Umbrella Jim Miner

Scoundrels abounded across the United States as they looked for those who could be swindled.  They roamed around, setting up shop before moving on. 
  One of these fellows who worked the Mississippi river used the moniker of Umbrella Jim Miner because he'd begin his games under an umbrella in good or bad weather, rain or shine. 

In addition, he attracted players by using this song:
"A little fun, just now and then,
Is relished by the best of men.
If you have nerve, you may have plenty;
Five draws you ten, and ten draws twenty.
Attention given, I’ll show to you,
How ‘Umbrella’ hides the peek-a-boo.
Select your shell, the one you choose;
If right, you win; if not, you lose;
The game itself is lots of fun,
Jim’s chances, though, are two to one;
And I tell you your chance is slim
To win a prize from Umbrella Jim."

For this he was granted the nickname of "Poet Gambler" and if you read the ditty carefully, you'll notice he is warming people they will not win.  He was master of the three shell game to test people's observing ability. Viewers saw him place a small pea under a walnut shell before moving the shell around and allowing people to bet on the location of the pea.  He was a swindler so they didn't see him remove the pea as quickly as he'd put it there.  Once in a very long time, he'd let someone one win but 99% of the time, the house won.

 He moves the shells around and gives people a chance to bet on which one contains the pea but usually, there is no pea there so the person loses.

He plied his trade in the 1800's to the point he was one of the best known con men running the three shell game.   He ran the games on landings or on luxurious riverboats where he'd capture his victim's attention and participation.

Although we know he was the father of this type of con game in the 19th century there is very little information known about his actual life.  He is described as a man in a derby hat wearing fashionable clothing but is most well known for the short con or a swindle that takes a few minutes to run and the shell game fits this description.  I can't find out where he was born, where he died or any other personal information.

Let me know what you think about a character who existed but is only known for his con.  Have a great day and I'd love to hear from you.