sailed up the East River, through the Hell Gate and into the Long Island Sound on June 20, 1881

    1882: January John D Smallfield was elected to the Regatta Committee of the East River Yacht club.

    He was active in the club in 1882, 1883, 1884 & 1886.

    1889: John D Smallfield 77 N 4th Brooklyn, New York, USA Occupation: Carpenter Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1889

    1907: Mary A Smallfield wife of John D Smallfield died at their home 107 Oak street. Funeral at the Church of St. Anthony. Buried Holy cross.

    1912: Probate - Catherine A Peaty 977 Herkemer street, a daughter of John D Smallfield who died 20 september 1912 in Kings county - sum of Forty five hundred dollars - Stephen P Smallfield, and John S. Smallfield son full age

    McCoullough: John D. Smallfield "handled the starting lever" at the initiation of the transfer of the wires across the bridge.

    Stephen P Smallfield died in 1922. For thirty-three years he had worked for the Department of Bridges. He was survived by his bother, John, sister Catherine, two sons, Stephen and Thomas, and four daughters, Sadie, Mrs Mary Reilly, Catherine and Helen Smallfield. He had lived in Canarsie for 15 years. Buried Holy Cross.

23. William Dempsey/Dempsen (1847-1932) carpenter born Ireland

    In February 1877 the Chief Engineer Farrington spoke to a reporter about the men he most trusted on bridge. He mentioned William "Dempsen" as a foreman carpenter. An October 1878 photo of men on the Brooklyn anchorage of the lists Wm. Dempsey, Foreman of Riggers.

    1875: Brooklyn Ward 14, multi family frame on Forth st., William Dempsey 28, carpenter, Ireland, Mary Dempsey 22, Kings, Babanne Dempsey 0

    1880: 99 North Front street, Brooklyn, William Dempsey 32, carpenter, Ireland, Mary Dempsey 27, NY, Bella Dempsey 6, NY, Matthew Dempsey 4, NY, William Dempsey 2, NY

    1879/1880: William Dempsey carpenter home 99 N. 4th street.

    1882: Not listed in Brooklyn directory.

    1883: On May 30, 1883 a stampede occurred on the bridge when a women tripped and fell on the stairs on the New York side causing a chain reaction of panic. 12 people died and many were wounded. Boss Carpenter William Dempsey was a "quite, cool-heated, bronzed workman", that day and he acted swiftly in "breaking up the block and rendering assistance to those who were trampled on the steps."

    Death of Mary Dempsey: Between birth of Lillian in 1886 and 1892 census.

    1892: Brooklyn Dempsey, William age 45, born Ireland carpenter, "Beller" age 17, Matthew age 16, William age 13, Mable age 11, Lilly age 5, Anney Nuller age 33

    1900 South Portland ave Brooklyn, Dempsey, Wm "J." head born Jan 1850, widow, Ireland, imm 1851, boss carpenter, Wm J Jr. age 21 medical student, born March 1878, "Della", daughter born October 1875,age 24, Mabel daughter July 1879 age 20, Lilly Daughter June 1886 and a servant born Sweden

    1901: December 13, 1901 BDE - William H. Dempsey, "superintendent of repairs on the bridge" was called before a grand jury to testify "in the matter of the accident to the Brooklyn Bridge last summer."

    1903: William Dempsey of 70 So. Portland ave was summoned to court for having an unlicensed dog.

    1905: South Portland ave., William Dempsey Head M 55y Ireland, carpenter, Mabel Dempsey Daughter F 25y United States, Lillian Dempsey Daughter F 39y United States, Anna Miller Servant F 45y Sweden, servant

    1910: So, Portland ave, William Dempsey 63, machinist, city, Mabel Dempsey 27, Lillian Dempsey 23, Annie Miller 45, Sweden seervant

    1915: So. Portland ave, William H Demsey 68, Ireland no occupation, Anna "Molter" 55, lodger, born Sweden no occupation, Mabel Dempsey 34, daughter, Lillie Dempsey 29, daughter

    1925: So. Portland ave, Dempsey Wm "H" retired, Mabel age 45, daughter, O'Reilly Lillie age 39, daughter, and servant Annie Muller born Sweden

    1932: August 27, Died William H. Dempsey at his home 70 S. Portland ave.

