Vol. Three
For The Years 1928 - 1934
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ALL NATIONS CONTRIBUTE TO PERSONNEL OF MILLER BROTHERS WILD WEST SHOW SEEN HERE August 24, 1928--the Mansfield News-- Indians in war headdress, Cowboys in chaps and spurs, Cossacks in red boots, Vaqueros in peaked sombreros and foreign cavalry men in god a uniform came to Mansfield yesterday with a Miller Brothers one on one Ranch Wild West Show and gave a creditable performance at the Fairgrounds. The constituted one of the most picturesque hosts ever to invade the city and the jingle of spurs, the trumpeting of elephants, the clatter of hundreds shod hoofs, the rumble of tableau wagons fused into a weird medley. Strange dresses evidently the rule among the 1400 people with the show and the famous coat of many colors worn by the late lamented Joseph would seem a drab thing in comparison. The entire show was thrilling in deed. Not only youngsters marveled at the feet of the Cowboys and girls with awe at the bronzed-skin and high cheek-and boned Indians, but the older "boys and girls" were as favorably impressed. It is seldom that people are privileged to see the real Indians in their native costumes. The Cheyenne squaw, Mrs. Creeping Bear and papoose were seen in the Indian village fete with other Indian children, warriors and women grouped about their teepees for the ceremonial dances and the famous Albert Hodgini Indian bareback writing act, featuring here it, Lara and Albert Hodgini. The 101 Ranch show, backed by the famous one on one Ranch of 110,000 acres, were hundreds of cowboys and Indians carry on just as their father's did in the reckless days of 1879, also contains troopers from the world's famous regiments, the Horse guards of the British, the celebrated English Lancers, the platoon of French Dragoons, a detachment of the old Imperial German armies world-noted regiment, the Death Head Huzzaras, a squad of crack Indian cavalry, a troop of Mexican Rurales and a detachment of U. S. cavalry, they compete in drills, Battle exercises and equestrian. Something that is seldom seen in Mansfield is steer writing, a cowboy pastime. Many members of the Company entered into this difficult, hazardous and tricky business. Other unusual features that are usually only seen in motion pictures were the Indian buffalo hunt, a covered wagon spectacle which was historically authentic, the Deadwood-Ponca City stagecoach and the Pony Express. The opening spectacle was "Julius Caesar." This was done on an elaborate scale with beautiful costumes of contrasting color. Roman spurt is a painting in chariot races before Caesar and the Coliseum and the introduction of Cleopatra and W. B. Fowler is bandmaster, while George L. Miller is general manager; the sack Miller, director general and Albert Hodgini arena director. TO BE HERE JULY 4 June 28, 1930--Indiana Evening Gazette-- The location of the visit of the 101 Ranch real Wild West appeals to these deep-seated partialities. A patron will live again the old days of the American West. You will be transported back to the time when the white men plunged into an unknown country, braving with dauntless curried to its unknown perils, when the savage red man or home to the plains and valleys, undisputed sovereign. You will cut yourself loose from the present and travel back from steam engines and factories to the source in origin of the west of today. You will mingle with adventurous pioneers, Scouts, hunters, chieftains, afore time chased fleeing herd or defeated foe and primitive Cowboys who rode the trackless prairie. You will see unfolded before you the role of their eventful history and then to descend step-by-step to the living present, as exemplified on the great 101 Ranch, still resisting the encroachments of Homestead occupation. Col. Zack T. Miller, director general of the great 101 shows, will be here July 4th--personally present his Congress of Rough Riders of the world at both performances, 2 and 8 p.m. 11 A. M. is the hour set for the starting of the wonder Street parade. As a convenience; downtown ticket office will be established, show day, in Hall's bookstore, Philadelphia Street and show grounds have been leased by the big 101 Ranch Shows at Carter Ave. circus grounds. 101 Ranch is the biggest independent show in the world and has no connection to the Circus trust. |
