Beidler, John Xavier

Beidler, John Xavier

(1831–90) vigilante; born in Mountjoy, Pa. A "jack of all trades," he was a saloon owner, a ruthless vigilante, and the collector of customs for Montana and Idaho (1886–90). He was present at the apprehension and the hanging of dozens of outlaws in Montana (1863–65), including the notorious bandit Henry Plummer.