The Birger Gang

Bootleggers & Gangsters

  • The Prohibition era in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, was a time of great social and cultural change. The 18th Amendment to the US Constitution, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, was intended to reduce crime and improve public health. However, it had the unintended consequence of creating a lucrative market for illegal alcohol, which was supplied by a network of bootleggers.

Al Capone

Al Capone in 1930

Al Capone was an infamous American gangster and bootlegger who became notorious during the Prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s. He was born on January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a tough neighborhood where he was exposed to crime and violence from a young age. Capone was expelled from school at the age of 14, and soon after, he joined a street gang called the Five Points Gang. Capone quickly rose through the ranks of the gang, and by the age of 20, he had moved to Chicago, where he became involved in the city’s organized crime scene. He began working for the notorious gangster Johnny Torrio, who mentored Capone and helped him rise to power in the Chicago Outfit, a powerful criminal organization that controlled bootlegging, gambling, and other illegal activities in the city.

During the Prohibition era, the sale and consumption of alcohol were illegal in the United States, and Capone saw an opportunity to make a fortune by running a bootlegging operation. He became one of the most successful and ruthless bootleggers in the country, using violence and intimidation to eliminate his competitors and expand his empire.

Capone’s criminal activities brought him immense wealth and power, but they also made him a target of law enforcement. In 1931, he was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Capone served most of his sentence at the notorious Alcatraz federal prison, where he continued to control his criminal empire from behind bars. After his release from prison in 1939, Capone’s health deteriorated rapidly. He had contracted syphilis years earlier, which had caused significant damage to his brain and nervous system. He spent the rest of his life in seclusion at his home in Florida, where he died on January 25, 1947, at the age of 48.

Capone’s life and legacy are often romanticized in popular culture, but his crimes and violent methods left a lasting impact on American society. His reign as a gangster coincided with a period of social and economic turmoil in the country, and his rise to power represented a challenge to the rule of law and order. Despite his notoriety, Capone remains a fascinating figure in American history, a symbol of the excesses and excesses of the Roaring Twenties and the Prohibition era. His life and crimes have been the subject of countless books, movies, and television shows, and his legacy continues to be debated by historians and criminologists to this day.

George “Bugs” Moran

George "Bugs" Moran

George “Bugs” Moran was a notorious American gangster who rose to prominence during the Prohibition era. Born in Minnesota in 1891, Moran moved to Chicago in the early 1900s and quickly became involved in the city’s criminal underworld. Moran’s early criminal career was marked by a series of petty thefts and burglaries, but he soon moved up the ranks to become a key player in Chicago’s bootlegging trade. He was a member of the North Side Gang, a powerful criminal organization that controlled much of the city’s illegal alcohol distribution during the 1920s.

Moran’s reputation as a ruthless gangster was solidified by the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, which took place on February 14, 1929. Moran and his gang had been engaged in a bitter rivalry with Al Capone’s South Side Gang for several years, and tensions had reached a boiling point. On that fateful day, Moran and several of his associates were lured to a garage on Chicago’s North Side, where they were met by several men posing as police officers. The men proceeded to open fire on Moran’s gang, killing seven members in total. While Capone was suspected of orchestrating the massacre, he was never formally charged and the case remains unsolved to this day.

Despite the setback of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, Moran continued to be a major player in Chicago’s criminal underworld throughout the 1930s. However, his luck eventually ran out. In 1946, he was arrested and convicted on charges of bank robbery and conspiracy to commit murder. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but was released on parole in 1951 after serving just over five years. Following his release from prison, Moran largely stayed out of the public eye. He died of lung cancer in 1957 at the age of 65.

While Moran’s life was marked by violence and crime, he remains a fascinating figure in American history. His involvement in the Prohibition-era bootlegging trade, as well as his infamous rivalry with Al Capone, have ensured that he is remembered as one of the most notorious gangsters of his time. Despite his reputation as a ruthless criminal, there are also those who remember Moran as a more sympathetic figure. He was known to be fiercely loyal to his friends and associates, and was said to have a soft spot for children and animals.

William McCoy

William McCoy

William McCoy was a prominent figure during the prohibition era in the United States. Born in 1877 in small-town Kentucky, McCoy’s life would take him on a journey of adventure, entrepreneurship, and ultimately, tragedy. In his early years, McCoy was fascinated with the sea and spent much of his time fishing and boating on the Ohio River. This love for the water led him to work on steamboats as a young man, and eventually to become a captain himself. McCoy’s experiences on the water instilled in him a sense of independence and a desire for adventure, which would come in handy in the years to come.

In 1919, the United States government passed the Volstead Act, which prohibited the production, transportation, and sale of alcohol. This legislation created a black market for booze and gave rise to organized crime. William McCoy was one of the most successful rum runners of the era, using his experience as a captain and his connections in the Caribbean to smuggle alcohol into the United States.

McCoy became known as “The Real McCoy” because he refused to dilute his liquor with water, as was common practice at the time. His reputation for selling unadulterated alcohol earned him the trust of his customers and helped him to build a thriving business. McCoy’s success made him a wealthy man, but it also put him in the crosshairs of law enforcement.

In 1923, McCoy was arrested by the United States Coast Guard for smuggling alcohol into the country. He was sentenced to nine months in prison, but upon his release, he returned to the rum-running business. McCoy continued to smuggle alcohol for several years, but his luck eventually ran out. In 1925, McCoy was caught with a shipment of alcohol by the Coast Guard and was sentenced to a year in prison. After his release, he retired from the rum-running business and returned to Kentucky. McCoy’s fortune had been greatly diminished by legal fees and fines, and he struggled to make ends meet.

