The Wildest Man In The Wild West
The Wild West attracted degenerates, but Jim Miller may be the worst. But you know what they say about karma...
1. He Had A Tragic Past
In 1861, James "Jim" Brown Miller was born in Arkansas. A year later, Jacob and Cynthia Miller moved their family to Texas. But Miller soon lost his father. As if that wasn’t bad enough, they sent him away to live with his grandparents. He didn’t take it well.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
2. He Was A Bad Kid
Miller was a precocious child—but in the worst ways. One day when he was just a boy, a gruesome discovery was made at his grandma and grandparent’s home: their lifeless bodies.
And it didn’t look like an accidental or natural end, either. Authorities suspected foul play…and the main suspect was the couple's eight-year-old grandson.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
3. He Was Accused
When the authorities hauled the eight-year-old Jim Miller away, it looked as though his life was over before it could really begin. Only, they let him go, and he was never prosecuted. To this day, it remains a mystery why.
If Miller’s grandparents were his first victims, they were far from his last.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
4. He Got A Fresh Start
Miller returned to his mom and siblings afterwards. The rest of his childhood passed without any major incidents—that we know of. But everything changed when his sister Georgia married John Coop.
The newlyweds allowed their 19-year-old brother to live with them on their farm. That turned out to be a horrible mistake.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
5. He Was A Hothead
Wherever Jim Miller went, trouble followed. The young man was too hot headed for his own good. This led to countless arguments between him and his brother-in-law. This went on for months—until one straw broke the camel’s back.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
6. He Retaliated
Coop went to sleep one night, and never woke up. On July 30, 1884, Coop was found lifeless on his porch. Someone armed had ambushed him while he was sleeping. That someone also made Georgia a widow. When investigators began looking at possible suspects, they didn’t have to look far.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
7. He Was Suspicious
Turns out, Miller made it easy for the investigators. He didn’t—or couldn’t—hide his hatred for Coop. Everyone knew. From motives to means, all signs pointed towards him. The authorities locked Miller up until his day in court. It didn’t disappoint.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
8. He Was Locked Up
A judge found Miller guilty and sentenced him to life. This should’ve been the end of James Miller. He would’ve—and should’ve—stayed a nobody. Not even a footnote in history books. But the universe threw a curveball.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
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9. He Was Freed
Justice was served…until it wasn’t. Miller's lawyers, refusing to give up, dragged his case up to the Texas Court of Appeals. Another judge reversed Miller's conviction. But it wasn't because Miller’s team proved his innocence. Instead, Miller was free thanks to a technicality.
He was still guilty—and he kept proving it again and again.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
10. He Flirted With Danger
No matter where Miller went, danger was never far away. He worked on the ranch of Emanuel Clements, a not so humble farmer/family man and the cousin of legendary outlaw John Wesley Hardin.
The rancher had his own rap sheet. And a family that Miller got a little too comfortable with.
11. He Made Friends
Miller became close friends with Clements' son Mannie, and a little too close with his daughter Sallie. Miller was in deep with a dangerous family—and he was ready to prove it.
On March 29, 1887, when Ballinger City Marshal Joe Townsend ended Clements’ life, Miller refused to let it slide. He showed his loyalty to the Clements family in a big—and bad—way.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
12. He Was Vengeful
Townsend was riding home one night when an assailant opened fire on his vehicle with a double-barrel. The marshal was lucky to lose only one arm.
Everyone knew it was Miller. He had a signature style, and the shoe fit. But thanks to the lack of evidence, he got away with it yet again. Miller then became even closer with the Clements family.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
13. He Married
On February 15, 1888, Miller and Sallie Clements married. They had four children together. Becoming a husband and father turned out to be useful for his disguise. Miller became the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing.
