The Clifton Record (Clifton, Tex.), Vol. 105, No. 31, Ed. 1 Wednesday, April 19, 2000 Page: 5 of 12
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Wednesday, April 19.2000 Ph°“: THE CLIFTON RECORD
The Clifton Record ONLINE:
http://news.centraltx.com/record
This Week In Texas History ea^w
Bulletproof Breastplate Saves
Deadly ‘Deacon Jim’
“Deacon Jim" Miller, the prime
suspect in the am-
bush of Pat
Garrett and many
other murders-for-
hire, was lynched
in Ada, Okla. on
April 19, 1909. His
secret bulletproof
vest could not save
him from the rope.
A diabolical genius who never
depended upon mere luck, Jim
Miller was not just another fast gun.
Besides being a professional killer,
perhaps the first of his kind, he was
also a master at manipulating pub-
lic opinion to suit his own evil ends.
The grisly double homicide of an
elderly couple in Coryell County in
1874 proved to be an open-and-shut
case for the appalled authorities.
An eight-year-old boy had mur-
dered his grandparents.
No one knew what to do with little
Jim until his grown sister and her
husband came forward to request
custody. The youth stayed out of
serious trouble until a summer
night in 1884, when he shotgunned
his brother-in-law in his sleep.
This time the wheels of justice
shifted into high gear, and the teen-
ager was found guilty of the heinous
crime and sentenced to life impris-
onment. But in the first of an un-
canny series of legal reversals, the
conviction was overturned on ap-
peal.
Seven years and several killings
later, Miller wandered into the West
Texas town of Pecos. He immedi-
ately got on the good side of the lo-
cal sheriff by putting a notorious
rowdy in his place, and a grateful
Bud Frazer promptly pinned a
badge on the mysterious stranger.
In those live-and-let-live days, to
poke around in a man’s past was an
unpardonable breach of frontier eti-
quette because just about every-
body had a skeleton or two in his
closet. As a result, Sheriff Frazer
attached little importance to his
new deputy’s chilling juvenile
record much less his odd habit of
wearing a heavy black coat year-
round.
Perfect attendance at a Pecos
church so impressed pious mem-
bers of the community that they
bestowed upon Miller the reverent
nickname “Deacon Jim.” When a
sudden increase in cattle disap-
pearances aroused suspicion about
the newcomer, the indignant con-
gregation rushed to his defense.
Frazer stuck by Miller until a
prisoner in his care died under
questionable circumstances. The
talk around town was that the law-
man silenced the victim before he
could expose him as the brains be-
h nd the rustling ring. Having
heard enough, the sheriff fired his
a de.
Miller lost a bid to replace his
former boss as county sheriff but
accepted the post of Pecos town
marshal as a consolation prize.
Within days the peaceful oasis was
overrun by Miller’s cronies, who
had a criminal field day at the ex-
pense of the cowed citizens.
To safeguard their nefarious em-
pire, Miller and his clique of cut-
throats plotted to remove Sheriff
Frazer from the picture. A tip from
the loyal county clerk alerted the
target in the nick of time, but the
informant paid with his life.
Pushed over the edge by the cold-
blooded act of revenge, Frazer con-
fronted his archenemy on a Pecos
street on Apr. 12,1894. “Jim, you’re
a thief and a murderer!” he
screamed a split second before
emptying his six-shooter into Miller
at point-blank range.
Leaving his ex-deputy for dead,
Frazer strolled back to his office a
happy man unaware that a steel
breastplate hidden beneath the
omnipresent black coat had pre-
vented a fatal wound. Learning
Miller had somehow survived, the
sheriff could only surmise that he
had missed the mark.
Voted out of office at the next
election, Frazer moved to New
Mexico but returned over Christ-
mas to tidy up his affairs. Either by
accident or design, the two antago-
nists tangled again.
Miller took a bullet in the right
arm, another in a leg, and two more
in the chest. Once more Frazer
walked away the apparent victor
oblivious to the fact that the iron
undershirt had saved his
opponent’s life a second time.
Figuring he might not be so for-
tunate the third go-round, Miller
carefully staged the final act of the
marathon melodrama. In Septem-
ber 1896, he tracked down Frazer
in nearby Toyah and caught him by
surprise in the local saloon.
The roar of a double-barreled
shotgun rudely interrupted a
friendly game of poker and left the
ex-sheriff a headless corpse.
Frazer’s brother-in-law, a tough
character in his own right, avenged
the bushwhacking by slaying
Miller’s two top guns, but by then
Jim was out of reach in the Pecos
jail.
