There are many different version of how Jack "Legs" Diamond got his name. Some said it was because he used to out run the cops a lot, or there was because of his legs on the dance floor, also some thought it was because he walked out on his friends a lot. Diamond had survived so many shootings he began to believe he was bulletproof.
Diamond moved too New York in 1914 at the age of sixteen, him and his brother joined a gang of thieves (Hudson Dusters). He drafted into the war in 1918 and then promptly went AWOL. Legs severed a year and a day for desertion and stealing from his "buds". After his release he worked as a body guard four Arnold Rothstein. Then he became a bootlegger f or Little Augie Orgen. From then on it was big time for him, which meant a lot of money,gun shot wounds, and homicides. His Broadway speakeasy, the Hotsty Totsy Club's back room was described as the last place a man would see.
For two years he fought with Dutch Schultz over the booze trade. They finally met and agreed to a truce, Dutch's top aide was slain as he left the building. Dutch then killed leg's brother Eddie in return.
Diamond moved too New York in 1914 at the age of sixteen, him and his brother joined a gang of thieves (Hudson Dusters). He drafted into the war in 1918 and then promptly went AWOL. Legs severed a year and a day for desertion and stealing from his "buds". After his release he worked as a body guard four Arnold Rothstein. Then he became a bootlegger f or Little Augie Orgen. From then on it was big time for him, which meant a lot of money,gun shot wounds, and homicides. His Broadway speakeasy, the Hotsty Totsy Club's back room was described as the last place a man would see.
For two years he fought with Dutch Schultz over the booze trade. They finally met and agreed to a truce, Dutch's top aide was slain as he left the building. Dutch then killed leg's brother Eddie in return.
On December 18, 1931 Legs celebrated beating yet another felony rap with his wife and friends at a speakeasy in Albany, New York. Legs left during the celebration to go spend a few hours with his long time mistress, Kiki Roberts, and then went to the boarding house and passed out. Outside two men go out of a long black car and put three soft nose bullets into the back of his head. The killing was never solved, but a lot pointed the finger at Dutch Schultz.