A NEAR RIOT, THE ROPEWALK RIOT 1836. Of the industries that existed in Brooklyn fifty years ago the ropewalks were conspicuous

1 Among these the walk of Norris Martin stood on Adams street, near Fulton Avenue; that of Schermerhorn & Bancker, corner Smith and State streets (burned in 1814): that of the late ex-mayor Wall, in the Eastern District and also that of Kent, Tucker & Cooper on Graham street, near Myrtle avenue. At the last occurred the ropewalk riot. Various labor saving contrivances had been introduced in the making of ropes, which deprived many hands of employment, and one day in the Summer of 1836 a large crowd of persons assembled in front of this walk, threatening to burn it down unless  the "spinning jenny" was taken away. Conciliatory means were adopted and the crowd moved away.

 2 The Eastern Market Disturbance 1843

In the days of the Volunteer Fire Department many will recall the old Jackson Engine Company, No. 11. It lay on Gold street, near High, from whence the dark colored engine, resembling a swan's neck, was many times drawn to a fire. On the night of March 16, 1843, St. Patrick's eve, several members, in the way of merriment, made an effigy of an Irishman, which they hung in the bell cupola of the neighboring Eastern Market. The next morning a large crowd gathered in front of the market, and, standing in the snow, demanded its removal. Entering the building they ascended to the roof. The timely arrival of Sheriff Stryker with a squad of men prevented a serious riot. The Eastern Market afterwards became the Episcopal Church of the Rev. "Dominic" Johnson, and on the same locality now stands the new Grace Chapel.

3 The Gowanus Riot 1854

The Gowanus riot was caused by two pairs of brothers, named respectively Ryan and Veelan. On a Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock on August 13, 1854, these four persons, representing different Irish factions, sat conversing in Duffy's grocery store, on the corner of Eighteenth street and Third avenue. A quarrel ensued that led to blows. There assembled a crowd composed of the adherents of both parties. The Veelan party, being beaten, took refuge in the back yard of the grocery. The mob which had now grown to immense proportions began firing stones and other missiles at the windows and threatened if the men were not brought out to destroy the building. Deputy Sheriff John Friend with a number of police officers made a terrible onslaught on the mob, and succeeded in arresting the ringleader and several others. Just as the mob were about to turn to rescue the prisoners a Catholic priest arrived. Addressing the multitude he bade them not to molest the officers in the discharge of duty, and out of respect to the church to desist from all unlawful proceedings. His words quieted the mob who shortly dispersed.