Reuben Parsons
Childhood
Reuben Parsons was a native of New England, though specific details about his childhood remain scarce in historical records. Born in the early 19th century, Parsons would later become one of the most influential figures in American gambling history, despite his humble beginnings.
Career
Parsons arrived in New York City, aiming to start a legitimate business, but lost his savings in a gambling house. Rather than give up, he saw an opportunity and built a gambling empire with partner John Frink. From 1840 to the 1860s, they ran about 350 gambling parlors across Manhattan, forming America’s first major criminal organization, though loosely structured.
Known as the "Great American Faro Banker," Parsons stood out for his modest appearance and business-focused approach. After his initial loss, he never gambled again, choosing instead to finance gamblers and manage operations. He stayed behind the scenes, relying on Frink to handle daily affairs and using spies to monitor the city.
Business Model and Impact
Parsons and Frink revolutionized gambling by treating it as a business. Their system of financing and network-building became a model that influenced illegal gambling operations well into the late 20th century.
Personal life
Parson's deliberate avoidance of public attention likely contributed to the scarcity of personal details available about him. Unlike many successful gamblers of his era, who flaunted their wealth with extravagant lifestyles, Parson maintained a modest public persona.
Revenue
Parsons amassed significant wealth through his gambling operations. Demonstrating remarkable business acumen, he invested much of his gambling proceeds into real estate, creating a legitimate portfolio that eventually allowed him to retire comfortably from his illicit operations.
Legacy
After Parsons' retirement, his operations were continued by Zachariah Simmons, who maintained control with support from the infamous Tweed Ring political machine. Simmons continued operating illegal gambling establishments and policy rackets during the post-Civil War era, building upon the foundation Parsons had established.
The system Parsons created represented the first organized gambling network in American history and established operational patterns that would influence underground gambling for generations. Despite lacking the formal structure of later criminal organizations, his methods for controlling and profiting from illegal gambling activities created a template that would be followed and refined throughout American history.
Frequently asked Questions
Parsons is significant because he established what historians consider the first major gambling organization in America. His business model for illegal gambling operations created a template that would influence underground gambling for over a century.
Unlike typical gamblers of his time, Parsons dressed plainly, maintained an unassuming manner, and refused to gamble personally after his initial loss. He approached gambling as a business venture rather than a pastime, focusing on financing operations rather than participating in games.
At its height, Parsons and his partner John Frink controlled approximately 350 gambling parlors throughout Manhattan and employed a network of spies and informants to maintain their operations.
While Parsons' operation is considered the first major criminal organization in American gambling, it lacked the centralized, corporate-like structure of later crime syndicates. Most operators within his network retained independent control of their establishments while paying into Parsons' system.
After Parsons retired, his operations were continued by Zachariah Simmons, who maintained control with support from the Tweed Ring political machine and operated illegal gambling and policy rackets during the post-Civil War era.
