Mobsters – James Farley: King of the Strikebreakers
Starting as a simple altar boy in upstate New York, James Farley evolved into one of the most formidable figures in American labor history, earning the moniker King of the Strikebreakers. Born in 1874 in Malone, New York, just miles from the Canadian border, Farley’s early life was characterized by a rebellious streak. His time as an altar boy did little to curb this, and by age 15, he ran away, drifting southward into New York State.
By 1889, Farley found work with Frank Robinson’s circus, eventually landing in Middletown, New York. After the circus, he moved to Monticello, where he took on jobs at the Madison House as a poolroom attendant, clerk, and bartender. His sharp wit and toughness soon saw him rise to manager. However, a bizarre incident during a dental visit in Hillsboro—where he accidentally ingested cocaine used as a painkiller—caused him to flee his job and vanish into the woods until the substance’s effects wore off.
Farley then journeyed to Brooklyn, starting as a rail guard with the Revenue Service. He soon transferred to the Brooklyn City Railroad Company, engaged in manual labor, mainly shoveling coal. In 1895, tensions soared between the railroad workers union and the company, escalating to a strike after owners attempted to bring in cheaper, non-union labor. Farley, choosing sides with the employers, transformed into a strikebreaker—a choice that would define his career.
The Rise of the King of the Strikebreakers
During the ensuing clashes, Farley suffered multiple injuries, from gunshots to stab wounds, yet he emerged instrumental in the company’s victory. A local paper described the chaotic scenes where state troops intervened as violence erupted between strikers, strikebreakers, and soldiers. Farley’s role earned him a position overseeing fifteen special officers, cementing his entry into strikebreaking.
For seven years, Farley spearheaded strikebreaking efforts across the nation, focusing primarily on the railroad industry. He recruited men known for their toughness, paying them better than other agencies, thus ensuring their loyalty. Armed and dangerous, Farley cut an intimidating figure with his Colt.38 and unwavering demeanor.
In 1902, branching out from Pinkerton’s shadow, Farley launched his own detective agency geared towards strikebreaking. While the Pinkertons diversified, Farley specialized, making a name by repeatedly crushing labor strikes. One significant success came in 1905 during the IRT subway strike in New York City, led by the wealthy August Belmont. Farley’s tactics secured a swift victory, earning him an astounding $300,000.
Impactful Strikebreaking Across America
Farley’s most notorious victory, however, unfolded not in New York but in San Francisco. In 1907, the United Railroad faced a crippling strike after rejecting the Carmen’s Union demands for an eight-hour day and $3 wage. Farley was summoned west, and soon “Bloody Tuesday” saw six streetcars manned by his agents besieged by striking workers. Weapons drawn, Farley’s men responded with gunfire into the crowd, resulting in deaths and injuries, yet securing another win as the union capitulated.
Surprisingly, Farley’s reputation wasn’t unanimously negative. Many media outlets portrayed him as a valorous defender of business against “communist agitators.” Even amidst criticism, Farley portrayed himself as judicious, claiming he only intervened when employers were in the right. His effectiveness was undeniable, amassing significant wealth from successful operations.
Despite ample fortune, Farley’s lifestyle took a toll. Enjoying the racetrack and investing heavily in horses, his health deteriorated. By 1913, diagnosed with tuberculosis, Farley spent his final days at Yonkers Race Track, seeking solace from his cherished horses. On September 11, 1913, at just 39, he succumbed to the illness.
James Farley’s legacy as the King of the Strikebreakers is complex, shaped by aggressive tactics in an era rife with labor unrest. He embodied the era’s ruthless industrial battles, a symbol of a contentious chapter in American history.
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Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Website: https://www.eastwinddentalcare.com
Dentist in Hillsboro, OR - East Wind Dental Care provides general dentistry in Hillsboro. Make your next family dentist appointment at East Wind Dental Care. General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry, Pediatric (Kids!) Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Replacement. Crowns and Bridges, Dental Implants & Mini Dental Implants Dentures (with specialty), Complete denture, Partial Dentures.
East Wind Dental Care
Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon.
We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful.
East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health.
When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
East Wind Dental Care
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00 and Saturdays with appointments.
Website: https://eastwinddentalcare.com/
Make an appointment online at https://eastwinddentalcare.com/contact-3/
