Bloody Conflict at the Tacoma Mills
A wage dispute involving a belaying pin and a pistol leaves one man shot.
Edward Hughes, working at the Old Tacoma mills, attempted to collect his wages from foreman John Bolder. When a dispute arose over the promised amount, words led to violence and Hughes was struck with a belaying pin. Later, when Henry Roberts also attempted to be paid, another melee ensued during which Bolder drew a pistol and shot Roberts. The bullet entered under his left arm and lodged in his back. Bolder has been arrested and Roberts is recovering.
“Bolder drew a pistol and shot Roberts, the bullet entering the body under the left arm, passed around the ribs and lodged in his back.”
Labor conflict in 19th-century Washington saw industrial foremen wielding significant, often violent, power over a workforce that had little legal recourse to collect owed wages.
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