Ellsworth Raymond Johnson, better known as "Bumpy", was born on October 31, 1905, in Charleston, South Carolina. He was sent to live with his aunt in Harlem at a young age, where he quickly became acquainted with the rough and impoverished lifestyle of the neighborhood. Bumpy's parents hoped that the move to New York City would offer him better opportunities and keep him out of trouble, but it ultimately led him down a dangerous path.
Upon his arrival in Harlem in 1919, Bumpy became involved in petty crimes and soon caught the attention of female crime lord Stephanie St. Clair. Under her tutelage, Bumpy learned the ropes of the criminal underworld and quickly rose through the ranks. By the 1930s, he had established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Harlem underworld, earning a reputation as a ruthless and cunning mob boss.
Bumpy's criminal empire spanned across various illegal activities, including gambling, extortion, and narcotics trafficking. He was known for his strategic mind and ability to outsmart his rivals, solidifying his position as the crime kingpin of Harlem. Despite numerous run-ins with law enforcement, Bumpy managed to evade capture for many years, earning him a mystique among both his allies and enemies.
Throughout his criminal career, Bumpy Johnson was arrested more than forty times for various offenses. His most notable run-in with the law came in 1951 when he was sentenced to prison at San Francisco's notorious Alcatraz Island. Despite the harsh conditions of the prison, Bumpy managed to maintain his influence even behind bars, further solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the criminal underworld.
Despite his criminal activities, Bumpy Johnson was also a family man. He was married to Mayme Hatcher Johnson, who stood by his side through thick and thin. Their relationship was a testament to Bumpy's loyalty and devotion to those he cared about, even in the midst of his dangerous lifestyle.
Bumpy Johnson's legacy lives on in the annals of American crime history. His story has been immortalized in films and television shows, with actors like Laurence Fishburne portraying him on the big screen. Bumpy's reputation as a shrewd and fearless mob boss continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide, cementing his place as one of the most iconic figures in the world of organized crime.