Early Life:
William Usher was born in Chicago on July 15, 1883. He grew up in a working-class family and had little formal education. By his late teens, he was involved in petty crimes and street gangs, establishing a reputation as a tough and capable fighter.
Rise in Organized Crime:
Usher's criminal activities caught the attention of Al Capone, who was building a powerful criminal empire in Chicago during the Prohibition era. Capone recognized Usher's potential and recruited him as an enforcer for his organization. Usher quickly became one of Capone's most trusted associates, known for his unwavering loyalty and willingness to carry out violent tasks.
Bootlegging and Capone's Empire:
Usher played a crucial role in Capone's bootlegging operations, which were a primary source of revenue for the gang. He managed distribution networks, oversaw speakeasies, and coordinated the delivery of illegal alcohol. Usher's effectiveness and ruthlessness earned him the nickname "Frank Nitti," which became synonymous with power and intimidation in the Chicago underworld.
The St. Valentine's Day Massacre:
Usher is most infamously known for his involvement in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre of 1929. The massacre, ordered by Al Capone, resulted in the deaths of seven rival gangsters. Usher was believed to be one of the gunmen responsible for carrying out the attack, although his exact role remains uncertain.
Fallout and Decline:
Following the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, law enforcement pressure on Capone and his gang increased significantly. Usher and other high-ranking members were arrested and faced various charges. Although Usher was acquitted in the massacre trial, the federal government successfully prosecuted him for income tax evasion in 1931. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison and released in 1933.
Later Life:
After his release, Usher's influence within the gang diminished. He continued to engage in criminal activities but faced constant scrutiny from law enforcement. He eventually retired from organized crime and settled down in Southern California.
Death:
William Usher died of natural causes on October 21, 1966, at the age of 83. He was buried in Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois, near the gravesites of other prominent mobsters.
Legacy:
Frank Nitti Usher remains a significant figure in Chicago's criminal history, representing the violent and ruthless aspects of organized crime during the Prohibition era. His legacy is interwoven with the rise and fall of Al Capone's gang, a crucial chapter in the history of American crime.