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DAMAGE SUIT IS STARTED AGAINST THREE CIRCUSES April 6, 1931—The Sheboygan Press-Sheboygan, Wisconsin—Chicago-- A $1,040,000 damage suit charging the Sells-Floto Circus, Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey and affiliated concerns conspire to Crete eight a monopoly in the Circus business was filed in United States District Court today on behalf of the Western show Company, the Zack T. Miller and the Miller Brothers 101 or Ranch. The bill of complaint, filed by attorney Henry J. Johnson of Enid, Oklahoma, charges the defendants with area's ill legal acts in the execution of their conspiracy. Among them was the "enticing" of Tom Mix, movie actor, from the employ of the plaintiff to that of the Sells-Floto Circus at a weekly salary of $12,000. This was done, the complaint charges, after Mix had been widely advertised by the plaintiff. It is also charged that the defendants caused the facing of the plaintiff's advertisements and spread false propaganda as to their financial standing. Many other performers, not named in the bill, are alleged to have been lured by the defendants in an effort to eliminate competition of independent Circus shows and create a monopoly. Save CROWDS FLOCK TO CITY FOR 101 RANCH WILD WEST SHOW Streets Are Packed for Parade; Many new Thrills Are Offered by Death Defying Hosts May 13, 1931—The Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune—(Chillicothe, Missouri) Its circus day and Chillicothe is host to thousands of extra visitors today as a result. Crowds lined the street as painted Indian Chiefs, cowboys, cowgirls, blaring bands and sauntering elephants wound their way about the city this morning and what is now the largest circus parade in the country. Then this afternoon, all paths led to South End Park where the big matinee performance was in progress. The evening performance will begin at 8 o’clock. Following that performance the show will be on its way to Macon to greet new crowds and furnish new thrills. The two big trains carrying the show arrived in the city at 7 this morning. It came from a two-day stand in Kansas City where it played to capacity crowds. Among the thrills promised circus fans here are: Whitey Klein, a famous elephant trainer, with his herd of pachyderms, performing many new and novel tricks that have never been seen at any circus since the day of Julius Caesar. "Suicide" Ted Elder, presenting one of the super thrills of the 20th century, standing on the backs of two thoroughbred horses while they jump over an automobile. Many have tried to duplicate this dangerous feat but lost their nerve and Elder is the only man today who has successfully attempted this feat. Marie Brown, one of America's horsewomen, is seen with her famous stallion that once ruled the mighty herd of the Sultan of Arabia. From the stables of the Sultan to the 101 Ranch, the mighty stallion, trained by Marie (Ma) Brown, he is one of the features of the big show. Selma Zimmerman, the only Lady trainer of elephants in the world, will be seen putting the mighty beasts through their paces and "Babe", the big shot of the herd, acts as sergeant of arms and when any of the other elephants get out of line, Babe, at a signal from Selma, puts ‘em in their place. Gladys Siebert, one of America's greatest trainers of horses will be among the notables of the big show. Her famous dancing horse presents all the dances from the old-time waltz, to the latest jazz-mad dance of today. Their will be two performances today, 2 and 8 PM. |
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CIRCUS MEN, HERE TODAY, FACES BIG SUIT, BY HIS WIFE Owner Of The 101 Ranch Show Is Sued For $100,000 By His Divorced Wife May 13, 1931--the Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune--—(Chillicothe, Missouri) Ferriday, Louisiana--The $100,000 slander and defamation of character suit against her divorced husband, Col. Zach Miller, Ponca City, Oklahoma, Ranch man and owner of the 101 Ranch show, was filed here today by Mrs. Marguerite B. Miller. Judge F. E. Jones said he was seizing property at Catahoula which would be sold by Sheriff C. C. Finley June 15, to allow Mrs. Miller funds to pay creditors. Mrs. Miller said the filing of suit and seizure of Miller's property are the first steps she is taking to collect property settlement and alimony owed her. DEFIANT ZACK ARRAIGNED IN ASSAULT CASE March 25, 1932--The Sheboygan Press-Sheboygan, Wisconsin —- Newkirk, Okla.