Springerville in Apache County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
James Hale Shooting
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 24, 2010
1. James Hale Shooting Marker
On Dec. 25, 1886, James Hale was gunned down here in front of the Brighton Saloon. His accused was never brought to trial. In 1894 this site, then called Hunter's Hall, held the first Presbyterian services in the Round Valley.Erected 2002 by Round Valley Positive Action Tourism Committee and Springerville-Eagar Chamber of Commerce. (Marker Number 19.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Arizona, Pistols, Plows and Petticoats Historic Driving Tour series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1931.
Location. 34° 7.968′ N, 109° 17.181′ W. Marker is in Springerville, Arizona, in Apache County. Marker is on South Mountain Avenue (Business U.S. 180), on the right when traveling south. Marker is about 300 feet south of East Main Street (US 60, US 180 and US 191). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Springerville AZ 85938, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. El Rio Theatre (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Madonna of the Trail (about 400 feet away);
this page online
More about this marker. This is Marker Stop #19 on the Pistols, Plows and Petticoats Historic Driving Tour.
Regarding James Hale Shooting. On Christmas Day, 1886, James Hale was shot to death here in front of the Brighton Saloon by what the St. Johns Herald called “reckless gunfire.” Witnesses reported that Billy Evans, also known as “Jack Diamond” and Jack Timberline”, shot Hale just to see if a bullet would go through a Mormon.
Source: The Pistols, Plows and Petticoats Historic Driving Tour Brochure.
Additional commentary.
1. Decendant
This is my Grandmother Thora Hale Rothlisbergers
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 24, 2010
2. James Hale Shooting Marker
— Submitted December 7, 2010, by Charla LeAnn Neff Seger of Ulysses, Kansas.
Photographed By Lisa Egglston
3. Sarah Elizabeth Barkdull Hale Headstone Marker
Five years prior his wife Sarah Hale died of tapeworm at the age of 49 and is buried near Sho Low, Arizona. She was the mother of 10 children.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2018. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,587 times since then and 210 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 6, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3. submitted on June 30, 2018, by Lisa Egglston of Sho Low, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