Tragically, McCoy’s life came to an end in 1948, when he drowned in the Ohio River under mysterious circumstances. His death was ruled a suicide, but many speculate that he may have been murdered. Despite his eventual downfall, William McCoy’s legacy lives on. His commitment to selling unadulterated alcohol earned him the respect and admiration of his customers, and his reputation as “The Real McCoy” has become a part of American folklore. McCoy’s life serves as a reminder of the dangers of prohibition and the unintended consequences of government intervention in the free market.

Roy Olmstead

Seattle Police Officer Roy Olmstead ca 1920

Roy Olmstead was an American bootlegger during the Prohibition era in the United States. He was born in 1886 in Nebraska and moved to Seattle, Washington in his early twenties. Olmstead started his career as a police officer in Seattle, but he soon realized that he could make a lot more money by selling illegal alcohol.

During the Prohibition era, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, the sale and consumption of alcohol were illegal in the United States. This created a huge demand for bootleg alcohol, which was sold illegally by people like Roy Olmstead. He started his bootlegging business by smuggling alcohol across the Canadian border, and then selling it in Seattle. Olmstead was a shrewd businessman who quickly realized that he needed to have a network of people working for him in order to make his bootlegging operation successful. He recruited people from all walks of life, including former police officers, lawyers, and even politicians.

Olmstead’s operation was incredibly profitable, and he became one of the richest men in Seattle. He owned multiple businesses, including a chain of nightclubs and a radio station. Olmstead’s radio station, which he called “Station L,” was used to communicate with his bootleggers, and to warn them when the police were nearby.

Despite his success, Olmstead was constantly under investigation by law enforcement agencies. In 1924, he was arrested and charged with bootlegging, but he was able to avoid conviction due to a technicality in the wiretapping laws. However, the government was determined to take down Olmstead and his bootlegging operation. In 1927, they convinced the Supreme Court to overturn the wiretapping laws, which allowed them to wiretap Olmstead’s phone conversations. This led to his eventual arrest and conviction in 1928. Olmstead was sentenced to four years in prison, but he only served two years before being released. After his release, he tried to go straight and became a legitimate businessman. However, his reputation as a bootlegger made it difficult for him to find success in the business world. Roy Olmstead died in 1966 at the age of 80. 

Arnold Rothstein

Arnold Rothstein (1882-1928), fixer and financier to the underworld, in his New York City office during the 1920s.

Arnold Rothstein was a notorious American businessman and gambler who lived from 1882 to 1928. He is best known for his involvement in organized crime during the Prohibition era, where he was believed to be a major player in the illegal alcohol trade. Despite his criminal activities, Rothstein was known for his charm, intelligence, and sophistication, which made him a popular figure among both the criminal underworld and high society.

Rothstein was born in New York City to a wealthy Jewish family. His father was a successful businessman who owned a clothing factory, and his mother was a socialite who hosted lavish parties in their Manhattan home. Rothstein grew up surrounded by wealth and privilege, and he was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and take over the family business. However, Rothstein had other plans. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in gambling and quickly became known as a skilled card player. He dropped out of school at the age of 16 to pursue his passion for gambling full-time. Rothstein quickly made a name for himself in the gambling world, becoming a regular at some of the most exclusive clubs and casinos in New York City. He was known for his ability to win large sums of money and his talent for cheating at cards, which earned him the nickname “The Brain.” Rothstein’s reputation as a gambler and his connections in the criminal underworld soon led him to other illegal activities. He became involved in bootlegging during the Prohibition era, where he worked with other gangsters to smuggle alcohol into the United States. He also ran a successful sports betting operation, which he controlled through a network of bookies and runners.

Despite his criminal activities, Rothstein was a respected figure in high society. He dressed impeccably and was known for his charm and wit. He had many friends in the upper echelons of New York society, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities. However, Rothstein’s luck eventually ran out. In 1928, he was shot and killed in a Manhattan hotel room in what was believed to be a gambling dispute. His death shocked the city, and it is still shrouded in mystery today.

Rothstein’s life and legacy have been the subject of many books, films, and TV shows. He is often portrayed as a glamorous figure, with his sophistication and charm being celebrated alongside his criminal activities. However, his life is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of the criminal underworld and the price that can be paid for living outside the law.

Waxey Gordon

Waxey Gordon

Waxey Gordon, born as Irving Wexler in 1888, was a notorious American gangster during the prohibition era. His early life was marked by poverty and struggles, but he quickly found his way into the criminal underworld of New York City, becoming a well-known bootlegger and drug dealer. Gordon’s criminal career began during Prohibition, when he started to smuggle illegal liquor from Canada into the United States. He quickly became one of the most successful bootleggers in the city, thanks to his connections in the criminal world and his ability to bribe police officers and government officials.

In the 1920s, Gordon expanded his criminal empire by branching out into the narcotics trade. He became known as one of the biggest drug dealers in the country, distributing heroin and cocaine to a network of dealers throughout the United States. Gordon’s wealth and success brought him into contact with some of the most notorious gangsters of the time, including Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky. Together, they formed a powerful criminal organization known as the National Crime Syndicate, which controlled a wide range of illegal activities across the country.

Despite his success, Gordon was not invincible. In 1933, he was arrested and charged with tax evasion, which led to a lengthy prison sentence. While he was in prison, his criminal empire began to crumble, and by the time he was released in 1944, he was a shadow of his former self. Gordon attempted to rebuild his criminal empire, but he was unsuccessful. In 1951, he was arrested again and charged with narcotics trafficking. This time, he was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Gordon died in Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in 1952, at the age of 64. His life and career were a testament to the power and influence of organized crime during the early part of the 20th century. 