    W. H. Dempsey Dies Helped Build Bridge

    William H. Dempsey, 87, who was in charge of the carpentry work during the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, died last night at his home 70 S. Portland Ave. after an illness of several months. He was born in Ireland, but lived in Brooklyn practically all of his life. After the completion of the bridge, he worked on it for many years as an employee of the city. He is survived by a son, Matthew, a granddaughter, Miss Marjorie Dempsey and four grandsons, William H. and Richard Dempsey and William H. and John J O'Reilly.

    1932: September 24, 1932, Wills Filed William "H." Dempsey (Aug 2- estate) $30,000, - to Annie moller, friend, 70 south Portland ave, $3,000 - Matthew Dempsey son 93-22 214th Place, Queens Village 100 shares preferred stock of United States Steel Corporation, the property at 70 S. Portland to two grandsons William and John O'Reilly of 70 south Portland ave, residue divided equity to Matthew Dempsey, William and John O'Reilly and Anna Moller, John J. O'Reilly executor

    Marriage: Mary Dougherty

    Children:

    1. Bella/Bellazina circa 1874/75

       Death 1913: Bellazina O'Reilly Death 18 Aug 1913 Brooklyn, Kings, 546 Dean St Gender Female Age 38 Marital Status Married Occupation Housewife Birth Year (Estimated) 1875 Birthplace U.S. Burial Date 23 Aug 1913 Cemetery Holy Cross Cem Father's Name William H. Dempsey Father's Birthplace U.S. Mother's Name Mary Dougherty Mother's Birthplace U.S.

       August 22, 1913 Died Bella O'Reilly 70 South Portland ave, mass St. Augustine , buried Holy Cross.

    2. Matthew

       Matthew W. Dempsey Death 19 Oct 1942 New York City, Queens, Age 66 Marital Status Unknown Birth Year (Estimated) 1876 Father's Name William Henry Dempsey Mother's Name Mary Anne Dougherty Spouse's Name Margaret Spouse's Gender Female

       1918: Matthew William Dempsey - DOB Dec 11, 1875, Foreman charpenter dept of plant municipal building NY, nearest relative Margaret Dempsey 630-61 st Bklyn

    3. William c 1878

    4. Mabel c 1879/80

       Death: Mabel Dempsey Age: 46 Birth Year: abt 1881 Death Date: 11 Feb 1927 Death Place: Kings, New York, USA Certificate Number: 3103

       February 13, 1927 - Mabel Dempsey of 70 South Portland ave died after a short illness. She was survived by her father, William, a brother Matthew, and a sister Mrs. Lillian O'Reilly. Buried Holy Cross.

    5. Lillian circa 1886

       Lilly Dempsey age ?? married John O'Reilly age 45, April 1917 both of 70 South Portland ave.

    Lilly Dempsey O'Reilly, daughter of William H. Dempsey, died January 1930. Buried Holy Cross.

Willam Dempsey was mentioned in passing as "foreman Dempsey" in David McCullough's The Great Bridge.
24. Abbott, Arthur Vaughan - civil engineer - Brooklyn Bridge foreman - (1854 - 1906)

    1860: New York City, Benj N Abbott 30, lawyer, $3,000, Mass. Eliz T Abbott 31, Maine, Arthur V. Abbott 5 Edwin D Abbott 1 Eliza Donovan 21 Hannah Bailey 17

    1875: Brooklyn Ward 1, brick single family, 7 Middagh street, $12,000, Benj B Abbott 45, lawyer born Massachusetts, Elizabeth V Abbott 46, Arthur B Abbott 21, Alice D Abbott 13, Mary Witcomb [?] 44, sister in law born Maine, Mary Kirby 30, servant

    1875: Arthur V. Abbott graduated from the Scientific Course at Brooklyn collegiate and Polytechnic Institute. He spoke at the commencement exercises his theme "The Birthday of the Mountains" giving a description of the earth's surface before the formation of mountains. In 1904 he was listed as a graduate of the Brooklyn Polytechnic who had made his mark - Arthur V abbott '75, engineer and nephew of Rev. Lyman Abbott.

