James Chiles
Civil War Outlaw Activities
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Independence, Missouri
TIME PERIOD
September 21, 1873
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
On September 21, 1873, James J. Chiles, also known as Jim Crow Chiles, was killed during a confrontation with Deputy Marshal James Peacock in downtown Independence, Missouri. Chiles, a notorious Confederate outlaw and member of Quantrill's Raiders, had a violent history, including multiple indictments for murder and accusations of killing nine additional men. His criminal activities during and after the Civil War included involvement in the infamous Lawrence Massacre, where over 150 men and boys were killed. Following the war, Chiles struggled to reintegrate into society due to anti-Confederate sentiment, operating a saloon and gambling house in Kansas City before his death. The incident with Peacock marked the end of Chiles' violent legacy.
James Chiles is believed to have been involved in numerous violent acts during the Civil War, specifically with Quantrill's Raiders, leading to speculation that he may have contributed to the brutality experienced by pro-Union towns. His violent temper and history of murder, including a trial for killing a man over a comment about his manners, suggest that he was a dangerous individual who could have committed further atrocities. Additionally, some theorize that his family's influence and reputation may have shielded him from facing consequences for his actions, allowing him to continue his violent behavior unchecked.
The Notorious Life of James "Jim Crow" Chiles
A Man of Contradictions
James J. Chiles, born on May 1, 1833, in Jackson County, Missouri, was a man whose life was a tapestry of contradictions. Known to some as a charming gentleman, others saw only the menace lurking beneath his surface. The son of James Chiles, a state senator, young Chiles was raised in a family that was both well-respected and rife with its own controversies. His life, marked by violence and infamy, would eventually cast a shadow over the Young-Truman family, as Chiles' wife, Sarah Ann Young, was the sister of Martha Ellen Young Truman, the mother of future U.S. President Harry S. Truman.
In 1861, Chiles married Sarah Ann Young when she was just 16. At first glance, Chiles appeared to be a suitable match, coming from a family of early settlers who owned substantial land. However, beneath this respectable facade lay a man described as "the dark side of frontier life," an ominous figure prone to violent outbursts. In 1857, his explosive temper led to murder when a dining companion’s critique of his table manners provoked Chiles to kill him. Despite being tried for the crime, he was acquitted—a decision likely swayed by his family's influence.
Chiles earned the nickname "Jim Crow" for his adeptness in performing the "Jim Crow Set," a song-and-dance caricature of black people. His reputation was further tarnished by fines for racing and gambling on Sundays, alongside his brothers Elijah and Henry. His father and father-in-law, Solomon Young, were staunchly pro-slavery, a stance that inevitably shaped Chiles' own views and actions.
Riding with Raiders
The American Civil War provided the perfect backdrop for Chiles to unleash his darker instincts. He aligned himself with the notorious Quantrill's Raiders, a Confederate guerrilla group led by William Quantrill and "Bloody Bill" Anderson. This gang, infamous for their brutal tactics, included notorious figures such as Jesse and Frank James, the Younger Brothers, and Ike Flannery. Together, they wreaked havoc across pro-Union towns, leaving devastation in their wake.
One of their most infamous attacks was the Lawrence Massacre in August 1863, where they slaughtered over 150 men and boys and razed the town. In the same year, Chiles established a saloon, gambling house, and hotel in Sherman, Texas, which became a refuge for Jackson County expatriates. His penchant for violence persisted as he killed two men in gambling disputes.
Struggles After War
The conclusion of the Civil War did not bring peace to Chiles. The anti-Confederate sentiments rampant in Missouri made it difficult for former rebels to reintegrate into society. In Kansas City, Chiles tried to make a living by operating a saloon and gambling house, but his past continued to haunt him.
Chiles faced multiple indictments for murder, accused of killing three men and suspected in the deaths of nine more. His violent past caught up with him on September 21, 1873, in downtown Independence, Missouri. During a confrontation with Deputy Marshal James Peacock, Chiles met his end. Despite being shot, Peacock survived with a bullet lodged in his spine. The encounter turned deadly as Chiles' son, Elijah, retaliated by shooting Peacock, only to be killed by Peacock's son, Charles.
Sources
- Paul Kirkman (March 5, 2018). Missouri Outlaws: Bandits, Rebels & Rogues. Arcadia Publishing Incorporated. ISBN 978-1-4396-6411-7.
- Paul R. Petersen (2007). Quantrill in Texas: The Forgotten Campaign. Cumberland House Pub. ISBN 978-1-58182-582-4.
- David McCullough (August 20, 2003). Truman. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-0-7432-6029-9.
- Breihan, Carl W., "Quantrill and his Civil War Guerrillas", Promontory Press, New York, 1959.
- "Bushwacking in Missouri". The Iowa Historical Record. The Society. 1893.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder
James Chiles kills a man over a comment about his table manners.
Lawrence Massacre
Chiles participates in the Lawrence Massacre, killing over 150 men and boys.
Establishes Saloon
Chiles opens a saloon, gambling house, and hotel in Sherman, Texas.
Chiles Killed
James Chiles is killed by Deputy Marshal James Peacock during a confrontation.
