Charles F. Urschel, born on July 3, 1890 in Ohio, was a prominent figure in the 1930s who became widely known as a victim of the notorious gangster George "Machine Gun Kelly". Prior to his abduction, Urschel was a successful Texas oilman who had married into a wealthy oil family. His first marriage was to Flored Slick, the sister of oil magnate Thomas Slick. After the deaths of Flored and Thomas, Urschel went on to marry Thomas' widow, Berenice, cementing his status as part of one of the wealthiest couples in Oklahoma City.
Urschel's life took a dramatic turn when he was kidnapped by George "Machine Gun Kelly" Barnes in 1933. This high-profile abduction led to the enactment of new Lindbergh kidnapping laws and brought about a new title for certain FBI agents. Urschel was held captive in a farmhouse for over a week, during which time he was blindfolded for the majority of his captivity. Despite his ordeal, Urschel was able to provide valuable assistance to the FBI in their investigation following his release.
The kidnapping case involving Charles F. Urschel caught the attention of then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, who took a keen interest in the investigation. The case became one of the first trials to be captured on film, further cementing Urschel's place in history. Urschel's story serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by organized crime and the importance of law enforcement efforts in combating such threats.
Charles F. Urschel's resilience and cooperation with law enforcement in the face of adversity have left a lasting impact on the history of crime and punishment in the United States. His story remains a testament to the perseverance of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of justice.
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