Kit Burns
Kit Burns | |
|---|---|
| Born | Christopher Keyburn February 23, 1831 |
| Died | December 19, 1870 (aged 39) South Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Resting place | Calvary Cemetery |
| Nationality | Irish-American |
| Occupation | Saloon keeper |
| Known for | New York gang leader and underworld figure; he and Tommy Hadden co-led the Dead Rabbits during the 1850s. |
Christopher Keyburn (February 23, 1831 – December 19, 1870), commonly known by his alias Kit Burns, was an American sportsman, saloon keeper and underworld figure in New York City during the mid-to late 19th century, he and Tommy Hadden being the last-known leaders of the Dead Rabbits during the 1850s and 60s.
Burns also founded Sportsmen's Hall, also known as the Band Box, which served as a popular Bowery sporting resort and dance hall during this time. It was also a central meeting place for the New York underworld in the Bowery and old Fourth Ward areas for nearly two decades until it was finally closed following a campaign by ASPCA founder Henry Bergh in 1870.