In the summer of 1906, United States Deputy Marshal James H. Bush, a man committed to the law, met a tragic end in the wooded terrain of Polk County, Arkansas. Born in February 1872, the 34-year-old lawman had transitioned from farming to a dangerous new career, accepting his post in the Western District Court of Arkansas in December 1904. This path would lead him to a fatal encounter on June 27, 1906, while attempting to serve a warrant on a man named Martin Miller for illegally cutting and
removing timber from government land.
Accompanied by two possemen, Bush arrived at Miller's home near Camp Wilder, nine miles east of Hatfield. The marshal had been warned of the dangers he faced, having received death threats for his diligent enforcement of federal timber laws. This was not the first time he had crossed paths with Miller; a previous investigation into land fraud had led to shots being fired in his direction near the Miller residence. On this day, when Bush and his men hailed the house, Miller's wife emerged, denying her husband was present. Undeterred, Bush entered the home to verify for himself. An exchange of words escalated quickly to gunfire. A single shot from Miller's rifle struck Bush in the chest, and he staggered back outside before collapsing and dying. Bush had managed to return fire, wounding Miller in the process.
The following morning, the Polk County Sheriff arrived to find Deputy Bush's body about 30 feet from the porch. Miller, who admitted to the shooting, was taken into custody along with his wife, who was also believed to have fired at the lawman. The authorities confiscated several firearms and a large quantity of ammunition from the home. Martin Miller was jailed in Mena, but he would never face conviction for the murder of James Bush. On July 26, 1906, while still incarcerated, Miller died from a severe heart ailment. His wife had been released just days before his death. Deputy Marshal James H. Bush was laid to rest in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, leaving behind a wife and four children.
