HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE JOHN LOONEY LEGEND TOUR

 John Looney Legend Tour Map Legend Tour John Looney

his geographic tour of John Looney sites in Rock Island could not have been Taccomplished without the guidance and inspiration provided by Richard Hamer, first when the Rock Island Preservation Commission sponsored the earliest John Looney Legend Trolley Tours in 2002, then later with the publication Citadel of Sin: The John Looney Story, co-authored by Roger Ruthhart. Both gentlemen were very generous with their time and resources. We cannot thank them enough.

 his is the story of John Looney,

who ran prostitution, Rock Island and Peoria Railroad and as a T gambling, guns, stolen cars and illegal liquor in Rock Island for most eventually studied law and was admitted th century. superintendent for the telegraph office. He His exploits were infamous during the with two daughters, who were respectable, of the first quarter of the 20 andto the a sonbar whoin 1889. followed He was him a familyinto crime. man, retreating to the Southwest, he reemerged evenpre-Prohibition more vicious era, and and, murderous after briefly in the th Street storm drain scheme Looney’s first brush with the law was in a with Johnny Torrio, Al Capone and fraudulentthe 24 Illinois State Legislature as a Bugs1920s. Moran His name – Chicago is synonymous gangsters Democrat,in 1897. Soon but after, lost the he ranelection. for who never pushed their sphere of His defeat launched a career of Island, where Looney’s organized him for the rest of his life. influence 180 miles west to Rock crime operation reigned supreme. conflict with society that engulfed Because this is a geographic gangster in Rock Island’s tour of Looney sites, it does not underworld.By 1905, he was The an base established of his follow the chronology of his rise power was in control of liquor, to power, his two decades of gambling and prostitution in the control of vices in the city, and his eventual imprisonment. However, a brief violence and with his newspaper The synopsis of this complex man – playwright, Rockcity. He Island secured News his, which influence was thethrough epitome journalist, champion of the downtrodden, of yellow journalism. Looney routinely lord of illegal liquor and murderer - will used lies and slander in his newspaper help orient you on this tour. to blackmail community leaders. He John Patrick Looney was born in Ottawa, exercised brutality and intimidation to enforce his will. And he was very immigrants. He came to Rock Island in Illinois, in 1865, the first-born son of Irish and three “suicides” occurred in Rock successful. In 1922, a shocking 12 murders 1885n 1988, to work Muscatine, as a train Iowa dispatcher author Max for theAllan Collins wrote a graphic novel — an expanded Icomic book for adults — called, The Road to Perdition, that featured Rock Island’s John Looney and others as fact-based characters. Illustrated with many local settings by Richard Piers Raynor, the novel added Michael Sullivan and his family as fictional characters. In 2002, this novel was turned into a big-budget movie. Steven Spielberg’s Dreamworks company produced the film, and Sam Mendes directed it. The film was filled with A-list actors, including Tom Hanks as Michael Sullivan, the Angel of Death; Paul Newman, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his inspired performance as John Rooney; and Jude Law, who played a character created for the film, Harlen Maguire. Location scouts were sent to Rock Island, and they were directed to the Highland Park area. Unfortunately, Rock Island was too distant from the downtown Chicago filming locations, so older Chicago suburban communities were substituted instead. The screenplay took Looney even farther from fact. The filmmakers changed his name to Rooney because they felt the name Looney was too over-the-top for a gangster. These fictionalized accounts in book and film form also created new endings for John and Connor Looney/Rooney. Although Collins mentions Rock Island and Rock Island landmarks, such as Long View Park and Sacred Heart Church in his novelization of the screenplay, Rock Island’s visual role in the movie is limited to a name on a business awning.

 Island, most of which were tied to Looney. Looney’s management of local vice and wanted a bigger piece of the action. On The most outrageous crimes began around Sherman Hotel in downtown Rock Island street gun battles with W.W. Wilmerton. October 6, 1922, they waited outside the 1909 with printing press explosions and to ambush him. When Looney got out of his car and saw Billburg’s black Maxwell a scandalous article which placed Rock parked across the street, he shouted to the Island’sBy 1912, Mayor the notorious Schriver Looney in saloons printed and others with him to run, while he ducked brothels in the company of a woman behind his car. Young Connor Looney, named Ethel. With the publication of this who had developed his story, Schriver had the own reputation as an police round up Looney unpredictable gangster and delivered him to city with excellent aim, drew hall, where the mayor beat a gun and turned to Looney so severely he face Billburg’s men. The required an extended stay ambush was only partially at St. Anthony’s Hospital. successful, and Connor The following day, Looney Looney died. followers organized a What eventually brought supposed political rally for Looney down were a Harry McCaskrin, a lawyer paper trail, a murder and and Rock Island News the relentless, furious writer running for state’s editorials of The Rock Island Argus. attorney. As it turned out, McCaskrin’s Saloonkeeper Bill Gabel had long been paying Looney protection money but Mayor Schriver, and two nights of rioting balked at increased fees. Gabel and Looney brokefiery speech out in becamedowntown a personal Rock Island. attack Two on ultimately worked out a payment deal, innocent bystanders were slain, eight but Gabel paid with checks instead of the people shot, and dozens others wounded. customary cash. When Gabel decided to hand evidence of these checks over to riot, phoned Illinois Governor Charles federal investigators, word of his betrayal Deneen,The sheriff, who panickedimmediately by the declared extent of the got back to Looney. Gabel met agents at the Guardsmen. The militia remained in Rock martial law and called out 600 National Later that evening he was waylaid in front ofComo his tavernHotel on and the slain. night of July 31, 1922. election. Island for nearly 30 days, until after the In the aftermath of the riot, Looney Rock Island to avoid prosecution for temporarily retreated to a ranch he owned Gabel’sSeveral murder.months later,One year Looney later, fled he was controlin New Mexico.of all his However, former illegal he returned operations. to apprehended in New Mexico, tried, Rock Island in 1917 and quickly regained Stateville in Joliet. There was no direct But while Looney had been away, others evidenceconvicted that and tiedsentenced Looney to to 14 Gabel’s years at formed their own gangs. Rival groups, murder, only the testimony of Looney’s headed by many of Looney’s former gang members, who traded Looney for associates, had tasted power and money. leniency. Sharing any of it with Looney caused resentment, jealousy and eventual he was released after nine years in prison. HeJohn retreated Looney wasagain nearly to the 70 Southwest, years old andwhen Billburg, George Holsapple, Dan Drost anddefiance. George Former Buckley lieutenants were frustrated Anthony with Texas.  died in 1942 of a lung infection in McAllen, ich Hamer, local historian and co-author of Citadel of Sin: The John Looney Story, was Rthe detective who brought many facts of Looney’s life back into public memory. He started out telling the Looney story on trolley tours. As he chronicled the community, it was Looney’s narrative that generated most questions, and Hamer felt he needed to know the gangster’s story better. For 15 years, he researched the man’s life, but the location of Looney’s death always eluded him. Ten years into his research, a brief phone call from McAllen, Texas led him to an obituary, a death certificate and a burial location. At long last, Hamer had found Looney.