Despite his criminal activities and the harm he caused to society, Waxey Gordon is still remembered as a larger-than-life figure in American history. He was a product of his time, when Prohibition and the Great Depression created an environment of lawlessness and desperation that allowed criminals like him to thrive.

Lucky Luciano

Lucky Luciano

Lucky Luciano, born Salvatore Lucania in 1897 in Sicily, Italy, is often regarded as the father of modern organized crime in the United States. He rose to power during the Prohibition era, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, when the sale, production, and transportation of alcohol was prohibited by law. Luciano’s life was full of ups and downs, but his legacy lives on as one of the most powerful and influential figures in the history of American organized crime.

Luciano’s early life was marked by poverty and struggle. He was born into a poor family in the town of Lercara Friddi in Sicily, and his family emigrated to the United States when he was just nine years old. Luciano quickly fell in with the wrong crowd and began engaging in petty crime to survive. By the time he was a teenager, he was involved in prostitution, gambling, and bootlegging.

Luciano’s criminal activities caught the attention of the Italian mafia, or Cosa Nostra, and he soon became a member of the notorious Five Points Gang in New York City. Luciano quickly rose through the ranks of the gang and began to build a reputation as a savvy and ruthless leader. He became involved in a variety of criminal enterprises, including bootlegging, gambling, and racketeering.

During the Prohibition era, Luciano became one of the most powerful figures in the world of organized crime. He formed a coalition of several different mafia families, known as the National Crime Syndicate, which controlled much of the illegal activity in the United States. Luciano was a master strategist, and he used his intelligence and cunning to outmaneuver his rivals and expand his criminal empire.

Despite his success, Luciano was constantly under threat from law enforcement and rival gangs. He was arrested numerous times over the course of his life, and spent several years in prison for various crimes. In 1936, he was deported to Italy, but he continued to exert influence over the American mafia from afar. He eventually returned to the United States in 1946, but his power had waned significantly by that time. Luciano died of a heart attack in 1962, at the age of 64. He was buried in a cemetery in Queens, New York, next to his mother. 

Dutch Schultz

Dutch Schultz

Dutch Schultz, born Arthur Simon Flegenheimer, was an infamous American mobster during the 1920s and 1930s. He was born on August 6, 1902, in the Bronx, New York City, to German-Jewish immigrant parents. His father was a saloonkeeper, and Schultz grew up in poverty in the rough-and-tumble streets of the Bronx.

Schultz dropped out of school at the age of 14 and quickly turned to a life of crime. He began his criminal career as a small-time thief and pickpocket before moving on to bootlegging during Prohibition. He quickly gained a reputation for violence and ruthlessness, and he rose through the ranks of the New York City underworld. In the mid-1920s, Schultz began working for the infamous gangster Arnold Rothstein, who was known as the “Big Bankroll” of organized crime. Rothstein was a mentor to Schultz, and he taught him many of the skills he would need to become a successful mob boss.

By the early 1930s, Schultz had become one of the most powerful mob bosses in New York City. He controlled a vast empire of illegal gambling, bootlegging, and prostitution operations. Schultz was also known for his flamboyant personality and his love of the limelight. He often gave interviews to the press and even ran for political office. However, Schultz’s empire began to crumble in the mid-1930s when he became the target of a federal investigation. The investigation was led by Thomas Dewey, the future governor of New York, who was determined to take down Schultz and other organized crime bosses.

Schultz responded to the investigation by trying to bribe Dewey and other law enforcement officials. However, his efforts were unsuccessful, and in 1935, he was indicted on charges of tax evasion. Schultz went into hiding and attempted to flee to Canada. However, he was ambushed by rival gangsters in a restaurant in Newark, New Jersey, on October 23, 1935. Schultz was shot several times and died the following day in a hospital.

Schultz’s legacy as a mob boss is mixed. He was known for his brutality and his willingness to use violence to maintain his power. However, he was also respected by many of his fellow gangsters for his business acumen and his ability to make money.

George “Machine Gun” Kelly

George “Machine Gun” Kelly

George Francis Barnes Jr., popularly known as Machine Gun Kelly, was an infamous American gangster during the early 20th century. He was born on July 18, 1895, in Memphis, Tennessee, to a wealthy family. Despite his privileged background, Kelly’s life took a different turn when he turned to a life of crime.

Kelly began his criminal career as a bootlegger during the Prohibition era. He made a name for himself in the underworld with his quick temper, charm, and violent tendencies. However, it was not until he met his future wife, Kathryn Thorne, that he became a notorious criminal. Kathryn, also known as “the Blonde Alibi,” was a known accomplice of Kelly’s. She was also his partner in crime, helping him plan and execute robberies and kidnappings. Together, they embarked on a crime spree that terrorized the Midwest and earned Kelly his infamous nickname, “Machine Gun.”

Kelly was known for his use of firearms and his willingness to use violence to get what he wanted. He was also known for his elaborate escape attempts, which often involved tunneling out of prison cells or using disguises to evade the authorities.

Kelly’s most infamous crime was the kidnapping of Charles F. Urschel, a wealthy oil tycoon, in 1933. Kelly and his gang held Urschel for ransom and collected $200,000 in ransom money. However, the FBI tracked down Kelly and his gang using new forensic techniques, and they were eventually captured. Kelly and his gang were tried and convicted for the kidnapping and were sentenced to life in prison. Kelly spent the rest of his life in Alcatraz, where he became known for his attempts to escape. He made several escape attempts but was unsuccessful. In 1954, Kelly died of a heart attack in prison.

