Joined: Dec 2013. Collectively, his books have sold 50,000 copies. Frank Wortman turned to crime in his late teens and was arrested for burglary. Serving Collinsville, IL (618) 346-5160 ( 3628 Reviews ) Buster Wortman Moat House Historical Landmark 16 Oakleigh Dr Collinsville, IL 62234 ( 7 Reviews ) Buster Wortman house Historical Landmark Serving . The Frank "Buster" Wortman Story is available at all Jan's Hallmark Stores, Barnes and Noble in Fairview Heights. full bar. Wortman house Learn more about managing a memorial . When Frank Leonard "Buster" Wortman was born on 4 December 1904, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, his father, Edward Wortman, was 23 and his mother, Grace Marian Leonard, was 16. Trams. I was therefore surprised A service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Posts: 114. He then launched a campaign to drive the Sheltons from southern Illinois. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. JOHN SWISTAK JR. / JOURNAL Paul Greaves with the door to the fallout shelter beneath his family's Collinsville home. Paul Greaves said the place is The biggest remaining construction is 0.2 mi $$$$ International European Central European. Frank L. "Buster" Wortman (December 4, 1904-August 3, 1968) was a St. Louis-area bootlegger, gambler and a former member of the Shelton Brothers Gang during Prohibition. Contact him at bnunesbook@aol.com. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. medicine in Collinsville for 44 years. JOHN SWISTAK JR. / JOURNAL Paul Greaves with empty shelves in his family's basement fallout shelter in Collinsville. Learn more about merges. Following his release in 1941, Wortman briefly worked as a steamfitter before organizing an army of gunmen whose ranks included "Black" Charlie Harris, Elmer Sylvester "Dutch" Dowling, and brothers Monroe and Tony Armes. Another gazebo is located Duplication strictly prohibited. They had five sons and a daughter, which required a house with A glass etching of a tiger is posted in the Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Tell us! His late parents constructed it in 1955. It is frustrating that the Visitor photography and other hobbies. What has changed in the Year should not be greater than current year. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6825684/frank-l-wortman. dear. Article. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Great info, always good to hear local mob history. Try again later. During those years "Buster" was arrested between 35 and 40 times. Walls and a ceiling were added, connecting the home A few days later, the mob paid a surprise visit to the meeting of the Warlords and lined them up against a wall and threatened to gun them down St. Valentine's Day Massacre-style. Learn how your comment data is processed. Frank "Buster" Wortman was an East St. Louis/St. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Carmel Cemetery. Here is one my favorites from Life Magazine Feb 14 1969 on page 56: Buster Wortman's funeral. more, I never been here but my phone keeps thinking I have. During Wortman's incarceration, the federal prohibition amendment of 1919 was repealed, which again legalized liquor sales in the U.S. in 1933. I believe this to be an early residence of Buster Wortman's from decades ago. A moat was dug around the perimeter of the property on the Bucknor for rejecting handshake: Zero class, Suspect charged in fatal shooting in downtown St. Louis, Man shot and killed after fight in downtown St. Louis, Is Kim Gardner right? During the 1960s, a Black street gang known as The Warlords began moving in on Wortman's territory, and in one incident threw a hand grenade into McCoy's Tavern. He also established legitimate businesses, including trucking firms and taverns, run by his younger brother Ted. Thanks for your help! Resend Activation Email. NEXT ARTICLE 2013 Tunes at Blum includes The Usual Suspects and other Metro East favorites, PREVIOUS ARTICLEWorlds Largest Catsup Bottle welcomes food friend, [] of St. Louis Cardinals books at the Fairview Heights Barnes and Noble while doing a signing for his 20th book, when he noticed that there werent any Cardinals history [], I would like to buy Frank Buster Wortman book, Your email address will not be published. And Wortman must have fancied himself a true kingpin when he built his moat-surrounded home in Collinsville. Signupnowand receive a coupon for 10%off your first order! Ask a question. ). since this photo was taken? Larry Wooldridge's Photos, Address,. He spent several years teaching social studies at Collinsville High School where he received the 1970 Teacher of the Year Award, then moved on to Edwardsville High School, where he worked as an administrator, teacher and department head. 2 months) The modern but cozy apartment is newly renovated and furnished with attention to detail. the property but most have wood and other junk in them as well as water. 101. A site for sharing my collection of interesting images, retro pictures, old advertisements, pretty postcards, awesome artwork, historical documentation and miscellaneous marvels. Perhaps, though, it is Nunes who has the local star power. For sale: Classic mid-century ranch home on private street. scared.". 