1. 1705 2nd Avenue 2. 121 16th Street Looney’s Era: Best Building Looney’s Era: Holsapple’s Place Today: VanDerGinst Building Today: Lewarne Law Office

Looney’s time as the Best Building. This building was notorious as a house of locationThis tan isoffice loosely building tied to was Looney known through during prostitutionIn the 1920s, run this by Italianate George “Crimps” style office the suspicious death of a man named Holsapple, who called himself a Arthur E. Meader. Meader was the local manager of the Illinois Life Insurance lieutenant of Looney’s, had become his Company, located in this building. He enemy“bartender.” and rival. By 1922, The rivalryHolsapple, culminated a former in a shootout in Market Square. Anthony Billburg, one of Looney’s chief rivals, soonwas killed on the by scene a fall andfrom pronounced the fifth floor him on orchestrated an ambush with Holsapple dead.January Reporters 9, 1922. ofDr. the Joseph day noted DeSilva that was and others. Twenty-one-year-old Connor Meader had plunged from the insurance attorney Clarence Darrow defended Avenue and landed on the sidewalk in a Looney was killed. Nationally known mutilatedcompany office window facing Second Darrow could not prove Holsapple heap. It 1 innocent.Billburg and Two Holsapple years later in Darrow1923. However, would was become one of the most legendary lawyers specu- in the nation as he defended John Scopes, lated that a high school teacher arrested for teaching Meader, evolution. “Crimps” and three others a known gambler, 1 paid for his debts to Looney with his life. Two other men in Rock Island were killed about the same time for suspected gambling debts. The started out veryyear 1922bloody.  were convicted for the murder of Connor Ottawa are not marked and his son prison. Calvary Cemetery in Rock Island do not Looney and sentenced to 14 years in haveConnor’s headstones. and his wifeLooney Nora’s himself graves is buriedat George’s wife, Mamie, was a well-known in an unmarked grave in McAllen, Texas. madam and continued to operate the business. This building stayed in 4. 1608 2nd Avenue when it was closed by the state’s attorney’s Looney’s Era: John ownership of the Holsapples until 1948, T. Kenworthy Law Office office. Today: Downtown Retail Attorney John Kenworthy, along with fellow barrister Adair Pleasants, 4 are pegged as the men who urged John Looney to

2 embarked on this path to personal and study law. Looney was only 21 when he 3. 1529 2nd Avenue Looney’s Era: Harper’s Opera House thefinancial day and improvement. studied at night. He worked Although at the Today: Centennial Bridge Access Ramp Area Western Union Telegraph office during

The block on this grassy spot was once Kenworthy frequently moved his offices, lined with buildings. The corner building probablyfrom circa visited. 1888 to 1891, this building was was known as Harper’s Opera House or Kenworthy’s office and a place Looney John Kenworthy was born John Looney, wrote, directed and produced Harper’s Theatre. On January 23, 1891, married Clara Wells, the Emmet here. Emmet was from County daughterin Andalusia of an in early1846 Rock and Kerry,a play aboutthe same Irish as Nationalist John Looney’s Robert family. And, of course, Looney acted the part of son, Samuel, who was also an Emmet. Emmet had a famous quote: “Let attorney,Island pioneer, defended in 1870. Anthony His no man write my epitaph… let them and Billburg in the Connor Looney murder me repose in obscurity and peace and my tomb remain uninscribed.” Rich Hamer, one must wonder what he thought of his local historian and co-author of Citadel protégée.charges. John Kenworthy died in 1926; of Sin: The John Looney Story, speculates 5. 1624 2nd Avenue Looney’s Era: The Rock Island Argus this point is why his parents’ graves in Looney’s affinity with Emmet’s belief on until 1925 Today: Downtown Retail Just west of Bennigan’s is the former location of The Rock Island Argus. Looney and his gang didn’t intimidate everyone. The Argus, owned by the Potter family, frequently tried to expose Looney’s 3 racketeering and extortion techniques.  5

Without a doubt, their newspaper articles Many credit The Argus pursuit of justice against Looney. When months of endless attacks, The Argus for its 18-year forcedlibel suits the againstcity to take Looney action. and In The 1907, Rock after — with so many murders — John, Ben and Island News editor William H. Dilworth. filed A things came to such a terrible state in 1922 their own way, and continually headed theMarguerite evening Pottereditorial pressured column officialswith “WHO in grand jury handed down 37 indictments KILLED BILL GABLE?” Kelly,against was Looney. assistant But toLooney State’s had Attorney “the fix” in Typical editorial language in The Argus in Johnplace. K. Looney’s Scott, who former declined law partner,to present Frank evidence against Looney. of Rock Island are demanding that their The Potter family and editors at The 1922governmenturged officials be directed to action: from the“The city people hall Argus became favorite targets for Looney and not from the roost of vice vultures.” because they dared expose his criminal Another example: “The city administration activities. has determined that you, as a taxpayer, An example of Looney’s slander comes shall learn as little as possible about the The Rock investigation of the police department Island News: scandal. In other words, it is none of your from the June 1921 issue of business what goes on at the city hall.” “John M. Colligan, managing editor of The Rock Island Argus, became a We’ll hear more about Bill Gable and the voluntary patient of the Watertown fight against vice later in the tour. committedInsane Hospital as an on insane July 12, person. 1918. He escapedOn September from the 6, 1918, hospital he wason March

He3, 1919. was discharged He returned as April improved 2, 1919, on and again escaped on July 23, 1920. Watertown Hospital for the Insane in East Moline.  June 24, 1921.” 6 6

6. 1627-29 2nd Avenue 7. 1700 ½ 2nd Avenue Looney’s Era: The Rock Island House Looney’s Era: Harry McCaskrin Law Office Today: Ann Goldman Building Today: Downtown Commercial Building The next three sites on the tour are closely Looney lived in boarding houses, linked to a single event. This building at apartmentsDuring his first and ten hotels. years One in Rockof the Island, earliest nd Avenue and places John Looney boarded upon coming th Street is the historic Bengston Block. th Street – a the southeast corner of 2 house that no longer exists. He also lived in17 an upper story. Although there are no tohere Rock – in Island the famed was at Rock 523 Island 20 House - in upperLawyer stories Harry today,McCaskrin in Looney’s had his time office Then 7 veneer of this building is one of the oldest structures1892-93. Under in Rock the Island. more Thismodern building brick was a grand hotel for Rock Island’s activity was centered here. Although pioneers in the 1850s and community sevenmarried years in 1892 after in their Ottawa, marriage. Looney’s wife, Nora, did not join him in Rock Island until

 Now 7 there were four levels to 8 this distinctive and much- photographed Italianate building. McCaskrin was a political ally of Looney’s, a Rock Island News writer, and candidate for State’s Attorney. He was a key person to incite the crowd in what became known as the Market Square Riot. His brother was George McCaskrin, mayor Mayor Schriver pummeled John Looney In Marchfor 1912, his Rock just Islandfour days News after article ranof Rock an unsuccessful Island from 1905Independent to 1907 and again from 1909 to 1911. During 1908 he e McCa regarding the enticing Ethel (see Party bid for governor, garnering rg sk o r below), a large crowd gathered e in less than 1% of the vote, against Gov. G

in Market Square to hear political

Charles Deneen, who three years

speeches. However, Looney had

stacked the crowd in his favor,

to Rock Island and declared martial

reportedly bringing in hundreds

later brought National Guardsmen

law. George McCaskrin lost the 1911

of thugs from Muscatine and other

mayoral election to Harry Schriver

locales. Looney’s henchmen had

by more than 1,000 votes. the recall of Mayor Schriver and was a target of The News and was Police Commissionerintended to spread Archie fliers Hart. urging The Inone 1907, of the Mayor reasons George for the McCaskrin libel lawsuit mob was urged on by Harry McCaskrin against Looney and Dilworth. Earlier Looney had approached Mayor McCaskrin they interfere. The crowd, estimated to be to hold up a resolution legalizing drinking. to overpower the police officers should Bribes may have been involved, but Mayor violent at Market Square and moved west McCaskrin refused. tobetween city hall 3,000 to confront and 4,000 the people, mayor andturned Harry McCaskrin’s ties to Looney and police. Schriver were convoluted, but apparently 9. 1528 3rd Avenue did not have a lasting impact on his future Looney’s Era & Today: Rock Island City Hall political career. Interestingly, brothers Harry and George did not practice law Although today’s City Hall building was together. 8. 17th Street from 2nd to 3rd Avenues withconstructed threats inand 1940, slander, this beatis the Looney place in to a Looney’s Era: Market Square 1912 where Mayor Harry Schriver, fed up Today: 17th Street and Hotel pulp, kicking off deadly riots. Market Square’s original purpose was just aIn salacious an effort article to blackmail about Schriver’sRock Island’s vendors lined the edges of the centrally supposedleading public visits official, with a Looneyprostitute had in printed Peoria. locatedthat – a openfarmer’s space market. that in Farmers Rock Island and otherwas The headline certainly grabbed attention: shaped like a triangle instead of a square. Today the hotel takes up a considerable portion of what was once the west side that“Schriver’s Would Shame!Shame aSpent Dog!” Night In retaliation, and Day in of the triangle. The postcard above right Peoria in Filthy Debauch with Ethel: Deeds shows a view of Market Square in Looney’s and had Looney brought to him by the time.  Schriver confiscated the newspapers city hall, Schriver brutally beatpolice. Looney, In the whopolice required office in an extended stay at St. Anthony’s hospital. A few days later, Harry

