Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-09-01
extraordinary Series of Calamitles--s'ra"se Lie
of n Homicide.

Ext
of n Homicide.
1r,fortuuatezu Boyn-Bitten By Srakes--Nearly Kill
led bu Panter-Perseco.tioa IN Lore-inUolUedI
in Broils>-Sentenced to the Pe1ntent'dTy.
A writer in the Thomaston Watchman gives the
following singular biography o. James Hlghtower'
recently convicted of mansaughter in that county
Three wears in a dungeon, it seems, is nothing to
what he has endured:
About twenty one years ago young lady OF
this section of country, belonging to Respectable
family, became the victim OF vie seuucer lile
fruit was boy who is the sub ect of our narrative
His mother, as is the usually with those OF her
sex who are unfortunate, married man OF low breed
mo and in adverse circumstances, consequently her
son was destined to receive but limited share OF
education or moral training AT a tender age his
character was peculiar and in some respects very
extraordinary. When only seven years old he was
attending a sugarcane mill by some means his LETT
arm and hand were crushed, by which accldenC ne
forever lost the use of his hand
At the ace of ten he was bitten by rattle snake
being nearly alone on the place, he had TO- call 10
his ed N the presence of mind of which he was
master Fortunately, he used the proper antdote ;
and thereby saved his life In the short space OF
few months he was again bitten by one OF the same
species of reptiles by pursuing the same course as
heretofore, he was again rescued from the jaws OF
death.
Between the age of twelve and fourteen he made
several attempts to take the life of his stepfaher
which shows that he would not be imposed on
About that age he also snapped, several times,
loaded musket at a neg hbor. When fourteen years
old he was knocked down by lightning, and did not
recover for some time At the age of sixteen, he
was attacked while hunting in the woods, by very
large panther. The panther soon bore hlm down
he exhibited great presence of mind by 1egnlng
death. The panther then carried him into the swamp
covered him up with sticks and grass after when
he took his leave in search of prey. Our hero,
after the panthers departure, and made his es-
cape home. He badly torn-two OF his jaw
teeth were bitten oul, and many wounds were IN
| ffcted.
| But he was not thus TO die, for be very soon re-
covered, and very soon after his recovery gave his
step father severe whipping and left him. Except
| ing another slight shock by lightning, his path was
! smoohe until nineteen when he became enamored
of young lady though figuring in a higher sphere,
his superior in intellect and family, yet she smit
ten by the boy of misfortune, and resolved to marry
him, notwithstanding the opposition Of her relatives,
who made severe threats against our hero. But what
cared he who had successfully batted against rattle
snakes panthers and the powers of heaven, for
the threats of man. Nothing daunted, he continued
to urge his claims after finding all his efforts fol
a compromise unavaiIing, he commenced determined
course. He procured his license placed magistrate
at conspicuous point in the woods, and proceeded
himself foot to the house that sheltered her whom
he loved-secrety forced the door of her chamber
and conducted her about FIVE miles through the woods
to the place Of rendezvous.
Before arriving at the place upon which the by
neneal altar had been temporarily erected illumina
ted by the blaze of lightwood knots and the pale
rays of the moon, hero fell into his former path
of bad luck, for he was bitten by moccasion snake;
but he too we'll used snake bites to suffer that
occurrence to reard his progress at such momen-
tons crisis, and like brave and undaunted boy
pursued his course, and in accordance with his an
ticipations was lawfully married about twelve OF
one o'clock at night His moccasn bite did not long
: keep him in bed for he then possessed nurse Of
unceasing attention. After his final recovery, he
carried his wife to the home which he had provided
for her. hoping that his cup of misfortune was ther
full, and that he would enjoy tina: bliss attending
married life.
But he not destined long 10 enjoy that repost
which he so much sought He soon became entan
gled in quarrel with one Mr.. Wheeer,-the result
was: Wheeler was killed, and our hero, after
regular trial in a court of justice, was convicted
manslaughter. and now, at the age of twenty, ha
gone, leaving his wife, his anticipated babe and hi
sweet home, to the penitentiary here.to be ncarce
rated within its dismal walls for the space Of three
years, which to him must seem long, long WIZ
can contemplate his past life and not say Surely h
is the child of misfortune Have his misfortune
ended? Alas! who tell That fact is yet con
ceaied by the dark curtain of fuurity