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.