Square speech became a personalMcCaskrin’s attack fiery on Market Mayor Schriver, and an angry mob followed McCaskrin’s to city hall. The agitated direction to take the fight west wall of the police stationcrowd fired and eventuallyshots into thebroke nearly every window in the building with bricks. This altercation was followed by two nights of rioting. The destruction prompted seek reinforcements from IllinoisSheriff GovernorOscar L. BrunerCharles to Deneen, who declared martial law and called out from Rock Island, Moline, Geneseo,800 National Sterling, Guardsmen Monmouth and Galesburg. The militia remained encamped in Rock until after the election. Island for nearly 30 days, In the aftermath, Looney was of the Rock Island News, but no one was charged for the destruction of property or the convicted for misuse of the United States mail,deaths fined and resulting ordered from to ceasethe riots. the publication 9 Looney retreated for several years to

quicklyhis daughter’s regained ranch control in New of all Mexico, his former but illegalreturned operations. to Rock Island The gangster’s in 1917 and control over the city was now almost complete and his henchmen included the police chief, the city attorney and even his old enemy, former Mayor Harry Schriver.

10 10. 1029 3rd Avenue Looney’s Era: Mayor Schriver’s House Today: Awaiting Rehabilitation The cantankerous relationship between the newspaper and the This Italianate style mayor pervaded every aspect of the gem was the personal corruption investigations that year. residence of Mayor The sleaze surrounding Looney Harry Schriver from eventually engulfed Mayor Schriver, who was indicted on gambling 1911, Assistant State’s and protection charges during his 1905 to 1959. In Attorney Harry Schriver second tenure as mayor. Although was elected to his convicted, Schriver was ultimately successful in defending himself and Rock Island, defeating retained his ability to practice law. first term as mayor of incumbent George The fallout from the Schriver tenure McCaskrin. He served was a return to the aldermanic as mayor from 1911 to form of government, leaving behind the commission rule that gave so much power The Argus demanded the to the mayor. 1915 and again from 1919 to 1923. murderer of Bill Gable be found, the newspaperIn 1922, as also made constant attacks on the city administration and its lax When Schriver died in 1959, he willed this approach to cleaning up the vice and property to his housekeeper, Frances Bock. corruption that existed in the police Rock Island Landmark for its intact and department and in the “red light” district. high-styleThis circa 1869architecture home was and designated its association a with Mayor Harry Schriver. 10

11 th Street storm drain scheme where sub-par materials were 11 up in 1897’sintentionally 24 and clandestinely used in the construction.

Kelly, and Schnell were caught. ConvictionsLooney, his law were partner overturned Frank on appeal, but Schnell’s reputation never recovered. He lost his successful contracting business and ended his years in a rented apartment. 13. SW Corner 18th Street & 3rd Avenue Looney’s Era: Como Hotel Today: Parking Lot 11. 1724 4th Avenue The Como Hotel started life as several Looney’s Era & Today: The Argus Building small businesses, underwent an extensive

underremodeling new management, in 1912-13, and the was hotel converted was theThe same Potter year Family Looney constructed was convicted this Art and renamedto the 110-room The Como Colonial Hotel. Hotel. It was In here 1921, Deco building in 1925. It was dedicated just a year later that tavern owner Bill issue celebrating the opening of the Gabel, frustrated with his protection newsent tobuilding, prison. a In prominent the 1925 newspaperheadline payments to John Looney, met with federal investigators on the evening of July 31, Campaign Led by Argus.” touted: “Rock Island Freed of Vice Rule in Looney’s jealousy and hatred of the 1922. It was Gabel’s last night on this The Rock Island News: “The earth. The Como lasted another 40 years ArgusPotter’s success showed in his Oct. 4, – it was demolished in 1962. building,1922 issue and of collect enough from the state and figures insurance on starting companies, a riot, fireso they their will be able to put up that new plant on that vacant lot they claim they own and mortgage hanging on the Argus. And then stillthese have carrion enough try tomoney run down to pay a offman the like 13 John Looney.” rd th 14. 1816 3 Avenue 12. 1820 4 Avenue Looney’s Era: Tri-City Morning Journal Looney’s Era: Mathias Schnell Carpentry Today: Parking Lot Today: Downtown Service Business

Mathias Schnell’s association with John stock of his newspaper, The Rock Island Looney ruined him forever. He was a very News,In 1908, John Looney sold controlling successful building contractor, with a large raise money, although it is believed Looney th Avenue. never intendedto W.W. Wilmerton to lose control in an ofeffort the to Known as a civic benefactor and political newspaper. Wilmerton planned to move carpentry located here on 4 leader, Schnell was also a Rock Island the newspaper from Looney’s building and alderman. Unfortunately, he was wrapped run the newspaper without the Looney 12 14

15. 1819 2nd Avenue Looney severely damaged the presses Looney’s Era: Looney & Kelly Law Office & withbrothers. explosives. In an effort Undeterred, to thwart Wilmerton the move, The News Building rd Avenue, Today: Downtown Tavern and changed the name of the newspaper This was the location of Looney’s law torelocated Tri-City the Morning presses Journal to 1816. The 3 result was that Looney was without his scandal sheet also an early location of The Rock Island for nearly a year. Newsoffice. withThe otherpartner two Frank occupants Kelly. Thisof the is In the months that followed, there building were the Mirror Saloon and a were skirmishes between Looney and gambling house. The upper stories were Wilmerton. Looney was shot while at his Bel-Aire mansion one evening and claimed lost, probably due to a fire, sometime prior Looney claimed his paper was a crusade to 1935. for morality, when in fact, he used it for Looneythe shooter had toa shootout be Wilmerton. in broad Finally, daylight blackmail and acquiring a base for power inon the February middle 22, of 31909,rd Avenue. Wilmerton “The expected and in city government and vice circles. The Rock Island News printing press consisted W.W. Wilmerton and John Looney met happened this afternoon at 4:20 when machine, a few of a small, flatbed press,15 a fontslinotype of type, and withnear pistols,”Nineteenth The Street Argus on Third Avenue a small amount andreported. indulged Seven in anshots affray of newsprint, supposedly wounded, and then worth about bothwere werefired; arrested. Looney was The newspaper account of the incident is very $20,000. detailed, including the needed some fact that Looney emptied cashBy 1908, and soldLooney his revolver, reloaded controlling stock and was headed back to of The Rock Island News to W.W. Wilmerton. Although into custody. Looney never intended to give real Wilmerton’s office when he was placed control of the newspaper to Wilmerton, 13 the Preemption farmer proved to not be a patsy. He announced plans to relocate in this storefront. Thomas Haege was aBy member 1915 Haege of the the Citizen’s Tailor wasCommittee located the night after Wilmerton took ownership named in the conspiracy indictment to ofand the rename newspaper, the newspaper. a dynamite At bomb 2:30 a.m., destroyed the newspaper presses in the Anthony Billburg as a primary player in nd themurder conspiracy. John Looney. He was fingered by or other high explosive which was used 17. 1825 2nd Avenue 2was Avenue apparently office placed building. on the “The press dynamite Looney’s Era: Waddell’s Barber Shop and attached to a fuse extending to the Today: Restaurant corridor door,” reported The Argus. 17 Jake Ramser, owner of the Wilmerton still relocated the newspaper, jewelry shop just to the moving just one block south. The east, had his own reason partnership between Looney and to hate John Looney. Wilmerton deteriorated after that, Ramser’s older sister, Dina, culminating in a shootout that started in was a Rock Island police the alley between their two newspaper matron whose position buildings and spilled over onto 3rd Avenue. had her involved with local Both were arrested. prostitutes. Because she either “hassled” or “helped” the girls, depending on your viewpoint, Looney targeted her in The News. Jake Ramser didn’t take kindly to the slander of his sister’s name. One day in 1911, Looney and Ramser were both sitting in barber’s chairs in the shop, when an argument erupted and Looney pulled a pistol. Ramser didn’t back down

Looney shot Ramser through the hand, and grabbed the pistol away. In the scuffle, 16 the gun, beating 16. 1823 2nd Avenue but Ramser took controlLooney of the with fight the and butt Looney’s Era: Western Union Telegraph end. He then held (1885) & Haege The Tailor (1922) the gun to Looney’s Today: Downtown Retail head and pulled the trigger three times. John Looney learned telegraphy at the His ignorance of automatic weapons saved Looney’s life. heage worked of 15 in for Ottawa. Western When Union Looney, Telegraph just 18 Jeweler Ramser years old, moved to Rock Island in 1885, didn’t know how years. During that time, Western Union 16 to release the gun was– a job located he would in an hold upper for story the next of the five Star safety. Block. This distinctive Italianate was a fairly new building when Looney came here – just eleven years old. Today it is a Rock Island Landmark.