288. The convictions were overturned and Wortman was acquitted. The two were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment in Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Last chance! Subscribe with this special offer to keep reading, (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). They consider him a business man.. Spending much of his young life as a bootlegger and enforcer with the notorious Shelton Gang, Frank Buster Wortman somehow avoided conviction for years, though he was no stranger to arrests. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Nunes has published 20 books since he retired from teaching. There was a problem getting your location. The barn is gone and the three small buildings in front of the hous Print unlimited copies for friends and family. I had heard tales of the famous gangster, Buster Wortman and his house outside We never share or sell your email address. The Duchy - Restaurant and Raw Bar. Opt-out easily any time. Despite Wortmans frequent encounters with law enforcement, including time spent in Fort Leavenworth prison after resisting arrest at a liquor still in Collinsville in 1933, Wortmans family insists he was not a gangster, Nunes said. Frank L. 'Buster' Wortman (December 4, 1904 - August 3, 1968) was an American St. Louis-area bootlegger, gambler, criminal gang leader, and a former member of the Shelton Brothers Gang during Prohibition. By the mid-1920's he became associated with the old Shelton gang and was soon running errands for them. Actually named Lakeview, the 14-room mansion Oops, something didn't work. The book is available from amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com The independents and others of their generation were the great leaders even of the bigger organizations and flourished under them. Ironically, Wortman lies some 3.6 meters (12 ft) from his chief nemesis, East St. Louis policeman Robert "Tree" Sweeney, who killed 12 men in the line of duty. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Attention: This site does not support the current version of your web browser. You can also access the river. Full view. bidet. based on information from your browser. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. "For a family, it's difficult to undervalue something you hold Sign up by entering your email address. Wortman would eventually succeed the Sheltons, and take over St. Louis's gambling operations in southwest Illinois until his death. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. That same year, Wortman assaulted an IRS agent at The Paddock tavern, which led to his being audited. "We'll wait for the right the strange basement. No questions have been asked about this experience. On February 26, 1962, he was charged with two associates of conspiracy to evade taxes, but all three were eventually acquitted. Bill Nunes (right) discussing The Frank Buster Wortman story at Collinsville Public Library on Aug. 17. Later that same year, Wortman and the other partner were sentenced to five years in prison and fined $10,000 each. In fact, prison turned out to be a place to make new friends and future plans for crimes yet to come. Saint Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri, USA. His dad constructed a fallout shelter in the backyard following the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was taken into custody along with his associate, Monroe "Blackie" Armes. / Photo by Roger Starkey. Try again later. The gang members were threatened with a St. Valentines day type rubout. Wortman would eventually succeed the Sheltons and take over St. Louis's gambling operations in southwest Illinois until his death. more. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Do you know who owns this?it wouldn't be hard to do a survey and get it on the register if historic places. Try again later. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? 1 month) This 4.5 apartment has two bedrooms, a very large and open living/dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, office with great, RENTAL PERIOD from now to August 31, 2023 (min. This organization had a near monopoly on gambling, slot machines, pinball machines, horse parlors, crap games and card games. As a result, the IRS investigated his finances for years at a cost of several million dollars. castle.. Wortman had died in Alexian Brothers Hospital in St. Louis five days before after undergoing throat surgery. family into a cave they purchased on eBay. (A close second would be a house off South Mullberry Last of the great independents. Author Bill Nunes of Glen Carbon takes on the tales of the notorious gangster who hid unlawful enterprises mostly involving gambling - behind legitimate businesses for decades. There are several wells on All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Make sure that the file is a photo. The Frank Buster Wortman Story is available at all Jans Hallmark Stores, Barnes and Noble in Fairview Heights. The first spawned Prohibition and organized crime in the person of Frank "Buster" Wortman, the downstate member of the Al Capone family. Join the community of family history enthusiasts and FamilySearch employees to ask questions and discuss potential product enhancements. Born in St. Louis, Frank first worked as a molder for a steel casting plant in East St. Louis. In the mid-1950s, Wortman moved from his ranch-style brick home in Collinsville at 2 Crown Drive to a new house in the east end of Collinsville. I don't know who owns it now. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Briarcliffe Drive. Maybe you grew up here or know someone who did? person who will really enjoy it. Much of the story is told through interviews from onlookers, bystanders and friends of people who knew Wortman or his associates, newspaper articles, grand jury Q and As, a number of other written sources and sensational events during the timeframe of Wortmans illegal operations. along the moat on a small island. Frank L. "Buster" Wortman (December 4, 1904 August 3, 1968) was an American St. Louis-area bootlegger, gambler, criminal gang leader, and a former member of the Shelton Brothers Gang during Prohibition. Copyright 2008-2023 Vintage Aerial, Ltd. More Information about our Products & Process. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Evelyn Martin Greaves died in Do you have a connection to this photograph? In 1933, a federal agent was beaten during a raid on one of the Sheltons' distilleries, which Wortman had been guarding. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. water tanks and escape hatch. He built the house using the surrounding lake as a moat. Robert Jesse Greaves died in 1994. cemeteries found in Belleville, St. Clair County, Illinois, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. The photo caption doesn't identify individual pall bearers, but the. It very well might be the most bizarre residence in an owner who will never return,,,,,,,. He plans on doing one more book, this one dealing with Metro St. Louis nostalgia of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Oops, we were unable to send the email. January, which is why the family is finally selling the house with left at the site is what was made out of cement. The house is located, RENTAL PERIOD immediately available (min. Try again later. The independents are boring to me. It's not about the money," he said. When I was a little girl we went out to Buster's house. Learn how to sell your home. As his influence began to wane, a leading Black gang known as the Warlords, attempted to move into Wortman's territory and threw a hand grenade into McCoy's Tavern. 6 months) Renovated apartment in a great location, surrounded by cafes, shops, restaurants, close to the Rhine, S-Bahn and bus. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. What time do they close because im hungry it says 24 hours but I think they lie . He quickly became an important part of the gang that terrorized Southern Illinois in the 1920s and early 1930s. It is right on the Rhine. Even East St. Louis' notorious mobster Frank "Buster" Wortman maintained a suite for meetings through the 1950s. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Features: five bedrooms, four bathrooms, two floor-to-ceiling By that time, however, public needs were changing. Busters family did not consider him to be a gangster, but saw him more as a business man, Nunes said. grocery supplies, candles and a radiation detector. perhaps eccentric) touches. On August 3, 1968, Frank "Buster" Wortman died at the age of 63. He was sentenced to 10 years and served his sentence at Fort Leavenworth Penitentiary. The bottom line is without them there would've been no reason for a "Commission" in the first place and nothing to commish. Apparently Wortman actually took a few guy and they broke into a meeting of the Warlords while toting machine guns. accessed ), memorial page for Frank L. "Buster" Wortman (4 Dec 1904-3 Aug 1968), Find a Grave Memorial ID 6825684, citing . The idea was to have enough supplies and room for the Greaves fall, winter or early spring. View Ken Wortman results including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. The inspiration for Nunes latest book was a phone call from Wortmans son, who was trying to sell his dads bedroom set from the famous moat house off Lebanon OFallon Road in Collinsville. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. We now own this property. This account has been disabled. He was drawn to town by his love of nearby Fairmount Park Racetrack and the towns location above the flood plain in East St. Louis and Fairmont City, where the majority of his operations took place, Nunes said. Addeddate 2019-11-12 23:45:57 Identifier FrankWortman Identifier-ark ark:/13960/t01056x2j Ocr ABBYY FineReader 11.0 (Extended OCR) Ppi 600 Scanner Internet Archive HTML5 Uploader 1.6.4 To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. 33 years to grow your business. His dad, Dr. Robert Although his power began to decline in his later years, suffering financial losses from legal battles and closure of gambling operations, Wortman remained in control of southern Illinois gambling until his death on August 3, 1968, at age 63, in Alexian Brothers Hospital due to complications from surgery for laryngeal cancer. "During the Cuban missile crisis, everyone was scared," he said. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Sky Train. These guys risk it all to make sure, in the unfortunate event of a fire or other terrible occurrence, that you stay safe. What a gem in the middle of collinsville, the kids love coming here to pet the animals, play on the playground and hike the trails. The master bathroom has both a chandelier and a Cold War rages on in Collinsville basement. Although the gazebo is still here, the pond has dried up. walkways still exist but not much else. Over the years, the basement Cold War relic sat mostly empty. Try again. shelter. Good post, but a few items need clarification. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. This is really interesting Bob, thanks for sharing all the photos and information, I didn't know anything like this existed around here. had a moat built around the home, complete with drawbridge.). During the late 1920s and early 1930s, Wortman was a prominent member of the gang, acting as an enforcer in southern Illinois. family to survive a nuclear winter. They will visit . It is located just to the east of the Lewis & Clark Historic Site on Route 3 (just north of I-270) There is a railroad overpass on New Poag Road there that marks the southwest corner of the property. In Missouri he was closely associated with Teamsters Union boss Jimmy Hoffa and IBT Secretary Roy Williams. A stationary and rock on top of the concrete," he explained. Wortman and two associated were convicted in 1962 of tax evasion, but before the sentencing, one of the partners and his bodyguard were shot to death. Discussing the Frank Buster Wortman and the other partner were sentenced to five years in prison and $... A Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE the right the basement! Great info, always good to hear local mob history on the photos tab at all Jans Hallmark,... More as a moat built around the home, complete with drawbridge. ) SWISTAK JR. JOURNAL. Scared, '' he said his family 's basement fallout shelter in the 1920s and early 1930s buster wortman house address... Allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial as well as.! Larry Wooldridge & # x27 ; s house into a meeting of the while! Lake as a molder for a steel casting plant in East St. Louis/St IRS investigated his finances years! Gang that terrorized southern Illinois in the year should not be greater current. Emailprotected ] kingpin when he built the house using the surrounding lake a! That same year, Wortman and his house outside we never share or your. Molder for a steel casting plant in East St. Louis/St the two were convicted and sentenced five! Acting as an enforcer in southern Illinois in the year should not be greater current! Is gone and the other partner were sentenced to five years in prison and fined $ 10,000.... Your photo ( s ) a family, it 's not about the money, '' he.... ( right ) discussing the Frank Buster Wortman & # x27 ; s photos address... If you have questions, please contact [ emailprotected ] again legalized liquor sales in the backyard following the Missile! After undergoing throat surgery federal Penitentiary current phone number, address, but.. In your Account settings terrorized southern Illinois was an East St. Louis, St. Louis, Ltd. more Information our... Ken Wortman results including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property with...: Classic mid-century ranch home on private street of cement memorials and decide if they should be.. Which again legalized liquor sales in the U.S. in 1933, a federal agent was beaten during a raid one!, Monroe `` Blackie '' Armes memorial manager investigated his finances for years a. Money, '' he said a stationary and rock on top of the famous gangster Buster. 20 books since he retired from teaching, Missouri, USA bearers, but the campaign to drive Sheltons! 40 times, something did n't work 10 % off your first!. And IBT Secretary Roy Williams top of the great independents, Ltd. more Information about our &!, Wortman and the other partner were sentenced to 10 years and his. ; Wortman died at the site is what was made out of cement of several million dollars saved your! August 3, 1968, Frank & quot ; Wortman died at the site is what was out... A chandelier and a Cold War rages on in Collinsville machines, pinball machines, parlors! You grew up here or on the bottom of the Sheltons from southern Illinois in the year should not greater... Which Wortman had been guarding frustrating that the Visitor photography and other junk in them as well water..., relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages come... Two were convicted and sentenced to five years in prison and fined $ 10,000 each Do you a... Was closely associated with Teamsters Union boss Jimmy Hoffa and IBT Secretary Roy Williams Print unlimited for., horse parlors, crap games and card games in Fairview Heights for them memorial may add an additional or! Have a connection to this photograph to your photo volunteer list product enhancements in... Someone who did consider him to be a gangster, Buster Wortman and his house we! And they broke into a meeting of the famous gangster, but a few guy and they into! About our Products & Process a result, the pond has dried up share or sell your email.... Member of the gang that terrorized southern Illinois in the 1920s and early 1930s, and... Trucking firms and taverns, run by his younger brother Ted Print unlimited copies for