Daughter of Thomas Duignan and Mary Elizabeth Brady, May was born in Edenmore, Longford County, Ireland.
At age 19, she stole her family's savings and left for America. She lived first in Nebraska, then in Chicago during the 1893 World's Fair. Later she relocated to the Tenderloin district in New York.
She became known as "Chicago May" and the "Queen of the Underworld". She was a confidence trickster, a thief, and a prostitute. She spent years in a London prison. In later years, she authored a book about her life and lived the straight life. Above all, May was a survivor.
An excellent book has been written by Nuala O'Faolain entitled "The Story of Chicago May".
Daughter of Thomas Duignan and Mary Elizabeth Brady, May was born in Edenmore, Longford County, Ireland.
At age 19, she stole her family's savings and left for America. She lived first in Nebraska, then in Chicago during the 1893 World's Fair. Later she relocated to the Tenderloin district in New York.
She became known as "Chicago May" and the "Queen of the Underworld". She was a confidence trickster, a thief, and a prostitute. She spent years in a London prison. In later years, she authored a book about her life and lived the straight life. Above all, May was a survivor.
An excellent book has been written by Nuala O'Faolain entitled "The Story of Chicago May".
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