Click here to return to main menu

CAGED WOLVES TIMELINE  Part 1
Yr Mo Day Person(s) Event Source
1857 4 18 Giuseppe Calicchio Born. NARA-2881
1863     Giuseppe Palermo Born. NARA-2884
1867 5 2 Giuseppe Morello Born in Corleone, Sicily.  
1875 4 4 Antonio Cecala Born. NARA-2886; WWI reg.
1877 3 19 Ignazio Lupo Born to a middle class family in Province of Palermo, Sicily. (Birthdate on WWI draft registration card was March 21, 1877.) NARA-2883
1880     Vincenzo Giglio Born. NARA-2880
1886 5 15 Vincenzo Terranova Born in Sicily. Declaration of Intention no. 120119; WWI reg. serial number 1807.
1888 7 20 Ciro Terranova Terranova was born in Sicily. Declaration of Intention no. 85877.
1889     Nicholas Sylvester Born. NARA-2885
1889     Giuseppe Morello Morello and an accomplice were assigned by the Mafia to kill Corleone, Sicily, police official Giovanni Vella. Two women witnessed the killing. One was later killed. The other was scared into silence. A Vella political opponent named Francesco Ortelero is blamed, convicted and imprisoned. NARA-2882
1890 1 6 Nicholas Terranova Terranova was born in Corleone, Sicily. Declaration of Intention no. 30872.
1890 4 25 Tessie Catania Born in Sicily, she later became Mrs. Ciro Terranova. Ciro Terranova Petition for Naturalization no. 78124.
1893 3 8 Morello, Terranova family Arrived in U.S. aboard the S.S. Alsatia (from Naples): Mrs. Rosa Marvalesi (Morello), 29; son Calogero Morello, 2 months; Bernardo Terranova, 43; Bernardo's wife Angela Piazza, 44; Lucia Terranova, 16; Salvatrice Terranova, 12; Vincenzo Terranova, 7; Ciro Terranova, 5; Nicholas Terranova, 3; Rosalia Terranova, 5 months; Maria Morello, 24. All had last lived in Corleone, Sicily. Manifest of S.S. Alsatia, Ellis Island records.
1894     Giuseppe Morello Sentenced in Messina, Sicily, to six years in prison for counterfeiting. NARA-2882
1894     Giuseppe Morello Sentenced to six years and 45 days plus a 5,000 lira fine for counterfeiting in Italy. "Harlem racket gang murders two in raid," NYT 08-16-1930 p. 1.
1896     Ignazio Lupo Lupo killed a Corleone merchant named Salvatore Morello. He fled from Italy to England, then traveled to Montreal and entered the U.S. through Buffalo. (Date disagrees with other reports.) "Killing that made the Wolf an exile," NYT 02-17-1910 p. 4.
1899     Ignazio Lupo Jailed for killing a Corleone merchant named Salvatore Morello, Lupo escaped and fled to U.S. (Date disagrees with other reports.) NYT 07-16-1936 p. 1
1899     Ignazio Lupo Arrived in U.S. NARA-2883
1901 9 14 Theodore Roosevelt Became U.S. President after the death of William McKinley.  
1902 7 23 Giuseppe Catania Boys preparing for a swim found the remains of "Joe the Grocer" Catania, 167 Columbia St., Brooklyn, within a sack near the bay at the foot of 73rd St. in Bay Ridge Brooklyn. Catania's head was cut almost off his body. His clothes were found in a second sack. "Boys find a man's body sewn in a sack," NYT 07-24-1902 p. 1; "Band of assassins murdered Catania," BDE 07-24-1902 p. 1-2.
1903 4   Giuseppe Morello, Ignazio Lupo Morello and Lupo were arrested in connection with the Barrel Murder.  
1903 5 1 Joseph Catania Arrived in U.S. aboard the S.S. Trojan Prince (leaving Palermo April 15): Francesca LaScala, 23; son Calogero Catania, 2; son Giuseppe Catania, 6 mos; to meet Antonio Catania, 351 E. 104th Street, NYC. Manifest of S.S. Trojan Prince, Ellis Island records.