14. He Had Style
No one would’ve known how deranged and dangerous Miller was just by looking at him. He was many things, but a poor dresser wasn’t one of them. His go-to outfit was a white shirt with a stiff collar, a stick pin on the lapel, a diamond ring, and a formal frock coat. It gets weirder.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
15. His Coat Was Mysterious
Miller insisted on wearing this coat. All. The. Time. Even when it was scorching hot. This confused people, but they dismissed it as a quirk. Turns out, his coat was full of secrets. And no one suspected a thing.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
16. He Was Deceptive
Writer Bob Saunders never forgot seeing Miller. He revealed “I noticed that he was a nice-looking man dressed in a Prince Albert coat and white shirt and black string tie and wearing a broad-brim black Stetson hat. The way he was dressed I couldn’t tell whether he was a preacher, a lawyer, or a gambler—he could pass for either of the three professions”. Miller made it even harder to tell.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
17. He Played Innocent
Miller was a monster hidden in plain sight. He often attended church and read the Bible. He never drank, smoked, or cursed. Miller seemed so upstanding that people joked he worked for the church and called him “Deacon Jim”. By the time people realized the truth, it was too late.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
18. He Got A New Job
By 1891, Miller and George A. “Bud” Frazer crossed paths. Frazer was the 27-year-old sheriff of the frontier town Pecos, Texas. The new and inexperienced sheriff needed a deputy. Badly. Miller hit the jackpot.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
19. He Wasn’t Qualified
At the time, asking too many questions about someone’s past was a faux pas. Even if you were interviewing them for an important job. The sheriff didn’t—or couldn't—question Miller’s virtuous facade. So Frazer gave Miller the job. This was the biggest mistake of his life.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
20. He Had A Mission
When cattle and horse theft became a crisis in the area, the town knew they had to get it under control. Lucky for them, their new deputy moved in just in time. Miller spent most of his time investigating and chasing these thieves. But his results were questionable.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
21. He Did A Bad Job
Miller caught a grand total of zero thieves. But his reputation was so pristine that no one dared to question him. Except for one man.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
22. He Faced A Skeptic
Enter, Barney Riggs. Bud Frazer’s brother-in-law didn’t see Miller’s failure as only a skill issue. He thought it was suspicious. You see, Riggs was a monster himself. It takes one to know one. Riggs shared his theory with a shocked Frazer. 
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
23. He Was Accused
Riggs pointed out that the thefts surged only after Miller became deputy. He suggested this wasn't a coincidence, and that Miller could be responsible. Riggs went even further and recommended his firing. Riggs planted the seeds in Frazer's head. The sheriff went to confront his deputy.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
24. He Was Confronted
Frazer could only watch as Miller laughed off these accusations. There was no evidence. Miller was popular in town. The church backed him. So Frazer kept Miller—even when he did worse things than thieve.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
25. He Had A Nasty Habit
Miller slaughtered Mexicans like it was his job. The deputy insisted he had no choice: They tried to flee. But he went too far. Miller annihilated a Mexican detainee, and pulled out the same excuse.
This time, Riggs showed up with another accusation.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
26. He Was Accused Again
Now, Riggs didn't believe that Miller was just behind the increase in livestock theft. He accused Miller of ending the man's life because he knew where the dirty deputy had hidden a pair of pilfered mules.
Frazer investigated, located the animals, and realized Riggs was right. The sheriff knew what he had to do.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
27. He Got Into A Feud
Frazer immediately fired Miller. The ex-deputy and livestock thief didn’t take it well. This incident ignited the legendary Frazer-Miller feud. It didn’t just last years. It didn’t just ruin Frazer’s life. It ended it.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
28. He Had A Rivalry
Miller ran against Frazer for sheriff in 1892. Miller lost, but refused to give up, and his perseverance paid off. The town appointed Miller, still popular, as city marshal. Game on.
Miller hired brother-in-law Mannie Clements as deputy, and a veritable who's who of local scumbags as his henchmen. It was time for revenge.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
29. He Plotted
When Frazer left town on business in May 1893, his rival pounced. Miller’s gang took over Pecos, and planned Frazer’s demise. They agreed to fake a duel between two of Miller's minions at the rail station, where another hidden henchman would “accidentally” shoot Frazer.