14 18. 1827 2nd Avenue 19 Looney’s Era: Ramser’s Jewelry Shop Today: Downtown Tavern Brothers Jacob, William and Eugene Ramser ran a jewelry shop here in andthe Star they Block. were jewelers,By 1922 theiropticians business and soldhad beenEdison in Discoperation Phonographs. for 50 years Jake Ramser was implicated in the death of Connor Looney and the Market 19. 231 20th Street Square shooting that took place on October Looney’s Era: Billburg’s Saloon Today: Downtown Office Building had festered for eleven years. During Connor6, 1922. Looney’s Ramser’s coroner sour feelings inquest, for Looney Looney Anthony Billburg was considered by many to be John Looney’s chief rival. who ambushed him and his son outside ofidentified the Sherman Ramser Hotel. as one Anthony of the Billburg,five men the “Longest Bar in the World.” Contractors who went to prison for the murder, also tookBillburg’s three bar months was builtto build in 1915, the brick and called implicated Ramser as the leader of a group building, with its large windows along the of businessmen who hired him to kill John Looney. Billburg claimed this jewelry store was the location of a meeting between him Dale,side. Thewho bar, has made her own of mahogany, important wasrole 117in and Jake Ramser, The Argus’ John Colligan thefeet Looney long. Prostitute saga, “worked” and madam for Anthony Helen Van and John Potter, and tailor Tom Haege to and Margaret Billburg shortly after her discuss the “hit” about six weeks before arrival in Rock Island. It was here that she it actually occurred. However, Billburg’s grand jury testimony whenmet her the husband, government bartender prohibited Henry the Van sale ofDale. liquor The within Billburg three tavern miles closed of the in Arsenal. 1918 greatly from Eventually, the building was demolished to eye-witnessdiffered make way for a used car lot. accounts. Billburg was the leader of the group In the end, including Holsapple, Drost and Buckley Jacob Ramser, who ambushed John Looney outside the unlike Sherman Hotel. Billburg was tried and other local convicted for his part in slaying Connor businessmen, was not served most of it before being paroled. He named in the spentLooney. the He last was years sentenced of his life to 20in anyears upper and indictment for story apartment in the building adjacent to the murder of Connor Looney. Ironically, the business located here today his former tavern; he died in 1950. is a purveyor of 18 liquor liability and dram shop insurance.

19 15 20. 608 20th Street Looney’s Era: Dr. Joseph DeSilva House Today: Hodgson Funeral Home This Queen Anne style residence is the former home of Dr. Joseph DeSilva, who was on hand during much of Rock Island’s gangster period to pronounce various murdered people dead. Because he was at Connor Looney’s bedside when he died from his wounds from the Market Square shoot-out, he was also a key witness at the coroner’s inquest, describing in detail the wounds that ended Connor Looney’s life. Dr. DeSilva was also the physician called to City Hall after Mayor

DeSilva recognized the severity of theSchriver gangster’s thrashed beating Looney and in took 1912. Looney to St. Anthony’s Hospital, where he required surgery.

20

21. 1906 7th Avenue Looney’s Era: Potter House Today: Private Residence This was the home widow Minnie Potter, owner of The Argus

the newspaper for years until her children were old enough tobuilt join for her. herself She became and her a three blackmail children target in 1907.of Looney’s, Minnie who ran

at one point wrote about her allegedand affair Marguerite with her Pottergardener. wereBy the frequent 1920s, John, targets Ben of Looney’s. At the time, all three still lived in this house with their mother. This beautiful Colonial Revival-style home is a Rock Island Landmark and is individually listed

of Historic Places. Margueriteon the National lived Register in this home until her death in

21 16 1981. 22 Rose er nf lt ie a l d W

22. 1900 6th Avenue Looney’s Era: Rosenfield House, St. Joseph’s Convent Today: Coventry Apartments Senior Center

Morris Rosenfield built this high-style residence in 1893, but only lived here briefly before his death. However, his son Walter enjoyed this opulent home until 1916, when he moved across the street. Their wealth came from industry; they were the owners of Rock Island Bridge and Iron Works and Moline Plow Company. Walter Rosenfield was also the developer of the FortRock Armstrong Island News Theatre owner in 1921. could While never Looney’s mingle with own the home society has peoplesome of who the samelived here.architectural feel as this magnificent mansion with its Richardsonian Romanesque influences, the

Walter Rosenfield, who succeeded Harry Schriver as mayor of Rock Island from 1923 to named1927, was in the also indictment named in thewere grand convicted. jury indictment as part of the “Citizen’s Committee” that fronted money and plotted the murder of John Looney. None of the society people

17 23. 1804 7th Avenue 25. 946 23rd Street Looney’s Era: Walter Rosenfield Home Looney’s Era: Thomas Cox House Today: Word of Life Christian Center Today: Private Residence This 25 lived in this grand Greek Revival Amer- masterpiece,From 1917 to the 1936, former Walter Buford Rosenfield Mansion, ican of Rock Island during that tenure and square namedwhich was in a builtgrand circa jury 1855. indictment He was for mayor the houseFour- murder plot of John Looney. was the home 23 of Tom Cox, Rock Island’s Chief of Police during the later Looney years. Promoted from Chief of Detectives by Mayor Harry Schriver, Cox was Police

was a crooked cop and known to be part of theChief vice from operations 1919 until in latethe 1922. Tom Cox city. Local historian and Citadel of Sin co-author Rich Hamer believes Cox to be one of the most interesting and underrated 24. 805 19th Street players in the Looney Looney’s Era: Harry H. Cleaveland House legend. He believed much Today: Transitions of the Looney terror could Harry H. Cleaveland, of the Cleaveland not have happened without Cox Insurance Agency, was a prominent man the cooperation of Cox. in business and civic life in Rock Island. Cox was a family man, but his “girlfriend” Heavily involved in the banking industry, he was one of the men named but not biggest prostitute operation in the city and convicted in the grand jury indictment for was Helen Van Dale, a madam with the conspiracy of murder of John husband,beyond. He Lester was soSmith. smitten Eventually, with Van the Dale and Connor prostitutionthat he even proceedsbeat up Van were Dale’s split second three Looney. This was his home ways between Looney, Van Dale and Cox. CommissionOn September pending 25, 1922, investigation Cox was placed into the in 1922. 24 on suspension by the Police and Fire because Cox had admitted he no longer controlledcorruption. the Officially police departmentthe board said and it was could not get patrolmen to police the vice district. Cox’s downfall was an indictment on a stolen car charge. There was a paper trail tracing a car shipped to Looney’s ranch that “disappeared” from the police garage. Cox was indicted for the charges th and arrested during his 18 on December 5 noonday meal at his 26 home. In response to the indictment, Cox immediately resigned his position as Chief of Police, although he had been suspended for more than two months. This action was rapidly followed by Cox, along with several others, being charged with the murder of Bill Gabel and conspiracy to furnish gambling devices to various establishments. The “movements of the police” were found to be suspicious on the night Gabel was murdered. Despite

Cox was believed to be at theconflicting scene of testimony, the murder and manipulated the police schedule so that patrolmen were not on duty in the area. Cox was never died before the trial. found guilty of the murder; he Cox lived in this house with his wife and grown daughter for just a few years before his death. 26. 1038 21st Street Looney’s Era: John K. Scott House capacity of city attorney, John Scott had Today: Private Residence the unfortunate duty of guiding a newly

its investigation of Tom Cox. In December Anne-style house came into ownership appointed Police and Fire Commission in This remarkably intact 1895 Queen initiated against Scott by the Illinois and his wife, Amy, shared the home 1922, disbarment proceedings were withof the his Scott mother, family Margaret, in 1904. and,John until Scott his on conspiracy to “protect” illegal gaming death, his father, William. John served andAttorney prostitution. General. Scott By 1923, would he eventually was indicted as the city attorney for Rock Island from defeat the charges against him. He later returned as city attorney and maintained State’s Attorney for Rock Island County. a private law practice as well. The Scott In1899 this to position, 1904, when he is he remembered was elected for declining to prosecute the notorious John family lived here until 1948. 19 Looney. In fall 1922, acting again in the This image from the John Hauberg Collection at Augustana College is believed to be members of the Illinois National Guard while encamped in Rock Island in 1912.

