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Sutton was born on June 30, 1901, a tough Irish kid, in Irish-American district in Brooklyn, New York, the fourth of five children. He went through the eighth grade.
He married in 1929, his wife divorcing him after he was imprisoned. He married again in 1933. His longest job was 18 months.
He preferred the name Bill, but the police gave him the name Willie.
His criminal activites began young. He robbed about 100 banks over a from the late 1920s to his final arrest in 1952—with several of prison terms in between; he was a master at breaking out of prisons.
Sutton robbed banks and was good at it. He usually carried a gun, either a pistol or a Thompson submachine gunThe Thompson submachine gun also known as the Tommy gun was an American submachine gun that became infamous during the prohibition era. It was a common sight in gangster films of the time; real-life gangsters referred to the tommy gun as the "Chicago type; "You can't rob a bank on charm and personality," he once observed, but had a professional's pride in having never used it. He stole from the rich and kept it, though public opinion later turned him into a weird Robin Hood figure.
He gained two nicknames, "The Actor" and "Slick Willie," for his talent at executing robberies in disguises. He was an immaculate dresser.
On February 15February 15 is the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 319 days remaining (320 in leap years). Events 1637 Ferdinand III becomes Holy Roman Emperor. 1764 The American city of St. Louis is established. 1805 Harmony Society officially, 1933, Sutton attempted to rob the Corn Exchange Bank and Trust Company in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAlternate meanings: Philadelphia (disambiguation Philadelphia is the fifth-largest city in the United States and the largest city in Pennsylvania, occupying all of Philadelphia County . As of the 2000 census, the population was 1,517,550, but a July 1, 20. He came in disguised as a mailman, but an alert passerby foiled the crime; Sutton escaped. On January 15January 15 is the 15th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 350 days remaining (351 in leap years). Events 1559 Elizabeth I of England is crowned in Westminster Abbey. 1582 Russia cedes Livonia and Estonia to Poland. 1759 The British Museu, 1934Events January-April January 1 Alcatraz becomes a federal prison. January 7 First Flash Gordon comic strip is published. January 10 Execution of Marinus van der Lubbe January 24 Einstein visits White House January 26 The Apollo Theater opens in Harlem, Ne, he and two companions broke into the same bank through a skylightThe word skylight when used alone, has several possible meanings in the English language. The term "skylight", when used by itself, can refer to: Diffuse sky radiation a window set into a ceiling and roof Skylight is also a theater play by David Hare.. The FBI (references) observes,
He was captured, and recommitted in June, 19311931 is the common year starting on Thursday. see link for calendar) Events January January 4 Female aviator Elly Beinhorn begins her flight to Africa January 6 Thomas Edison submits his last patent application. January 22 Sir Isaac Isaacs sworn in as the, charged with assault and robbery. He did not complete his 30 years sentence, escaping on December 11, 1932, by scaling the prison wall on two joined 9-foot of ladders.
On March 20, 1950, Sutton gained a spot on the FBI's list of the FBI ten most wanted fugitives.