This would make it look like the sheriff got caught in the crossfire. An accident. But there was a problem…
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
30. He Was Overheard
This group made the brilliant choice to discuss everything in public. Cattleman Con Gibson overheard their plan, and gave the sheriff a head’s up. The gang, waiting for Frazer’s arrival at the station, believed they had the upper hand. Then the train doors opened. Boy, were they in for a surprise.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
31. He Got Caught
Frazer stepped out…with the Texas Rangers. Captain John R. Hughes apprehended Miller, Clements, and Martin Hardin. The trio ended up behind bars, facing charges, and awaiting trial. But Miller had more tricks up his sleeve.
Meanwhile Gibson, fearing for his life, fled to New Mexico. That wasn't far enough.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
32. He Was Punished
Miller’s henchmen quickly tracked down and eliminated Gibson. In an instant, the state lost their only witness and their case. The authorities had to free Miller and his men. But there were still consequences.
After Miller lost his marshal job, he bought a hotel and settled down. But this peace didn’t last long.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
33. He Made An Enemy
The drama cast a shadow over Frazer’s career. The town didn’t think he could handle Miller. As a result, they wondered if he even deserved to be sheriff. Frazer, already furious about Miller's betrayals and schemes, heard the gossip. It sent him over the edge. Now he was the one after revenge.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
34. He Was Challenged
Miller moved on, but Frazer couldn’t. On April 18, 1894, the enemies ran into each other in town. The sheriff screamed “Jim, you’re a cattle rustler and murderer! Here’s one for Con Gibson”. Frazer opened fire on Miller and struck him in the arm.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
35. He Was Ambushed
Miller fired back, but only managed to graze a storekeeper. Meanwhile Frazer fired his ammo into Miller’s chest. All of it. Miller collapsed. Frazer walked away from his enemy’s lifeless body satisfied. The sheriff thought he won. He was wrong.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
36. He Somehow Survived
When Miller’s friends rushed him back to his hotel, they couldn't believe it. Their friend was alive. But how? That’s when they finally learned the secret behind Miller's immortality.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
37. He Had A Life Hack
Turns out, Miller was still human after all. His secret was metal armor. This explained why their boss always wore that coat. Frazer couldn't believe that Miller survived. The sheriff not only failed—but he just ended up enraging Miller even more.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
38. He Was Intimidating
Miller spent the next few months healing—and telling everyone what he wanted to do to Frazer. But he lost his chance. In November 1894, Frazer lost the sheriff election and moved to New Mexico.
It seemed like he'd walked away from the feud. But then, the ex-sheriff had the brilliant idea of visiting Pecos.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
39. He Was Provoked
On December 26, 1894, the enemies ran into each other in town once again. Frazer shot Miller twice in the right arm and left leg. Miller tried firing back with his other hand, but was unsuccessful. Meanwhile Frazer landed two more shots into Miller's chest. The ex-sheriff couldn't believe that Miller was still standing.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
40. He Survived Again
Frazer, shocked and confused, fled the scene. The ex-sheriff learned about his enemy’s armor too late. In March 1895, John Wesley Hardin got involved. He was a legendary outlaw, a lawyer, and Miller’s cousin-in-law. Hardin hit Frazer with a felony and a trial. But then disaster struck.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
41. He Felt Wronged
One of Hardin’s enemies took him out before the trial. The case fell apart, and Frazer was acquitted in May 1896. Miller, enraged, vowed to take his final revenge. But this time, destroying the ex-sheriff wasn’t enough.
Miller was after everyone involved. And he did not forgive or forget.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
42. He Had Many Enemies
Remember Riggs? Turns out, he was more than Frazer’s brother-in-law, a stone-cold psycho, and the guy who got Miller fired. People say Riggs was the only man that Jim Miller truly feared. That could be why Miller sent his henchmen John Denson and Bill Earhart instead. It didn’t go well.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
43. He Used His Minions
Riggs got the heads up that Miller was after him, but still made a mistake. On March 3, 1896, Riggs agreed to cover a bartender friend's shift. Alone. The henchmen ran in, and Earhart fired at him. It was only a graze, so Riggs fired back with a lethal headshot.
