JFK was born on May 29, 1917, to a wealthy and powerful Irish American family in Massachusetts. His mother, Rose, was the daughter of John F. Fitzgerald – a legendary Boston mayor – and was heiress to a considerable fortune. His father, Joseph Kennedy, had amassed considerable wealth both legitimately and illegitimately, investing in such businesses as banking and shipbuilding on the one hand, while dabbling in bootlegging alcohol and funding films on the other. He was also very successful in the stock market, though this has been attributed to his industry connections and the insider tips for which he paid handsomely.