bootlegger of the early 1920s, boss of the most feared Chicago gang next to that of his arch rivals, Johnny Torrio and Al Capone (Capone, Al).

From a life of petty crime O'Bannion rose during Prohibition to command the best distilleries and breweries in Chicago and dominated bootleg distribution on the North Side, including the elegant Gold Coast, and among Chicago's fashionable clubs and restaurants. His office was in a flower shop at 738 North State Street. It was there that he was murdered by agents of Al Capone. Three men entered the shop, ostensibly to pick up funeral flowers; one grasped his hand in greeting and held it while the other two drew pistols and shot him at close range. Some 15,000 persons attended his lavish funeral, including Torrio and Capone.