Son Killed
Chiles' son Elijah shoots Deputy Marshal Peacock, who survives but is injured.
On September 21, 1873, James J. Chiles, also known as Jim Crow Chiles, was killed during a confrontation with Deputy Marshal James Peacock in downtown Independence, Missouri. Chiles, a notorious Confederate outlaw and member of Quantrill's Raiders, had a violent history, including multiple indictments for murder and accusations of killing nine additional men. His criminal activities during and after the Civil War included involvement in the infamous Lawrence Massacre, where over 150 men and boys were killed. Following the war, Chiles struggled to reintegrate into society due to anti-Confederate sentiment, operating a saloon and gambling house in Kansas City before his death. The incident with Peacock marked the end of Chiles' violent legacy.
James Chiles is believed to have been involved in numerous violent acts during the Civil War, specifically with Quantrill's Raiders, leading to speculation that he may have contributed to the brutality experienced by pro-Union towns. His violent temper and history of murder, including a trial for killing a man over a comment about his manners, suggest that he was a dangerous individual who could have committed further atrocities. Additionally, some theorize that his family's influence and reputation may have shielded him from facing consequences for his actions, allowing him to continue his violent behavior unchecked.
The Notorious Life of James "Jim Crow" Chiles
A Man of Contradictions
James J. Chiles, born on May 1, 1833, in Jackson County, Missouri, was a man whose life was a tapestry of contradictions. Known to some as a charming gentleman, others saw only the menace lurking beneath his surface. The son of James Chiles, a state senator, young Chiles was raised in a family that was both well-respected and rife with its own controversies. His life, marked by violence and infamy, would eventually cast a shadow over the Young-Truman family, as Chiles' wife, Sarah Ann Young, was the sister of Martha Ellen Young Truman, the mother of future U.S. President Harry S. Truman.
In 1861, Chiles married Sarah Ann Young when she was just 16. At first glance, Chiles appeared to be a suitable match, coming from a family of early settlers who owned substantial land. However, beneath this respectable facade lay a man described as "the dark side of frontier life," an ominous figure prone to violent outbursts. In 1857, his explosive temper led to murder when a dining companion’s critique of his table manners provoked Chiles to kill him. Despite being tried for the crime, he was acquitted—a decision likely swayed by his family's influence.
Chiles earned the nickname "Jim Crow" for his adeptness in performing the "Jim Crow Set," a song-and-dance caricature of black people. His reputation was further tarnished by fines for racing and gambling on Sundays, alongside his brothers Elijah and Henry. His father and father-in-law, Solomon Young, were staunchly pro-slavery, a stance that inevitably shaped Chiles' own views and actions.
Riding with Raiders
The American Civil War provided the perfect backdrop for Chiles to unleash his darker instincts. He aligned himself with the notorious Quantrill's Raiders, a Confederate guerrilla group led by William Quantrill and "Bloody Bill" Anderson. This gang, infamous for their brutal tactics, included notorious figures such as Jesse and Frank James, the Younger Brothers, and Ike Flannery. Together, they wreaked havoc across pro-Union towns, leaving devastation in their wake.
One of their most infamous attacks was the Lawrence Massacre in August 1863, where they slaughtered over 150 men and boys and razed the town. In the same year, Chiles established a saloon, gambling house, and hotel in Sherman, Texas, which became a refuge for Jackson County expatriates. His penchant for violence persisted as he killed two men in gambling disputes.
Struggles After War
The conclusion of the Civil War did not bring peace to Chiles. The anti-Confederate sentiments rampant in Missouri made it difficult for former rebels to reintegrate into society. In Kansas City, Chiles tried to make a living by operating a saloon and gambling house, but his past continued to haunt him.
Chiles faced multiple indictments for murder, accused of killing three men and suspected in the deaths of nine more. His violent past caught up with him on September 21, 1873, in downtown Independence, Missouri. During a confrontation with Deputy Marshal James Peacock, Chiles met his end. Despite being shot, Peacock survived with a bullet lodged in his spine. The encounter turned deadly as Chiles' son, Elijah, retaliated by shooting Peacock, only to be killed by Peacock's son, Charles.
Sources
- Paul Kirkman (March 5, 2018). Missouri Outlaws: Bandits, Rebels & Rogues. Arcadia Publishing Incorporated. ISBN 978-1-4396-6411-7.
- Paul R. Petersen (2007). Quantrill in Texas: The Forgotten Campaign. Cumberland House Pub. ISBN 978-1-58182-582-4.
- David McCullough (August 20, 2003). Truman. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-0-7432-6029-9.
- Breihan, Carl W., "Quantrill and his Civil War Guerrillas", Promontory Press, New York, 1959.
- "Bushwacking in Missouri". The Iowa Historical Record. The Society. 1893.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Murder
James Chiles kills a man over a comment about his table manners.
Lawrence Massacre
Chiles participates in the Lawrence Massacre, killing over 150 men and boys.
Establishes Saloon
Chiles opens a saloon, gambling house, and hotel in Sherman, Texas.
Chiles Killed
James Chiles is killed by Deputy Marshal James Peacock during a confrontation.
Son Killed
Chiles' son Elijah shoots Deputy Marshal Peacock, who survives but is injured.