Joseph Gayles

Joseph Gayles (c. 1844 – May 29, 1873), also known as Socco the Bracer, was one of the leaders of the Patsy Conroy Gang which plagued the dockyards of the New York City waterfront during the 1860s and 1870s.

Described by New York police as one of the most vicious criminals on the docks, Gayles was suspected to be responsible for the murders of at least 20 men.

On the night of May 29, 1873, Gayles sailed out into New York Harbor with Bum Mahoney and Billy Woods with the intention of raiding the brig Margaret while waiting to be loaded with cargo.

While successfully sneaking on board, the captain and two crew members were awakened while the three river pirates were attempting to open a sea chest.

As the two other gang members continued to row, Woods told Mahoney to dump Gayles overboard to lighten their weight in an attempt to outrun their pursuers.