Thomas Byrnes, acct. 16281

Additional Information on Thomas Byrnes:

Byrnes, Thomas 16281

Politician "Big Tom Byrnes" murdered in ward 1

New York Times, Sunday, Nov. 30, 1862

Newspaper article about “"A noted office holder shot in affray"; happened near corner of Greenwich and Cedar streets, he was shot in the abdomen with a pistol in the hands of Dennis P. Sullivan, who was then arrested. The victim was taken to the New York Hospital but due to the “peculiar” location of the injury, the doctors decided he would probably “not survive many days, and probably not many hours. He was accordingly informed of his critical condition, and admonished that if he had any arrangements to make, preparatory to death, or anything which he wished to say, it would be proper for him to make his desires known in that regard.” Later that same day “Toward evening, Coroner Collin… went to the hospital for the purpose of taking his deposition. Byrnes, by this time, was so low, and so much exhausted, through loss of blood, that it was deemed best to exclude all from the room except the jury and those who were actually necessary to the performance of the business… His [Byrnes’] voice was very feeble, and at times so low as to be scarcely audible at the distance of two feet from his bed.”

            The coroner asked if Byrnes felt he was in a dying condition, and Byrnes said he felt he shall not recover. He was then asked to identify the prisoner. “Coroner Collin here asked those in the room to place themselves in such a position as to be easily and readily seen by Mr. Byrnes.” When asked if he recognized the person who shot him, Byrnes pointed to “the prisoner.” He was then asked to identify the conditions under which he was shot.

            “At about 2 o’clock this morning, in Greenwich street, between Cedar and Liberty, on the north side, near the river… I was with two gentlemen. The prisoner and others were across the street. I thought they were acquaintances…a friend of the witness got into an argument with them, about what I cannot tell; one called the other an Abolitionist; the prisoner, who had become angry, drew a pistol; I said there was to be no fighting, and then I wanted to know why the pistol had been drawn; prisoner said he was paid for it… someone caught hold of him, to take hold of the pistol. I do not know whether it was an officer or not; he immediately shot me, for what reason I know not; that is all I know; I never had any altercation with the prisoner; I begged him not to use a pistol; he was within four or five feet of me.

            “The Coroner at this point deemed it prudent to rest the examination. The jury retired from the room and immediately rendered a verdict to the effect that Thomas Byrnes was shot on the morning of the 29^th of Nov. by a pistol in the hands of Dennis P. Sullivan.” Then the Coroner questioned Dennis Sullivan. “He was born in Ireland, was 33 years of age, resided at the corner of White and Baxter streets, and was by occupation a rope-maker.” When asked if he had anything to say relative to the shooting, he responded “Not being prepared I decline saying anything upon the subject at present.”

            The article reminds the public that there are no other recounts of the incident save those from the victim and Mr. Sullivan. “The statement of the latter [Mr. Sullivan], it must be remember, however, was not made under the solemnities of an oath, or with death staring him in the face, as may be said to be the case with that of the other.” Sullivan’s statement said “he was posting bills for Alderman Smith… at about 2 o’clock yesterday morning, he was at the place indicated by Byrnes,” when Byrnes “with others… posted bills for the opposing Alderman candidate, John Fox, directly over those which he had posted; there were several persons with me, and Byrne’s party consisted of about the same number; I should think high words were used on both sides; I was attacked by a number of men, at the time when I had my ladder, paste, and my bills in my hands; in anticipation of an attack I had brought my revolver with me; when the attack was made upon me I changed my pistol from my breast pocket to the side pocket of my coat; I was first struck and knocked down, and while on my knees, and while others were kicking me, Byrnes came up and drew my coat collar over my head, and then, in self-defence, I drew my revolver and fired; there was a general, indiscriminate knock down fight between the members of the two opposing parties.”

            Byrnes held the office of Superintendent of Lands and Places and was long known as an active politician of the Tammany Hall School. “The ‘Old War Horse’ of Tammany, Elijah F. Purdy, also Alderman H.W. Genet, Commissioner Bell, John E. Devlin… were in attendance at the Hospital for hours yesterday… Byrnes is father-in-law to John Fox, the present Democratic nominee for Alderman in the first district… He [Byrnes] is about 47 years of age, and a large, robust looking man when in health. He resided at No. 3 Morris – street, where he leaves a family.”

            The article goes on to state “We omitted to state in the proper place, that immediately after the Coroner had concluded the examination of Byrnes, the latter turned his eyes to Sullivan, and mustering all his strength for the effort, he said in a voice low, but distinct, although it vibrated with emotion, ‘Sullivan, God forgive you for taking my life from me and my family.’ Byrnes died at 5 o’clock last evening.”