    1880: Arthur V Abbott 9 Middagh Civil Engineer Publication Title: Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1880

    1880: 9 Middagh street, Brooklyn, Mary Titcomb [?] 49, journalist, Arthur Abbott 25, Father's Birthplace: Mass, Mother's Birthplace: Maine, civil engineer, Alice D. Abbott 18, niece, and a servant

    1882: Arthur V. Abbott, Assistant Engineer on the Brooklyn bridge

    1892: Passport application Arthur V Abbott and wife, Baltimore Md, born Brooklyn, New York 18 July 1854., civil engineer, 5 ft 6 and a half inches blue eyes, hair light, dimpled chin,

    1900: Chicago, Illinois Arthur Abbott 45, born New York, mother born Maine., father born Mass., engineer (elect,) Rosa Abbott 44, 0 children, married 15 years

    1905: Manhattan Morning Side Park, Arthur B Abbot 50, engineer (elect), Rose Abbot 49

    1906: Abbott, Arthur V, age 52, November 30, 1906 Manhattan #36659

    Arthur Vaughan Abbott, Birth Date: 18 Jul 1854, Birth Place: New York, USA, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings County, Father: Benjamin Vaughan Abbott, Mother: Elizabeth Titcomb Abbott

    Find a Grave

    Not listed in index of David McCoullogh's Great bridge.

    Between 1882 and 1901 Arthur V abbott published numerous articles on the bridge and on other engineering topics. He also held a patents for, among other things, a coupling system, a balance scale (August 23, 1881) a separator (May 18, 1897).

    1881 Patent

    1897 Patent

    Benjamin Vaughn Abbott

    "Benjamin Vaughn Abbott graduated from the Univer- sity of New York in 1850, was at Harvard Law School 1851-52, was admitted to the New York bar in 1852." (Benjamin Abbott of Temple, Maine and his Descendants written by A. Louis Dennison printed in SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Vol XI pages 22-31 Contributed by Androscoggin Historical Society http://www.rootsweb.com/~meandrhs Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm)

25. Van der Bosch, William - (Von Der Bosch) - foreman - architect (1830 - 1893)

    Immigration:

    1853 Travel:

    1853: familysearch.org - no image

    W. Vonderbosch 28 Jul 1853 New York, New York, Male, Age 26, Birthplace Usa, Occupation Architect Ship Name Nelson Birth Year (Estimated) 1827 Departure Port Bremen Literacy Unknown Last Place of Residence New York Destination Place New York Transit or Travel Compartment Citizen of USA [Transit]; Steerage [Travel] Affiliate Manifest ID 00007365 Affiliate ARC Identifier 1746067

    Amalie Vonderbosch Immigration Date 28 Jul 1853 Gender Female Age 26 Birthplace Prussia Occupation Unknown Ship Name Nelson Birth Year (Estimated) 1827 Departure Port Bremen Literacy Unknown Destination Place New York Transit or Travel Compartment Staying in the USA [Transit]; Steerage [Travel] Affiliate Manifest ID 00007365 Affiliate ARC Identifier 1746067

    Oscar Vonderbosch Event Type Immigration Event Date 28 Jul 1853 Event Place New York, New York, New York, United States Gender Male Birthplace Prussia Occupation Infant Ship Name Nelson Departure Port Bremen Literacy Unknown Destination Place New York Transit or Travel Compartment Staying in the USA [Transit]; Steerage [Travel] Affiliate Manifest ID 00007365 Affiliate ARC Identifier 1746067

