Harry Madigan has a colorful past. A tavern owner up to and through prohibition he was involved in several incidents related to Chicago mafia corruption. Although never convicted, some of the stories seem to convey possible connection with Al Capone, et. al. For a short summary of one of the incidents view Homicide in Chicago, 1870 - 1930.
During the investigation into the murder of Assistant State's Attorney of Cook County, William McSwiggin, in front of Harry Madigan's tavern, Harry is quoted in the book Capone: The Life and World of Al Capone by John Kobler saying: "When I wanted to start a saloon in Cicero more than a year ago, Capone wouldn't let me," Madigan told Chief of Detectives Schoemaker. "I finally obtained strong political pressure and was able to open. Then Capone came to me and said I would have to buy his beer, so I did. A few months ago Doherty and Myles O'Donnell came to me and said they cold sell me better beer than Capone beer, which was then needled. They did and it cost fifty dollars a barrel, where Capone charged me sixty. I changed, and upon my recommendation so did several other Cicero saloonkeepers."
Patrick Harry Madigan was born March 8, 1885 at 3644 Dashield, the fifth child of Patrick and Bessie Madigan. Harry married late in life to Margaret Saunders, nee McHugh. They married at Chicago's Mount Carmel Church on February 25, 1945 when Harry was 59 years old. Harry died on November 27, 1956 of arteriosclerotic heart disease. He is buried at Calvary Cemetery with his mother Bessie and two single brothers James and Thomas in Lot 15, block 6, section Z.
MADIGAN
--Harry P. Madigan of 221 S. Central Park avenue, beloved husband of Margaret Saunders Madigan, nee McHugh; brother of Nell Sullivan, Nan Rooney, John J., and the late Mayme Harvison (sic). At funeral home, 17 Madison street, Oak Park. Funeral Saturday, Dec. 1, 9:30 a.m., to Our Lady of Sorrows church. Mass 10 a.m. Interment Calvary. Member of Pipe Fitters union, local No. 597.
Chicago Tribune, November 30, 1956
MADIGAN
--Harry P. Madigan of 221 S. Central Park avenue, beloved husband of Margaret Saunders Madigan, nee McHugh; brother of Nell Sullivan, Nan Rooney, John J., and the late Mayme Harvison (sic). At funeral home, 17 Madison street, Oak Park. Funeral Saturday, Dec. 1, 9:30 a.m., to Our Lady of Sorrows church. Mass 10 a.m. Interment Calvary. Member of Pipe Fitters union, local No. 597.
Chicago Tribune, November 30, 1956
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