1903 12 23 Ignazio Lupo, Salvatrice Terranova Married in New York. NARA-2883
1906 3 7 Ignazio Lupo John Bozzuffi, a young kidnap victim who escaped from his captors, identified Ignazio Lupo as one of the men who kept him at a house on 59th Street. Lupo was arrested. Bail was set at $1,000, and Lupo was committed to the Tombs prison. Fort Wayne (IN) News, 03-08-1906.
1906 11 14 Girolamo Mondini Mondini, one of the men arrested in connection with the Barrel Murder, was shot to death at 305 E. 106th St. Two others associated with the Barrel Murder had been killed earlier. "Getting them one by one," Stevens Point WI Daily Journal, 06-14-1909 p. 3.
1907 1 20 Giuseppe Palermo Under the alias of Salvatore Saracena, Palermo was arrested by Joseph Petrosino and charged with Black Hand extortion. He was discharged by Judge Finn of Police Court. NARA-2884
1907 3 29 Giuseppe Morello, Ignazio Lupo The Ignatz-Florio Co-operative Association Among Corleonesi borrows $15,000 from Realty Operating Company, using a property at 137th Street and Home Avenue as security. John A. Philbrick v. Ignatz Florio Co-operative Association Among Corleonesi et al, New York County Clerk #3039/1910.
1907     Giuseppe Morello Morello ends tenure as president of the Ignatz Florio Co-Operative Association. NARA-2882
1908 7 2 John A. Philbrick, Giuseppe Morello, Ignazio Lupo Philbrick seeks to foreclose on property of the Ignatz Florio Co-operative Association Among Corleonesi. The association borrowed $15,000 from Realty Operating Company on March 29, 1907. Realty Operating assigned a bond and mortgage to John A. Philbrick & Bro. on April 26, 1907. John A. Philbrick v. Ignatz Florio Co-operative Association Among Corleonesi et al, New York County Clerk #3039/1910.
1908 12 1 Ignazio Lupo Creditors noted that Ignazio Lupo disappeared, leaving behind more than $100,000 in business debts for his grocery importing store at 210 to 214 Mott Street. The creditors brought a complaint into bankruptcy court. Lupo was ordered to appear before Jan. 14, 1909. "Rich Italian gone; once Mafia leader," NYT 12-5-1908 p. 1; "Bankruptcy notices," NYT 12-19-1908 p. 15.
1908 12 16 Ignazio Lupo, Salvatore Manzella Bankruptcy petition was filed against Manzella, dealer of wines and Italian products at 196 Elizabeth St. Manzella claimed he had been ruined by Lupo. "Ruined by Lupo, the Mafia leader," NYT 03-17-1909 p. 1.
1909 1   Ignazio Lupo Court rules that Lupo is bankrupt. "Counterfeitmaking on a river farm," NYT 01-28-1910 p. 3.
1909 2 1 Ignazio Lupo NYPD Commissioner Theodore Bingham requested the aid of Secretary of State Robert Bacon in arranging with Italy for the extradition of Lupo. NARA-2883
1909 3 4 William Taft Inaugurated as U.S. President.  
1909 3 9 Nicholas Sylvester Sylvester was arrested on suspicion of bomb throwing. He was discharged by Police Court Judge Herman. NARA-2885
1909 3 12 Joseph Petrosino NYPD Lieutenant Joseph Petrosino, leader of the Italian Squad, was shot to death in the Piazza Marina of Sicilian capital city Palermo. Petrosino was in Italy on official business of the NYPD. Petacco p. 147.
1909 7 28 Giovanni Zarcone Zarcone, one of the men arrested in connection with the Barrel Murder, was shot to death at his home in Danbury, CT. "Kill fourth man in Barrel Murder," NYT 07-29-1909 p. 2; "Fourth suspect is slain," WP 07-29-1909 p. 4.
1909 11 12 Ignazio Lupo Lupo returned to New York City after nearly a year in hiding. He and his attorney Charles E. LeBarbier entered the office of bankruptcy referee Peter B. Olney, 68 William St. Lupo claimed that he was the victim of Black Hand extortion. He said he went to Baltimore to raise money and then went on to Buffalo. He lived with a cousin on New York's West Side for two months and then spent four months living in Ardonia, NY. "Black Hand suspect was bled himself," NYT 11-13-1909 p. 1.
