Origins & Early Life

Ellsworth Raymond "Bumpy" Johnson (October 31, 1905 – July 7, 1968) was an American crime boss in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Ellsworth Raymond "Bumpy" Johnson was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on October 31, 1905, to Margaret Moultrie and William Johnson. When he was 10, his older brother Willie was accused of killing a white man. Afraid of a possible lynch mob, his parents mortgaged their tiny home to raise money to send Willie up north to live with relatives.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Johnson's nickname "Bumpy" is derived from a bump on the back of his head. As Johnson grew older, his parents worried about his short temper and insolence toward white people, and, in 1919, he was sent to live with his older sister Mabel in Harlem. Johnson dropped out of high school and began working in casual jobs. Gangster William Hewett noticed Johnson, who began working for him. Johnson became an associate and enforcer for numbers queen Madame Stephanie St.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Clair. In the 1930s, he quickly climbed the ranks to become her most trusted soldier. St. Clair incited a war with rival mob boss Dutch Schultz for control of Harlem's rackets. The war resulted in more than 40 murders...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adolph Menzel — Contemporary (Died in 1905) (1905): Pioneering German Realist master, celebrated for his detailed etchings and genre scenes.
• Aleksandr Popov (physicist) — Contemporary (Died in 1905) (1905): Pioneering Russian physicist credited with early radio receiving technology.
• Ayn Rand — Contemporary (Born in 1905) (1905): Philosopher and author known for developing the system of Objectivism.
• Ajay Devgn — Contemporary (Born in 1968) (1968): Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker known for diverse roles in Hindi cinema.
• Anastacia — Contemporary (Born in 1968) (1968): American singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and 'sprock' fusion.
• Barry Sanders — Contemporary (Born in 1968) (1968): Elite NFL running back known for unmatched quickness and agility.
• Alexander Borodin — Shared historical date (10-31 · Born) (1833): Russian Romantic composer, chemist, and physician known for 'Prince Igor' and symphonies.
• B. H. Liddell Hart — Shared historical date (10-31 · Born) (1895): Influential British military theorist advocating the 'indirect approach' in warfare.
• Alfredo Di Stéfano — Shared historical date (07-07 · Died) (2014): Argentine and Spanish legend, 'The Blond Arrow,' pivotal to Real Madrid's golden era.
• Allen Lane — Shared historical date (07-07 · Died) (1970): Pioneering British publisher who founded Penguin Books, bringing literature to the masses.
• 1905 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1905
• October 31 (10-31) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 31
• 1968 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1968
• July 7 (07-07) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 7