In conclusion, George “Machine Gun” Kelly was a notorious American gangster who gained notoriety during the Prohibition era. He was known for his use of violence and firearms, as well as his elaborate escape attempts. Kelly’s life of crime eventually caught up with him, and he spent the rest of his life in prison. Despite his criminal activities, Kelly remains a popular figure in American pop culture and is remembered as one of the most notorious gangsters of his time.

Bugsy Siegel

Bugsy Siegel

Bugsy Siegel, born Benjamin Siegelbaum on February 28, 1906, was a notorious American mobster who played a significant role in the development of organized crime in the United States. Siegel was one of the founders of the organized crime syndicate known as Murder, Inc. and was also instrumental in the development of Las Vegas as a gambling mecca.

Siegel grew up in a rough neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, where he became involved in gang activity at a young age. He dropped out of school at age 16 and soon became a full-time criminal, specializing in theft, extortion, and murder. Siegel’s ruthlessness and willingness to use violence quickly earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous criminals in New York City. In the 1920s, Siegel became associated with organized crime figures such as Meyer Lansky and Lucky Luciano. Together, they formed Murder, Inc., a group of hitmen who carried out assassinations and other violent crimes on behalf of the Mafia. Siegel was one of the group’s top enforcers and was involved in several high-profile killings.

In the 1930s, Siegel turned his attention to the West Coast, where he became involved in the development of the gambling industry in Las Vegas. He saw an opportunity to capitalize on the city’s growing popularity as a tourist destination and worked to transform it into a gambling mecca. Siegel and his associates invested millions of dollars in building and renovating casinos and hotels, including the famous Flamingo Hotel. Despite his success in Las Vegas, Siegel’s criminal activities continued to catch up with him. He was indicted for several murders and faced a trial in Los Angeles in 1940. However, the case was dismissed due to a lack of evidence, and Siegel returned to Las Vegas to continue his criminal empire.

Siegel’s luck ran out in 1947 when he was shot and killed in his girlfriend’s Beverly Hills home. The killer was never caught, but it is believed that Siegel’s involvement in organized crime and his various enemies within the Mafia led to his assassination.

In the years since his death, Bugsy Siegel has become something of a legend in American popular culture. He has been portrayed in numerous films, television shows, and books, often as a charismatic and romanticized figure. However, the reality of Siegel’s life was far from glamorous, and his violent and criminal actions had a significant impact on organized crime in the United States.

Sam Giancana

Sam Giancana

Sam Giancana was a notorious American gangster who rose to prominence during the Prohibition era. Born on June 15, 1908, in Chicago, Illinois, Giancana grew up in a tough neighborhood and was involved in petty crime from a young age. As a teenager, he joined the local gang and quickly climbed the ranks, becoming one of the most feared members.

During Prohibition, Giancana and his associates saw an opportunity to make a fortune by smuggling and selling alcohol illegally. They became involved in bootlegging, and Giancana soon became a key player in the Chicago organized crime scene. He worked closely with other notorious gangsters such as Al Capone, Frank Nitti, and Johnny Torrio, and helped to establish a powerful criminal network that controlled much of the city’s illegal activities. Giancana’s success as a gangster did not go unnoticed, and he quickly became a target of law enforcement. He was arrested numerous times over the years, but always managed to avoid serious jail time. His ability to evade the law earned him the nickname “Momo,” short for “the man who moves the mouth.”

In addition to his involvement in bootlegging, Giancana also became involved in other criminal activities, including gambling, prostitution, and drug trafficking. He was known for his ruthless tactics and was not afraid to use violence to get what he wanted. He was suspected of ordering numerous murders, including the 1957 killing of his own brother, Chuck Giancana. Despite his criminal activities, Giancana was also known for his charm and charisma. He was a smooth talker and had a way of ingratiating himself with powerful people. He was known to socialize with politicians, celebrities, and even members of the CIA. It was rumored that he had connections to the Kennedy family and had helped to rig the 1960 presidential election in John F. Kennedy’s favor.

However, Giancana’s luck eventually ran out. In 1965, he was subpoenaed to appear before a Senate committee investigating organized crime. He refused to testify, and was later found in contempt of Congress. He was sentenced to a year in prison, but was released after only six months due to health concerns. Following his release from prison, Giancana was deported to Mexico. He continued to operate his criminal empire from abroad, but his influence waned over the years. In 1975, he was assassinated in his home in Mexico City. The circumstances surrounding his death remain a mystery, and it is unclear who was responsible for the killing.

Frank Nitti

Frank Nitti

Frank Nitti was an Italian-American gangster who rose to prominence during the Prohibition era in the early 20th century. He was born on January 27, 1886, in the small town of Angri, Italy, and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was just a child. Growing up in poverty in the slums of New York City, Nitti quickly turned to a life of crime to make ends meet.

Nitti’s criminal career began in his teenage years, when he became involved in small-time theft and extortion. By the early 1920s, he had become a member of Al Capone’s Chicago Outfit, one of the most powerful organized crime syndicates in the country. Nitti quickly rose through the ranks of the organization, becoming a trusted lieutenant of Capone.

During the Prohibition era, the Chicago Outfit made its fortune through the illegal sale of alcohol. Nitti was heavily involved in this business, overseeing the Outfit’s operations in the south side of Chicago. He was known for his brutal tactics and his willingness to use violence to protect the Outfit’s interests. Nitti was also involved in other criminal activities, such as gambling and prostitution. In 1931, Capone was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to prison. Nitti took over as the head of the Chicago Outfit, and he continued to run the organization with an iron fist. Under Nitti’s leadership, the Outfit expanded its operations beyond Chicago, becoming a major player in organized crime throughout the country.