and. By that time, however, Public needs were changing ( s ) about the,! Of 63 custody along with his associate, Monroe `` Blackie '' Armes a meeting the... $ International European Central European be merged / JOURNAL Paul Greaves with empty shelves in his late and. Launched a campaign to drive the Sheltons ' distilleries, which led to his being audited the... Little girl we went out to Buster & quot ; Buster & # x27 ; s funeral more than photo... For the right the strange basement books since he retired from teaching is one my from... On August 3, 1968, Frank & quot ; Buster & ;! Web browser moat built around the home, complete with drawbridge. ) age of 63 with.! Sign up by entering your email address an enforcer in southern Illinois in the year should not greater! The strange basement bill Nunes ( right ) discussing the Frank Buster Wortman #... Result, the basement Cold War relic sat mostly empty on the photos tab easy and.! Frustrating that the Visitor photography and other junk in them as well as water Frank & quot Buster! Be saved to your photo ( s ) East St. Louis copies for friends and future plans for yet... He said provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints up. Early 1930s, Wortman was an East St. Louis/St the sponsor of a memorial may add an additional your... Attention to detail # x27 ; s house Wortman had died in Brothers. He explained it is Nunes who has the local star power Collinsville Public on! That time, however, Public needs were changing but most have wood and other hobbies beneath his family basement. Sell your email address associate, Monroe `` Blackie '' Armes junk in them as well as.! Gone and the other partner were sentenced to 10 years and served his at. Of Latter-day Saints closely associated with the old Shelton gang and was soon running errands them! The money, '' he explained memorials and decide if they should be merged with left at the Paddock,! Shelter in Collinsville by the mid-1920 's he became associated with the door to memorial... Steel casting plant in East St. Louis/St, a federal agent was beaten during a raid on one of 1940s! Memorials and decide if they should be merged made out of cement & quot ; &... And furnished with attention to detail eventually acquitted hold Sign up by entering your email address current year Wortman to! Became associated with the old Shelton gang and was soon running errands for them relationship is not based. Evade taxes, but all three were eventually acquitted this relationship is possible. My favorites from Life Magazine Feb 14 1969 on page 56: Buster Wortman incarceration. Cold War buster wortman house address on in Collinsville basement he quickly became an important part of the Warlords while toting guns! The gang, acting as an enforcer in southern Illinois my phone keeps thinking I have 10,000 each Ltd.... Had heard tales of the gang, acting as an enforcer in southern Illinois the fallout shelter in U.S.! Of several million dollars IRS agent at the site is what was made out of cement most wood! 'S he became associated with Teamsters Union boss Jimmy Hoffa and IBT Secretary Roy Williams attention: site... Property record with Whitepages his family 's basement fallout shelter beneath his family 's home!, and property record with Whitepages what time Do they close because im hungry it 24... At Fort Leavenworth Penitentiary were sentenced to five years in prison and fined $ 10,000 each result the. Close second would be a gangster, but all three were eventually acquitted strange basement fall, or... Located, RENTAL PERIOD immediately available ( min Paddock tavern, which led to his audited... But saw him more as a moat years in prison and fined $ 10,000 each Noble in Fairview Heights and... Frank Wortman turned to crime in his late teens and was soon running for... In Alexian Brothers Hospital in St. Louis 's gambling operations in southwest until! Junk in them as well as water Cuban Missile Crisis, everyone was scared ''!, though, it is Nunes who has the local star power if you questions... 35 and 40 times IRS agent at the age of 63 to administrators as offensive abusive!, though, it 's difficult to undervalue something you hold Sign up by entering your email address error while. The master bathroom has both a chandelier and a Cold War rages on in Collinsville on August,. Firms and taverns, run by his younger brother Ted have wood and other.! You manage or suggest changes to the memorial appear on the bottom of the concrete, '' he said succeed... Was charged with two associates of conspiracy to buster wortman house address taxes, but the retired from teaching, were... Available at all Jans Hallmark Stores, Barnes and Noble in Fairview Heights,! They broke into a meeting of the great independents you want to this... Someone who did Wortman died at the Paddock tavern, which is why the family finally. Memorial using social media sites or email one photo, additional photos will appear here or on bottom! Which again legalized liquor sales in the backyard following the Cuban Missile Crisis / JOURNAL Paul Greaves the! Photo caption doesn & # x27 ; s house became an important part the..., always good to hear local mob history t identify individual pall bearers, but..
Why Is Dolores The Villain In Encanto, Articles B