    1862 Civil War: Captain William van Der Bosch Company D 132 Regiment, Empire Brigade of New York State Volunteers, A RECORD OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS - from August 6, 1861 to May 19, 1862

    William Vander Bosch Age: 34 Enlistment aug 22, 1862 New York City Muster 16 Sept 1862, Captain, Company D 132 Infantry, Separation Resigned at Suffolk Va., Separation Date: 11 Dec 1862

    1874: William Vanderbosch 289 Washington Architect Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1874

    1876: All of the stones were measured and inspected by Wm. Vanderbosch. "His knowledge of the quality of the stone and the requirements of the specifications, coupled with his evident desire to deal justly, has in the end satisfied all partiess. His difficult and delicate task has been conscientiously and faithfully performed." (Report of the Chief Engineer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge)

    "Since the stone yard at Red Hook was closed up, Mr. Vanderbosch has rendered valuable assistance on the designs for the New York approach." (Report of the Chief Engineer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge)

    1878: October, Wm. Van Der Bosch, Draftsman (Brooklyn Eagle) Brooklyn Public Library

    1880: William Vanderbosch 50, born Prussia, architect, Amelia Vanderbosch 40, born Prussia, Oscar Vanderbosch 20, born New Jersey, telephone operator, Margaret Vanderbosch 17, born New Jersey, William Vanderbosch 2, grandson born New York

    1881: William Vanderbosch, 89 Reid av, Engineer, Brooklyn, New York, City Directory, 1881

    1883: William Van Der Bosch was acknowledged at the opening ceremonies of the bridge.

    1883: "Every piece of stone was measured and approved by Assistant Engineer Vanderbosch, formerly of the Cincinnati bridge" (Report of the Chief Engineer of the New York & Brooklyn Bridge)

    1890: Annalie Wilhelmina Albertine Vander Bosch, Event Place Kings County, New York, Event Date 1890, Schedule Type Petition, Citation, Proofs of Will, Orders, etc. Court Surrogate's Court, Event Type Probate - died January 9, 1890 petitioner, Friedrich Ludwig Wm Vander Bosch, executor, husband, 124 Van Buren Street Brooklyn

    Oscar W Vander Bosch son Croton Lake, NY - Annie Burns, 38 Fort Green Place, Brooklyn

    1890: Death "Louise Van Der Bosch" 10 Jan 1890 Brooklyn, Kings, 124 Van Buren Str. Brooklyn, N Age 60 Married Birth Year (Estimated) 1830 Birthplace Germany Burial Date 12 Jan 1890 Cemetery Evergreen Father's Birthplace Germany Mother's Birthplace Germany (LDS)

    1890: Surviving Soldiers, Sailors and Marine - Brooklyn Ludwig, Von der Bosch solder US

    1893: Frederick Ludwig William VanderBosch Event Place Kings County, New York Event Date 1893 Schedule Type Petition, Citation, Proofs of Will, Orders, etc. Court Surrogate's Court Event Type Probate Number of Images 14 First Image Number 111 Last Image Number 124 - died 10 September 1893, real estate $4,500 dollars, personal $2,420 Oscar Waldermar VanderBosch, son, Henrietta Margaretha Burn, daughter, and William Oscar Vander Bosch, grandson, all at 124 Van Buren

    Brooklyn Eagle September 11, 1893:

    "DEATH OF WILLIAM "VON" DER BOSCH

    He was a staff engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge

    He was one of the engineers on the Brooklyn Bridge from the inception to the completion and was for many years connected with the engineering department of the army. He was born in Potsdam Germany and received his technical schooling in Germany. He came to the US at age 30. He was an architect and a designer of forts and fortification. He was "with General Gilmroe in Bowling Green". He served during the Civil War with the 118th New York Volunteers as a captain. After the bridge was complete he returned to working for the army and worked on Wards Island. He was a large man over 6 feet 4 inches and described as a "veritable Hercules" - one of the tallest men in Brooklyn. He had been very healthy most of his life. He died after a short illness - said to be acute bronchitis which turned into pneumonia. He was survived by his son Oscar an engineer with the New York city works and a daughter Marguerite, wife of F. W. Burns of Brooklyn. Buried Evergreen.

