New Biography Chronicles Life of Well-Known Prospector in Region That is Now Yellowstone Park

Author spent over ten years researching to create a comprehensive timeline of the life of Adam "Horn" Miller

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new book details the life of Adam "Horn" Miller, a legendary figure of the American West, who arrived in Montana Territory during the 1863 gold rush. Although he never struck it rich, he became an influential frontiersman and was a major figure in the area, helping to blaze trails and scout for the U.S. Army, actions that were critical to the region's development before its establishment as Yellowstone National Park.

Miller's life, previously confined to local lore and newspaper clippings, is pieced together in "HORN: The Life and Times of a Pioneer Prospector," by author Frederick L. Woody. Woody spent over ten years researching Horn, poring over historical documents, newspaper archives, and local records to create a comprehensive account. The book details Miller's years as a young riverboat hand and fight champion on the Missouri River before joining the gold rushes in California, Nevada, Colorado, and Montana. He was a scout for the U.S. Army, and a founding member of the Yellowstone A.O.s, a group of intrepid frontiersmen. His story is interwoven with historical figures like "X" Beidler, "Liver-eating" Johnson, John Bozeman, and General Oliver O. Howard.

"I began this project simply out of curiosity about the man who built a century-old cabin I used to visit," Woody says. "It became an obsession to bring his interesting story to a wider audience, to tell of the grit and resilience of the people who truly built the West."

Woody's connection to Miller's cabin began in July 1974 when he and his wife visited Yellowstone Park.   Her father, a seasonal park ranger, had organized a project to repair the dilapidated, century-old log structure, which was confirmed by locals to be Miller's cabin. This initial trip, during which they patched the holes in the roof and made other repairs, ignited a passion for the place and its history. For three years, the Woody's would return every summer and fall, driving from their home in Missoula, Mont. to the cabin deep in the remote mountains northeast of Yellowstone Park. Over time, the family made further improvements and created fond memories that fueled Woody's deep curiosity about the man who built it, ultimately leading to his extensive research for the biography.

"Miller's life was a testament to the adventurous spirit of the American pioneer," Woody added. "He discovered several big strikes, but circumstances prevented reaping great riches. Horn stood up for what was right and earned the respect of everyone who knew him."

"HORN: The Life and Times of a Pioneer Prospector"
By Frederick L. Woody
ISBN: 9781665778329 (softcover); 9781665778343 (hardcover); 9781665778336 (electronic)
Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author
Frederick L. Woody is an artist and educator. He received his MFA from the University of Montana, and taught for nearly four decades in Missouri, Montana, and Texas. He was twice named a "Texas Outstanding Art Educator," directed the creation of Austin's McCallum HS Fine Arts Academy,  and trained hundreds of future art teachers. To learn more, please visit www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/864794-horn.

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SOURCE Archway Publishing