American historian Richard James Hart (aka “Two-Gun” Hart) was interesting. As the older brother of Al Capone, his narrative provides an intriguing look into the complicated lives of criminals. Hart’s transformation from a notorious criminal family member to a Prohibition-era lawman was remarkable. This page discusses his intriguing life, career, and legacy, as well as his net worth.
1. Early Life of Richard James Hart
James Vincenzo Capone, born Richard James Hart, was born in Angri, Italy, on March 28, 1892. He was the oldest Capone, including his notorious brother Al. The Capones moved to America when James was young. They moved to Brooklyn, where James and his brothers grew up.
2. The Capone Family and Its Influence
Growing up in the shadows of his younger brother, Al Capone, Richard James Hart was exposed to the criminal activities that defined much of the Capone family. However, unlike his siblings, Richard chose a different path, which ultimately led him to a life as a Prohibition agent, enforcing the very laws that his family frequently flouted.
3. The Name Change and Reinvention
In an effort to escape the stigma of being related to a notorious gangster, Richard James Hart changed his name from James Vincenzo Capone to Richard James Hart. This was not only a personal reinvention but also a way for him to build a new identity outside the shadow of his criminal family.
4. The Lawman’s Path
Hart’s most significant law enforcement job was during Prohibition. He enforced the countrywide alcohol ban as a federal Prohibition agent. His cowboy outfit and twin weapons on his belt gained him the moniker “Two-Gun Hart.”
5. Prohibition and Richard James Hart
During the 1920s, Prohibition was one of the defining issues in American law. Richard James Hart worked tirelessly in the Midwest, especially in North Dakota, to curb the illegal alcohol trade. While his brother Al Capone thrived as a mob boss profiting from bootlegging, Richard worked to dismantle the networks that supported it.
6. Tensions with His Brothers
Despite his career as a federal agent, Richard James Hart remained deeply connected to his infamous brothers, especially Al Capone. The tension between their opposing lifestyles—one lawful and the other criminal—was palpable, though Richard’s loyalty to his family never fully disappeared.
7. The Two-Gun Nickname
His sharpshooting and gun-slinging image made Richard James Hart famous. His signature cowboy flair, carrying two revolvers on duty, earned him the moniker “Two-Gun”. The public identified him with this style.
8. A Family Man
While Richard James Hart is remembered for his law enforcement career, he was also a dedicated family man. He married Kathleen Winch in 1919, and the couple had four children: Richard Jr., William, Sherman, and Harry Hart. His family played an important role in his life, especially as he sought a life beyond crime.
9. Health Struggles and Later Years
By the early 1950s, Richard James Hart had suffered significant health problems, including nearly going blind after a gunfight in Sioux City, Iowa. Despite his declining health, he continued to work as a justice of the peace in Homer, Nebraska, until his death on October 1, 1952, at the age of 60 from a heart ailment.
10. Legacy of “Two-Gun” Hart
Though overshadowed by his brothers’ more notorious careers, historians recall Richard James Hart’s Prohibition agent and lawman legacy. Despite his family’s ties to organized crime, his work in enforcing Prohibition won him a position in American history.
11. The Net Worth of Richard James Hart
Richard James Hart, like many individuals in law enforcement during the Prohibition era, did not accumulate significant wealth in the same way that his criminal brother, Al Capone, did. His net worth is difficult to estimate, given the lack of financial records. However, considering his profession as a government agent and later a justice of the peace, it is assumed that his financial standing was modest in comparison to the immense wealth amassed by his brother.
12. The End of an Era
Richard James Hart’s death ended an era. Richard had a quieter life than his brother Al Capone, who committed crimes and fell from power. Despite being related to a family whose reputation still fascinates, he established a legacy of respect and dedication.
Historians and the public are fascinated by Richard James Hart’s varied life. His narrative shows that even in crime, redemption and reinvention are possible.
FAQ
Who was Richard James Hart?
Richard James Hart, also known as “Two-Gun” Hart, was the older brother of notorious gangster Al Capone. He became a Prohibition agent and lawman during the 1920s, working to enforce the alcohol ban that his criminal family helped to exploit.
What is Richard James Hart’s connection to Al Capone?
Richard James Hart was the eldest sibling of Al Capone, the infamous mob boss. Unlike his brother, Hart pursued a career in law enforcement and worked to stop the illegal activities that his family was involved in, including bootlegging.
How did Richard James Hart die?
Richard James Hart died on October 1, 1952, from a heart attack. He had been in poor health for years, including nearly losing his sight following a gunfight in Sioux City, Iowa.
