The Conley Boys of Montana

The three Conley boys, Jack, Jim and Frank were sons of an Irish immigrant family, raised along the banks of the Susquehanna River in Maryland. After the death of their father when Frank was but 18 months old, the family relocated to Carroll, Iowa. During the same time, the newspapers were filled with stories of the U.S. Army and their campaigns against the combined native tribes in Montana and the Dakota Territories. The exciting and dangerous stories which celebrated the lives of those involved, was a call to action for all three boys. Montana Territory in the 1870's and 80's was a hostile environment where road agents, horse thieves and "bad men" infested the roads and towns alike. Native tribes were at war with settlers attempting to encroach on their lands, and the advent of the railroad brought a new species of troublemakers to towns along the Northern Pacific route. Other than a rare visit from one of the few U.S. Marshals assigned to the territory; the presence of lawmen was scarce. An unusual responsibility fell upon the few, fearless officers whose mission it was to enforce the law and maintain order, largely upon the force of their own edicts. The job of anyone with a badge, was filled with danger. A lone officer who would attempt to track down a criminal within the huge expanse of the territory, was a fearless man indeed. There were many desperate men who thought little of killing anyone out to bring them to justice. The more efficient and fearless an officer was, the more challenging and dangerous was the job. Legendary lawman Tom Irvine became the first elected sheriff of Custer County which included the town of Miles City. Irvine was the right man for the thriving and wild town, but the awesome and dangerous job of sheriff required deputies with experience, tested courage, and the confidence to handle whatever problem that came their way. Prior to his election as sheriff, Irvine worked alongside Jim and Jack Conley when they served as packers and guides for General Nelson Miles during the Indian wars. Irvine knew of Jack and Jim Conley's capabilities and was successful in recruiting both as his first deputies. Seventeen-year-old Frank had just arrived in Miles City and had always dreamed of working with his brothers, so he approached Irvine for a job. Irvine hesitated as he could not recall a deputy as young as Frank in the territory or any of the surrounding territories. But then again, there had never been brothers quite like the Conley boys. Frank was well over six foot at the time, had broad shoulders, a trim waist, powerful build, a mature manner, and appearance. All three of the brothers, especially Jim, were known as expert marksmen with the pistol, rifle, and shotgun. Jim assured Irvine he would vouch for Frank and be there if needed, to look out for him. Irvine trusted Jim's judgement, "If Frank is half the man, you and Jack are, Jim, I believe he would make an excellent lawman. Besides, there is only one way to find out." Sheriff Irvine was not disappointed, nor were the other lawmen and communities the Conley boys served over the next forty years. Jack and Jim both became effective and respected Sheriff's, stock detectives and U.S. Deputy Marshals. Young Frank became one of the longest serving Prison Wardens and city mayors in the United States. This is a story based upon real events, characters, and the lives of three remarkable brothers and lawmen: Jack, Jim and Frank, The Conley boys of Montana.