James Young (Arizona pioneer) facts for kids

Meet James "Jim" Young (July 15, 1844 – January 19, 1935)! He was an amazing American pioneer. Jim Young did many different jobs in his life. He was a boxer, a trailblazer, and a miner. He also served as a Buffalo Soldier and an Indian Scout. He became famous as a boxer in the mid-1880s.

Early Life in Arizona

James Young was born in July 1844 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was born at a time when some people were not free. Later in life, he moved to Tombstone, Arizona. He lived there for 56 years, from 1879 until he passed away in 1935. He was married twice during his life. His second wife, Rosa Romero, was born in Mexico.

Boxing Career

When James Young was about 39 years old, in 1883, he became a well-known boxer in Tombstone. He was very tall and strong, which made him a great fighter. On September 22, 1883, Young, who weighed 175 pounds, fought Neil McLeod. McLeod weighed 165 pounds.

Some boxing experts wonder if Jim Young ever sparred with the famous boxer John L. Sullivan. Sullivan was a very well-known fighter from Boston. This is a big question because Sullivan always said he never fought a Black boxer. If they did spar, it was probably just a quick practice session. Sullivan might not have thought of it as a serious fight.

Facing Off Against Buckskin Frank Leslie

James Young had two interesting encounters with a man named Buckskin Frank Leslie. Both times, Leslie backed down from Young.

Jim Young was one of the first people to arrive in Tombstone. He worked in a mine and had claimed some land nearby. One day, he found Leslie on his land. Young approached Leslie with a shotgun. He told Leslie to leave quickly. Leslie tried to play it off. He said he was just there to help Young protect his claim from others. When people in town heard about this, Jim Young's reputation grew. Leslie's reputation, however, went down a bit.

Another time, Leslie saw Young in a store. Young was unarmed and had his back turned. Leslie pulled out his gun, ready to use it. But the woman who owned the store screamed and jumped between them. Leslie again tried to make an excuse. He said he was just checking his gun to make sure it worked. Jim Young was known for being very strong. Leslie was known for being quick with a gun, even though he was small.

Mining Incident

On May 14, 1893, James Young had an argument with A. T. Shuster. This happened in front of a meat market in Tombstone. Shuster threw a five-pound piece of gold ore at Young's head! Young was quick and caught the heavy rock. But he hurt his wrist while doing it. Shuster was later charged with assault. A. T. Shuster later became a Justice of the Peace in Tombstone.

Later Years and Legacy

James Young remained a respected figure in Tombstone, even when he was in his eighties. In 1929, Tombstone honored him as one of its oldest residents. He rode in the town's first Helldorado Days Parade. This parade celebrated the town's early history, including the time of the Earps.

James Young passed away on January 19, 1935, in Tucson, Arizona. He was buried at Holy Hope Cemetery in Tucson.