Exploring The Life Of Machine Gun Kelly: A Notorious Criminal Of The 1930s

Machine Gun Kelly was a notorious figure in American crime history, known for his involvement in bootlegging, bank robberies, and kidnapping during the early 20th century. His exploits captured the public's imagination and ultimately led to his life sentence in prison. This article delves into the life of this infamous criminal, examining his early years, criminal activities, and the legacy he left behind.

Who Was Machine Gun Kelly?

Machine Gun Kelly, born George Kelly Barnes on July 18, 1895, in Memphis, Tennessee, became a notorious bootlegger and criminal during the 1920s and 1930s. Initially starting his career in crime as a bootlegger, Kelly found himself in jail in 1927, where he met other bank robbers. His criminal career escalated after marrying Kathryn Thorne in 1930, leading to numerous bank heists and a high-profile kidnapping that ultimately resulted in his life sentence in 1933. He passed away in 1954.

Early Life

Machine Gun Kelly's early life was marked by a series of unfortunate events and decisions. He was born into a challenging environment, and some sources even suggest conflicting birth years, with claims of 1897 or 1900. Before fully embracing a life of crime, Kelly briefly studied at Mississippi A&M College and married his first wife, Geneva Ramsey, at the young age of 19. They had two sons but eventually divorced due to Kelly's involvement with criminal elements.

As a teenager, Kelly was involved in bootlegging, which would later become a significant source of income for him. After serving time in jail for selling illegal liquor in 1927, he continued to gravitate toward crime, and his connections to bank robbers during his incarceration fueled his criminal ambitions. He eventually ended up at Leavenworth Prison, where he formed alliances that would shape his future criminal activities.

Bank Robberies

After his release from prison in 1930, Kelly embarked on a crime spree that included various bank robberies across several states, including Iowa, Texas, and Washington. He teamed up with his girlfriend, Kathryn Thorne, who later became his wife, and they quickly gained notoriety for their daring heists. Legend has it that Kathryn played a crucial role in building Kelly's reputation by gifting him a machine gun and coining his infamous nickname.

During this period, Kelly and his gang became well-known, and their exploits were often sensationalized in the media. Kathryn even distributed shell casings from their robberies as souvenirs, further enhancing their public image and infamy. Their crime spree showcased their audacity and reckless abandon, paving the way for their eventual downfall.

Kidnapping

Alongside his bank robbery endeavors, Kelly was also involved in several kidnapping attempts. One of the most infamous incidents was the kidnapping of Charles F. Urschel, a wealthy oilman from Oklahoma. On July 22, Kelly and his accomplice, Albert L. Bates, abducted Urschel and a friend while leaving their wives behind. The ransom demand was set at $200,000, a substantial sum at the time.

The kidnapping operation was elaborate, involving careful planning and execution. However, they underestimated Urschel's intelligence and the authorities' ability to track the ransom money. Although the ransom was paid, Urschel was released unharmed, providing crucial information that ultimately led to Kelly’s capture.

Arrest and Later Years

In the aftermath of the kidnapping, authorities launched a manhunt for Kelly and his wife. Their capture came on September 26, 1933, after weeks of evasion. They were quickly tried and convicted, both receiving life sentences on October 12. Following their sentencing, Kelly was sent to Alcatraz Prison, where he was often mocked in the press as "Pop Gun Kelly," a stark contrast to his once fearsome reputation.

In the later years of his life, Kelly was transferred to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he died of heart failure on July 18, 1954. His legacy endures as part of the larger narrative surrounding the Midwest crime wave of the early 1930s, alongside infamous criminals like Bonnie and Clyde and Pretty Boy Floyd.

Key Takeaways

Machine Gun Kelly remains an emblematic figure in American crime history, embodying the chaotic spirit of the era. His life story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of crime and the pursuit of notoriety.