Overview
There is little to nothing known about Mae Capone save for her parents, birthday, and the ways in which she suffered from the actions and decisions made by her husband, Al “Scarface” Capone. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Capone had an unusual start for their time. The couple’s first and only child, Albert Francis “Sonny” Capone, was born out of wedlock three week before the couple’s wedding in December 1918. Over the course of their union, Mr. Capone transferred syphilis onto Mrs. Capone, resulting in her later infertility. He continually cheated on her throughout their marriage until he went away to prison
Despite her husband’s status as a high profile public figure, Mae was able to remain out the public eye if she so desired; but at times she would come to her husband’s defense in the press. Her relationship with the public was very in and out, black and white. At this point in 1934, Mae’s husband Al Capone, has been in prison for close to three years of his eleven year sentence.
This declassified document from her husband’s FBI file reels reveals that while Mae Capone remained out the public eye, private eyes were watching her.
Transcription
Dear Sir:
Under date of May 28, 1934, you wrote to me the effect that you you had received confidential information that Mrs. Alphonse Capone, Sr. [Mae Capone (1897-1986)], wife of Al Capone, had established a residence in Reno, Nevada, with a view of divorcing her husband. You asked that when an agent was nest at Reno, that such inquiries as can be discreetly and diplomatically made, should be made to determine whether there was any foundation to the story.
On July 17, 1934, Special Agent J.F. O’Connell of this office, while at Reno, Nevada, interviewed Postmaster W.E. Kinnikin, who stated that he heard nothing of the matter, and had not heard that Mrs. Alphonse Capone Sr., was receiving mail at Reno. If Mrs. Capone is, or has been at Reno for the purpose referred to, it is quite probable that she would be living under an assumed name, with her identity known only to her attorney, while if she had instituted a suit for divorce she would, of necessity, file complaint under her right name, and as soon as filed, the newspapers at Reno would learn it and publish it, as is their practise. It is a daily routine matter for representatives of newspapers at Reno to learn the identities of the persons filing suits for divorce.
If the Division wishes this matter pursued further at Reno, I suggest that the Division, through its Jacksonville or Chicago Division offices, in which territory Mrs. Alphonse Capone Sr. is said to have resided in the past, endeavor to determine her last known address, and then make such inquiry as is possible for the purpose of determining if she has been absent from that place, and if so where.
Either one or both of these offices might also learn the name and address of the Attorney who has represented her interests in the past, and through some contact with the office of the attorney, determine the accuracy or inaccuracy of the information related to any contemplated divorce on her part.
Very Truly Yours,
John A. Dowd, Special Agent in Charge
Significance
Information was given to the FBI claiming Mrs. Capone had moved to Reno, Nevada for the purpose of seeking a divorce from Mr. Capone. If she was, the scandal surrounding it would be equivalent to a circus. A divorce would end their marriage with the same shame that started with it. What’s puzzling is why would Mrs. Capone seeking a divorce peak the interest of the FBI? Mr. Capone was already imprisoned, so the fact that she could possibly testify against him seems insignificant at this point. It’s possible the FBI’s interest in Mae Capone resulted from her hot and cold relationship with the press.
When Mr. Al “Scarface” Capone was released from prison, he had the advocacy of his wife, Mae, to thank. She did not divorce him, she did the opposite. She cared for him in his deteriorated state until he passed away in 1947. However, this document ignites further pause for thought about the mysterious Mrs. Al “Scarface” Capone.
Bibliography
“Al (Alphonse) Capone.” Federal Bureau of Investigation – Freedom of Information Privacy Act, Part 9c. Accessed May 4, 2023. https://webharvest.gov/peth04/20041015123315/http://foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/capone.htm.
Michelle Steidle is a History Major at Ramapo College, graduating with the Class of 2023. She enjoys historical research, long walks on the beach, and a good joke.
