Cork-born Barney Flaherty, a 10-year-old Irish immigrant, was the first newsboy. He was hired by Benjamin Day, the publisher of the New York Sun on 4 September, 1833. He later went on to be known as Barney Williams, Irish comedian, hero of "The Emerald Ring," and "The Connie Soo-gah. Newspaper Carrier Day is celebrated on 4 September in honor of Barney and all paperboys.

You can read more about Barney here.