Nitti’s reign as the head of the Chicago Outfit was marked by a series of violent conflicts with rival gangs. In 1934, he was involved in the famous “beer wars” in Chicago, which pitted the Outfit against a rival gang led by George “Bugs” Moran. The conflict culminated in the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, in which seven members of Moran’s gang were killed.

Despite his reputation as a ruthless gangster, Nitti was known for his flamboyant style and love of the finer things in life. He was often seen wearing expensive suits and driving luxurious cars. He was also a patron of the arts, and he reportedly had a collection of valuable paintings. In the late 1930s, Nitti’s criminal empire began to unravel. The federal government began to crack down on organized crime, and Nitti was indicted on charges of extortion. In 1943, facing the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence, Nitti committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.

Johnny Torrio

Johnny Torrio

Johnny Torrio, also known as “The Fox,” was a prominent figure in the American Mafia during the early 20th century. He was born on January 20, 1882, in the town of Montelepre, Sicily. Torrio immigrated to the United States with his family in 1889, settling in New York City. As a young man, Torrio became involved in organized crime, working as a bouncer and enforcer for various gangs in Brooklyn. He eventually caught the attention of the notorious gangster, Big Jim Colosimo, who brought him to Chicago in 1909 to help run his criminal empire.

In Chicago, Torrio quickly rose through the ranks and became Colosimo’s right-hand man. He was responsible for overseeing the gang’s gambling and prostitution operations, as well as its bootlegging and extortion rackets. Torrio was also known for his shrewd business acumen and his ability to keep a low profile, which helped him avoid the attention of law enforcement. However, in 1920, Prohibition was enacted, making the sale and distribution of alcohol illegal. Torrio saw an opportunity to make a fortune by taking control of the bootlegging trade in Chicago. He convinced Colosimo to get into the business, but Colosimo was resistant, preferring to stick with his established criminal enterprises. Torrio saw no other option but to have Colosimo killed, and he arranged for his murder in May of that year.

With Colosimo out of the way, Torrio took over the gang and transformed it into a sophisticated criminal organization that was able to dominate the bootlegging trade in Chicago. He also forged alliances with other criminal groups across the country, creating a national network of organized crime. However, Torrio’s success was short-lived. In 1925, he was shot multiple times outside of his home in Chicago in what was believed to be a hit ordered by a rival gang. Miraculously, he survived the attack, but he realized that he was now a target and that his days as a criminal leader were numbered.

Torrio decided to retire and hand over control of the gang to his protégé, Al Capone. Capone was a ruthless and ambitious young gangster who had worked his way up through the ranks of Torrio’s organization. With Torrio’s blessing, Capone took over as the leader of the gang and continued to expand its criminal enterprises. Torrio moved to Italy for a few years to lay low, but he eventually returned to the United States and retired from organized crime for good. He lived a quiet life in Brooklyn until his death in 1957 at the age of 75.

Samuel & Allen Bronfman

 

Samuel BronfmanSamuel Bronfman was a Canadian businessman who made his fortune in the liquor industry during the era of Prohibition in the United States. Born in Soroki, Bessarabia (now part of Moldova) in 1889, Bronfman immigrated to Canada with his family in 1891. He grew up in Winnipeg and began his career in the family’s hotel and liquor business.

Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, banned the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. However, it did not prevent people consuming alcohol. This created a huge demand for illegal alcohol, which was smuggled into the country from Canada and other countries. Bronfman saw an opportunity in this market and began to produce and smuggle his own liquor into the United States. He and his brother Allan established the Distillers Corporation Limited in 1924, which would later become Seagram Company Ltd. The company produced and smuggled liquor into the United States, using innovative methods such as hiding bottles in hollowed-out books and using secret codes to communicate with customers.

Bronfman’s success in the liquor industry during Prohibition made him one of the wealthiest men in Canada. He expanded his business empire to include hotels, real estate, and other industries. He also became involved in philanthropy, donating millions of dollars to charities and causes such as medical research, education, and the arts.

After Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Bronfman continued to grow his business, expanding Seagram’s operations to include the production and distribution of whiskey and other spirits. He also became involved in politics, serving as a member of the Canadian parliament from 1940 to 1945. Bronfman’s legacy in the liquor industry is significant. He was a pioneer in the production and distribution of spirits, using innovative methods to smuggle his products into the United States during Prohibition. His success during this era allowed him to build a business empire that would continue to thrive for decades after Prohibition was repealed.

Bronfman’s philanthropic work is also noteworthy. He believed in giving back to his community and supported a wide range of causes throughout his life. His generosity has had a lasting impact on Canada and beyond. He was a pioneer in the production and distribution of spirits, using innovative methods to smuggle his products into the United States. His success during this era allowed him to build a business empire that would continue to thrive for decades after Prohibition was repealed.

Owney Madden

Owney Madden

Owney Madden was a notorious American gangster who rose to prominence during the Prohibition era of the 1920s. Born in Leeds, England in 1891, Madden immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 11. Settling in New York City, Madden quickly became involved in the criminal underworld, working as a bouncer and enforcer for various gangs.

