Pecos Lawman
Over the next couple of years, Miller traveled the Texas-Mexico border region and operated a saloon in San Saba County. In Reeves County, Miller became a deputy sheriff and he would later become town marshal in Pecos. During this time he gained a reputation for killing Mexicans claiming that they were attempting escape.
Miller would marry Sallie Clements, daughter of Mannen Clements, in 1891. Assuming the appearance of a devout Methodist he would earn the nickname Deacon Jim. He was well liked by the townspeople because he was polite and an avid member of the church. Regardless of the weather outside he would wear a large black frock coat.
Miller would become involved in a feud with Pecos Sheriff George A. "Bud" Frazer. While Frazer was out of Pecos, on a trip to El Paso, he was informed that Miller had allowed criminals to gain greater control over Pecos. Frazer would enlist the help of Texas Ranger John R. Hughes to, once again, secure Pecos. Frazer immediately jailed Miller upon his return to Pecos on a charge of murder. A jury would later release Miller. Frazer believed that Miller had stolen mules - he had Miller arrested.
On April 12, 1894, in Pecos, Miller was confronted by Frazer about his involvement in the murder of cattleman Con Gibson. Frazer did not wait for Miller to go for his shotgun, shooting him and hitting him in the right arm. While Miller was attempting to fire his gun with his left hand, hitting a bystander, Joe Krans, Frazer fired again, hitting Miller in the groin, which finally put him down. Frazer emptied his six-shooter into Miller's chest. After Miller's friends had rushed him to a doctor, his frock coat was removed to reveal the large steel plate that Miller wore under his clothes, which resisted most of the bullets from Frazer's gun, saving the assassin's life. Miller would recover
On December 26, 1894, Miller was standing outside of a blacksmith's when Frazer began to fire at him. Frazer hit Miller in the arm and leg. Rushing in to finish him Frazer tried to shoot Miller in the chest but an iron plate in his coat would save Miller. Frazer, demoralized, quickly retreated. Miller had Frazer charged with attempted murder. The case, heard in El Paso, ended with a hung jury.
Frazer would lose his reelection to Sheriff and leave town for Eddy, New Mexico. Just a few months later, however, he would return to the Pecos area to visit his mother and sister. The feud ended on September 13, 1896, when Miller learned of Frazer's presence in the area. Frazer was at a gambling table in Toyah, Texas. Miller opened the saloon's swinging doors levelling his shotgun onto of one of them. He shot Frazer, who was dealing, removing most of his head. Frazer's sister, irate, confronted Miller, who threatened to kill her as well. A jury would not convict Miller.
Miller muttered threats towards Joe Earp, who was a witness that testified against him. Just three weeks after the trial, Earp was killed by a shotgun blast. To secure an alibi, Miller spent the night riding his horse on a grueling 100 mile journey. The prosecuting District Attorney, Judge Stanley, would later die of food poisoning in Memphis, Texas.
Read more about this topic: Jim Miller (outlaw)