Afterwards, Riggs immediately surrendered to the authorities. He went to trial, and got acquitted. Riggs came out on top, but Frazer wasn't so lucky.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
44. He Completed His Mission
In September 1896, Bud Frazer ignored the danger and visited family in Toyah, Texas. The ex-sheriff was playing cards in a saloon when Miller burst in. He wasted no time.
Miller didn’t just end Frazer’s life, he nearly blew his head off.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
45. He Had A Crazy Defense
The authorities quickly captured Miller, charged him, and brought him to trial. Joe Earp testified against him. Miller’s defense was “he had done no worse than Frazer”. The jury fell for it.
Miller came out of the trial with an acquittal—but he had also made himself some new enemies.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
46. He Was Determined
Poor Earp never stood a chance. A few weeks after the trial, "someone" fatally shot the witness. Everyone knew it was Miller, but yet again, they couldn’t prove it.
This time, it was because the madman galloped 100 miles overnight to establish an alibi. But Miller's revenge tour wasn’t done yet.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
47. He Was Implicated
Next, it was Judge Stanley’s turn. He prosecuted Miller, so he had to pay the price. Stanley perished soon after the trial, and the official cause wasn’t convincing. People didn’t believe it was a food borne illness. Instead, they suspected Miller poisoned him.
At this point, Miller's slaughters were usually the results of grudges or saloon fights. But this was about to change.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
48. He Became A Hitman
In 1900, Jim Miller moved his family to Fort Worth and started a new career. He advertised that if you needed it, he would end anyone’s life for the right price. And he was worth every penny.
Miller, quick and efficient, usually ambushed his targets at night, leaving no evidence and few witnesses. But even if things went south, Miller had more tricks up his sleeve.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
49. He Manipulated Others
Miller eliminated two men near Midland and got caught, but he convinced Lawrence Angel, his partner, to take credit instead. Miller pretended to be an innocent witness, and swore Angel acted in self-defense.
As usual, they got away with it. But Miller kept pushing his luck.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
50. He Cheated People
Miller remained a hitman even after real estate made him rich. But those dealings turned out to be shady too. Frank Fore, Miller’s business partner, discovered he was selling underwater lots.
Fore, an honest man, confronted Miller and planned to expose him. He didn’t stand a chance.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
51. He Was Dramatic
On March 10, 1904, Miller cornered and shot Fore in a hotel washroom. When bystanders heard the commotion and rushed in, the show began. Miller fell over Fore’s lifeless body and cried “I did everything I could to keep him reaching for his gun”. It worked: Miller was acquitted.
His shenanigans got even more unhinged.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
52. He Had Excuses
On August 1, 1906, Miller carried out a paid hit on Ben Collins. The U.S. Deputy Marshal was riding home when he got ambushed. Collins fought back, but didn’t make it. Authorities investigated and apprehended Miller. However, the hitman provided an alibi and got bail before his trial. Big mistake.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
53. He Used Force
Before the trial, the witnesses to the hit all perished. Once again, the case against Miller fell apart. The trial was over before it began. But Miller couldn't keep this up forever. It was about to come crashing down.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
54. He Got Sloppy
February 27, 1909 was his final hit. Miller shot retired U.S. Marshal Allen Augustus “Gus” Bobbitt as he drove his wagon home. The hitman and his henchmen fled when Bobbitt fell out of his wagon, but he lived for another hour. That made all the difference.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
55. He Was Outsmarted
Bobbitt knew he didn’t have much time left, and made the most of it. He told his wife to offer a $1,000 reward to whoever could find the assailants. He might’ve even identified Miller. The reward led to hoards of people hunting down the suspects. On top of that, Miller’s getaway was overconfident and sloppy. It was game over.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
56. He Surrendered
Miller's henchmen—Jessie West, Joe Allen, and Berry B. Burrell—were apprehended. Miller didn’t put up a fight when it was his turn. He even declared “I never give officers any trouble since I prefer taking my chances in court”. Miller didn’t resist because he thought he could clear his name again. But this time, he wouldn't get his day in court.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
57. He Was A Weird Inmate
By April 6, 1909, law enforcement transferred the accused from Texas to Ada, Oklahoma. The henchmen were terrified, but the leader was not. Miller was behind bars, but you’d never know it from his daily routine.