1909 11 15 Giuseppe Morello, Antonio Cecala, Nicholas Terranova, and others Agents under Secret Service Agent in Charge William Flynn of the New York Office make counterfeiting arrests. In Morello's possession, agents find a number of notes relating to counterfeiting and Black Hand extortion operations of his gang. WF Notes 11-15-09 p.4-6.
1909 11 17 Ignazio Lupo Arrested for extortion. "Can't implicate Lupo," NYT 11-19-1909 p. 5.
1909 12 15 Nicholas Sylvester Accused of counterfeiting with the Morello-Lupo gang, Sylvester was also charged with burglarizing a feather company. NARA-2885
1910 1 9 Ignazio Lupo Charged with counterfeiting. NARA-2883
1910 1 26 Giuseppe Morello, Ignazio Lupo, Antonio Cecala, Salvatore Cina, Vincenzo Giglio, Giuseppe Calicchio, Giuseppe Palermo, Nicholas Sylvester Counterfeiting trial of Morello, Lupo and six others began in Judge Ray's U.S. Circuit Court. Assembling the jury took half a day. The defendants were represented by Mirabeau L. Towns, Caesar B.F. Barra, Charles LeBarbier and William Byrnes. Prosecutor Abel F. Smith made the opening statement. The first witness for the prosecution was Antonio Comito, a Calabrian, who said he unwillingly assisted in the printing of counterfeit currency for the gang. "Guileless printer made counterfeits," NYT 01-27-1910 p. 16.
1910 1 27 Antonio Comito, Salvatore Cina Comito continued his testimony regarding the printing of counterfeit currency at Salvatore Cina's stone house in Highland NY, across the river from Poughkeepsie. Plans called for bills to be circulated in Chicago, Pittsburgh and Buffalo. "Counterfeitmaking on a river farm," NYT 01-28-1910 p. 3.
1910 1 31 Antonio Comito Comito was cross-examined by Mirabeau L. Towns. Comito explained that he was educated in printing and engraving at Catanzaro, later qualified as a teacher and worked for a time as a lawyer and Protestant minister in Brazil (though he was never admitted to the bar or ordained). In New York, he lost a printing job during the economic troubles of 1907 and fell in with the counterfeiting gang in 1908. "Comito a nimble witness," NYT 02-01-1910 p. 2.
1910 2 1 Antonio Comito Cross-examined by Charles LeBarbier, Comito was asked why he did not look into LeBarbier's face. Comito replied through an interpreter that he did not like LeBarbier's face because it reminded him of the faces of the thugs who forced him to print the counterfeit money. "Didn't like lawyer's face," NYT 02-02-1910 p. 4.
1910 2 2 Antonio Comito, Katrina Pascuzzi Comito's cross examination concluded. His girlfriend Katrina Pascuzzi/Pasqussi was called to the stand to corroborate portions of his testimony. During cross examination, defense attorneys asked where she and Comito were living during the trial. Federal agents were holding them in a secret location. "Hide counterfeit witness," NYT 02-03-1910 p. 5.
1910 2 3 M. Danan Prosecution witnesses testified to seeing the counterfeiting defendants in the area of Highland NY. M. Dana said he sold a printing press to the gang. "Corroborating counterfeiter's story," NYT 02-04-1910 p. 12.
1910 2 15 Giuseppe Morello, Ignazio Lupo Defense attorney Mirabeau L. Towns brought witnesses to the stand to testify to defendant alibis and good character. "Lupo's defense not ended," NYT 02-16-1910 p. 3.
1910 2 16 Ignazio Lupo Taking the witness stand, Lupo told of his background in Sicily, and of the killing of storekeeper Salvatore Morello which prompted him to flee his homeland at age 19. He told of his escape to England, then to Montreal and into the U.S. through Buffalo. "Killing that made the Wolf an exile," NYT 02-17-1910 p. 4.
1910 2 19 Giuseppe Morello, Ignazio Lupo, Antonio Cecala, Salvatore Cina, Vincenzo Giglio, Giuseppe Calicchio, Giuseppe Palermo, Nicholas Sylvester Judge Ray delivered a charge to the jury lasting two hours and 35 minutes. The jury was sent out to lunch and deliberations at 2 p.m. It returned with guilty verdicts against the accused at 3:15 p.m. "150 years in all for the Lupo gang," NYT 02-20-1910 p. 1.