Madden’s big break came in 1915 when he became the owner of the famed Cotton Club, a popular speakeasy that showcased some of the top black entertainers of the era. Under Madden’s ownership, the club flourished, attracting wealthy patrons and celebrities from all over the city. However, Madden’s success was not without controversy. The Cotton Club was known for its segregationist policies, only allowing white customers in the front of the house while relegating black patrons to the back. Despite this, the Cotton Club became a symbol of the Jazz Age, with its lively atmosphere, glamorous dancers, and top-notch musical acts. However, Madden’s involvement in organized crime soon caught up with him. In 1922, he was indicted on charges of assault and murder, but was acquitted thanks to his influential connections in the police department and judiciary.

With the onset of Prohibition in 1920, Madden saw an opportunity to expand his criminal empire. He became involved in bootlegging and racketeering, controlling a network of speakeasies, gambling dens, and brothels throughout the city. Madden was a ruthless operator, willing to use violence and intimidation to maintain his power. Madden’s reign as a gangster came to an end in the late 1930s when he was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to prison. After his release, he retired from the criminal underworld and lived out his remaining years in Florida, dying in 1965 at the age of 74.

Despite his criminal activities, Madden remains a fascinating figure in American history. His involvement in the Cotton Club and his role in the bootlegging trade helped shape the cultural landscape of the 1920s and 1930s. His notoriety as a gangster also contributed to the romanticized image of organized crime in popular culture. However, Madden’s legacy is not without controversy. His association with segregationist policies at the Cotton Club, as well as his use of violence and intimidation, highlight the darker side of his character. Nevertheless, his impact on American history and popular culture cannot be ignored, making him a subject of continued fascination and study.

Dion O’Banion

Dion O’Banion

Charles Dean O’Banion known as Dion O’Banion was a notorious Chicago gangster who rose to prominence during the Prohibition era. Born on July 8, 1892, in Maroa, Illinois, O’Banion was the eldest of six siblings. His parents were Irish immigrants, and his father worked as a teamster. O’Banion dropped out of school at a young age and started working as a clerk in a grocery store. It was here that he first came into contact with the criminal underworld, as the store was a front for a bootlegging operation. O’Banion quickly became involved in the criminal world and became a member of the North Side Gang, which was led by Hymie Weiss. O’Banion was known for his quick wit and his talent for organizing criminal activities. He was also a skilled marksman and was feared by many of his enemies.

During the early years of Prohibition, O’Banion and his gang made a fortune from bootlegging and other criminal activities. They controlled the distribution of alcohol on the north side of Chicago and had a virtual monopoly on the trade. O’Banion was also involved in extortion, gambling, and prostitution. Despite his criminal activities, O’Banion was seen as a Robin Hood figure by many people in his neighborhood. He was known for his generosity and often gave money to the poor. He was also a family man and was married to Viola Kaniff, with whom he had three children.

However, O’Banion’s luck began to run out in 1924 when he became embroiled in a bitter feud with his former allies in the North Side Gang. The feud began when O’Banion refused to allow the gang to take over his floral shop, which he used as a front for his criminal activities. The gang, led by Weiss and Bugs Moran, decided to eliminate O’Banion and take over his operation. On November 10, 1924, O’Banion was gunned down in his floral shop by three members of the rival gang. The killers were hired by Weiss and Moran, and the murder was carried out in broad daylight. O’Banion’s death sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld and led to a bloody gang war that lasted for several years.

In conclusion, Charles Dean O’Banion was a notorious Chicago gangster who rose to prominence during the Prohibition era. He was known for his involvement in bootlegging, extortion, gambling, and prostitution. O’Banion was also seen as a Robin Hood figure by many people in his neighborhood, and his death in 1924 sparked a bloody gang war that lasted for several years. Despite his criminal activities, O’Banion remains a fascinating figure in the history of organized crime in Chicago.

Meyer Lansky

Meyer Lansky

Meyer Lansky was a legendary figure in the world of organized crime. Born on July 4, 1902, in Grodno, Belarus, Lansky was the son of Jewish immigrants who had settled in New York City. He was raised in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, an area that was known for its high crime rates and poverty. As a teenager, Lansky became involved in illegal activities, including gambling and extortion. He quickly rose through the ranks of the criminal underworld and became one of the most powerful and influential mobsters in the country.

Lansky was known for his sharp mind and business acumen. He was a master at organizing criminal enterprises and was involved in a wide range of illegal activities, including bootlegging, prostitution, and drug trafficking. He was also a skilled gambler and was known to be one of the best card players in the world. Throughout his career, Lansky maintained a low profile and avoided the spotlight. He was often referred to as the “Mob’s Accountant” because of his financial expertise and ability to launder money for the Mafia. Lansky was also known for his loyalty to his friends and associates and was considered to be a mentor to many young mobsters.

Despite his criminal activities, Lansky was respected by many in the Jewish community because of his philanthropic efforts. He was known to donate generously to Jewish charities and was instrumental in helping to establish the State of Israel.

Lansky’s luck eventually ran out, and he was arrested numerous times throughout his career. However, he was known for his ability to avoid conviction and often had the best lawyers money could buy. In 1951, he was finally convicted of tax evasion and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. After serving his sentence, Lansky was deported to Israel, where he lived out the remainder of his life. He continued to be involved in criminal activities and was rumored to have been involved in the smuggling of arms to Israel during the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

Lansky died on January 15, 1983, in Miami Beach, Florida, at the age of 80. Despite his criminal activities, Lansky was considered to be one of the most influential and respected mobsters of his time.

