Mr. Bartlett of Southwick Meets Broken-Nose Tully
A rare Southwick Time Machine true crime original deep from our archives
It was 6:30 p.m. on December 26, 1877, when D.W. Bartlett of Southwick, Massachusetts, arrived in New York City, returning from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had been carrying a satchel and a few small parcels throughout his journey.
Bartlett took a horse-drawn Belt-line car at the Desbrosses Street Ferry, heading toward the New Haven boat as he made his way home to Southwick.
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| Desbrosses Street Ferry & Passenger Station, where Bartlett boarded the horse-drawn car on December 26, 1877 |
He disembarked at the famed Fulton Market in Lower Manhattan, a bustling institution known for its oysters. As he rose from his seat, he sensed he was being watched. On the rear platform stood three ruffians, staring him down. At that same moment, a fourth man staggered onto the streetcar, feigning drunkenness. The man stumbled against Bartlett and, in a swift motion, seized his satchel. As Bartlett tried to exit, the men on the platform blocked his way — forcing him to push past them. He paid the odd encounter little mind, though the men’s outward appearance was not easily forgotten. Bartlett entered the storied market and ordered oysters.
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| Fulton Market, New York City, 1877 — a worker prepares oysters for customers |
It was only when he reached for his money to pay for the oysters that Bartlett realized something was wrong—his pocket-book, containing $105, was gone, though his timepiece, hidden under his vest, remained safe and untouched. The missing money represented a considerable loss; it was all he had.
Acting quickly, Bartlett called the Fourth Precinct Station and provided Detective Carr with descriptions of the men. The detective met Bartlett, and within just over an hour, captured two of the men at Eighth Street and Third Avenue on the Bowery. Both were well-known to local authorities: the notorious Eddie “Broken-Nose” Tully, who had given the alias Charles Thornton but was immediately recognized, and a man known by the nickname “Pretty Ike” (possibly James or George McHenry). Earlier that December, both had been arrested for pick-pocketing another victim.
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| Notorious pickpocket Eddie “Broken Nose” Tully |
Broken-Nose Tully’s reputation preceded him. A lifelong pickpocket, Tully was born in Ireland and recognized in every major city across the Union. Stout and about 5’6½” tall, with dark hair, gray eyes, a brown mustache, a large broken nose, and an Irish brogue, he preferred crowded places such as fairs, festivals, exhibitions, and expositions, where he was most effective. He never held a formal job, relying on pickpocketing as his trade. An expert and clever thief, Tully traveled with the best in the business, had been arrested multiple times, and yet continued his illicit activities with remarkable cunning. His appearance and mannerisms made him easily recognizable. In the lining of his coat, Detective Carr recovered $60 of the stolen money. The fate of the other men involved in the theft could not be determined.
— Another piece of local history preserved by the Southwick Time Machine
Edited Out/Author's Additional Research Notes
The North River is better known today as the Hudson River.
Fulton Market started in 1822. It became well known for its seafood.
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