1910 2 19 Giuseppe Morello, Ignazio Lupo, Antonio Cecala, Salvatore Cina, Vincenzo Giglio, Giuseppe Calicchio, Giuseppe Palermo, Nicholas Sylvester Judge Ray issued sentences for the convicted counterfeiters - none was less than 15 years and a $1,000 fine. Lupo - 15 years and $500 Count 1, 15 years and $500 Count 2; Morello - 15 years and $500 Count 1, 10 years and $500 Count 2; Calicchio - 15 years Count 1, 2 years Count 2, $600 fine; Sylvester - 15 years and $1,000; Cecala - 12 years Count 1, 3 years Count 2, $1,000 fine; Cina - 15 years and $1,000; Giglio - 15 years and $1,000; Palermo - 18 years and $1,000. Eight other accused counterfeiters of the gang, plus Comito, were still to come to trial. "150 years in all for the Lupo gang," NYT 02-20-1910 p. 1; "30 years for Wolf," WP 02-20-1910 p. 1.
1910 2 19 Ignazio Lupo In U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, sentenced to 30 years in prison and a $1,000 fine for counterfeiting. NARA-2883
1910 2 19 Giuseppe Morello In U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, sentenced to 25 years in prison and a $1,000 fine for counterfeiting. NARA-2882
1910 2 19 Giuseppe Calicchio Calicchio, 53, was sentenced to 17 years in prison and a $1,000 fine for counterfeiting. NARA-2881
1910 2 19 Giuseppe Palermo Sentenced to 18 years in prison and a $1,000 fine for counterfeiting. NARA-2884
1910 2 20 Ignazio Lupo Committed to the United States Penitentiary at Atlanta, GA, as inmate #2883. NARA-2883
1910 2 21 Antonio Cecala Committed to the United States Penitentiary at Atlanta, GA, as inmate #2886. Sentenced to 15 years. Cecala was 35. He had been a barber. Full term expires Feb. 20, 1925. Short term expires March 18, 1920. NARA-2886
1910 2 21 Salvatore Cina Committed to the United States Penitentiary at Atlanta, GA, as inmate #2879. Sentenced to 15 years. Full term expires Feb. 20, 1925. Short term expires March 18, 1920. NARA-2879
1910 2 21 Vincenzo Giglio Committed to the United States Penitentiary at Atlanta, GA, as inmate #2880. Sentenced to 15 years. He was 30. Full term expires Feb. 20, 1925. Short term expires March 18, 1920. NARA-2880
1910 2 21 Giuseppe Palermo Committed to the United States Penitentiary at Atlanta, GA, as inmate #2884. Sentenced to 18 years. He was 48. He had been a grocer and liquor merchant. In U.S. eight years. Full term expires Feb. 20, 1928. Short term expires March 23, 1922. NARA-2884
1910 2 21 Nicholas Sylvester Committed to the United States Penitentiary at Atlanta, GA, as inmate #2884. Sentenced to 15 years. He was 21, employed as a chair maker. Full term expires Feb. 20, 1925. Short term expires March 18, 1920. Sylvester was also known as Nicolo Remegie. His parents were Montana/Monteno and Teresa Remegie, 343 E. 109th St.. His brother was Louis Remegie, 433 Midland Ave., Dunwoodie/Yonkers NY. NARA-2885
1910 2 24 George W. Ray Judge Ray revealed that he had received a Black Hand threat through the mail at the start of the Morello-Lupo counterfeiting trial. The letter was translated: "If the counterfeiters are not liberated, you will die like a dog. We have killed better men that you or Smith or Flynn." "Threaten Judge Ray," NYT 02-25-1910 p. 1.