27

27. 1216 21st Street Looney’s Era: Bruner House Today: Private Residence

Station Attacked by Angry Citizens Who power and an attempt to curtail freedom Would“Rock Island Oust Mayor Mob Fired Schriver.” On; 3 This Dead; headline Police of speech: “The mob is crying ‘Get Schriver.’ He is the Mayor who last Saturday attacked New York Times if in the police station and badly beat John wouldRock Island not have County run in the March 27, 1912 Looney, a lawyer, and proprietor of a political weekly, because of an attack on Bruner had not the Mayor’s character.” Even the article this telegraphedSheriff Oscar Illinois L. esteemed national newspaper printed as Governor Charles Deneen. The Looney’s role in gambling and blackmail. New York Times a follow-up on March 28 does not mention Oscar and Abbie Bruner lived in this Queen reported that Bruner swore in Bruner th as many deputies Anne-influenced28. 1607 20 Streethouse in 1912. as he could and called out all members of Looney’s Era: Cozad House the department to clear the streets. Bruner Today: Private Residence was also required to follow the telegraph with a written formal demand for troops John W. Potter had purchased this brick that explained the situation. The New York By 1942, third generation newspaperman Times article made the Market Square President and Secretary of the J.W. Potter altercation sound like an abuse of police Company,and stucco publishers home. Potter of The was Rock Vice- Island 20 credit The Argus 28 justice against Looney. for its 18-year pursuit of John Looney for the murder of Bill Gabel, Sen.In 1923, Charles summing Hadley, up special the case prosecutor, against paid this tribute to The Argus: “When newspapers set out to expose graft, they are continually vituperated by the persons hardest hit by the exposures. In this case, John W. Potter it happens to be the only daily in Rock Argus. Ironically, he moved into Island. It is an enemy of John Looney’s. You a house located just north of gather that it was instrumental in exposing Looney’s former haunt. Potter him and running him out of town. I make was a contemporary of Connor no apologies for The Argus or its publisher, Looney, and even as a young John Potter. Would to God there were more newspaper publishers like John Potter!’’ the vile rumors spilled by The Rock Island John W. Potter died the same year as John Newsman in. The his Pottertwenties family experienced was a bitter first-hand enemy The Rock Island Argus yearsLooney, old. just five years after moving into of Looney. It was a libel lawsuit filed by this Colonial Revival style home. He was 50 that resulted in the 37 indictments against Looney in 1907. Many

29. 2012 16th Avenue Looney’s Era: Dan Drost’s Residence and Printing Location for The Rock Island News Today: For Sale, Known as Looney’s Roost The Rock Island News, and was

This bungalow on the next page was the final location of known historically and today as Looney’s Roost. It was built circa 1910 to house the andpresses the defenderfor the newspaper. of moral behavior. Looney’s Herag blamed sheet enjoyed rich men a circulationand the “establishment” of 10,000, so itfor was vice andquite corruption an influential in the newspaper. community. He championed himself as the protector of the little man The garage structure is a later addition, although there was a garage on the property in Looney’s time and might have been where the presses were sometimes located. believed his lieutenants were caretakers here. In fact, Dan Drost, one of those convicted By the 1920s, Looney listed this property as his principal residence, although it is 21 29 30. 2101 16th Avenue Looney’s Era: Villa de Chantal Convent & Catholic Girls’ Boarding School of Today: New Magnet Elementary School murdering Connor amicable relationship with John Looney, Looney, whoThe Sisterswas an of Irish the Catholic.Visitation His enjoyed daughters an was Kathleen and Ursula attended the school. listed as a Kathleen eventually took vows and became n Dro a s t a nun. D

before Connor was killed. By

thisresident time, here Looney’s in 1921, residence one year was known to be Bel-Aire, a The Villa de Chantal was built in stages large home overlooking the from 1900 to 1929 in the Gothic Revival Rock River. style. At first it was a girls’ boarding Because of John Looney, this school, but eventually offered instruction quiet, upscale neighborhood, hit the two-thirdsto day students. of the The main last buildings Villa de Chantalwere class to graduate was 1975. Sadly, almost year, The Argus reported that “the home of Johnheadlines Looney” in 1921. was rockedIn February by an of explosion that destroyed by fire in 2005, then demolished The Road to Perdition graphic novel, upon in 2008. which the Hollywood movie was based, were shaken and rattled by the explosion. Theat 3:30 Argus a.m. claimed Houses that around John the Looney building was attended by Michael and Peter Sullivan. mentions the Villa de Chantal as the school time, although it probably was Dan Drost. goes “on the lam” with his father, John Thein bed press in a equipment second floor was bedroom in the garage at the RTheooney’s fictional chief Michael enforcer. Sullivan character nearby. The explosion knocked the windows out, but the home 30 was otherwise undamaged, as were the printing presses. The Argus reported that the explosion was believed to be the work of amateurs. Looney, of course, blamed The Argus for the explosion.

Federal marshals raided the the“Looney fugitive Fort” Looney on October and other 25 evidence. 31. 1608 21st Street Reportsand 26, 1922, indicated searching the presses for were Looney’s Era: George Stauduhar House located in the “dark basement” and the Today: Private Residence house was heavily armed, with two guard dogs chained on the porch. Marshals Architect George Stauduhar built this were thorough, even searching for trap eclectic and fanciful residence for himself doors and tunnels. The rumors of tunnels through the Looney compounds persist to in 1895. Today it is individually listed on this day. is an important architectural contribution tothe the National Highland Register Park Historic of Historic District. Places and Stauduhar received a great number of commissions with Roman Catholic 22 31 architect for more than connections; he was the

Stauduhar200 churches also in designed the Upper theMississippi house of River Looney’s Valley.

Minnie Potter’s house on lawth partner, Frank Kelly, Chantal. Although it is not clear7 Avenue, if George and Stauduhar the Villa de designed Looney’s mansion – which is the

next house r Lo shenanigans. onno one on this tour, C y

there are

building plans Nora died in cancer. After

with Looney’s

1903 from

name located

Looney’s

in the George pettyNora’s crimes death, P. Stauduhar turned much Papers at the more serious. University Looney lived of Illinois Stauduhar here when he started Archives. However, it is a publishing certainty Stauduhar and The Rock Looney were acquainted. Island News. George Stauduhar was a witness in the indictment Little is known about how the children of John Looney for the fared at such a young age in a gangster’s murder of Bill Gable. household. Eventually, Ursula married

th 32. 1635 20 Street Daughter Kathleen became a nun. Looney’s Era: Looney Family Residence an oil field worker from New Mexico. circa 1895-1908 Connor Looney attended Rock Island Today: Private Residence year of high school here. He spent much This stone mansion, shown on the next ofpublic his life schools on the and ranch finished near theChama, second page, was built and occupied by John

New Mexico. The ranch, operated by his Looney from 1895 until around 1908. It joined her husband in Rock Island, but brother-in-law Frank Hamblin, covered daughtersis not known Kathleen exactly and when Ursula Nora were finally Mexico.over 20,000 acres of land. Young Looney became a dead shot with a revolver in New Connor Looney was born in Rock Island Connor’s sister, Ursula, said her brother born in Ottawa in 1894 and 1898. spent too much time with his pony when he was a small boy, and later, too much on November 19, 1900, probably in this time with his cars. Connor’s acquaintances normalhouse. Looney woman married of her time, Nora quite O’Connor religious in said he used to spend hours cleaning and andOttawa not ininvolved 1892, and with she Looney’s was known early to be a waxing his automobile. 23 The Looney Mansion is one of the most interesting historical and architectural residences in Rock Island. It was the inspiration for the dark, almost gothic, setting for some of the The Road to Perdition. A drawing of this massive Queen Anne style home is in Max Collins’ original graphic novel. early scenes in the book and film 32

