C. B. Stocking – Former Bullion Messenger and Jailor Arrested for Assault

Stocking had worked for several years as a bullion messenger for the Carlisle Company ^[1][2]. By September 1889 he was serving as jailor at Florence, Arizona ^[1][2]. On September 6, 1889, Stocking beat an unruly Mexican prisoner over the head with a pick handle, fracturing his skull ^[1][2]. The victim’s condition was reported as serious ^[1][2]. Stocking was arrested but released on bail ^[1][2]. The assault, committed inside the jail, was strongly condemned by the Florence Enterprise ^[1][2]. Stocking bore a reputation as one of the best and quickest shots in the country, a man of good conduct but with an uncontrollable temper at times ^[1][2]. He had killed several men in his time, including one at Carlisle and one or two since leaving there ^[1][2].