Torrio was also known as "The Brain." He was born in Italy in 1882 and immigrated from Italy with his family. He came to New York City when he was two. Torrio became a member of "The Five Points Gang." He was the head of "The James Street Gang." He was known as "Terrible Johnny" by his associates because he was cruel and cold. He was also known as "Little Johnny," because he was short. He became a bounce in Manhattan at a tough bar by the name of "Mike's" on Pell Street. Torrio dealed in extortion, hijacking, and other illegal activities.
In 1915, he went to Chicago to work for his uncle who was Big Jim Colosimo. Torrio had a full time job running prostitution rackets. Eventually Torrio ran all of Colosimo's businesses and Colosimo lived on the profits and took it easy. Prohibition was being introduced and Torrio wanted to expand the business into bootlegging. Colosimo did not like the idea because he was already loaded with money. Torrio had his uncle killed and went into bootlegging. He gathered the gangs together from around Chicago. His plan was to have each gang control a certain area and each gang would pay a percent of the profits to Torrio. Some agreed and some didn't.
Hymie Weiss was after Torrio. Torrio sent three men to kill O'Banion. Weiss took over O'Banion's gang and was furious that Torrio killed O'Banion. Weiss caught up with Torrio twice but Torrio got out okay. The first attempt he got two bullet holes in his hat. His dog and chauffer were killed. The second attempt was a close call. In 1925 outside his apartment, he was attacked by the Weiss gang. He got hit by slugs and shotgun blasts. His stomach, arm and chest were wounded. Torrio had enough of near death experiences, he passed his organization to Al Capone. Torrio was 43 years old and a millionaire. He moved to Brooklyn and retired. In April 1957, Torrio had a fatal heart attack at his barber. He was 75 years old.
