Chinese Sheepherder Found Hanging in His Cabin

On July 2, 1886, a Chinese sheepherder employed by Tom Mills was found hanging in his cabin south of Silver Bow, Montana. The Montana Post and Butte Semi-Weekly Miner both reported uncertainty over whether he had committed suicide or been murdered, and a coroner’s inquiry was promised. The latter newspaper referred to the dead Chinese man as “defunct," and concluded with complete disregard for the unfortunate Chinese sheepherder: “The celestial sheep‑herder seems to vacillate between suicide and murder.” No clear resolution has yet been found, so the case remains a possible lynching in the archive.