The Wedding of Al Capone and Mae Josephine Coughlin

The Joyous Union of Al Capone and Mae Josephine Coughlin

Al Capone: The Notorious Gangster

In the world of organized crime, few names are as recognized as Al Capone. Born in 1899 in Brooklyn, New York, Capone rose to prominence during the Prohibition era, becoming a powerful figure in the Chicago underworld. His marriage to Mae Josephine Coughlin in 1918 was a pivotal moment in his personal life, blending his criminal activities with a domestic façade.

Mae Josephine Coughlin: The Woman Behind the Man

Mae Josephine Coughlin, born in 1897, was from a modest background but quickly caught the attention of Capone. The couple tied the knot on December 30, 1918. Their union symbolized not only romance but also the complexities of Capone's life, as Mae would later become the mother of his first child, Albert Francis Capone. Despite his criminal reputation, Al was known to be a devoted family man.

A Wedding Surrounded by Controversy

The Venue and Setting of the Capone Wedding

The couple's wedding took place in a small ceremony, reflective of their desire for privacy amid Capone's rising notoriety. The event was held at a modest Chicago venue, emphasizing a contrast to what might be expected for a notorious gangster. The celebration was discreet yet filled with the charm of early 20th-century romance.

The Significance of Their Union

While the wedding of Al Capone and Mae Josephine Coughlin may have been simple, it was laden with significance. This marriage symbolized the melding of illicit ambition and familial loyalty. Their relationship would face trials, particularly due to Capone's infamous activities, but it also showcased his yearning for normalcy and commitment to family life.

Fun Fact

Capone’s Hidden Side: A Family Man

Despite his criminal lifestyle, Al Capone was known for his surprising tenderness towards his wife Mae and their children. He often sought to keep his family life separate from his gangster identity, aiming to protect them from the dangers associated with his notorious reputation.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Al Capone and Mae Coughlin

To delve deeper into the lives of Al Capone and his marriage to Mae Coughlin, consider reading "Capone: The Man and the Era" by Laurence Bergreen and "Get Capone: The Secret Plot That Captured America's Most Wanted Gangster" by Jonathan Eig. These works provide an in-depth look at Capone's life both in and out of the gangster scene.