Ann Manley

Ann Manley (c. 1828 – after 1870) was an American brothel proprietor and street brawler who, with her husband James, operated a brothel in Baltimore, Maryland, in the middle 19th century. She was known for a violent disposition. She is credited with saving most of the band of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment from certain lynching in April 1861, at the outbreak of the American Civil War.

Background Manley, and her husband James, were Whigs, and later American Party, loyalists who operated a brothel on Eastern Avenue in the Fell's Point of Baltimore and were among "the most desperate characters" in the red light district. James Manley was a party "rough", responsible for harassing and attacking Democrats, and intimidating voters on election day; he was associated with the party's street enforcers, the Plug Uglies. (With the collapse of the Whig Party, the Manleys had become Know Nothings, though it is unclear if they ultimately realigned to the Republican Party.)

On May 8, 1850, James and Ann, while on a stroll, passed the house of the local Democratic boss, George Konig. (Konig was also the father of United States Congressman George Konig, Jr.)

Personal life With James Manley, Ann Manley had at least one son, also named James.