J. A. Street Quay County, New Mexico

J. A. Street, serving as sheriff of Quay County and residing at Tucumcari came to this place October 28, 1901, and stretched the first tent in the town. In fact, he was one of the locaters and owners of the town site. He had been a resident of the Territory in 1897, at which time he began working as a cow puncher on the Bell ranch. He was instrumental in having the County of Quay established, being one of the committee that went to the legislature for this purpose. He was appointed the first sheriff of the County by the governor, and in 1904 was elected to the office, in which he is now serving.

Mr. Street also has profitable business interests. On the 1st of October, 1905, he established a livery business, which he is still conducting. He is also engaged in cattle raising and ranching. He had considerable trouble with the rustler element when the County was first organized, but he has been prompt and fearless in the performance of his official duties, standing as a strong conservator of law and order, and he has thus become a menace to the evil-doer, while the law-abiding citizens look upon him with a feeling of security and protection.

In his social relations he is connected with Tucumcari Lodge No. 29, K. P., and Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 408, of Las Vegas.

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Source: History of New Mexico, Its Resources and People, Volume II, Pacific States Publishing Co., 1907.