Gangs of St. Louis: The Hogan Gang
The Hogan Gang and the St. Louis Gang Wars
The landscape in the city of St. Louis at the turn of the twentieth century was dotted with numerous criminal gangs battling with each other for territory and influence. Italian gangs such as The Green Ones and the Pillow Gang and Irish gangs including the Bottoms Gang, the Hogan Gang, and their hated rivals the powerful and politically connected Egan’s Rats.
The Hogan Gang would engage in a bloody feud with the Rats, leading to several members being killed or wounded.
The gang was named after their leader, Edward Hogan, nicknamed “Jelly Roll” due to his large frame. Although the gang was mainly Irish American, there were some Italian and Jewish members as well. Similar to Egan’s Rats, Hogan became involved in politics in addition to his criminal activities.
He served in the Missouri State Legislature as well as a deputy inspector for the State Beverage D…