Bill Miner

Bill Miner
Bill Miner in 1906 photographed by Mary Spencer
Born1847[1]
DiedSeptember 2, 1913(1913-09-02) (aged 65–66)
NationalityAmerican
Other namesW. A. Morgan, George W. Edwards, Ezra Allen Miner, Grey Fox, Gentleman Robber, Gentleman Bandit
Occupation(s)stagecoach robber, train robber
Known forreputed to have been the originator of the phrase "Hands up!"

Ezra Allen Miner (1847 – September 2, 1913), more popularly known as Bill Miner, was an American bandit, originally from Kentucky,[2][failed verification] who served several prison terms for stagecoach robbery. Known for his unusual politeness while committing robberies, he was widely nicknamed the Grey Fox, Gentleman Robber or the Gentleman Bandit. He is reputed to have been the originator of the phrase "Hands up!"[3] Legend has it that Bill Miner admonished his cohorts to fire their guns when in danger of capture but "do not kill a man".

  1. ^ a b ""Old Bill" Miner Dead". The Manning Times. Manning, South Carolina. 10 September 1913. p. 9. Retrieved 3 February 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ "Story of Bill Miner". Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 2008-10-03. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
  3. ^ "TRAIN ROBBERY IN CANADA". Sacramento Daily Union. Vol. 48, no. 7379. 27 November 1874 – via California Digital Newspaper Collection.