33. 1703 20th Street Looney and Kelly were charged with Looney’s Era: Frank Kelly House conspiracy and fraud regarding contracts Today: Private Residence th Street This opulent Queen Anne house was built storm drain, but Looney’s friendships with for the construction of the 24 convictions and the case was never re- influential officials resulted in over-turned mansionby Frank acrossKelly, Looney’s the street. law The partner. Kelly family It was tried. Kelly and Looney were law part-ners retainedconstructed ownership in 1895, of just the prior house to until Looney’s the until 33 about of this Highland Park subdivision, which ismid-1970s. a four-block Kelly neighborhood was a major bounded developer by Kelly 1906. restored brick streets. Today, Highland again Park is Rock Island’s only local historic helped district, where each house is accorded Looney the same protection as a Rock Island in Landmark. Looney’s relationship with Kelly goes to Kelly was assistant to State’s Attorney 1907. early in his law career. Remember, he was John K. Scott, who declined to present

24 admitted to the bar in 1889. By 1896, evidence against Looney on 37 charges of 33 city commissioners, Schriver appointed three new men to the board that same day. However, Mueller refused to turn over

claiming he was still a valid representative his files on the investigation of Chief Cox, The Argus took an aggressive ofposition the police on the board issue, and condemning filed suit to the that effect.decision to appoint a new board. During

attorneyhis orientation John Scott of the tossed new policeharsh andwords fire rightcommissioners back: “If you on hadSeptember an individual 29, city in your business or other organization working night and day to disrupt it, you indictment by a grand jury. would not tolerate him long. And in the same way, if you have a newspaper in the Kelly died in 1911 when he fell in front of a community hammering night and day streetcar he was trying to catch. on the administration, inciting the other 34. 1704 22nd Street members of the community to almost Looney’s Era: Frederick Mueller House Today: Private Residence mayor, reappoint the business manager open defiance of it, would you, if you were home had several owners between its commission?of that paper —You with know the and $5,000 I know salary that he This classic American Foursquare hereceived could fromnot sit it on— theon yourboard fire and and hear police evidence and be impartial in his judgments construction around 1909 and 1920, when when a member of the administration was Frederick and Mae Mueller purchased up for trial. You know he couldn’t.” theit. They J.W. Potterlived in Company, the house publishers until 1941. of The RockFrederick Island was Argus a Director. He began and working Secretary with of Two resigned, citing public pressure. In aThe complete new commission breakdown lasted of a only five days. the newspaper in 1898 when he was just governmental system, Schriver board16 years member old. Mueller of the workedJ.W. Potter his Company way up had no takers for the open andthrough the nationalthe ranks advertising to become manager an influential for positions. He asked several the newspaper. When Mueller 34 had worked for The Argus for died in 1952 at the age of 70, he Interestingly enough, Mueller 54 years. was secretary of the Police and

ChiefFire Commission Tom Cox for which dereliction issued the 30-day suspension of Police The very next day, Mayor Harry Schriverof duty on — September who supported 25, 1922. Chief Cox — ousted all three members of the board, saying their terms had expired. With split support from two other 25 prominent individuals, such as Augustana 35. 1604 22nd Street College President Gustav Andreen, to Looney’s Era: Wallace W. Wilmerton House Today: Private Residence names from community and business organizations.fill the vacancies, The and investigation then requested of Police Chief Tom Cox ground to a halt as the end ThisThe finalbrick Highland Colonial ParkRevival home style on home our tour has significant ties to John Looney. two years by William and Bertha Looney. tookof his control suspension of the loomed. police department Fortunately, city William,was built John around Looney’s 1907 andyounger occupied brother, for andcommissioner orchestrated William nightly H. raids Fitzsimmons of liquor was secretary, treasurer and manager of and prostitution establishments. State’s The Rock Island News Attorney Edward Eagle enlisted outside the home was sold to Wallace W. and Anna help, and state and federal investigators Wilmerton and they livedat this here time. through By 1909, were dispatched to Rock Island – partly 1913. Wilmerton had an explosive and because no local investigation of internal violent relationship with Looney during corruption could take place without a the time he lived here. Wilmerton was the Preemption farmer functioning Police and Fire Commission. who purchased The Rock Island News from Twenty-five Illinois prohibition the Looney brothers and changed the enforcement officers were “under cover” in name of newspaper to the Tri-City Morning Ultimately, Mueller was also one of the Rock Island by October 10. Journal. Antagonized that Wilmerton had community leaders named in the grand maneuvered him out of his main source of jury indictment that investigated the death blackmailing, Looney focused his libelous of Connor Looney. Like other community leaders, he was not convicted. The News. Their tempestuous relationship culminatedefforts on inWilmerton an afternoon once shoot-outhe restarted on downtown Rock Island’s Third Avenue in

1909. Wilmerton managed to put a bullet35

26 was also shot. to support the prosecution against him. in Looney. Family members say Wilmerton Hauberg$75,000 thatmay was have raised had some from personal local people The Wilmerton-Looney battle even made reasons for his actions. Hauberg’s “Aunt The New York Times Maggie” Schroeder was the police matron this famous daily newspaper ran a story under the administrations of Harry about the bitter feud.. On February 23, 1909, Schriver and William McConochie. She took over for Dina Ramser, who resigned This photograph from Bill Wilmerton shows the Wilmerton was in charge of family from about the time they in 1912. She lived at 1604 22nd Street. W.W. women in jail Wilmerton is seated on left. eachas many month. as 64 She told her nephew, “I am sorry for those girls. If they haven’t money to pay

their fines, they suspend the sentence and36 36. 1300 24th Street Looney’s Era: Susanne (Denkmann) & John Hauberg Home Today: Hauberg Civic Center The Hauberg estate, one of the most a small role in the Looney saga. Susanne Denkmannmagnificent Hauberg places in and the John Quad Hauberg Cities, had completed this house in 1911, which was the year before the militia was called to Rock Island. Susanne was the daughter

Denkmann-Weyerhaeuser lumber empire. of F.C.A. Denkmann, a founder of the style mansion was donatedThe 20-room, by the Prairie- Hauberg of Rock Island to use asheirs a civic in 1956 center. to theTo this City tell them to bring in day, no alcohol may be the money in so many days, which simply means it was one of the few they are expected to go caveatsserved in put the in mansion; place by back to the streets to the Hauberg family. solicit as they did before.” John Hauberg Hauberg was also was instrumental important for recording in obtaining the oral histories of old judgments against settlers, including one of Looney that ultimately put him in jail. He put Aunt Maggie Schroeder was the police on the Grand Jury that matron during the administration of up a large share of the Frank Payne, who served Harry Schriver. 27 indicted Looney in 1925. According to Payne, the grand Hauberg family jury met for three months, during the 1920s. which even today is a very long time. The grand jury went over the local prosecutors to get an indictment expert 38. 848 25th Street from Chicago and appealed Looney’s Era: John M. to the State Attorney General. Colligan House The petit jury was made up Today: Private Residence of people who had donated residence was where John prosecution of Looney since it Colligan,This Queen managing Anne-influenced editor toward the $75,000 to support was believed they would tend of The Argus during the toward a guilty verdict. Looney years, lived with 37. 1323 25th Street his widowed mother and other family Looney’s Era: Bill & Vivian Gable Residence members. He started 38 Today: Private Residence working for The Argus

This unadorned stucco house was a fairly th grade, as a coal new residence at the time it was occupied hauler.in 1884, He just worked after thehis way6 up to reporter, a one-time policeman who had become then city editor, then by Bill and Vivian Gable. William Gabel, the proprietor of a soft drink and bootleg managing editor. saloon, turned evidence on Looney and was murdered for his trouble. However, it Colligan was a frequent was the murder of Gable that ultimately target of slander by The Rock brought Looney Island News, but could ably down. 37 defend himself in print. In

