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Revision as of 17:49, 2 January 2025 by RadicalUranium (talk | contribs) (Restored some lost info)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) 19th-century criminal executed in Utah This article is about the 19th-century criminal. Not to be confused with other historical figures named Chauncey Millard.| Chauncey W. Millard | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1851 New York , U.S. |
| Died | January 29, 1869 (aged 18) Provo, Utah Territory, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Execution by firing squad |
| Other names | Candy Man |
| Occupation | Freight driver |
| Criminal status | Executed |
Chauncey W. Millard (c. 1851 – January 29, 1869) was a criminal in 19th-century Utah Territory convicted of murder. At the age of 18, he became one of the youngest individuals executed in Utah history. Millard admitted to killing his coworker, Harlan Swett, following an argument. His execution by firing squad gained attention for his decision to sell his body to a doctor in exchange for a pound of candy, which he reportedly ate in the hours before his death.
Early life
Chauncey W. Millard’s early life is poorly documented. He was reportedly born around 1851 in New York and was described as a "child of doubtful paternity." After being placed in a poorhouse at the age of six, he lived and worked there until being sent to labor for a farmer named Babbitt. Allegedly mistreated, Millard ran away at age 13 and began living a transient lifestyle. During the American Civil War, Millard was reportedly a bushwhacker who participated in robberies and killings. He later claimed to have killed five men before moving west.
In 1868, Millard was hired by Champion Mayfield, a freight driver, to transport goods from Salt Lake City to Nevada mining camps. Harlan Swett, another young freight driver, was also part of the group.
Murder and capture
On December 11, 1868, while the group camped near the western shore of Utah Lake, Millard shot and killed Harlan Swett during an argument. He then attempted to shoot Mayfield, firing four shots and hitting him once in the hand, but Mayfield escaped across the ice-covered lake to safety.
Mayfield’s escape and report of the murder prompted a manhunt led by Orrin Porter Rockwell, a well-known lawman. On December 17, 1868, Rockwell and his posse apprehended Millard near Cedar Valley. During his interrogation, Millard confessed to killing Harlan Swett and admitted to having a violent criminal past.
Trial and execution
Millard was tried and convicted of murder in Provo, Utah Territory. He was sentenced to death by firing squad, with the execution scheduled for January 29, 1869. With no family or associates to claim his remains, Millard sold his body to Dr. Don Carlos Roberts, who intended to use his skeleton for medical purposes. In return, Millard received a pound of candy, which he reportedly ate while awaiting execution.
On the day of his execution, Millard was seated in the execution chair and reportedly remarked on the snowy weather, stating that it was snowing just as it had on the day of the murder. Witnesses noted that he showed little emotion.
Legacy
Artifacts associated with Chauncey W. Millard, including a preserved piece of tanned skin and the gun used in the murder, are displayed at the Hutchings Museum in Lehi, Utah. Dr. Roberts reportedly used a portion of Millard’s skin to wrap medical instruments, while the rest of the body was accidentally destroyed during an unsuccessful attempt to clean the bones using lye.
Millard’s case remains a notable example of criminal justice in the Old West and is remembered for the unusual circumstances surrounding his execution. The Hutchings Museum continues to feature items associated with Millard as part of its efforts to preserve regional history.
References
- ^ Pat Reavy (June 16, 2010). "Utah Has Interesting History of Executions". Deseret News. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
- ^ "The Tale of Chauncey Millard". Hutchings Museum. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
- ^ "From the Vaults: Artifacts on Display at Hutchings Museum". Lehi Free Press. August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 24, 2024.