1910 3 7 Leoluca Vasi Vasi, 1680 3rd Ave., fruit merchant, pleaded guilty in Judge Holt's U.S. Circuit Courtroom to possession of 1,148 counterfeit $2 bills. Sentencing was scheduled for March 14. The Secret Service's William Flynn discovered a bundle of phony bills under Vasi's bed. Vasi admitted he distributed the bills while tending his fruit stand at 3rd Ave and 90th Street. "Accused man confesses," NYT 03-08-1910 p. 18
1910 3 17 Salvatore Matsisi Secret Service arrested Matsisi (possibly misspelled), charging him with distributing the Morello-Lupo gang's counterfeit Canadian currency. William Flynn announced that Matsisi was one of the suspects in the 1903 Barrel Murder. "Handled the counterfeits," NYT 03-18-1910 p. 2.
1910 4 19 Morello, Lupo, Terranova families #216 E. 105th St., Manhattan: Angela Morello, 60, widow, to U.S. 1892; daughter Dora Lupo, 21; son-in-law Nazzio Lupo, 31, grocery importer; granddaughter Nofria, 4; granddaughter Angelina, 2; grandson Rocco, one month; son Joe Morello, 42, grocery importer; daughter-in-law Lena, 26; grandson Charles, 15, apprentice plasterer; granddaughter Angelina, 5; granddaughter Carmela, 1; son Vincent Terranova, 23, plastering contractor. U.S. Census
1910 4 20 Giuseppe Morello, Ignazio Lupo Morello and Lupo were prisoners of U.S Penitentiary, McDonough Rd., Atlanta. Morello, 43, was noted as having been married twice. U.S. Census
1910 6 23 Ignazio Lupo, Antonio Cecala Penalized "good time" for trying to bribe a guard to mail unauthorized letters. Lupo and Cecala both received three days in solitary on a restricted diet, lost 20 days of "good time." NARA-2883, NARA-2886.
1910 7 17 Tony Gallucci Gallucci was arrested in Pittsburgh and held for a hearing before U.S. Commissioner W.T. Lindsey. He was believed to be part of the Morello-Lupo counterfeiting operation. "Member of Lupo's gang," AC 07-18-1910.
1910 12 1 Modesto DiSonna Secret Service agents and New York police discovered a package of 500 counterfeit $2 bills within a basement fireplace at 86 Chrystie Street. They arrested 13 men and held nine of them as "disciples" of Ignazio Lupo. The alleged leader of the nine was DiSonna, of 77 Chrystie Street. "Hold nine as pupils of Lupo the Wolf," NYT 12-02-1910 p. 1; "Last of Lupo's gang," WP 12-02-1910; "Lupo Wolf gang out of business," AC 12-02-1910 p. 2.
1910 12 10 Giuseppe Boscarino A federal jury convicted Boscarino of passing counterfeit bills for the Morello-Lupo gang. Boscarino was believed to be a distributor of phony bills. An early lead on Boscarino's activities led William Flynn of the Secret Service to the Morello-Lupo gang. After Morello and Lupo were convicted of counterfeiting, Boscarino attempted to reorganize the remnants of the gang and distribute what remained of the phony bills. "Federal jury convicts Boscarino," NYT 12-11-1910 p. 6.
1911 1   Giuseppe Morello Rumors indicated that Morello had been willing to provide information on the assassination of NYPD Lieutenant Petrosino in exchange for a shortened jail sentence. Morello provided information but refused to sign his name to his statement. Officials believed he had been warned against cooperating by the Black Hand. "Scared from telling who shot Petrosino," NYT 01-17-1910 p. 1.
1911 1 16 Giuseppe Morello William Flynn said he knew nothing of a Morello confession. The idea that Morello was aware of the action against Petrosino in Sicily stemmed from telegrams exchanged between Morello and Carlo Costantino while Costantino was in Sicily. "Declare Morello has not confessed," AC 01-17-1911 p. 2.