When the case finally came to
trial in Eastland on a change of
venue, Miller had succeeded in
swaying the sentiments of prospec-
tive jurors with his patented imita-
tion of a God-fearing family man.
An easy acquittal freed the cunning
killer to resume his vicious career,
and for the next 10 years he left a
bloody trail across the Southwest.
Three Oklahoma cattlemen paid
Jim Miller to kill a rival rancher in
1909. Extradited from Fort Worth to
stand trial, the prolific assassin and
his employers were seized by a mob
and hanged in a livery stable.
Meridian
Livestock
Commission
Company
• Sale Every Monday •
Mike & Barbara Domel, Owners
Phone 254-435-2988
Home 254-435-2284
MARKET REPORT: DATE 4/10/00 NUMBER OF HEAD 947
No 1 Steers: Under 300 lb $120-152 50 300-400 lb $110-140 400-500 lb $95
$117 500-600 lb $88-109 600-700 lb $85-100 Feeders and Stockers Steady
No 1 Heifers: Under 300 lb $105-140 300-400 lb $95-120 400-500 lb $90-109
500-600 lb $85-95 600 700 lb $75-87 Feeders and Stockers Steady
Slaughter Cows: High Yielding $38 45 Lo\\ Yielding $35 37 Fats $36-40 Thin
& Shelly $32-38 (Steady)
Packer Bulls (1250-2075 lb.): Yield Grade 1 & 2 $52 58 ($1-2 Higher)
Cow & Calf Pairs: $700-875 Young Fair $600-700 Aged Pairs Split and weighed.
($10-20 Lower)
Young Pregnancy Test Stocker Replacement Cows: $575-760. (Steady
■ « v /% w w Now is the time for Pond and Lake
L I W |_J Stocking of Hybrid Bluegill. Florida Hybrid
■ x I I I Bass. Channel Catfish Fathead Minnows
M. A .%/ JL A Triplold Grass Carp and Black Crapple.
Permit required for the Triploid Grass Carp The Hybird Bluegill can ’
REACH the weight of 2’/a to 3 lbs We furnish your Hauling - '</
Containers We guarantee live delivery
Supplies Fish Feeders Turtle Traps Fish Traps Liquid Fertilizer Spawning Mats and Gift Certificates
Delivery will be SATURDAY APR 29 at the times listed lor the following towns am) locations
Temple
Temple Feed Supply
(254) 778-7975
7:30-8 30 a m
Belton
Belton Farm Coop
(254) 939-3692
9 30-10:30 am
Wacn
Brazos Feed & Supply
(254) 756-6687
11 30-12 30 p m
McGregor
Centex Ag Supply Coop
1-800-433-2950
1 30-2 30 pm
Clifton
Clifton Feed & Service Center Inc
(254)675-3416
3 30-4 30 p m
To Place Your Order ( all WO-777-2202 • Toll Free 1-800-473-2050
Far 580-777-2890 or Contact Your Local Feed Dealer
Fishery consultant available Discounts & Free Delivery are available on larger orders
DUNN’S FISH FARMS, INC.
P.O Bor 85. Fittstown. OK '4842
I* Ortandi Valuta
I* Western Union
Discounted
Cigarettes &
_ f S'00 eh*
Tobacco on»"
I* Most Checks^
Cashed at a 1% fee
I* TXU Electric and
TXU Gas Payments
Accepted at a 75c
fee each iccaotma ATI
0 EXPRESS 412-1300
Aminals
By David Sung
Hopscotch
Letters To The Editor
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank the follow-
ing people for their effort in help-
ing with the Big Event on Saturday,
April 8th. If not for the volunteer
help of these people, we could not
have had the success we enjoyed.
If your are worried about the
youth of this community, let the ac-
tions of the following young people
put your worries at ease. Their dili-
gence in duty, willingness to work,
and dedication to success should be
an example to all.
Thank you to David Smith,
Daniel Smith, Ryan Amundson,
Dean Williams, Lauren Propes,
Deanna Dahl, Erin Prueitt, Somer
Ryan, James Boyle, Zac
Henderson, Autumn Raines,
Alyson Moulton, and Cassie Mullins
for their expertise in serving and
cleaning up during and after the
Big Event.
A special thanks to Carol
Moulton for all of her help and guid-
ance through the entire affair.
The BCCFA would like to extend
its utmost gratitude for the efforts
of these people. As long as we have
great volunteers with a desire for
excellence, any endeavors we
choose to participate in are sure to
thrive.
I, personally, was very impressed
and appreciative of all these fine
people.
