Al Capone is a name that is synonymous with organized crime in America. His reign as a mob boss in the 1920s and 1930s earned him the “Public Enemy Number One.” But what about his son, Albert Francis Brown? Despite being the son of one of the most notorious criminals in history, Brown lived a secretive and mysterious life.
In this post, we will delve into the life of Albert Francis Brown, exploring his early years, his life after his father’s imprisonment, and the mystery surrounding his life. We will also examine his legacy and the impact of the Capone family on American history.
A Glimpse of His Early Life
Albert Francis Brown was born on December 4, 1918, in Chicago, Illinois, to Al Capone and his wife, Mae Coughlin. Brown was the couple’s only child and was often kept out of the public eye. While growing up, Brown had a strained relationship with his father, who was frequently absent due to his involvement in organized crime.
Despite his father’s criminal activities, Brown had a privileged upbringing. He attended private schools, including the prestigious Loyola Academy, and was known to be a talented athlete. Brown also had a close relationship with his mother, who was described as being devoted to her son.
Brown became more involved in his father’s business dealings as a young man. He was known to accompany Capone on trips to Florida and was even present at a meeting between his father and rival gang leader Bugs Moran in 1929. However, Brown’s involvement in his father’s criminal activities is not entirely clear, and he was never formally charged with any crimes.
Life After Al Capone’s Imprisonment
After Al Capone’s imprisonment, Brown’s life took a turn. With his father serving time in prison, the family’s income dried up, and Brown was forced to find a way to support himself and his mother. He tried his hand at various ventures, including working as a truck driver and a clerk in a grocery store.
However, Brown’s involvement in organized crime did not end with his father’s imprisonment. He continued associating with known mobsters and was rumored to have participated in illegal activities. In 1940, Brown was arrested and charged with vagrancy. Later that year, he was arrested again for violating the Mann Act, which made transporting women across state lines illegal for immoral purposes. Brown was acquitted of the latter charge, but the incidents suggest that he may have been involved in criminal activity.
In 1942, Brown relocated to California, changing his name to Albert Francis “Sonny” Capone. He worked as a salesman and eventually opened his own furniture store business. However, his involvement in organized crime did not end with his move to California. He continued associating with known mobsters, including his father’s former bodyguard, Frank Rio.
Brown’s life after his father’s imprisonment was marked by a continued association with organized crime, a struggle to support himself and his mother, and a relocation to California.
The Mystery Surrounding Brown’s Life
Despite his association with organized crime and his father’s notoriety, little is known about the later years of Albert Francis Brown’s life. Brown lived a very private life and avoided media attention, contributing to the mystery surrounding him.
One of the main factors contributing to the mystery surrounding Brown’s life is the lack of public records. There are few official records of his life after he relocated to California, making it difficult to piece together what he was doing during this time. This lack of information has led to speculation about his criminal activities.
There are also rumours about Brown’s death. Some reports suggest that he died in 2004, while others suggest that he is still alive and living under a different name. However, there is no concrete evidence to support either claim.
Finally, there is speculation about Brown’s involvement in criminal activities. While he was never formally charged with any crimes, his association with known mobsters and his arrest for vagrancy and violating the Mann Act suggest that he may have been involved in illegal activities. However, the extent of his involvement remains unclear.
Brown’s Legacy
His father’s notoriety largely overshadows Albert Francis Brown’s legacy. While his father, Al Capone, is one of the most notorious gangsters in American history, Brown’s life was much more private and less well-known.
However, Brown’s association with organized crime and involvement in his father’s business dealings have contributed to the Capone family’s legacy. The Capone family is often viewed as a symbol of the gangster era in America, which was marked by violence, corruption, and organized crime.
There has been renewed interest in the Capone family and their legacy in recent years. This interest has been fueled in part by the popularity of movies and TV shows about organized crime and the release of previously unseen documents about Al Capone’s life.
Overall, while Albert Francis Brown’s legacy may be less well-known than his father’s, his association with organized crime and his involvement in his father’s business dealings have contributed to the Capone family’s legacy as a symbol of the gangster era in America.
The End Line
In conclusion, Albert Francis Brown, the son of Al Capone, lived a secretive life marked by privilege, a strained relationship with his father, and involvement in organized crime.