1911 2 7 Giuseppe Morello James V. Ortelero, stenographer for Deputy Police Commissioner (former Secret Service agent) William Flynn, wrote to Atlanta Prison officials describing Morello's involvement in the murder of a Sicilian official 25 years earlier. Ortelero's father was blamed for the killing and jailed. Ortelero hoped Morello would confess to the killing. NARA-2882
1911 2 13 Ignazio Lupo Lupo received three days in solitary on restricted diet and lost 10 days of "good time" for "laughing, talking and making signs to #2885 Sylvester." NARA-2883
1911 2 15 Giuseppe Morello James V. Ortelero wrote to warden Moyer describing the murder 22 years earlier of Corleone, Sicily, police official Giovanni Vella. According to Ortelero, Morello and an accomplice were sent to murder Vella by the Mafia. The murder was blamed on Ortelero's father, a political opponent of Vella. A witness to the murder was killed, others frightened into silence. Ortelero mentioned that he heard Morello was ready to inform on the murderers of Petrosino, and he hoped Morello would take the blame for the Vella murder. NARA-2882
1911 4 17 Giuseppe Morello James V. Ortelero, stenographer for Deputy Police Commissioner (former Secret Service agent) William Flynn, wrote to warden William H. Moyer in anticipation of Morello's confession. Ortelero hoped Morello would confess to a killing for which his ailing father was imprisoned. NARA-2882
1911 4 19 Giuseppe Calicchio Calicchio wrote to prison warden to discuss the presence of Mala Vita / Mafia within the prison, and its danger to him personally. NARA-2881
1911 4 26 Antonio Cecala Reprimanded for wasting food.  NARA-2886
1911 5 17 Nicholas Terranova Terranova filed Declaration of Intention to become a U.S. citizen, Supreme Court of New York County. His address at the time was 216 E. 105th Street. He worked as a plasterer.  Declaration of Intention no. 30872.
1911 6 19 Giuseppe Morello, Ignazio Lupo, et al U.S. Attorney Wise wrote to Attorney General George W. Wickersham to express his happiness at the Circuit Court of Appeals affirmation of the counterfeiting convictions. He noted that Secret Service's William Flynn hoped to be able to use the convictions to convince gang members to provide information. NARA-2882
1911 6 23 Antonio Comito U.S. Attorney Wise acknowledged receipt of Attorney General's authorization to pay an additional $150 to informer Comito on the condition that he leave the country. NARA-2882
1911 7 11 Nicholas Sylvester Sylvester is reprimanded and charged five days for quarreling with prisoner #2108 Richter. NARA-2885
1911 9 17 Giuseppe Palermo Reprimanded for disorderly conduct. NARA-2884
1911 10 16 Giuseppe Caliccho Calicchio was warned for disorderly conduct. NARA-2881
END of PART 1 - CONTINUE with PART 2 (1912-1919)
  White background color indicates events related to Morello, Lupo, and the counterfeiting gang.
  Light Green color indicates events related to conflict between the Terranova Mafia and the Camorra.
  Orange color indicates events related to a Morello-Lupo real estate racket.
  Light Blue color indicates events related to NYPD Lieutenant Joseph Petrosino.
  Tan color indicates events related to the Terranova and Catania families.
  Gray color indicates political events.
AC : Atlanta Constitution.    
BDE : Brooklyn Daily Eagle.    
NARA-204 : Pardon Case files, RG 204, Box 956, File 36-638, National Archives.  
NARA-2879 : Prisoner file of Salvatore Cina, Atlanta Federal Prison, National Archives.  
NARA-2880 : Prisoner file of Vincenzo Giglio, Atlanta Federal Prison, National Archives.  
NARA-2881 : Prisoner file of Giuseppe Calicchio, Atlanta Federal Prison, National Archives.  
NARA-2882 : Prisoner file of Giuseppe Morello, Atlanta Federal Prison, National Archives.  
NARA-2883 : Prisoner file of Ignazio Lupo, Atlanta Federal Prison, National Archives.  
NARA-2884 : Prisoner file of Giuseppe Palermo, Atlanta Federal Prison, National Archives.  
NARA-2885 : Prisoner file of Nicholas Sylvester, Atlanta Federal Prison, National Archives.  
NARA-2886 : Prisoner file of Antonio Cecala, Atlanta Federal Prison, National Archives.  
NYT : New York Times.    
Petacco : Petacco, Arrigo, translated by Charles Lam Markmann, Joe Petrosino, New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1974.
WF Notes : Daily reports of the New York Secret Service office written by William Flynn.  
WP : Washington Post    
WWI reg. : Draft registration cards for World War I.  


Copyright © 2008
Thomas Hunt
P.O. Box 1350
New Milford, CT 06776-1350
thunt@cagedwolves.com