—Col. Zack Miller, who used his shotgun yesterday to drive from his 101 Ranch White House two receivership attorneys, was arraigned today on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon. The pioneer showman and rancher, his voice trembling with emotion, pleaded not guilty. Col. Miller, his physician and attorneys back of him in a semi-circle, stood before County Judge R. M. Parkhurst to enter the plea. Zack Seriously Ill His friends had to help him up the steps of the large stone court house. He was seriously ill, his physician told the court, and the trip endangered his health, impaired by worry over futile attempts to save the ranch from creditors. Judge Parkhurst ordered his release all on $1500 bond which was signed by Harry Cragin and W. H. Voucher, Ponca City, his life-long friends, and put him under $1000 peace bond. Hearing on the charge was set for April 15. it was against this auction of ranch property which he called "legalized robbery," that the last of the famous Miller Brothers fired a shotgun toward the heels of two receivership attorneys yesterday. Neither was injured. Then the 52-year-old pioneer, who with his father, George Washington Miller, and his two brothers, Joe and George, established the vast ranch of 101,000 acres, went back to bed and defied anyone to molest him and his home. To Refused To Extend Time One trouble arose when Receiver Fred Clarke, former manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, on order from District Judge Claude Duvall, refused Miller a 24-hour extinction in which to set forth his personal property as distinguished from that of the 101 Ranch trust, Paul Potter, the rancher's attorney and brother of the prosecutor, said. At the same time the court permanently enjoined Miller from claiming this property. "Settlement of ranch affairs will not be just a quiet routine," Judge W. E. Rice, one of Miller's attorneys said today. "It will not be fought with firearms but with legal tomes; the Col. was a very sick men and Be blamed for acting rashly but he has cooled down now and there will be no trouble. |
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SENTENCE FOR 101 RANCH OWNER Colonels Zack Miller Must Remain Until Fine Is Paid November 28, 1932--the Mansfield News— Colonel Zack Miller, of 101 Ranch ll, must remain in jail until he can pay $150 on the contempt of court judgment, a district court has ruled. The veteran show man and rancher was ordered committed to jail when he was found guilty of contempt in connection with his failure to pay alimony to his estranged wife, Mrs. Margaret Blevins Miller. Governor W. H. (alfalfa Bill) Murray, reported to have said he would pardon Miller immediately upon his sentence, commented: "I have nothing to say" when informed of the court's action. MILLER SEEKS TO SAVE 101 RANCH THROUGH U. S. LAW December 23, 1934--Nevada State Journal-- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma--A rich empire of ranches, oil fields and farmland, known as Col. Zack T. Miller's famous 101 Ranch, tonight was in the "pop" in a poker game of big business. Miller, a noted show men and territorial pioneer and his cowboy lawyer, Sid White, expect to reveal and "Ace in the hole" by filing suit under the Fraser-Lempke act to save the estate built up by his father near what now is Ponca City. Estimates in the millions have been made of the value of the Ranch, which once comprised 101,000 acres, or an area as large as the city of Cleveland, Ohio. Miller faces dispossession on January 1, for failure to meet a $600,000 mortgage. Miller already has seen his "101 Ranch Circus" go in the game. His remaining properties will be taken only by force, he says. Once, in the past, he prevented a foreclosure by routing attorneys with a shotgun. As Miller sees the poker game, his adversaries are Lou Wentz, millionaire Ponca City oilman who recently sought to purchase the St. Louis Cardinals and insurance companies including the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. Miller is working now to save a tract of 17,000 acres containing oil wells. MAY TRY TOM MIX . ON VERY PASSE CHARGES TO April 5, 1934--The Helena Daily Independent-- Newkirk, Oklahoma--Alleged "embezzlement of a horse" by Tom Mix, a quarter of a century ago, may bring the famed western movie star to District Court here May 5. The case was called to the attention of Judge Clarence Duval by Colonel Zack Miller of the 101 Ranch at it. His brother, the late George L. Miller, filed the complaint in April, 19 nine. The complaint centers about the alleged "embezzlement" of " Bologny," a spotted gelding carrying the 101 brand, valued by the Miller's at $75. Court records indicate Mix waved pulmonary hearing on October 31, 1910 and was released on $1000 bond furnished by Clyde Sharp, Kaw City cattleman. The son of the attorney who represented Mix at the original action will defend him at the coming trial. He is Neal Sullivan, Newkirk lawyer, son of the late Sam K. Sullivan. ZACK MILLER GUARDS HOME WITH SHOTGUN Ranch Man Trouble By Litigation Over Sale Of 101 Ranch Show March 24, 1932--Appleton Post Crescent—(Appleton, Wisconsin) Marland, Oklahoma--Armed