Gable had in Galesburg, Colligan wrote: “It is long been impossible1925, during to Looney’s refer to the trial reclamation for murder paying Looney of Rock Island by the forces of order protection and decency without mentioning the money but name of John Looney. He had been the balked at bogey man of Rock Island for more increased fees. Gable and Looney ultimately worked out a payment deal, Rock Island Looney laughed at the law. He but Gable paid with a check instead of the wieldedthan 25 years….Duringa mysterious power his long over reign men, in customary cash. In the meantime, Looney was working to replace Gable’s operation scandal paper was the weapon that he with another unsavory character. Because employedespecially tothose bend holding men to public his will office…His and to of the paper trail created by twelve drum up law clients.” canceled checks, Gabel had an ace in the hole. Gabel decided to hand them over to 39. 2512 8 ½ Avenue the federal investigators, but word of his Looney’s Era: Harry McCaskrin House betrayal got back to Looney. Gabel met Today: Private Residence agents at the Como Hotel on the night Harry McCaskrin was a candidate for state’s attorney and was the chief person night. to verbally incite the Market Square Riot in of July 31, 1922. He was killed later that Mrs. Gabel, who was respected for her civic and charitable work, was a witness for the full of thugs – probably planted by John grand jury for her husband’s murder. Looney1912. His – tofiery march speech to city prompted hall and a the crowd 28 Harry & Hazel McCaskrin the “Longest Bar in the World.” Another daughter, Katherine, also lived here during the Looney years. Billburg was in competition with Looney for drinking, gaming and prostitution control. Margaret was known to be the “madam” of the operations. She and her “girls” were arrested once, with the police station and start violence. Harry business.girls each being fined $15, and Margaret house with his wife Hazel, a woman very receiving a $5 fine, before resuming activelived in in this simple Queen Anne-influenced Billburg was the mastermind behind the civic life, in 39 ambush on John and Connor Looney that resulted in Connor’s murder. Billburg eventually served a long prison term for McCaskrin 1912. the murder of Connor Looney, despite had a representation in the murder trial by bumpy ride famed attorney Clarence Darrow. After her politically in husband’s trial, Darrow gave Margaret the gun used to shoot Connor Looney. It was but by passed on to her son, Tom, and is now in the end1900s, of the possession of his daughter, who keeps Looney’s reign he seemed to hit his stride. it as part of a Billburg Bar display in her He ran unsuccessfully for the Illinois California home. Margaret died of pneumonia House of Representatives in 1906 and 1908 as a Prohibition Party candidate. husband and four grown He was defeated in that 1912 election inchildren. 1935, leaving behind her for state’s attorney – and again in 1916. Walter Rosenfield beat him out for the mayor’s post in 1925. However, McCaskrin 40 served eight two-year terms, from 1922 to 1938, as a Republican representative in the Illinois State legislature. He died April 10, Hazel then became the legislator, when she 1942, at age 63. was appointed upon her husband’s death. She was elected on her own merits to four

th more40. 2556 terms 8 until Avenue she died in office in 1955. Looney’s Era: Anthony & Margaret Billburg House Today: Private Residence Anthony Billburg and the former Margaret bornAlexander in Glasgow, were married Scotland, in and 1905, Anthony when cameshe was from 32 Centerville,years old. Margaret Iowa. Daughter was Euphemia attended Augustana College at the same time Billburg was proprietor of 29 41

be stopped. Ursula was

had given birth just days earlier.already She in the would hospital; return she again after collapsing at her brother’s funeral. 41. 767 30th Street 42. 831 30th Street Looney’s Era: St. Anthony’s Hospital Looney’s Era: Dina Ramser and Jacob Today: St. Anthony’s Continuing Care Center Ramser’s Home Today: Part of the St. Anthony’s Complex

In 1891, Father Thomas Mackin, pastor of hospitalSt. Joseph’s here. church, The sisters invited didn’t the Franciscan arrive until forIn 1909, a reorganized Swiss immigrant social agency Dina Ramsercalled Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota to start a was a police matron and the first secretary in the YMCA building, but she soon was in The1893, hospital and they was immediately such a success opened that their Associated Charities. The first office was withinfirst hospital a year init proveda 10-room too bricksmall. house. Mathias th Street. The House was temporary chargelodging of for The stranded Association women House and atchildren. 637 17In her job, she probably saw a lot of the disastrousSchnell was partnership the contractor with for John a 30-room Looney. victimization of women and families that Overaddition the inyears, 1895, many just moretwo years additions before were his were part of the Looney wake. Eventually, completed. she became a target of Looney’s and It was here that John Looney was brought her brother took an active approach to seeing she wasn’t harmed, including by Mayor Harry Schriver that he required beating Looney in a barbershop near his in 1912 when he was beaten so severely downtown jewelry story. Dina Ramser that Connor Looney lost his eight-hour resigned her post as police matron on battlesurgery. for It life was after also being here 10shot years in the later Market

Hamblin, donated blood, but the internal siblingsJanuary Jake1, 1912. and SheDina continued lived at the on time in the bleedingSquare ambush. from the Ursula’s shotgun husband, blast could Frank not field as a probation officer. This is where 30 Jake had fisticuffs with Looney. 43. 2528 6th Avenue Looney’s Era: Charles “Butch” Ginnane House Today: Private Residence Charles “Butch” Ginnane, who lived in this house with his brother, aunt and uncle, was a long-time police detective who went down with Police Chief Tom Cox. Ginnane was a good friend of Tom Cox, known mainly to be his bodyguard. On December

Butch Ginnane shot himself through the heart5, 1922, while the lyingday after on his Cox bed was at arrested,home. His aunt was in the home at the time of his suicide. She said he had been depressed lately. “He had been constantly annoyed by Thomas Cox, who called him repeatedly at home over the telephone requesting him to carry out his orders,” said Kate Kelly about her nephew to The Argus. “Cox wanted Charles to get some letter for him,” she said. It turns out “the letter” was evidence of the relationship between Looney and Cox regarding the transport of stolen who had the letter in his possession, said Ginnanecars. Fred and Tiffin, his partner,a black driver Detective for Looney Herman Sehnert, were constantly watching him. Although a pall bearer for Ginnane, Sehnert denied involvement. Sehnert was promoted to Police Chief in 1923 and served in that position until 1944. 44. NE Corner of 24th Street th Ginnane was 47 years old when he died & 5 Avenue and had been a policeman for 18 years.43 Looney’s Era: Billy Sunday Tabernacle Today: Used Car Lot John Looney’s activities helped give the city such a reputation for lawlessness that famed evangelist Billy Sunday came to Rock Island in 1919 to conduct a seven- week-long revivalist campaign. Sunday’s supporters erected a temporary tabernacle at the northeast corner of this intersection, where the used car place is now. Calling the city a “citadel of sin,” Sunday rallied against the vices of lust and liquor. A special target of Sunday’s wrath was John Looney. The evangelist’s furor made many

31 Billy Sunday revival in Rock Island, 1919. Photo courtesy of Augustana College Special Collections.

throughout the Midwest, and provided servicesthat included for Chicago’s 300 girls toughest placed in mobsters. towns The fact that she was protected by Police Chief Tom Cox aided the successful growth of her “businesses.”

