Owney Madden

[Lee Layland]

Born in Leeds, schooled in Wigan, raised in Liverpool, Duke of the West Side.

An old book, but a very fascinating biography of one of America's least known (the way he liked it) gentleman gangsters.

It gives a fascinating insight into his life, from his early days as leader of the Gophers, to his very last days in Hot Springs where he was still pursued by the FBI (who could never find anything on him).

Well worth a read!

Sadly out of print, but local libraries may have copies.

[MaryA]

Is this the one written by Graham Nown? there are copies on Abe Books, varying prices, some not too cheap, but some first editions too.

[Lee Layland]

That's the one - sounds like a great bloke - until you got on his wrong side!

[Tina]

Wow!! My Ed's gt gt Uncle Vinnie Gaffney was a member of the gang.
A contact sent me a copy of this photo which was found in Ireland amongst an old Gaffney rellie's memento's.
We don't know who Vinnie is.
He escaped from Sing Sing, one of a very few. He was shot dead and left in the gutter in New York!

[Lee Layland]

Got Gaffney's in my family on my mums side - St Helens / Rainford area I think

[Tina]

Hi Lee
Some of our Irish/Garston Gaff's went to St Helens.

[MaryA]

Please do some research, I'd be really interested to know if you make a connection.

[Tina]

Wouldn't that be great Mary!
Hi Lee, my grandees had weekend long dance comp.
I went to a few sessions, the 14 and under tap was won by Annilese GAFFNEY..
She was brilliant.
We have a Gaffney's Creek in Victoria where Terence "Rëd"Gaffney found gold.

[alex69]

http://fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html

Enter Vincent Gaffney and search for exact phrase. Then see New York Herald 1918 first result (100%)

looking at the newspaper photo it appears that in your earlier "gang pic" Vincent Gaffney is front row with hat in his lap.

Alex