Wandering Family

Famiglia Vagabonda
Founded by Frank Piscioneri
Founding location West Virginia
Years active 1908–1923
Ethnicity Italian
Criminal activities bootlegging, extortion, kidnapping, gambling, narcotics distribution, prostitution

The Wandering Family, or Famiglia Vagabonda, was a Prohibition-era criminal organization of Italian origin operating in Clarksburg, West Virginia and Fairmont, West Virginia. They were composed of Black Handers, Camorristi and Mafiosi.

John C. McKinney, a detective who investigated the group, identified them as the "Famalie [sic] Vagabonda." At the time, local media simply identified the group as The Black Hand.[1]

History

On 11 February 1923, Harrison County authorities arrested eight men in connection with the murder of Frank Naples.

In early 1924, several members were executed for murder. Nicholas Salamante, Phillip Connizzaro and Richard Ferri were sentenced to be hanged on 4 January 1924. Approximately a month later, on 15 February, Samual Muratore was also executed.[2]

Known Leadership

"Big Joe" Cenetti led the Clarksburg group and James Urso led the Fairmont group.

References

  1. ↑ "Black Hand Society Mafia". Marion County Centennial Yearbook, 1863–1963. Marion County Historical Society and Museum. 1963. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  2. ↑ "US Death Penalty Executions - 1924". US Records Dept. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
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