collapsing.Thirty-two Agreeingyear old Van to testify Dale was against finally Looneyarrested in as the the murder gangster of influenceBill Gable, was she was able to cut a deal for her own charges 44 for “interstate transportation of girls for immoral purposes” to be dropped. but did not stop the activities of Looney andconverts his gang. and raised $50,000 in donations, alcoholism,Her days ended and ina new 1951 identity in LaSalle, as Eula H. Wonders.Illinois, after five marriages, a battle with evangelist, Billy Sunday isFrom still famous remembered ball-player today to famous for his energetic preaching style and large, successful evangelistic campaigns across the United States. One of his most famous when he spent ten weeks in campaigns was in 1917, andNew World York and War raised I charities. over Liquor$100,000 and for its Red vices Cross were his common targets and liquor sales often fell dramatically while he was in town. In his lifetime, Billy Sunday 45 people without the aid of loud speakers, th addressed over 100 million 46. 2319 4 Avenue Looney’s Era: Bill Gabel’s Soft Drinks th TV,45. or 318 radio. 24 Street Establishment Looney’s Era: Helen Van Dale’s Place Today: Parking Lot Today: Parking Lot This is the location of Bill Gabel’s tavern prostitution with John Looney, but her After meeting federal investigators earlier testimonyHelen Van helpedDale was to aclinch partner a guilty in verdict and his murder on July 31, 1922. at the Como Hotel, Bill Gabel was getting out of his car just after midnight when protect gambling, prostitution and liquor in Looney’s 1925 trial for conspiracy to that four bullets penetrated his right a teenage prostitute, worked for a time side,shots including were fired. the Trial fatal testimony one that enteredsaid fortrafficking. Anthony She and came Margaret to Rock Billburg, Island as his heart. The murderers, who had been and later opened her own place. With waiting in ambush, stepped out and shot Looney backing, she built an operation him down. They then made their escape 32 in a high-powered automobile. It is 47 believed Connor Looney was the driver. Trial transcripts said that those involved included the Looneys, Charles Ginnane, Louis Ortell, Joe Richards, Leonard Walker and Police Chief Tom Cox. At the time of the murder, Cox claimed to be in Helen

The federal investigators determined the “movementsVan Dale’s place, of the less police” than awere block found away. to be suspicious on the night Gabel was

Cox was believed to be at the scene of themurdered. murder Despite and manipulated conflicting the testimony, police schedule so that patrolmen were not on duty in the area. The ever-present Dr. nd DeSilva came to determine Gable was 47. 300 Block of 22 Street, dead. West Side Looney’s Era: Baker Building, A House of Prostitution Rock Island to avoid prosecution for Today: Vacant Land Gabel’sSeveral murder.months later,One year Looney later, fled he was In this vicinity the vices of liquor, gambling, and prostitution were so Statevilleapprehended at Joliet. in New There Mexico, was notried, direct rampant that the area was known as the evidenceconvicted that and tiedsentenced Looney to to 14 Gable’s years at nd Street District and sometimes the red murder, but the testimony of his former light district. Even The Argus printed the com- 22vicinity as such. patriots According to The Argus was crucial. nd Street and, November 3rd Avenue, is rented27, 1912: by “Everysporting room women, in the among Baker their Building, 22

Third Avenue

23rd Street

Though mostly demolished today, Rock Island’s “red light district” buildings were largely intact in the 1950s, as shown in this aerial view. 33 number being Swede Mandy and Mattie Larson.” entered with guns drawn. There ensued a at his shoulder, when the four officers Prostitute Jennie Mills said “Mrs. Baker shotguns, revolvers, clubs and saps, in the rents the building to disreputable women, dark,terrific blazing gun battle, away. including When the five light men went with with a full knowledge of the purpose for which the premises are to be utilized. Scott, who was mortally wounded, died Liquor is constantly being sold in the Du soonon, two afterwards. police officers were dead, and Prez joint, which is frequented at all hours of the night by lewd women.” Looney biographer Rich Hamer believes the police call was a set-up to kill Eddie Miner, who would have been a witness the red light district. By 1915, Jennie Mills ran her own place in against John Looney for Gabel’s 48. 307 22nd Street murder. Looney’s Era: Robert Scott Home 49. 2107 3rd Avenue Today: Robert Young Center Looney’s Era: Davis & Jackson This was the scene of a terrible Shoeshine shoot-out in the aftermath of Today: Voss Building Parking Lot Bill Gable’s death. According to Emeal Davis, a large man with The Argus, two policemen, James an intimidating presence, was Green and Edward Miner, were known as Looney’s bodyguard. killed at Robert Scott’s house He also represented the gateway in the gun battle on October James Green for Looney into the black community’s vices. Davis owned reassigned patrolman on the several houses of prostitution and night15, 1922. Bill Gabel Eddie was Miner murdered. was the taverns, including the Red Rose Scott was a leading dope dealer Saloon in Davenport’s Bucktown, for John Looney and worked for and transported girls and liquor Emeal Davis, Looney’s bodyguard. for Looney. Davis also became A call to police headquarters Looney’s main gun runner and reported that Scott was going branched into moving stolen cars for the kingpin. Both before and went to the house. They arrived after John Looney, he worked for atto thekill addresshis wife. andFour the officers woman the railroad. was standing in the street. Scott was inside in the back room Edward Miner the murder of Bill Gable that he kitchen. It was dark, not a light hadDavis seen testified John andat Looney’s Connor trialLooney for on in the house. Scott was standing facing near Gable’s tavern with some the door with a double barreled shotgun other men on the night of Gabel’s murder. According to other witnesses, Davis was one of those men. Davis had a reputation as both a jovial and a very dangerous man.

“legitimate” business wasIn 1920, as a shoeshinerEmeal Davis’s at 48 Davis & Jackson. 34 50. NE Corner 17th Street & 3nd to expose the Looney crime organization. Avenue Hazlett gave evidence to enable the Looney’s Era: Sherman Hotel prohibition agents to serve a warrant on Today: Parking Lot Connor Looney for a bootlegging charge. This parking lot, next to the railroad mural, The Sherman Hotel is most infamous, is the former location of the Sherman however, as the location of Connor Hotel, key to the Looney Legend. The hotel was a favorite gangster hangout, particularly of Connor Looney’s. Lawrence Billburg,Looney’s Georgemurder Holsapple, on October Dan 6, 1922. Drost Pedigo, one of Looney’s main operators, andFormer Bill lieutenantsBuckley, were of Looney’s,frustrated Anthony with managed the hotel. Later, Pedigo would be Looney’s management of the local vice and a key witness in the Gable murder trial. they wanted a bigger piece of the action. They waited outside the Sherman Hotel It has been said that an altercation over a to ambush him. When Looney got out of woman between Connor Looney and Cy his car and saw Billburg’s black Maxwell Hazlett, who worked on The Rock Island parked across the street, he shouted to News, resulted in a split where Hazlett the others with him to run and ducked turned evidence against the Looneys. It behind his car. Connor Looney drew a is believed that this split brought the vice gun and turned to face Billburg’s men. situation to a head. Connor had been groomed as a gunman As the story goes, Mrs. Hazel Schadel, and was known to be an excellent shot. In a divorcee, went with Hazlett and Mrs. by a shotgun and died later that night, his drink. Connor came in hopping mad and the ensuing gunfire, Connor was blasted draggedFern Ehlers her to outside. the Sherman Hazlett Hotel put a for gun a 50 had lived in to Connor’s ribs, and Connor drew his father by his side. He was 21 yearshis father’sold and revolver. Mrs. Schadel stepped between corrupt the two and she left with “Conny.” John world all his life. a job with federal prohibition agents Looney fired Hazlett, so he accepted

35 Department of the Interior, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation This publication was financed in part with federal funds from the views or policies of the Department of the Interior or the Illinois Historic PreservationAgency. However, Agency, the norcontents does theand mention opinions of do trade not necessarilynames or commercial reflect the products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior or the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

This program receives federal financial assistance for the identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights prohibitsAct of 1964, discrimination Section 504 ofon the the Rehabilitation basis of race, color, Act of national 1973, and origin, the Age or disabilityDiscrimination or age Act in itsof 1975,federally as amended, assisted programs. the U.S. Department If you believe of theyou Interior have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility, as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to either:

Office of Equal Opportunity Equal Employment Opportunity Officer National Park Service Illinois Historic Preservation Agency P.O. Box 37127 1 Old State Capitol Plaza Washington, D.C. 20013-7127 Springfield, IL 62701

ILLINOIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION AGENCY ROCK ISLAND PRESERVATION COMMISSION Planning & Redevelopment Division CITY OFrd ROCKAvenue ISLAND

1528 3 www.rigov.orRock Island, ILg 61201 309.732.2900 Jill Doak, City of Rock Island TEXT, DESIGN & CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS Rock Island Preservation Commission Richard Hamer SOURCES Richard Hamer Roger Ruthhart Diane Oestreich Michael G. Crow, RIPD Greg DeReus Bj Elsner Roy Plasschaert Bill Wilmerton Chief John Wright, RIPD Rock Island County Historical Society Moline Dispatch Publishing Company Augustana College Special Collections Printed 2008

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