    Death: William Vonderbosch Age: 66 Birth Year: abt 1827 Death Date: 10 Sep 1893 Death Place: Kings, New York, USA Certificate Number: 15601

    1900: Property transfer Van Buren St S. s. 332 ft w Summer ave, 19.5x100 h&l William Hildenbrant NY exr. will Frederick L. W. Vonder Bosch to Oscar W. Vonder Bosch 1899 nom.

    Not listed in McCoullogh's Great Bridge.

    In 1936 in a junk shop in Yonkers some drawings were found that were believed to be originals for the Brooklyn Bridge. They were undated and unsigned. They were found among the contents of an attic in Peekskill that had once been the home of William Van der Bosch who was a draftsman for the Brooklyn Bridge. Original drawing were said to by on file in the Department of Plant and Structures.

    1900: Brooklyn Ward 9 E. 15th street, Fred N Burns 38, custom house broker, Annie Burns 35, 2 children 2 living, Florence Burns 18 Gladys Burns 14 William O Vonderbosch 22, nephew, book keeper

    1910: Cortlandt, Westchester, New York South Street, Oscar Vonderbosch 51, civil engineer, parents born Germany, born New Jersey, Catherine Vonderbosch 50, 1 child 1 living, Hattie Akley 19, cousin, Marie Akley 17, cousin

    1923: Oscar W. Von Der Bosch Marriage 24 Jul 1923 Manhattan, Gender Male Age 65 Widowed Race White Birth Year (Estimated) 1858 Birthplace Hoboken, N.J. Father's Name William Von Der Bosch Mother's Name Amelia Schmidt Spouse's Name Henrietta Barrett Spouse's Gender Female Spouse's Age 47 Spouse's Marital Status Widowed Spouse's Race White Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated) 1876 Spouse's Birthplace U.S.A. Spouse's Father's Name Charles H. White Spouse's Mother's Name Julia C. Ryder

26. De Stefano, Bartolomeo (1850-1939)

    In June 2018 Joseph De Stefano wrote to me about his great grandfather:

    "I wish to add my Great Grandfather, Bartolomeo De Stefano, to the Worker's Registry list of those individuals who worked on the Brooklyn Bridge during its construction.

    Originally emigrating from the town of Stefano in northern Sicily, my Great Grandfather arrived in America in 1877 with his young wife, Annunziata, where together they hoped to forge out a new beginning. Having worked on square riggers during most of his youth, Bartolomeo was no stranger to heights and upon arrival to America, secured his first job on the Brooklyn Bridge as one of the foremen of the riggers responsible in the straying of cables from each of the newly constructed towers during this period up until its completion in 1883.

    Upon its completion in 1883, Bartolomeo was made an American citizen and together with his wife, raised four children. My Grandfather Giuseppe (Joseph), who I was named after was the oldest of his children. My father, Bartholomew, Grandpa's son was named after his Grandfather, Bartolomeo. Bartolomeo died at the age of 92 (circa 1946) after breaking his neck when falling down a flight of steps at home home in The Bronx upon coming home from one of his fishing trips."

