Killing at Poplar Grove
Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 5:43 pm
Gunshot nickel horn with story purchased from Bill Shawver (age 90+) in 2009. Jerry Blais
On October 31st, 1909, in the Best Chance Saloon at Poplar Grove, Montana, Hank Calverson was killed by a single gunshot fired by Billie Milner. To the local population Milner was known as "Blind Billie" because of the thick eyeglasses he wore. On that evening, Blind Billie was involved in a game of faro and was in a foul disposition from a combination of gambling losses and too much drink. After one losing hand, he demanded that the bartender quiet the gramophone. When that wasn't done immediately, Blind Billie fired his revolver at the talking machine. The single shot passed through the horn and fatally stuck Hank Calverson. Milner claimed that the death was unintentional but he was tried for murder. A week prior to the shooting, Milner and Calverson were seen arguing. The argument was over a local dancer and working girl named Tillie Parker. Hank Calverson had a reputation with the local entertaining ladies and was affectionately known as "Handsome Hank". The prosecution made passionate claims that the killing was motivated by jealous rage. The jury was not convinced and Blind Billie Milner was acquitted. He soon left Poplar Grove and was not seen again.
On October 31st, 1909, in the Best Chance Saloon at Poplar Grove, Montana, Hank Calverson was killed by a single gunshot fired by Billie Milner. To the local population Milner was known as "Blind Billie" because of the thick eyeglasses he wore. On that evening, Blind Billie was involved in a game of faro and was in a foul disposition from a combination of gambling losses and too much drink. After one losing hand, he demanded that the bartender quiet the gramophone. When that wasn't done immediately, Blind Billie fired his revolver at the talking machine. The single shot passed through the horn and fatally stuck Hank Calverson. Milner claimed that the death was unintentional but he was tried for murder. A week prior to the shooting, Milner and Calverson were seen arguing. The argument was over a local dancer and working girl named Tillie Parker. Hank Calverson had a reputation with the local entertaining ladies and was affectionately known as "Handsome Hank". The prosecution made passionate claims that the killing was motivated by jealous rage. The jury was not convinced and Blind Billie Milner was acquitted. He soon left Poplar Grove and was not seen again.