with a shotgun, Col. Zack Miller barricaded himself in his "White House" home at the 101 Ranch today and virtually defied officers to come and get him, after firing a shot which caused two lawyers to flee. Selma, "the elephant girl" of the now defunct 101 Ranch Wild West show, was in the ranch house with the pioneer showman and plainsman. A cordon of deputy sheriffs was placed about the house, but no effort was made to invade it. The shooting occurred as preparations were underway for placing on the auction block today the personal properties of the ranch to satisfy the claims of creditors. Neal Sullivan and R. O. Wilson, attorneys for the receivers, visited the imposing "White House" to discuss details of the auction with Miller, who has been ill and troubled with litigation over the forced sale of the ranch and the wild west show and family difficulties which resulted in a divorce. In Heated Argument
When the lawyer's entered there was an argument that grew warmer and warmer. Interrupting the
conversation, Miller rose from his bed and left the room. Sullivan said he was standing with
his back to the door through which the ranchman left. Wilson set facing the door.Sullivan heard Wilson exclaim "my God, Zack, don't get that out." At the same instant he heard the breach of a shotgun close. Without even turning to look, Sullivan bolted from the house as an explosion resounded at his back. Wilson said Miller shot into the floor, none of the shot struck the attorney. Wilson fled, leaving Miller in possession. The doors were slammed. A few minutes later Harold Mead, Kay County Sheriff, said he approached the house and was greeted by Col. Miller peering over a gun barrel poked through a window. Mead said he was ordered to leave at once. Bruce Potter, Kay County Attorney, called the home on the telephone. He said Miller refused to talk to him but indicated he might communicate later with W. E. Rice, Ponca City attorney. Sullivan demanded that Potter file a charge of assault with intent to kill against the ranchman. COL. ZACK MILLER HELD FOR HEARING Faces Charge Of "Assault With Dangerous Weapon" After Shooting March 25, 1932--Appleton Post Crescent—(Appleton, Wisconsin)-- Newkirk, Oklahoma--Col. Zack Miller, the last of the founders of the famed Miller Brothers 101 Ranch, was arraigned in County Court today on a charge of "assault with a dangerous weapon" and his preliminary hearing set for April 15. The colorful rancher and showman came at odds with the law yesterday when he fired a shotgun at the heels of one of two attorneys for Fred C. Clarke, receiver, in charge of an auction of the personal property of the ranch. The charge was filed early today. Friends furnished bonds totaling $16,000 for Miller's release. Haggard and worried, but calm after his armed protest of the auction which he termed "legal robbery," Miller appeared to be in a rather serious physical condition. He remained at the ranch last night after his arrest, with Bruce Potter, County Attorney and Potter's brother, Paul. Paul Potter said that examination of the shell fired by Miller while Neal Sullivan and W. O. Wilson, attorneys, were at the ranch "White House," to discuss the auction sale, revealed it had contained a buckshot instead of bird shot as previously reported. Meanwhile, the last four foreclosure suits against the ranch lands were postponed until April 13. Former Governor Harry S. Johnson, chief counsel for Miller disclosed that plans for refinancing the ranch through the Reconstruction Finance Corporation were underway. Three foreclosure cases against the Miller property have been lost by the ranchman. The fourth case had been postponed twice prior to today's delay. In this case both Miller and his divorced wife intervened to claim their right to the homestead site involved. FIVE BUFFALO DIE AS STAMPEDE RESULT April 1, 1932 Appleton Post-Crescent-- —(Appleton, Wisconsin) Ponca City, Oklahoma-- Five of the famous old 101 Ranch’s buffaloes have perished because they wanted to be free. Fred Clark, ranch receiver, said the shaggy beasts killed themselves in a spectacular battle royal when they were corralled by the cowboys Wednesday for shipment after a stampede yesterday. Col. Zack Miller, former owner of the herd, declared he believed the buffaloes were run to death by "green hands." Col. Miller is under bond on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon for firing a shotgun into the floor behind a receiver’s attorney last week in protest of an auction of the ranch. The buffaloes were part of the herd purchased by McClure and Teteers, El Dorado, Kansas, ranchers. |
Compiled and Submitted by Mollie Stehno