John Morrissey

John Morrissey
John Morrissey, engraving, circa 1860
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 5th district
In office March 4, 1867 – March 4, 1871
Preceded by	Nelson Taylor
Succeeded by	William R. Roberts
Member of the New York Senate from the 4th district
In office January 1, 1878 – May 1, 1878
Preceded by	James W. Gerard
Succeeded by	Thomas Murphy
Member of the New York Senate from the 4th district
In office January 1, 1876 – December 31, 1877
Preceded by	John Fox
Succeeded by	Edward Hogan
Personal details
Born	(1831-02-12)February 12, 1831 Templemore, County Tipperary, Ireland
Died	May 1, 1878(1878-05-01) (aged 47) Troy, New York
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Susie Smith
Children	John Morrissey, Jr
Occupation	Boxer, Gang leader, and Politician
Religion	Roman Catholicism

John Morrissey (February 12, 1831 – May 1, 1878), also known as Old Smoke, was an Irish American bare-knuckle boxer and a gang member in New York City in the 1850s and later became a Democratic State Senator and U.S. Congressman from New York, backed by Tammany Hall. Morrissey began his bare-knuckle boxing career after a confrontation with a man known only as "Chroel" who was notorious for troubling his fellow townsmen. Although Morrissey was on the bitter end of his first bare knuckle bout, his display of bravery and fortitude earned himself the respect and historical acknowledgment of his peers.

Morrissey was born in Templemore, County Tipperary, Ireland in 1831. In 1833 his parents emigrated to the United States and settled in Troy, New York.

Desperate to escape poverty, he worked as a cargo thief and also as a collection agent for Irish crime bosses in the area, and before he was 18, he had been indicted twice for burglary, once for assault and battery, and once for assault with intent to kill. Along with his criminal and ferocious fighting abilities, Morrissey also displayed driving ambition, teaching himself to read and write while working as a bouncer at a South Troy brothel. After spending two months in jail, Morrissey left Troy for New York City.