Bernard Friery
American killer (1844–1866)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bernard "Barney" Friery (February 17, 1844 – August 17, 1866) was a New York City criminal and independent gang leader during the 1850s and 1860s.
Bernard Friery | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 17, 1844 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | August 17, 1866 (aged 22) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Hanging |
| Other names | Barney Friary |
| Occupation | Saloon keeper |
| Known for | New York criminal and underworld figure who murdered Harry Lazarus in 1865. |
Early life
Bernard "Barney" Friery was born on February 17, 1844, in New York City to Irish parents.[1][2] At a young age, he worked at a butcher on 18th street and 3rd avenue for some years.[1][2] He also worked as an electioneer to help local ward candidates.[1] He invested his money in a saloon called "10-40 Loan" on East Houston Street and worked there as a barkeep.[1][3] He was Catholic.[1]
Murder
Along five or six others,[citation needed] including James Clark, James MacDonald and John "California Jack" Gallen, Friery entered the "X 10 U 8" (read: extenuate) saloon, adjacent to Friery's saloon on East Houston Street between 3 and 4 A.M. on January 3, 1865. The saloon was owned by boxer Henry "Harry" Lazarus.[1][4] One of the men, California Jack, offered a wager of $100 challenging anyone in the bar to a fight with one of the gang members. When no one responded to their offer, California Jack offered $10 to any man who could take the owner Henry Lazarus's pistol away from him. Having no pistol on him, Lazarus declined their offer.[3]
Reportedly "beastly drunk", Friery then walked toward Lazarus offering to shake his hand and, when he refused, stabbed the saloon owner in the throat with a dirk, killing him instantly.[2][3][5] He was arrested hours later at another saloon.[1]
Trial and execution
Friery was arraigned in the Court of General Sessions before Recorder of New York City John T. Hoffman and Judge Abraham Russell.[1][4][5][6] His lawyers were John McKeon, John Sedgwick, and former judge Sidney H. Stuart.[6][7] He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death on February 17, 1865.[1][5] He was executed by hanging at The Tombs on August 17, 1866.[1]
