Anthony Allaire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anthony J. Allaire
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| Born | February 17, 1829 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
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| Died | August 9, 1903 (aged 74) Manhattan, New York, United States
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| Resting place | Woodlawn CemeteryThe Bronx |
| Nationality | French-American |
| Occupation | Police detective |
| Known for | NYPD police inspector responsible for the breakup of the Slaughter House Gang and the Dutch Mob; captured murderer Daniel McFarland in 1869 |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | John Lamb, uncle |
Anthony J. Allaire (born February 17, 1829 – died August 9, 1903) was an important American public servant. He worked as a firefighter, a military leader, and a police officer. For a long time, he was a police inspector for the New York City Police Department (NYPD). He was known for stopping many street gangs, like the Slaughter House Gang and the Dutch Mob. He also famously captured a murderer named Daniel McFarland in 1869.
Contents
All About Anthony Allaire
Early Life and Becoming a Police Officer
Anthony Allaire was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 17, 1829. His family had a strong military background. His grandfather fought in the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. His father was a veteran of the War of 1812 and the Mexican–American War. His uncle, Colonel John Lamb, was hurt fighting in the Battle of Quebec.
Anthony moved to New York City when he was young. Around 1848, he became a drillmaster. This meant he taught groups of men how to march and train. He also worked as a blacksmith for a few years. Later, he joined the Fireman's Brigade. He was part of "Engine 41," a fire company known for its rivalry with another famous company.
On August 24, 1860, Allaire officially joined the Metropolitan police force. He started at the Eighteenth Precinct. He quickly moved up in rank. In May 1861, he became a roundsman, and just three months later, he was promoted to sergeant.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, the New York City police leaders decided to create four army groups. These groups would go to fight in the war. Anthony Allaire was one of the first to volunteer for the Union Army. He was already training a small group of men on Rikers Island.
Allaire and his men formed Company E. They became part of the 133rd New York Volunteer Infantry. Allaire was chosen as the captain and first leader of this company.
Allaire rose through the ranks quickly. He eventually became a lieutenant colonel for his regiment. He fought in many battles, including Port Hudson, Marksville Plains, and Fort Bisland. He also took part in battles along the Red River.
In 1864, during General Philip Sheridan's campaign, Allaire had an important job. He was in charge of protecting a special train. This train carried $3 million in back pay for Sheridan's soldiers. Allaire successfully defended the train from Confederate guerillas. He left the military on June 6, 1865. Later, in 1867, President Andrew Johnson honored Allaire. He was given the special military rank of brevet brigadier general. This was for his "meritorious conduct on the field" during the war.
Back to New York Police Work
After leaving the army in July 1865, Allaire returned to the police force. He was quickly given back his old rank. He worked in different police stations across Manhattan. He also served with the famous "Steamboat Squad." He was known for shutting down places of crime and trouble. Allaire was reportedly the first police officer to successfully get into these secret criminal spots.
He became very well-known for fighting street gangs in New York after the Civil War. When he was captain of the Eighteenth Precinct, he worked hard against criminals. These criminals were active in the tough Fourth Ward and near the New York waterfront. He led a campaign against the Slaughter House Gang. This group of river pirates operated from a saloon. With the help of the "Steamboat Squad," Allaire eventually broke up this gang.
Allaire was also the main investigator in a famous murder case. This was the murder of Albert D. Richardson, a newspaper editor. Richardson had been shot by Daniel McFarland. Allaire led a huge search to find McFarland. He tracked him down hiding at his brother's store on Broadway. Allaire used a clever trick to catch him. He sent a letter to McFarland, making it look like it was from his brother. This allowed him to set a trap and capture McFarland at a hotel. Allaire then brought McFarland to the injured Richardson. Richardson identified McFarland as the person who attacked him.
In 1877, Allaire took on another dangerous gang. This was the Dutch Mob, a violent group active in the east side of the city. Allaire, now assigned to the Eighteenth Precinct, formed a "strong-arm squad." Their goal was to drive the Dutch Mob out of the area. Many gang members, like Johnny Irving and Mike Kurtz, were arrested and sent to prison. Allaire's efforts helped put these criminals behind bars for a long time.
Allaire also caught a group of famous forgers. These criminals, led by Joe Elliot, tried to use a fake $60,000 check. Allaire's team arrested them. One of the forgers helped the police, and the others received long prison sentences.
Later Years and Retirement
In his later years on the police force, Allaire became the official drillmaster. He was in charge of training police officers for parades. He was also involved in several community groups. These included the Freemasons and military veteran organizations.
Even with all his achievements, Allaire never became a chief police inspector. This was because of his health. He had physical problems and his health was getting worse. On October 7, 1902, after 42 years of service, Allaire retired. The Police Commissioner decided he was no longer fit for duty.
In his last year, he suffered from a serious kidney disease. He became very ill while on vacation. He wanted to go home, and his wish was granted. He was almost blind but insisted on telling his life story to his son-in-law. Anthony Allaire passed away at his home on August 9, 1903. He was first buried in New Rochelle, New York. Later, his grave was moved to Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. This happened in the 1950s because of highway construction.
