Bill Miner

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Ezra Allen Miner (December 27, 1846 – September 2, 1913), more popularly known as Bill Miner, was an American bandit, originally from Michigan, who served several prison terms for stagecoach robbery. Known for his unusual politeness while committing robberies, he was widely nicknamed the Grey Fox, Gentleman Robber or the Gentleman Bandit. He is reputed to have been the originator of the phrase "Hands up!" Legend has it that Bill Miner admonished his cohorts to fire their guns when in danger of capture but "do not kill a man". Ezra Allen Miner was born on December 27, 1846, in Vevay Township, Michigan. Known as Allen to his family, he began using William (Bill) as his first name by April 1864, when he was recruited into the Union Army at Sacramento. He deserted from the army three months later. Miner was arrested for the first time in 1866 in San Joaquin County, California and served time there. He was shortly released but served more time at Placer County, California and later at Calaveras County, California. He was discharged in 1880.