Sincerely,
Rhonda P Fields
Clifton
An open letter about displaying
VFW American Flags:
The VFW puts American flags
out in front of building on national
patriotic holidays. I hope to Giod I
never know the feeling of outliving
one of my children. However,
should this happen, I don’t want the
atmosphere to be one of a holiday
but one of solemn remembrance.
I think the world of the Kennedy
family and did not put the flags out
to slight them. To use post property
for other than stated reasons in our
by-laws calls for either a vote to be
taken at a regular meeting or a
called meeting in which the mem
bership is given at least 10 days’
notice of said meeting. We simply
did not have the time to get this
done.
Doc and Celia, if Our Post of-
fended you and your family, I am
truly sorry. My condolences and
mine and Carolyn's prayers, as well
as all member of the Post and its
Ladies’ Auxiliary, are with you at
this time of loss. If there is anything
we can do in the future to be of ser
vice, please call on me.
By the way, the post flag will be
floYvn at half staff as will the one at
the cemetery going out of town.
Yours in Comradeship and
Friendship,
Robert W (Doc) Cooper.
Adjutant VFW Post 8553
Military Order of the Purple
Heart Department Jr. Vice Com-
mander
Celebrate Earth Day
2000 With Free Booklets
PUEBLO, Colo. — April 22 marks
the 30th anniversary of Earth Day.
and you can save on your energy bill,
make your home energy efficient and
more with a free, earth-friendly Earth
Day 2000 package from the Federal
Consumer Information Center
While supplies last, you can get a
free package of up to seven publica
tions that cover everything from en
ergy efficiency around the home and
keeping your drinking water safe, to
learning more about endangered spe
cies and having safe fun in the sun
You can learn how to save money
on your energy bill while keeping your
home comfortable and energy effi
cient with Powertmart Easy Tips to
Save Money and the Planet, a free
booklet from the Alliance to Save En
ergy in cooperation with the Environ
mental Protection Agency and the
U S Department of Energy Find out
how to save money on home lighting
and in the kitchen and laundry room
by using energy efficient appliances
Use PowerSmart's helpful checklist
to find ways to save energy by using
energy-efficient technologies and by
adopting energy-conscious habits
Getting out and celebrating Earth
Day is great, but overexposure to the
sun can lead to skin cancer, eye dam
age and cataracts Find out how to
play it safe in the sun with the free
publication, The Sun. UV and You,
from the U S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency. Find out how to use the
UV Index, when to limit your expo-
sure to the sun and which types of
clothing offer the most protection.
The Sun, UV and You and
Power?mart are both included in the
free Earth Day package There are
three easy wavs to get vour free pub-
lications: Call toll-free i 888 878-3256.
weekdays 8 a m to 7 p m CDT and
ask for the Earth Day 2000 package:
send name and address to Earth Day
2000. Pueblo. CO 81009. or visit the
CIC website (www pueblo gsa gov)
and read or print out these and hun
dreds of other publications for free
GOMmiNGimtw
A.A. CAN HELP1
BOSQUE VALLEY GROUP
•MrCMoraTYUm emcxx
Strtay*&Rjstdey$»3pm
Call 24 Hours - (254) 764-3336
Clifton Chapter #283
Order of the Eastern Star
meets 2n0 Monday each
month at 7:30 p m in the
Masonic Lodge Hall, Ctfiton
kam Treadawy. Worthy Matron
flatter L May. Worthy Patron
Clifton Livestock Commission Co.
4 MILES SOUTH
OF CLIFTON
ON HWY 6
675-8657
AUCTION SALE EVE1T WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12 2000 HEAD COUNT 868
—No 1 Medium Fleeh 200-300 lb $130-160 300-400 lb $' 15-140 400-
500 lb $95-122 500-600 lb $90-m 600-700 lb $85-95
Heifer*—No 1 Medium Flesh 200-300 lb $110-140 300400 lb $100-120 400
500 lb $90-109 500-600 lb $83-109 600-700 lb $78-88
Cow S Ceif Pair*: $650-935
Choice Bred Cow* $525 725
P*cker Cow*: High Yielding $37-44 Fat Cows $36-40 Low Yielding $32 36 Old
& Shelley $26-30
Pecker Bull* $47 59
Stocker Steer*: Steady Feeder Steer* $- Lower Stocker Heifer* Steady Feeder
Heifer* $1 Lower Packer Cow* $‘ Lower Packer Bull* $1 Lower
Corrections,
Clarifications
Information On
Three-Vehicle
Wreck Incorrect
CLIFTON — A couple of facts in
the three-vehicle wreck story in
Friday’s issue of The Record were
incorrect.
