James Arcene, a Cherokee Native American, was born around 1862. Details about his early life remain sparse, as records from the Indian Territory during that era are limited. He resided near Fort Smith, Arkansas, an area that was part of the Cherokee Nation. Little is known about his upbringing or family background. At approximately 10 years old, Arcene became involved in a crime that would later lead to his execution.

On November 25, 1872, James Arcene and fellow Cherokee William Parchmeal observed Henry Feigel, a Swedish immigrant, making a purchase in a store near Fort Gibson in the Indian Territory. They followed Feigel as he departed, intending to rob him. Approximately two miles outside of Fort Gibson, they confronted Feigel. Arcene shot Feigel multiple times, and both assailants then bludgeoned him with a rock. They stole his boots and approximately 25 cents before dragging his body into the brush.

The crime remained unsolved for over a decade. In 1884, Deputy Marshal Andrews reopened the case, leading to the arrest of Arcene on March 30 and Parchmeal on August 1. During the investigation, Parchmeal confessed to the crime, implicating Arcene as the primary perpetrator. Arcene also confessed, stating that he had been coerced by Parchmeal and was unaware of the gravity of his actions due to his young age at the time.

Both men were tried and convicted in March 1885. Despite appeals for clemency, including one directed to President Chester A. Arthur, the executions proceeded. On June 26, 1885, James Arcene and William Parchmeal were hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, under the jurisdiction of Judge Isaac Parker, known as the "Hanging Judge." Arcene's case is notable for being one of the youngest individuals executed for a crime committed as a juvenile in the United States.