Bob, Page 338 Matthew Harris and Thomas Staple ton At a place called the cut-off, on the Sny Levee, in the spring of 1873 were two large squads of men at work. The one working higher up the river received $2.00 per day to each man and those below received $11.75. After those above had completed their work, their employers tome them they could go work with those below if they were willing to work at the same rtes. They all went to work, but after a while became dissatisfied with the wages, threatened to strike, and made a good deal of disturbance. Their employers discharged several of the ring-leaders who still continued to make trouble. When pay-day arrived the strikers drank a great deal, came to the place of work and were determine, as they said to clean out Harris, the time keeper and Staple ton, the 'walking boss.' As the two latter were coming from the store after dinner, the mob of strikers fell upon them and Harris and Staple ton both fired at the first man, Pat Vanghan, killing him and slightly injuring another man. This proceeding deterred the rioters from any further aggressions. Staple ton and Harris were arrested, but to keep them safe from the rioters they were lodged in the jail at Pittsfield. They were indicted April 12 following, tried, convicted of murder, and July 1 both were sentenced to State prison for one year. Hope this helps some. Dorothy Bob Drennan wrote: > Could you please tell me what the 1880 Pike County History book says > about Thomas Stapleton on page 338? > > Thank you. > > Bob Drennan