Monk Eastman Murdered

One hundred years ago today … In the early morning hours, underworld figure Monk Eastman–onetime Tammany Hall thug, World War I veteran, sometimes called the "first Jewish gangster" (Tosches 205)–was shot and killed. He was found in the gutter at Fourth Avenue and 14th Street outside the Bluebird Cabaret or Cafe at 62 E. 14th Street by a Jerry Bohan, “a crooked Prohibition agent with whom he had been drinking” (Tosches 206)

The specs of Eastman, born Edward Osterman, according to William Helmer:

Notorious early 1900s new York gang leader. Sent to prison in 1904 for shooting a Pinkerton detective in a holdup. Later a bodyguard an protector fr Arnold Rothstein.

Eastman's war service merited him a full pardon from Governor Al Smith, and, upon his death, a military funeral.

The News reported that 2,000 mourner/spectators turned out to watch the procession.

The newspapers were fascinated with Eastman's death and offered extensive writeups. The below is the first half of the Herald's article; it continues on page two, taking up two columns.

One detail the newspapers did not include: when he was shot, Eastman was uncharacteristically wearing a suit, one purchased from the Witty Brothers at 50 Eldridge Street.

– Jonathan Goldman, December 26, 2020

TAGS: gangsters, crime, underworld, murder, prohibition, Jews, veterans, funeral, gun, federal agent