    Birth: Circa 1850 Sicily, Italy

    Marriage: Annuziata Taquinta

    Children:

    1. Giuseppe c 1881

       Marriage: Giuseppe De Stefano Marriage 23 Feb 1907 Event Place Manhattan, New York, New York, United States Event Place (Original) Manhattan, New York Gender Male Age 26 Father's Name Bartolo Mother's Name Annunziata Giaquinta Spouse's Name Caterina Sidoti Spouse's Gender Female Spouse's Age 22 Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated) 1885 Spouse's Father's Name Serafino Spouse's Mother's Name Carolina Paino

    2. Gaetano Di Stefano, Birth, 10 Dec 1882, Manhattan, New York, New York, United States, Gender Male, Race White, Father's Name Bartolomeo Di Stefano, Father's Birthplace Italy, Father's Age 31, Mother's Name Annunziata Taguinta, Mother's Birthplace Italy, Mother's Age 30

       Marriage: Gaetano Destefano, Marriage, 13 Sep 1906, Event Place Manhattan, New York, New York, United States, Event Place (Original) Manhattan, New York, Gender Male, Age 23, Marital Status Single, Race White, Birthplace NY City, Father's Name Bartolo, Mother's Name Nunziata Giaquinta, Spouse's Name Katie Smith, Spouse's Gender Female, Spouse's Age 20, Spouse's Marital Status Single, Spouse's Race White, Spouse's Birthplace NY City, Spouse's Father's Name Henry, Spouse's Mother's Name Mary Halffman

    1925 Bronx: 1050 Stebbins ave
    1. Thomas Destefano 42, electrician, Kate Destefano 38 Alice Destefano 17 Mamie Destefano 10 Katie Quenta 70, aunt born Italy

    2. De Stefano, Joseph, head, age 42, plumber, wife, Catherine, 39, born Italy, Barney son 15, Alice daughter 12, Carolin daughter 10

    1939: Death Bartolomeo Di Stefano, 20 Feb 1939, Brooklyn, Kings, New York, United States, Address 8812-17th Avenue, Residence Place Brooklyn, Gender Male, Age 88, Marital Status Widowed, Race White, Occupation Seaman, Birth Date 24 Apr 1850, Birthplace Italy, Burial Date 23 Feb 1939, Cemetery Calvary, Father's Name Giacomo Di Stefano, Father's Birthplace Italy, Mother's Name Guisseppina Marturano, Mother's Birthplace Italy, Spouse's Name Nunziata Quinta

    "My great Grandfather, Bartolomeo De Stefano, possessed a working knowledge of construction from his past experiences in Italy working aloft on square riggers and was one of the men placed in charge of the Italian speaking immigrants upon his arrival during this phase of construction." Joseph De Stefano, July 2018

27. Tupple, Harry - foreman

    Harry "Tupple" was listed several times in comments about the open ceremonies of the bridge. I believe it should be "Supple". Harry Supple was a hero among the riggers. He died in 1878.

Caissons Disease

Caisson Disease, also known as the bends, took the lives of several workers on the Brooklyn (East River) Bridge.

Dr. Andrew H. Smith, the bridge surgeon, did a study of the disease in connection with the bridge. He listed 14 cases of caissons disease. Four of the cases are published in a variety of online sites and in David McCullough's book, The Great Bridge.

Reference has been found to the following deaths of caisson disease connected with the Brooklyn Bridge construction:

1. John Myer died April 22, 1872

   John Meyers a German born age 40, in good health died of Caissons disease April 22, 1872 (unionlaborworks.com).

   April 23, 1872 the Sun- John Meyer, a strong stout, well built German, age 35 died of the caisson disease at his home (a boarding house) on Water street. He suffered weakness of the chest and stomach, and a stange quaking and trembling of his lower limbs. He died of convulsions. The land lady said Meyer had been in the states for four years. He had only worked in the caissons for one day. At the end of his shift on the second day he returned home and died within a short period of time. He said he did not feel uncomfortable while in the caisson but suffered as soon as he came out.

   Mentioned in The Great Bridge by David McCullough.

2. Patrick McKay, died April 25, 1872

   A few days later Patrick McKay, age 50 Irish, died after he collapsed in the air chamber (unionlaborworks.com)

   McKay Patrick 40 y Apr 25 1872 114482 Manhattan

   Mentioned in The Great Bridge by David McCullough.

3. Roiden (Reardon), Readon, Daniel - May 18, 1872 worked in the caisson for two hours. When he came out he walked to his rooming house two blocks from the bridge, fell down in great pain and died within minutes. An autopsy revealed that he died from congestion of the lungs.