He made them change his sheets. He changed clothes and shaved. He ordered steak dinners and tipped the guards five dollars. But Miller’s behavior was more than delusion.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
58. He Had Support
Miller’s schtick paid off. Somehow he still had supporters, and they flooded the town with letters and telegrams. This included preachers and other prominent figures. They swore Miller was a moral, religious, and innocent man. Then a bigwig got involved.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
59. He Was Arrogant
If you ever found yourself in court, there was no one better than Moman Pruiett to have by your side. The track record of the felon-turned-lawyer said it all. 343 murder trials. 303 acquittals. Zero executions. It’s no wonder Miller thought he’d get away with it again. But he thought wrong.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
60. He Caused Resentment
The town knew three depressing things: One, Miller had a history of escaping consequences. Two, there was a lack of evidence in this case. And three, if Miller got away again, he’d continue his reign of terror. They couldn’t take it anymore. So they took matters into their own hands.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
61. He Faced A Mob
Everything came to a head on April 19, 1909. In the middle of the night, a mob stormed the detention centre. Estimates range from 30 to 200 men. Whatever their size, the group overpowered the guards. They dragged the four inmates outside where karma awaited.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
62. He Faced Consequences
The vigilantes started with Miller’s henchmen. The ringleader could only watch as his men begged for their lives. But it was no use. The mob ignored their pleas, and hung them. Then it was Miller's turn.
The vigilantes saved the best—and baddest—for last. The show was about to begin.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
63. He Confessed His Body Count
The mob demanded a confession, and Miller gave them one. Or 51. He announced “Let the record show that I’ve killed 51 men”. The crowd got their confession, but Miller’s shocking behavior denied them full satisfaction.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
64. He Kept His Cool
Miller knew the jig was up, but he was not like other men. He remained stoic. The whole time. Like this was any other morning. Miller refused to sink to his henchmen’s desperate levels…but he couldn’t resist asking for three things.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
65. He Had Final Requests
Miller made three final requests. First, he asked the mob to give his diamond ring to his wife. They agreed. Second, he wanted to wear his hat during the hanging. They also agreed. But then Miller went too far.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
66. He Was Rejected
Miller asked if he could still wear his coat. But it wasn’t just any coat, it was the coat. Miller’s accomplice in evading his mortality and consequences. The mob refused. Miller knew what he had to do.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
67. He Got The Last Word
Miller had one last trick up his sleeve. He shouted “Let ‘er rip!”, stepped off the box, and hung himself. From beginning to end, Miller showed no fear, and went out on his own terms. The townspeople weren’t satisfied yet. They were hungry for more revenge.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
68. He Was Lynched
The lynchers left the corpses hanging for hours, but this was intentional. They wanted to wait until a photographer came. The town wanted, or needed, to document the incident. The end of their nightmare.
But what they did to the photos was grotesque.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
69. He Was Commodified
Miller was a terror in the West for many years, only to become a tourist attraction for many more. Stores in Ada sold photos of his lynching to tourists long after his end. Then, the town itself got involved.
Castle Pictures, Gunslingers - Deacon Jim Miller (2015)
70. He Ended An Era
The lynching wasn’t just the end of Miller’s life. Some consider it to be the end of the Wild West. The city of Ada agreed and erected a marker at the hanging site. It reads “As a memorial to the end of the Old West and the struggle for law and order”.
