Honest Miner To a Poker-Playing Politician – Legends of America
In the rugged landscapes of Nevada’s mining camps during the late 19th century, a peculiar character known as "Sugar Foot" or "Long Turner" etched his name into local lore. William Daugherty’s account, originally published in the Reno Evening Gazette in 1891, paints a vivid portrait of this unforgettable individual, tracing his transformation from a hardworking miner to a poker-playing politician, culminating in a tragic end.
A Miner with a Distinctive Look
"Sugar Foot," as he was affectionately called by his peers, was a fixture in Nevada’s bustling mining camps. His extensive knowledge of the area and constant presence at the latest discoveries earned him the moniker. However, when addressing strangers, he was referred to as "Long Turner," a nod to his towering height and ungainly demeanor.
Turner’s physical appearance was undeniably striking. Lean and lanky, with a lantern jaw and an exceptionally long nose, he was easily identifiable in any crowd. But it was his mouth, or rather, the state of his teeth, that truly set him apart. With only two teeth remaining – an upper eye tooth and a lower stomach tooth on opposite sides of his mouth – Turner’s smile was a sight to behold. These teeth, far from being ornamental, constantly interfered with his speech, prompting many to wonder why he didn’t simply remove them. However, Turner always maintained that he was waiting for a skilled dentist to provide suitable replacements.
The Essence of Politeness
Aware of his unconventional appearance, Turner compensated by being exceedingly polite and courteous. Despite his awkward movements, his genuine desire to please endeared him to many. Even those who weren’t particularly fond of him acknowledged his presence with a friendly "Howdy, Turner." Close friends greeted him with "Hello, Sugar Foot," while the ladies offered a polite "Good morning, Mr. Turner."
Turner was always willing to contribute to charitable causes, and his attendance at benefit balls was met with enthusiasm by the ladies, who made it a point to dance with him. Despite his clumsy steps and tendency to step on his partner’s heels, they appreciated his good nature. Over time, Turner’s interactions with the ladies became more comfortable, sparking jealousy among the men.
A Dental Transformation
At this opportune moment, an itinerant dentist arrived in town, displaying his wares on the hotel’s front walls. Sugar Foot was seen inspecting the dentist’s collection of store teeth, meticulously picking at his own teeth with a toothpick after each meal. Eventually, he disappeared from his usual haunts, leading the locals to assume he had returned to his mining duties.
After several weeks, Turner made a grand reappearance at the local saloon, sporting a full set of new porcelain teeth. With a broad grin, he invited everyone to join him for a celebratory drink. The townspeople obliged, complimenting him on his new appearance. Turner, now more confident than ever, re-entered society with renewed vigor.
From Miner to Politician
Turner’s newfound confidence and improved appearance led him down an unexpected path. Encouraged by his peers, he ran for constable and, to everyone’s surprise, won the election. However, this marked the beginning of his descent from honest labor into the murky world of politics.
With ample free time, Turner became a skilled poker player. His income allowed him to live a life of leisure, and he soon found himself playing cards with the county’s leading figures, including the judge and other officials. As they accumulated debts to him, Turner’s influence grew. At the next election, he played a pivotal role in electing the sheriff, securing the position of undersheriff in return. He was entrusted with the office’s books, safe, papers, and coin, and continued to play poker with the same brilliance and success as before.
A Tragic Downfall
However, Turner’s duties often took him away from the county seat, and only he knew how frequently he lost at poker. Over the following months, his absences became more frequent. When he set out in pursuit of stage robbers, venturing across the Mojave Desert into Tehachapi, his demeanor was noticeably serious, his lips tightly closed over his store teeth. The reward for capturing the robbers was substantial.
The sheriff of a neighboring county apprehended the robbers first. Sugar Foot arrived in Tehachapi late at night, learning of the capture while having a drink at the bar. He was given a room, and the next morning, he was discovered dead, a bullet in his brain, his revolver in his hand. A brief note on the table revealed the extent of his embezzlement.
A Cautionary Tale
The story of "Sugar Foot" serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how vanity and the allure of power can lead even the most well-intentioned individuals astray. From an honest miner known for his politeness and generosity, he transformed into a poker-playing politician, ultimately succumbing to the temptations of corruption and meeting a tragic end. His story remains a poignant reminder of the importance of integrity and the potential consequences of straying from the path of honesty.