James McParland
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James McParland was an American detective who played a crucial role in dismantling the Molly Maguires, a secret organization of coal miners in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Molly Maguires were blamed for acts of terrorism and sabotage between 1862 and 1876 due to poor working conditions and discrimination.1
To investigate, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, founded by Allan Pinkerton, sent McParland undercover into the group. His testimony in a series of trials led to the conviction and execution of ten men for murder. This action, along with negative publicity and improved economic conditions, contributed to a decrease in violence in the coalfields.21
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- Molly Maguires
…National Detective Agency, which sent James McParland to infiltrate the group. In a series of sensational trials in 1875–77, McParland’s testimony resulted in the conviction and hanging of 10 men for murder. The court convictions, adverse publicity, and more prosperous times effected a subsequent decline of violence in the coalfields.
Read More…National Detective Agency, which sent James McParland to infiltrate the group. In a series of sensational trials in 1875–77, McParland’s testimony resulted in the conviction and hanging of 10 men for murder. The court convictions, adverse publicity, and more prosperous times effected a subsequent decline of violence in the coalfields.
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Allan Pinkerton…1876 one of his detectives, James McParlan, lived among the Molly Maguires in Pennsylvania and secured evidence that led to the breaking up of this organization of coal miners supposedly engaged in terrorism. During the strikes of 1877 the Pinkerton Agency’s harsh policy toward labour unions caused it to be…
Read More…1876 one of his detectives, James McParlan, lived among the Molly Maguires in Pennsylvania and secured evidence that led to the breaking up of this organization of coal miners supposedly engaged in terrorism. During the strikes of 1877 the Pinkerton Agency’s harsh policy toward labour unions caused it to be…
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