Big Sue
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Big Sue or Sue, the Turtle was the pseudonym of an African-American saloonkeeper and underworld figure whose Grand Street dive bar was destroyed during the New York Draft Riots in 1863. [1] After she had been attacked and "frightfully beaten" by a group of women from the Five Points, her liquor was conficated and distributed amongst the rioters around Thompson Street's Arch Block. [2]
Although considered an honest dive keeper, as thievery among many of the city's taverns and saloons were rampant, she is suspected to have been involved in prostitution as a procuress and brothel owner. [3]
[edit] References
- ^ Asbury, Herbert. The Gangs of New York. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1928. ISBN 1-56025-275-8
- ^ Crapsey, Edward. The Nether Side of New York, Or, the Vice, Crime and Poverty of the Great Metropolis. New York: Sheldon & Company, 1872.
- ^ Feldman, Bert S. (1998-07-28). A disaster in New York. The River Reporter.