George Remus

George Remus

George Remus was a well-known bootlegger and criminal defense attorney who lived in the United States during the early 20th century. Born on November 14, 1876, in Germany, Remus moved to the United States in 1882 and settled in Chicago with his family. He was raised in a strict Catholic household and attended school until the eighth grade. After that, he started working odd jobs to help support his family. In 1900, Remus moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he studied pharmacy and became a licensed pharmacist. He opened his own drugstore in the city, which became successful. However, he soon became involved in the illegal sale of alcohol during the Prohibition era.

Remus became one of the most successful bootleggers in the country, using his knowledge of the law to evade authorities and his connections in the underworld to make lucrative deals. He created a network of warehouses and distilleries throughout the Midwest and controlled a significant portion of the illegal alcohol trade in the United States. At the height of his empire, he was worth over $40 million, which would be equivalent to over $500 million in today’s currency. Remus lived a lavish lifestyle, which included owning a large mansion, several cars, and a private yacht. He was known for throwing extravagant parties and was a regular at the finest restaurants and clubs. He also had a reputation for being a ladies’ man and was married four times throughout his life.

However, Remus’s luck eventually ran out. In 1927, he was arrested for violating the Volstead Act, which was enacted to enforce Prohibition, and was sentenced to two years in prison. While he was in prison, his wife, Imogene, began an affair with a Prohibition agent named Franklin Dodge, who was investigating Remus’s bootlegging activities. When Remus was released from prison in 1929, he found out about the affair and planned his revenge. On October 6, 1927, Remus shot and killed Dodge in broad daylight on a Cincinnati street. He was arrested and charged with murder, but his legal expertise allowed him to represent himself in court. He used the defense of temporary insanity, claiming that the affair and the betrayal of his wife had driven him to madness. The jury bought his defense, and he was acquitted of murder.

After his release, Remus’s bootlegging empire had crumbled, and he was forced to sell his assets to pay off debts. He retired from the criminal world and became a real estate developer, but his fortune never fully recovered. He died on January 20, 1952, in Covington, Kentucky, at the age of 75.

Frank Costello

Frank Costello testifying before the Kefauver Committee

George Remus was a well-known bootlegger and criminal defense attorney who lived in the United States during the early 20th century. Born on November 14, 1876, in Germany, Remus moved to the United States in 1882 and settled in Chicago with his family. He was raised in a strict Catholic household and attended school until the eighth grade. After that, he started working odd jobs to help support his family. In 1900, Remus moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he studied pharmacy and became a licensed pharmacist. He opened his own drugstore in the city, which became successful. However, he soon became involved in the illegal sale of alcohol during the Prohibition era.

Remus became one of the most successful bootleggers in the country, using his knowledge of the law to evade authorities and his connections in the underworld to make lucrative deals. He created a network of warehouses and distilleries throughout the Midwest and controlled a significant portion of the illegal alcohol trade in the United States. At the height of his empire, he was worth over $40 million, which would be equivalent to over $500 million in today’s currency. Remus lived a lavish lifestyle, which included owning a large mansion, several cars, and a private yacht. He was known for throwing extravagant parties and was a regular at the finest restaurants and clubs. He also had a reputation for being a ladies’ man and was married four times throughout his life.

However, Remus’s luck eventually ran out. In 1927, he was arrested for violating the Volstead Act, which was enacted to enforce Prohibition, and was sentenced to two years in prison. While he was in prison, his wife, Imogene, began an affair with a Prohibition agent named Franklin Dodge, who was investigating Remus’s bootlegging activities. When Remus was released from prison in 1929, he found out about the affair and planned his revenge. On October 6, 1927, Remus shot and killed Dodge in broad daylight on a Cincinnati street. He was arrested and charged with murder, but his legal expertise allowed him to represent himself in court. He used the defense of temporary insanity, claiming that the affair and the betrayal of his wife had driven him to madness. The jury bought his defense, and he was acquitted of murder.

After his release, Remus’s bootlegging empire had crumbled, and he was forced to sell his assets to pay off debts. He retired from the criminal world and became a real estate developer, but his fortune never fully recovered. He died on January 20, 1952, in Covington, Kentucky, at the age of 75.

Shachna Itzik “Charlie” Birger

Charles BirgerBorn into a Jewish family on February 5, 1881, in Lithuania part of the Russian Empire,  Shachna Itzak Birger immigrated to the United States as a child alongside his parents settling in St. Louis. On July 5, 1901, Birger enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to Company G of the newly formed 13th Cavalry Regiment, stationed in South Dakota. He received an honorable discharge on July 4, 1904, at Fort Meade, South Dakota. After leaving the army, Birger embarked on a career as a cowboy. However, he eventually returned to Illinois, where he met his wife, Edna, and joined the rapidly expanding coal mining community in Harrisburg, initially working as a miner before becoming a saloon keeper.

When prohibition was enacted he recognized a lucrative business opportunity, and partnered with the Shelton Brothers in 1920. Initially operating from Harrisburg in southern Illinois, Birger faced pressure from law enforcement in Saline County, prompting him to establish a fortified speakeasy named Shady Rest just across the county line in Williamson County. The Shady Rest featured a small barbecue stand serving as a guard shack. Charlie Birger and the Shelton Brothers Gang initially clashed over control of the southern Illinois coal fields, but their focus shifted when they encountered fierce opposition from the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), who staunchly supported Prohibition and regarded alcohol as a vice introduced by immigrants. In a turn of events, Birger’s gang, alongside the Shelton Brothers gang  managed to drive the KKK out of the area. Despite this accomplishment, the two rival factions soon found themselves embroiled in a bitter conflict over control of the lucrative bootlegging operations.