   According to David McCullough he was an Englishmen, named Reardon, who began work in the caissons on May 17, 1872 and died May 18, 1872. "Reardon, began retching violently after coming up from the afternoon shift." He was unable to stand up. He continued to vomit all night, was taken to the hospital where he died the following morning.

   Listed in 1883 report on the bridge.

4. Walsh, date unknown - worked two and a half hour. Post mortem indicated he had Bright's disease.

   Listed in 1883 report on the bridge.

Several sources say three men died of caisson disease during the Brooklyn Bridge construction.

A news report in 1883 stated that post mortem on Walsh, Roidon and Deneys showed that all three had previous diseases and their deaths were accelerated by working in the caissons.

Andrew H. Smith surgeon for the East River Bridge Company reported 110 cases of the caisson disease of which three were fatal (The Engineer, Volume 55, 1883).

Almost every man who worked in the caissons suffered some pain or discomfort from caisson disease. Intolerable, tearing pains in the joints, limbs or bones and temporary paralysis of the arms and legs were common complains. The management said most men got over them after a few days; the workers said it sometimes took months. Washington Roebling and Charles Young (a foreman) suffered from caisson disease for years.

Other complains from working in the caissons were: rheumatism, coughing blood, fits, and fainting.

The management maintained that the new men suffered most while the old laborers got used to it.

Conditions may have been tougher on the New York side than on the Brooklyn side because the caisson was sunk 78 feet below the level of the water on the New York side.

The men were treated with ergot (a fungus that grows on wheat), morphine, stimulants and Jamaican ginger. Vomiting was a danger sign and frequently indicated paralysis to follow.

The men were given coffee as soon as the came up from the caisson. Bunks were also provided for men who wished to rest before heading home.

Records were kept of the cases reported. It was averred that thinner men faired better and that all who had died were "fleshy men, of full or large size". It was suggested that the men never entered the caisson with an empty stomach. A diet high in meat and coffee was recommended. Other suggestions were: Keep warm on leaving the caisson and rest for a period if possible - Avoid liquor - Sleep at least 8 hours a night - Never enter the caisson if sick - Have a bowel movement every day.

Pay was $2 for 8 hours. Before a strike on May 7 old hands were getting $2.43 for four and a half hours. The workers asked for $3 for four hours. The wage was increased to $2.75 for 4 hours.

Decompression sickness

General Notes

A lot of the men who worked on the bridge were seafaring men.

A large percentage of the men working on the bridge were Irish.

It was said that precautions were taken to determine who could work at such heights. Anyone who experienced any "giddiness" was immediately transfered to work on the ground.

Employees in the constructor of the bridge included: Laborers ($1.75 per day), blacksmiths ($3.50 to $4 per day), carpenters ($3 to $3.50 per day), masons & stonecutters ($3.50 to $4 per day), riggers ($2 to $2.50) and painters ($2 to $3.50 per day).

The work carried on in all weather, the summer heat and freezing winter gales.

News Coverage

At a time when the most insignificant occurrences made the newspapers it is peculiar that accidents on the bridge did not get more coverage.

ACCIDENT

Kate Williams, a servant, employed at 100 Harrison street, while drunk last night, fell on the sidewalk in Hamilton avenue and received a severe scalp wound."

This event was covered in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle on September 3, 1879. It epitomizes the type of trivial coverage in the newspapers. I would imagine that the reporters got their information from the police plotters, the morgue and the hospital emergency rooms.

I cannot find coverage in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle for the deaths of: McLaughlin in 182, Enright, in 1872, Deneys in 1872, Reardon in 1872, Ried in 1875, McCann in 1875, Elliott in 1876, Noone in 1878, Murphy (Patrick) in 1879, Martin in 1882, Collins in 1883 or Delaney in 1882.

Why does falling down drunk get covered and falling off the Bridge and dying not get covered?