Charles P. Miller

Childhood

Charles P. Miller was born around 1851 in Texas to a county officer. His upbringing during the Reconstruction era was marked by what contemporaries described as "parental indulgence," which apparently contributed to his unruly behavior. By the tender age of 15, Miller had already developed a serious drinking habit and, according to historical accounts, had "fallen into bad company with both sexes." His behavior eventually led to his father disowning him, after which the young Miller began "riding the rails" until he reached New Orleans, Louisiana.

Career

Miller's gambling career began in New Orleans, where he worked as a "capper" for Major S.A. Doran at his Royal Street gambling establishment. It was during this formative period that Miller learned the intricacies of confidence tricks and "bunco steering"—a form of swindling where victims are lured into rigged gambling games.

After accumulating $35,000 from his work in New Orleans, Miller relocated to New York City, where he established a small gambling den. This establishment quickly gained notoriety in New York's criminal underworld as a "skinning dive"—slang for a place where patrons were routinely fleeced of their money.

Miller's operation was one of the largest bunco enterprises in the United States during the late 19th century. He was known to direct his schemes through henchmen, making criminal prosecution against him extremely difficult. Adding to his operational security was his extensive network of police and political connections, which afforded him considerable influence within New York City's legal system.

Miller's hunting grounds for wealthy victims included affluent communities and resorts frequented by New York high society, such as Long Branch, Nantasket Beach, and Richfield Springs. He operated his organization primarily during the summer months, spending the remainder of the year frequenting high-class establishments.

Revenue

Though exact figures are impossible to determine, historical records suggest Miller amassed at least several hundred thousand dollars throughout his criminal career—an enormous sum for the late 19th century. However, his lavish lifestyle consumed much of his ill-gotten gains. Miller was known to be a heavy gambler himself, often betting substantial sums on horse racing. Records indicate he once lost $20,000 (equivalent to over half a million dollars today) in a single day at the racetrack. He also abandoned playing faro after losing $18,000 in one sitting at a Saratoga gambling resort.

Interesting facts

Miller was said to maintain his headquarters at "a lamp-post on the southwest corner of Broadway and Twenty-Eighth Street, against which he could generally be found leaning."

Despite being a notorious criminal, Miller commanded extraordinary loyalty from his henchmen.

He initially joined a "gambling clique" upon arriving in New York, but once he had learned enough from them, he took a more knowledgeable partner and began competing with leading swindlers of the era.