Sheriff Jim Parks, Graham County Sheriff in the early 1900s. During the 1903 strike, at the request of the mining companies, he went to Clifton and formed a deputy force of about 20 men, and rode to Morenci to assess the situation. Upon arrival he spilt up his men to search the area. One of the leaders of the strikers was Jack Three-fingered Laustenneau, an Italian-born miner. Jack and his men surrounded the sheriff, took the reins of his horse, and called for him and his men to leave town in 5 minutes. Sheriff Parks, without hesitation, said Ill be just as good as you are. Ill give you the five minutes back. Knowing the reputation of the sheriff as a fearless man, he released the horse and called off his men. Years later in an interview, Sheriff Parks said The only way in the world I got out of that stacked deal alive was the fact that I never took my eyes off of Jack. He knew that if anything started, I was going to kill him. The watch shown was a present from the Arizona, Detroit and Shannon Copper Companies In recognition of his services during the Strike Riots in the Clifton District June 1903.
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:54:42 +0000
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