Sophie Lyons was a notorious criminal who rose through the ranks of New York City's underworld, becoming one of the most infamous female criminals in the nation. Born on December 22, 1847 in Lauben, Germany, she was of Jewish descent. Her mother, a career criminal herself, taught Sophie the tricks of the trade at a young age, including pickpocketing and shoplifting.
At just three years old, Sophie was caught stealing for the first time. By the age of twelve, she had already been arrested for her criminal activities. She quickly learned the ins and outs of the criminal world, and soon became a skilled thief and con artist.
Sophie's criminal activities caught the attention of law enforcement in several major cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, and Montreal. She was wanted by authorities in multiple jurisdictions for a variety of crimes.
Despite her criminal past, Sophie found love and married fellow pickpocket Maury Harris at the age of 16. However, their marriage fell apart when Harris was sent to prison for two years. Sophie went on to marry Ned Lyons, an infamous bank robber, with whom she had six children.
In 1872, Sophie and Ned Lyons made headlines when they escaped from Sing Sing prison. They went on the run with their children, eventually fleeing to Canada to evade capture. Their criminal activities continued, with Sophie becoming one of the most wanted criminals in North America.
Despite her notoriety, Sophie eventually turned her life around. She began working with juvenile delinquents, using her own experiences to help steer young people away from a life of crime. Her efforts led to significant changes in the criminal justice system, and she became a respected advocate for juvenile reform.
In 1913, William Randolph Hearst published Sophie's autobiography entitled "Why Crime Does Not Pay." The book detailed her life of crime, her escape from prison, and her eventual rehabilitation. It became a bestseller and solidified Sophie's place in criminal history.
Sophie Lyons passed away on an unknown date, leaving behind a complicated legacy as one of the most infamous female criminals of her time. Her story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of a life of crime, as well as a testament to the power of redemption and reform.