Gabriel Furman

Born in Brooklyn on January 23, 1800, Gabriel Furman was an American lawyer, historian, and politician from New York. He was the son of Judge William Furman and became known for his close interest in the history of Brooklyn and Long Island.

His best-known work is Notes, Geographical and Historical, Relating to the Town of Brooklyn, on Long-Island, a book valued for its careful gathering of local history. Later editions included a memoir of the author, which helped preserve the story of his life along with the places he wrote about.

Furman died in Brooklyn on November 11, 1854. Though not a household name today, he remains important to readers and historians because his work captured an early picture of Brooklyn before the city changed so dramatically.