New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-06-10
RICHARD CROKER GOES AWAY
Continued from Third Page.

he was big enough to engage in prizefights. becom
ing later on a trainer of pugsts He was also a
volunteer fireman. Then he entered the arena OF
politics under the tutelage of James O'Bren, after.
ward Sheriff of New-York County. After holding
a few minor places where ne drew salaries from
the city but devoted himself mainly 70 keeping NJ
a gang of repeaters for use election days, he
was chosen Alderman. Aferward he was Supern-
tendent OF Markets under Controller Richard b
Connolly. Tweed's partner in robbery. Ex-Alderman
Croker quiet for a year or two following the
downfall of Tweed. Then ne Joined John Kelly. and
assisted him in organizing Reformed Tammany
In 1873 he was elected Coroner. and was reelected
in 1876 He was arrested for the murder Of John
Mckenna Election Day OF 1874. was indicted and
tried but the jury disagreed standing six for con-
vction and six for acquttal. noie prosequi was
afterward entered in the case by a Tammany Dis
trict-Attorney.
In 1883 Mr. Croker was elected an Alderman to rep
resent the old XXVIIIth District. but never took
his seat. Mayor Edison appointed him Fire Com
missioner before his term as Alderman began on
John Kellys death Croker became leader OF Tam
many Hail. and he Hugh J. Grant w. Bourke
Cochran and Thomas f. Groy were known as the
big Four of the Wigwam. Mayor Hewitt reap
pointed Mr. Croker as Fire Commissioner IN lSss.
and the next year Mayor Grant appointed him city
Chamberlain. place which ne resigned when he
was attacked with what his doctors called angina
in almost az great hurry as he did yesterday
morning.
He returned TO give evidence before the Fassett
committee in June OF the year. and then
started back TO Europe again as soon as the cleo
ton was over remaining away about six months
The testimony before the Fassctt Committee de-
veloped the fact that he was then n poor man.
Mayor Grant. In explaining his gife OF $1,000 10
Mr. Cookers daughter "Flossie," said that w
Croker was very poor. indeed Yet In couple
Of wears aftcrward ~ began TO manifest evidence
Of wealth bought fast horses and stock farm prop
crty and entered the field a turfman. In com
pany with Edward Murphy, ir., now United states
senator he bought the Old Mather farm. near Rich
field Springs and valuable land adjoining. In all
about 4c0 acres built costly additions 70 the build
ings for the accommodation Of his booded horses
and shipped there hOrsefesh worth $lpVD a year
later NJ bought the half-interest OF Genera William
IL. Jackson I'm the famous Belle Meade stock Farm
near Nashville. Tenn. Mr. Croker's share being
valued $4,000
Last year he bought a most desirable house In
East Seventy fourth-st. and remodelled II 10 SUIT
his lately developed tastes making OF II n mansion
which "A OF great fortune might appreciate
lie caused II 10 be furnished In lavish and uNur-
Gus style. wholly regardless Of cost: Since its
completion he and his family have lived there IN a
way behtiing those who can afford almost unlimited
expenditure. Rumor has IL that expected inquiry
as To the sources OF this wealth and ~ the I'M
mense outlay OF money which Mr.. Croker has been
able 10 make within the last two years caused his
surprising departure on the Umbria yesterday.