Moses Ehrich (fl. 1850–1875) was an American businessman and underworld figure known as Old Unger who served as a fence to burglars, thieves and shoplifters from his Eldridge Street store.[1][2][3] He was indicted four or five times on charges of receiving stolen goods during the administration of New York City Mayor A. Oakey Hall, but never convicted. He was represented by Hall in later years.[4]
Old Unger | |
|---|---|
| Born | Moses Ehrich |
| Disappeared | 1875 (aged 24–25) New York City, New York |
| Status | Disappeared prior to capture, never apprehended, now deceased |
| Nationality | German-American |
| Occupation | Shopkeeper |
| Known for | Bowery fence and underworld figure. |
Disappearance
editIn 1875, Ehrich was indicted for his involvement in the Adams Express safe robbery and accused of receiving stolen bonds and an uncut diamond valued at $800. Released on a $5,000 bond, he disappeared from the city shortly after the conviction of ringleader Daniel Haurey. In spite of efforts by District Attorney Horace Russell and the New York Police Department,[4] he left for Canada.[5][6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Crapsey, Edward. The Nether Side of New York, Or, the Vice, Crime and Poverty of the Great Metropolis. Sheldon & Company, 1872. (pg. 85)
- ^ Harlow, Alvin F. Old Bowery Days: The Chronicles of a Famous Street. New York and London: D. Appleton & Company, 1931. (pg. 377)
- ^ Nadel, Stanley. Little Germany: Ethnicity, Religion, and Class in New York City, 1845-80. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1990. (pg. 88) ISBN 0-252-01677-7
- ^ a b "The Adams Express Robbery - Disappearance of Moses Ehrich". New York Times. 17 Mar 1875
- ^ Walling, George W. Recollections of a New York Chief of Police: An Official Record of Thirty-eight Years as Patrolman, Detective, Captain, Inspector and Chief of the New York Police. New York: Caxton Book Concern, 1887. (pg. 222)
- ^ Walling, George Washington (1887). Recollections of a New York Chief of Police. Caxton book concern, limited. p. 222.
Moses Ehrich.