Harry Keywell
American mobster
About Harry Keywell
Lived 1910 – 1997 (aged 86).
Harry Keywell (December 8, 1910 – August 30, 1997) was a convicted member of the infamous Purple Gang, that terrorized Detroit, US during Prohibition. Chicago Police questioned him about the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre in February 1929, on the suspicion that Keywell acted as a lookout for the killers, however Harry had a cast-iron alibi for the day.
He was arrested for involvement in the Collingwood Manor Massacre on September 16, 1931, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison at Marquette, Michigan. He was paroled on October 21, 1965, aged 54. He had a spotless prison record for 34 years before his life sentence was commuted. Because of the involvement of his brother, Phil Keywell, he was released early for good behavior. During his time in prison, Keywell was allegedly connected to Detroit Red Wings owner Jack Adams and was one of the driving forces behind the 1954 Detroit Red Wings prison game, the first outdoor game featuring an NHL team in recorded league history.
Harry married Sarah Keywell (née Gold), and lived out his days as a productive member of society and family man, until his death of Alzheimer's disease in August 1997.
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Important facts
People in Harry Keywell's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Harry Keywell's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Harry Keywell?
American mobster (1910-1997)
When was Harry Keywell born?
Harry Keywell was born on 8 December 1910.
When did Harry Keywell die?
Harry Keywell died on 30 August 1997.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Harry Keywell. https://biography.guide/harry-keywell/
MLA: "Harry Keywell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/harry-keywell/.
Chicago: "Harry Keywell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/harry-keywell/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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