Today in history: Al Capone

Hello Steemians!

Welcome to today's episode of the "Today in History" serial, where I bring you daily historical facts and events of the current date.

Today on January 17, 1899, Al Capone, one of the most famous gangsters of all time was born!

Al Capone

He was born Alphonse Gabriel Capone in Brooklyn, New York to a Italian immigrant family.

Al Capone with his mother Teresa

Al Capone started his criminal life from a very early age, in Brooklyn he got recruited in the Five Points Gang, who'se leader was Paul Kelly.
He was employed by Frankie Yale as a doorman in a night club, and there was slashed by Frank Gallucio for insulting his sister, therewith earning the nickname "Scarface".

At the age of 20, Capone moved to Chicago to work for James "Big Jim" Colosimo as a bouncer.
As Johnny Torrio took over Big Jim's crew Capone became his right hand.

Big Jim

In January 1925, Torrio was shot and turned control over to Al Capone, who was 26 at that time and became the became the boss of the gang.

Johnny Torrio - mugshot (for tax evasion) 1936

Al Capone ran a organization of illegal breweries and transportation network, was well politically connected and protected from low enforcement.
He was able to use allot violence without being afraid of any consequences, bar's who refused to buy his liquor were often blown up.

Capone took over the elections for the town council in Cicero Illinois in 1926, which made him a difficult target for his opponents, despite the North Side Gang tried to kill him in his headquarters on September 20, 1926, without success, Capone came out unhurt.

in 1927 Capone started backing the Republican politician William Hale Thompson to strengthen his political influence and insurance.

William Hale Thompson

Al Capone was a publicly known figure, a national celebrity, he wore stylish clothes and allot of jewelry.

On Valentine's Day, 1929, Capone tried to kill his rival, Bugs Moran, in what is known as the "Saint Valentine's Day Massacre", which highly damaged his public reputation.

Bugs Moran

He was arrested by the FBI on March 27, and was then imprisoned up to March 1930, after his release he got listed as the "Public Enemy" number one on the Chicago Crime Commission list.

Al Capone - 1930

Later, in April of 1930, Capone was arrested once again in Miami, and was sentenced to eleven years in federal prison on November 31, 1931. for tax evasion.

Al Capone - mugshot Miami, 1931.

In May 1932, Capone, that time 33 years old was sent to Atlanta U.S. Penitentiary and was then moved to Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary shortly after it opened, where he was stabbed by James C. Lucas on June 23, 1936.

Alcatraz, Francisco Bay

He was released from Alcatraz in November 1939. and then moved to Miami.
In 1946, his physician and psychiatrist performed an examination of Capone's mental health and concluded that he has a mentality of a 12 year old child.
On January 21, 1947, he had a stroke and died 4 days later in his home.

Al Capone's death certificate