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'''James "Joe" Harris''' rancher with land on the divide between [[Custer Creek]] and the [[Yellowstone River]] (below [[Bufffalo Rapids]] north side of the Yellowstone).

[[7 May 1880]] Joe Harris turns himself in to Sheriff [[W. H. Bullard]] having killed two men following an argument over some hides. He refuses to discuss the events on advice of counsel, but rumors state that Harris claims self defense, having been kept prisoner by the men for a most of a day. He was able to get a "self-cocking" pistol and shoot the men to obtain his freedom. The men were well known as peaceful citizens of Miles City.

Harris is charged with the murders of "Dutch Mike" ([[Michael Droll]]) and [[William J. Sherman]]. There is a change of venue to [[Radersburg, MT]]. He is transported by [[W. H. Bullard]] and [[Hank Wormwood]]. During a jury trial he is acquitted.