Did you know that one of the more famous (or infamous, I should) mobsters of the Chicago Outfit in the 1920s and 1930s was a Welshman by the name of Llewellyn Morris “The Hump” Humphreys? He is better known as Murray Humphreys, Curly and The Hump.
Who Was Murray Humphreys?
Al Capone is alleged to have once said of Humphreys:
“Anybody can use a gun, but ‘The Hump’ uses his head. He can shoot if he has to, but he likes to negotiate with cash when he can. I like that in a man.”
Though born in Chicago, Illinois on April 20, 1899, his parents were Bryan Humphreys and Ann Wigley from Carno, Powys. It was the long depression of the 1870s which led to them emigrating to the United States, as Welsh farming communities were devastated.
By the age of just 16, young Llewellyn was serving a 60-day sentence for petty larceny. In 1921, he met with a small-time gangster named Fred Evans, who would become his crime partner. All was well for a while, until the duo stole some bootlegged alcohol (during the Prohibition, of course) – which turned out to belong to the Chicago Outfit of Al Capone. Oops!
A conversation was had between Capone and the young Humphreys but, luckily for the Welshman, Capone was so impressed with him that he gave him a job, even allegedly remarking “Nobody hustles like the Hump.”
He would become a powerful member of The Outfit, even being regarded as the “Czar of business rackets” by the chief investigator for the State Attorney’s office once Capone was behind bars in 1932.
I plan on writing a more in-depth blog on The Hump sometime soon for my Facebook page, Mafia Histories. If this kind of history interests you, please give it a follow!
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. You can also support us as a member of our Patreon community. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.