One of the most significant incidents during the intense rivalry took place in early November 1926, when a homemade bomb was hurled from a speeding car towards the Shady Rest. However, the bomb missed its target, leaving Birger’s hideout unscathed. Two days later, a group of machine gunners, allegedly dispatched by Birger rained bullets upon the residence of Joe Adams, the mayor of West City. Later that day, a historic event unfolded as the first-ever aerial bombings occurred in America, an aircraft boldly flew at a low altitude over Birger’s Shady Rest hideout. In broad daylight, three packages were hurled from the cockpit, revealing a combination of dynamite and nitroglycerin-packed bottles. While one package disintegrated in mid-air, the remaining two landed near the barbecue stand. However, due to their shoddy construction, these “bombs” failed to detonate. This retaliatory assault was attributed to the Sheltons, seeking retribution for Birger’s previous attack on Joe Adams’ residence.

In June of 1927, Birger was apprehended for allegedly orchestrating the murder of Joe Adams, a mayor of a small town. Subsequently, on April 19, 1928, Birger met a grim fate as he became the final individual to be publicly executed through hanging in the state of Illinois. 

Shelton Brothers Gang

Shelton Brothers Gang

In southern Illinois, a formidable trio known as the Shelton Gang rose to power, controlling the illicit alcohol trade and later expanding their influence into gambling in Peoria. Carl Shelton was born in 1888, and assumed leadership of the gang. Possessing an outgoing personality, he skillfully established connections with local leaders, gangsters, and politicians, often employing bribes to smooth their path. Earl, born two years later, took charge of organizing the gang’s operations. During the Prohibition era, he orchestrated the transportation of illegal alcohol from the South into southern Illinois. After the repeal of Prohibition, Earl managed many of the Sheltons’ gambling establishments. Bernard (Bernie), born in 1899, gained notoriety for his volatile temper and indomitable toughness, earning him the role of the gang’s enforcer.

Charles Birger, (see above) once an ally in the bootlegging trade, branched out and established his own gang, aiming to seize control of the Sheltons’ turf. This sparked a violent gang war, characterized by the utilization of makeshift tanks and even an aerial bombing raid, resulting in a staggering death toll reaching the hundreds. Despite their sizable forces, the Sheltons proved unable to vanquish Birger. Adding insult to injury, in 1925, the Sheltons were apprehended and convicted for an unsolved robbery of $15,000 targeting a mail carrier. Surprisingly, it was Birger himself who testified against them. Consequently, they received a 25-year prison sentence.

During their incarceration, the Sheltons lost their grip on the bootlegging scene. Consequently, around 1930, following an early release from prison, they relocated their operations to Peoria, where gambling and prostitution had become the prevailing activities of interest.

The Shelton brothers met a gruesome demise that commenced with the slaying of Carl in 1947. Engaging in repeated and violent disputes with neighbors over his stolen cattle, Carl embarked on a business expedition in his truck, trailed closely by fellow gang members. As they approached a bridge, a hail of gunfire ambushed them. While the two other men managed to evade capture by diving into a nearby ditch, Carl was not as fortunate. Shortly after Carl’s untimely demise, Earl and Bernie also fell victim to retaliatory attacks orchestrated by the gang’s adversaries. Bernie was ruthlessly shot and killed in front of the Parkway Tavern, near Bradley Park, while Earl met his fate on his farm in Fairfield, Illinois, succumbing to a gunshot wound.

Charles "Blackie" Harris

Charles 'Blackie' Harris

Charles Bryan Harris, a native of southern Illinois, had his destiny entangled with the infamous Shelton Gang. Born on June 26, 1896, Harris spent his childhood growing up alongside the Shelton Brothers Carl, Earl, and Bernie Shelton (see above). Harris was always regarded as the “black sheep” of his family, often skipping school to work on the family farm or find trouble. His first marriage in 1915 ended abruptly when he left his wife and newborn child for Arizona. In Arizona, he worked in construction and took odd jobs until he encountered a significant run-in with the law. While visiting a house of ill-repute, accompanied by a notorious woman, Harris found himself confronted by two Phoenix police officers attempting to arrest him and the woman. In the altercation, Harris stabbed one of the officers, leading to his conviction and a prison sentence of two to six years. This marked the beginning of Harris’ four prison terms throughout his life, although he managed to avoid numerous other convictions in the following years.

After being released from prison in Arizona, Harris relocated to Detroit, where he joined the Shelton Gang as a bootlegger. However, when a shipment of whiskey was seized by federal authorities, Harris discovered that the Sheltons had given him counterfeit money for the transaction. Feeling betrayed, he returned to prison, this time for possession of counterfeit money. The perceived betrayal haunted Harris, fueling his grudge against the Sheltons. Yet before seeking vengeance, Harris faced another prison term for violating his parole, even though it may not have been entirely his fault.

Upon returning to Wayne County, Harris became a suspect in the murder of Carl Shelton and the attempted murder of Earl Shelton and several other gang members. Allegedly, he assumed the role of protector for local farmers and shopkeepers who grew increasingly agitated by the Sheltons’ protection racket. 

Ironically, it was not Harris’ feud with the Sheltons that ultimately led to his fourth imprisonment. Instead, an unrequited love affair in 1964 ignited Harris’ uncontrollable rage, driving him to murder his crush and her platonic male companion. He shot them in the head and then burned their bodies in an abandoned house. Harris fled the state and remained in hiding for ten months before returning to Wayne County, seemingly with the intention of surrendering himself to authorities. He was convicted of the murders of Betty Newton and Jerry Meritt and served a 16-year prison sentence, being released in February 1981. Charles Harris passed away on June 20, 1988, in Elkhart, Kansas.