Mike was known in the underground as "Johnny Dobbs". He started out in the Patsy Conroy Gang in the 1870's and went on to be known as one of the most remarkable bankrobbers of his day. It was never detemined how many banks he robbed, but it is known that he fenced more than $2million in securities over the bar of his saloon on Mott Street.
High living, a series of evpensive mistresses and a gigantic thirst finally brought him down. He died in 1895 in the alcoholic ward of Bellvue Hospital. One of his mistresses sold an expensive broach he had given her to pay for his funneral.