Bernard Friery

Bernard "Barney" Friery (February 17, 1844 – August 17, 1866) was a New York City criminal and independent gang leader during the 1850s and 1860s.

Early life Bernard "Barney" Friery was born on February 17, 1844, in New York City to Irish parents. At a young age, he worked at a butcher on 18th street and 3rd avenue for some years. He was Catholic. 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. He was arrested hours later at another saloon. His lawyers were John McKeon, John Sedgwick, and former judge Sidney H. Stuart. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death on February 17, 1865. He was executed by hanging at The Tombs on August 17, 1866.