Paris S. Pfouts was a merchant and store owner in Virginia City, M.T. in the 1860's. He was a highly respected citizen. He became the President of the Vigilante Committee and took the oath with others on the 23rd of December, 1863. As the President, he was authorized to appoint the Captains and raise companies when needed. The rules of the committee specified "the only punishment that shall be inflicted by the committee is death". Pfouts presided over the trial and hanging of many but namely Frank Parish, Club Foot George, Boone Helm, Jack Gallager, and Haze Lyons.