Shelley Fossett was alone in her
vehicle, a 1992 Ford van, when it
was hit. She was not transported to
Goodall-Witcher Healthcare Foun-
dation according to the Clifton Po-
lice Department’s report.
The two children, ages 5 and 6,
were passengers in the vehicle
driven by Laura Fernandez.
Fernandez was transported to
Goodall-Witcher by North Bosque
EMS, states the report.
The Record is sorry for any con-
fusion the incorrect facts may have
caused.
Museum, Not Library
A cutline underneath a photo of
Alma Key, B.I. Dahl, and Glen Mel-
lencamp said a recent Lions Club
donation was intended for the new
civic library. Actually, the $2,000
from the special pancake supper
and the $800 in matching funds
from Aid Association for Lutherans
Local Branch #9210 was presented
to Key for use by the Bosque Me-
morial Museum.
The Clifton Record regrets the
error and any confusion or incon-
venience it may have caused those
involved.
Sgt. Davidson
Participates In
Mozambique Relief
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany—
Air Fbrce Staff Sgt Derek D. Davidson
participated in Joint Tbsk Fbrce Opera-
tion Atlas Response, previously named
Operation Silent Promise, in southern
Africa. Die operation is the U.S. Euro-
pean Command-led American military
effort to support humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief to the peoples of
Mozambique and neighboring countries.
Mozambique was flooded by torrential
rains and cyclones during February
which caused death, destruction, and
devastation, and left nearly a million
people homeless.
Die deployed Air Fbrce airmen are
regularly assigned to various units at
Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Members
included medical, civil engineer, finance,
logistics, contracting, communications,
maintenance, and air traffic controller
specialists, pilots, and navigators.
Die relief operation airlifted and air-
dropped tons of much-needed cargo,
equipment, and supplies such as food,
water, clothing, blankets, medicine, and
materials for temporary shelters.
Davidson is an instructor flight engi-
neer with the 37th Airlift Squadron. His
wife, Latasha, is the daughter of Thomas
Oliver of Cliftoa He is the son of Richard
D. and Louise Davidson of Cleburne. Die
sergeant is a 1992 graduate of Cleburne
High School.
Quality
Craftsmanship
Clifton Automotive
Body Shop
l_
Frank Smith, Owner
[ Same Place Since 19681
120 N.Ave.G, Clifton
(254) 675-8237
Hillside Pharmacy
Owned by Goodall-Witcher Healthcare Fnd.
(Located just inside Goodall-Witcher Hospital)
Darrell Higgins, RPh.
David Zschiesche, RPh.
101 South Ave T, Suite B
Clifton, Texas 76634
Competitive Prices - Fast Service - We Deliver
Telephone: (254) 675-4638
Emergency: (254) 675-8322
_ (ask tor Pharmacist)
Salvage Carpets
Full Lines of Carpet & Vinyl
Rolls & Remnants In Stock
Expert Installation Available
Laguna Park
Salvage Carpets
Vi mile west of the Whitney Dam, on Hwy. 22
Open 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday thru Saturday
(254)622-3458
STILL
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
NOW LEASING
A luxurious enviroment nestled serenely amidst the
pecans on the Paluxy River
• 2 Meals/Day in Elegant Restaurant • In House Banking • Post
Office • Beauty Barber Shop • Library • Fitness Center • Game
Room • Theater & Media Room • Weekly Housekeeping •
Courtesy Van • Bakery & Emporium & Ice Cream Shoppe •
Social Director • And More1
VERY UPSCALE SUITES • Gourmet Island Kitchens w/ all
Appliances • Marble Garden Tubs w/Jacuzzi • Glass Walk-.in
Showers • Private Patios w 'Scemc River View • All Utilities Paid •
Local Phone & Basic Cable • W-'D Every Suite • Intrusion & Fire
Alarms Every Suite • 9 Ceilings, Hardwood, Ceramic Tile, and
Plush Carpeting • Crown Moulding and Exquisite Cabinetry •
And More1
Contact Renee Wilson 254-897-3389
SANTA FE
Come look us over at our new location!
Town West
1412 N. Valley Mills Dr.
Waco. TX 76710
Western & Southwest furnishings
& home accessories & collectibles
• Friends of the Feather • Breyer • Franklin
Mint Knives • Mill Creek • American Legacy
Rodeo Sculptures • American Indian
Handmade jewelry, pottery, sand paintings,
6? drums & much more!!
254-776-6388
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Smith, W. Leon. The Clifton Record (Clifton, Tex.), Vol. 105, No. 31, Ed. 1 Wednesday, April 19, 2000, newspaper, April 19, 2000; Clifton, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth788980/m1/5/: accessed June 21, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Nellie Pederson Civic Library.