John X. Beidler was born in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania and raised at Chabersburg. After a brief schooling he worked as a shoemaker and brickmaker. Later he moved to Kansas where he had a small farm.

During his time in Kansas he became a close associate of John Brown. When Brown was executed after the raid on Harper's Ferry, Beidler went to live in Texas. He also spent time in Colorado before settling in Virginia City, Montana.

Beidler eventually became a member of the local Vigilance Committee and on 14th January, 1864, he was the principal hangman of five outlaws. Later he worked as a guard on stage coaches and as a deputy marshal.

John X. Beidler died on 22nd January, 1890.