On This Day

Bill the Butcher

Gang Leader Bill the Butcher

Full Name: William Poole
Profession: Gang Leader

Nationality:
United States of America
American

Why Famous: The leader of the New York City gang Bowery Boys, he was the inspiration for the character of William "Bill the Butcher" Cutting (portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis) in Martin Scorsese's 2002 film "Gangs of New York".

Born: July 24, 1821
Birthplace: Sussex County, New Jersey, United States
Star Sign: Leo

Died: March 8, 1855 (aged 33)
Cause of Death: Gunshot wound

Events in the Life of Bill the Butcher

  • 1855-02-25 Bowery Boys gang leader William Poole "Bill the Butcher" shot in the back by gang of archrival John Morrissey in New York (dies 8th March)
  • 1855-03-11 Bowery Boys gang leader William Poole aka "Bill the Butcher" is buried in Brooklyn with 155 carriages and 6,000 mourners

Famous People who Died of Gunshot Wounds

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