William “Canada Bill” Jones – Hustling on the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River, a vital artery of 19th-century America, wasn’t just a conduit for commerce and transportation; it was also a fertile ground for con artists, gamblers, and hustlers of all stripes. Among these figures, William "Canada Bill" Jones stands out as one of the most legendary. A master of deception and a shrewd observer of human nature, Jones carved out a notorious career preying on unsuspecting marks, primarily through the deceptive game of three-card monte and his cardsharp skills. His ability to convincingly portray himself as a simpleton, coupled with his gambling prowess, made him a formidable presence on the riverboats and, later, the railroads of a burgeoning nation.
Born in Yorkshire, England, in the early 1800s, William Jones’s early life remains shrouded in some mystery. Historical records provide little detail about his formative years or the circumstances that led him to cross the Atlantic. What is known is that he eventually immigrated to Canada, hence the moniker "Canada Bill," which would forever become linked to his name. It was in Canada that Jones began his education in the art of deception, learning the intricacies of three-card monte from a seasoned player named Dick Cady. This seemingly simple game, requiring a keen eye and a knack for manipulation, would become the cornerstone of Jones’s early hustles.
Three-card monte, at its core, is a confidence game designed to exploit a player’s greed and overconfidence. The "dealer" displays three cards, typically including a designated winning card. The cards are then shuffled face down, and the player is challenged to identify the winning card. The catch, of course, is that the dealer, often working with accomplices, employs sleight of hand and misdirection to ensure the player consistently chooses the wrong card. It’s a game of illusion, where perception is manipulated to create a false sense of certainty. William “Canada Bill” Jones quickly mastered these techniques.
With his newly acquired skills, William “Canada Bill” Jones ventured south, drawn to the bustling atmosphere and the promise of easy money along the Mississippi River. Riverboats, floating palaces of entertainment and commerce, became his primary hunting ground. These vessels, packed with passengers from all walks of life – merchants, farmers, travelers, and gamblers – presented a rich tapestry of potential victims. It was here that Jones honed his persona, transforming himself into the unassuming "fool" that would become his trademark.
One of William “Canada Bill” Jones’s greatest assets was his uncanny ability to play the part of a naive and harmless individual. Contemporary accounts describe him as a medium-sized man with a "chicken-headed" appearance, tow-colored hair, and mild blue eyes. His voice was described as squeaky and boyish, and his gait was shuffling and apologetic. He intentionally wore clothes that were too large, further contributing to his awkward and unassuming demeanor. To complete the illusion, Jones would engage in seemingly nonsensical behavior, twisting his hair into ringlets and asking foolish questions.
Fellow gambler George Devol, a contemporary of Jones, offered a vivid description of the man: "Imagine a medium-sized, chicken-headed, tow-haired sort of a man with mild blue eyes and a mouth nearly from ear to ear…who, when his countenance was in repose, resembled an idiot…Canada was a slick one. He had a squeaking, boyish voice, and awkward, gawky manners, and a way of asking fool questions…that led everybody to believe that he was the rankest kind of a sucker." This carefully crafted persona allowed William “Canada Bill” Jones to disarm his targets, lulling them into a false sense of security before subtly separating them from their money.
The psychology behind Jones’s success was rooted in the tendency for people to underestimate those who appear less intelligent or capable. By presenting himself as a simpleton, Jones encouraged his marks to believe they could easily outsmart him. This overconfidence led them to make rash decisions and overlook the subtle manipulations that were at play. Jones, meanwhile, patiently waited for the opportune moment to exploit their weaknesses, skillfully guiding them towards financial ruin. William “Canada Bill” Jones became a master of the long con, building trust before the inevitable betrayal.
As the railroad network expanded and the riverboat era began to wane, William “Canada Bill” Jones adapted his methods to the changing times. He took his game to the trains, seeking out new opportunities to fleece unsuspecting passengers. His reputation had preceded him, however, and he found it increasingly difficult to operate discreetly. In a bold and audacious move, Jones even approached the general superintendent of the Union Pacific Railroad, offering $25,000 a year for the exclusive right to run a three-card monte game on the trains. The offer, unsurprisingly, was politely declined.
Despite his success as a con artist, Jones was also a dedicated gambler, particularly fond of the game of Faro. Faro, a popular card game in the 19th century, was known for its fast pace and high stakes. Unfortunately for Jones, his love of Faro often led him to squander the money he had earned through his hustles. He seemed unable to resist the allure of the game, constantly chasing the elusive big win that would ultimately remain out of reach.
In 1880, William "Canada Bill" Jones died in Reading, Pennsylvania, penniless and forgotten. His gambling habit had consumed his ill-gotten gains, leaving him with nothing to show for his years of deception. He was buried at public expense, a stark contrast to the lavish lifestyle he had once enjoyed. However, the story doesn’t end there. When news of his death reached his fellow gamblers in Chicago, they rallied together to raise money, repay the City of Reading for the burial costs, and erect a marker in his memory. This act of camaraderie, a testament to the unique bond that existed within the gambling fraternity, ensured that "Canada Bill" would not be entirely forgotten.
The story of William "Canada Bill" Jones serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the allure of quick money. He was a master of deception, a shrewd observer of human nature, and a product of a bygone era. His exploits on the Mississippi River and beyond have become the stuff of legend, solidifying his place in the annals of American folklore. While his methods were undoubtedly unethical, his story offers a fascinating glimpse into the darker side of the 19th century, a time when fortunes were made and lost with the turn of a card.