Shelton Brothers Gang facts for kids

The Shelton Brothers Gang was a group of brothers and their followers who were active in southern Illinois during the time of Prohibition. This was a period in American history when making, selling, and transporting alcohol was against the law. The Sheltons were well-known rivals of another famous figure from that time, Charles Birger, and his group. In 1950, a magazine called The Saturday Evening Post described the Sheltons as a very tough and powerful gang in America. The ancestors of the Shelton family came from Ireland, where their last name was "Hunter." Today, some of their descendants still live in the areas of St. Louis and Bloomington, Illinois.

What Was the Shelton Gang?

The Shelton Brothers Gang was a group led by three brothers: Carl, Earl, and Bernie Shelton. They became very powerful in southern Illinois during the 1920s and 1930s. This was a time when many people tried to make money by selling alcohol illegally.

Why Was Prohibition Important?

Prohibition was a law that made it illegal to produce, sell, or transport alcoholic drinks in the United States. This law was in effect from 1920 to 1933. Even though alcohol was illegal, many people still wanted to drink it. This created a big opportunity for groups like the Shelton Brothers Gang to make a lot of money by providing alcohol to people.

How Did the Gang Operate?

The Shelton Brothers Gang was involved in various activities related to the illegal alcohol trade. They would make or get alcohol and then sell it to people and businesses. This was a very profitable business because of Prohibition. They also had to protect their operations from other groups who wanted to control the illegal alcohol trade.

Rivalries and Conflicts

The Sheltons were known for their conflicts with other gangs, especially the group led by Charles Birger. These rivalries were about who would control the illegal alcohol business in southern Illinois. These were dangerous times, and groups often fought to protect their territory and profits.

The Shelton Family History

The Shelton family had roots in Ireland, where their original surname was "Hunter." Over time, some family members moved to the United States. The brothers who formed the gang, Carl, Earl, and Bernie, grew up in southern Illinois.

Descendants Today

Even though the gang's activities ended many years ago, there are still descendants of the Shelton family living in the St. Louis and Bloomington, Illinois, areas today. They are part of the long history of families in the region.