John William Anglin (1930-1962) - Find a Grave Memorial

Criminal, American Folk Figure. He was a convict who drowned while trying to escape Alcatraz Island Federal Penitentiary. Anglin brothers Alfred Clarence and John William worked as farmers and laborers. Together they started to rob banks in Georgia and were arrested in 1956. Clarence and John were given 15-20 year sentences and sent to Atlanta Penitentiary (where they first met Frank Morris and Allen West), Florida State Prison, and Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Clarence and John then made several failed attempts to escape and were consequently sent to Alcatraz. John arrived on October 21, 1960, as Alcatraz inmate AZ1476, and Clarence arrived on January 10, 1961, as Alcatraz inmate AZ1485. Clarence and John became part of the "Great Alcatraz Escape" orchestrated by Frank Lee Morris and Allen West. They were presumed drowned during the escape attempt.

Bio by: Carl W. McBrayer