Democratic enquirer. [volume] (M'arthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1867-1873, 1868-08-27

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dreadful one for themselves. Two Of the
brothers were shot dead while six Of the
others were badly wounded several Of
them mortally, when the rest Of them
were glad to withdraw for the time. This
affair caused the most unbounded excite
ment throughout Arkansas. The thought
that the chivalrous and highly popular
John Hill could be identical with the
notorious robber Nixon Curry was stagger-
| ing to hundreds Many for time refused
to believe it.
Perhapsthe state Of public feeling can
best be shown by the two following ex-
tracts from the Little Rock Gazette. The
FIRST appeared when Hill became so popu-
lar during the days Of the convention; ~
"Among the truest friends Of the people
of all in the present convention, may be
named John Hill, of ST. Francis. His en-
erey eloquence and courage fully entite
him TO the place he holds, and, as we trust,
will long retain--that Of the leader Of the
Arkansas democracy"
The second extract is taken from the
same paper for May, 1S4O:
"B1ooDY AFFRAX.-k desperate rencon-
ter occurred in St Francis last week. Two
distinguished citizens were killed, and
three others dangerously wounded. The
difficulty resulted from an attempt to ar
rest John Hill, member OF the last legis-
lature, and formerly of the state conven-
ton, who, it is alleged, is the notorious
robber, Nixon Curry, who committed such
atrocities fifteen years ago, in the noun
tains of North Carolina" h'
A requisition was sent by the Governor
of North Carolina, demanding the surren-
der of Nixon Curry. The Governor OF Ar
kansas published an additional reward for
the arrest of John Hill; and thus between
the two, it seemed as if it was about up
with the victim.
HYll packed up hastily, and set out with
his wife and children for Upper Arkansas,
where he knew Of the existence ofa band OF
desperadoes that he had reason to believe
would protect him. He was pursued by
over hundred of the citizens, many Of
them unarmed, and attending only for the
purpose of witnessing the sport and secur-
ing part of the munifcent reward that
was offered for his apprehension. Hill was
overtaken at Conway Court House by these
men, and hating his wagon, and admon-
ishing his wife and children to keep their
places, he marched forth with his death
dealing gun.
The gallantry of the action, and Hills
incredible bravery, operated in his favor.
Many were unwilling to hurt so intrepid
character; others were afraid; panic was
created, and Hill pursued his way unfno'
; iested s
Subsequent attempts were made to ar.
rest him, but all resulted tragically or lu-
dicrously to those attempting it. 1t was
known that Hill could never be taken alive,
and many began to believe that he could
not when dead also.
The constant pursuit and hunting him
{ changed his nature He became n1orose
and sour, and unable to follow any regular
business. He resorted to the gambling
table for the support of his family. He be
came drinker, too, and was speedily
} transformed into most bitter and quarrel
: some opponent
If Hill had been famous among the
mountains of North Carolina, he now be-
} came doubly 80 Excepting, perhaps, the
prince of duelists, James Bowie, there
never was q man who inspired moro terror.
+ Men who had acquired wide reputation
| for deeds of daring turned pale when they
| encountered John Hill. Bulies who sought
> quarrels on the slightest pretext accepted
: all manner Of insults from him, without q
single word of remonstrance
One day in September, l845, while
seated at the breakfast table, Hill burst In
TO tears.
!. "What is the matter, dear2" inquired
: his wife.
II have had dreadful dream. tits a
/ warning. know shall die before sunset.
| Together we have encountered perils and
] hardships; you abandoned wealth and po-
sition ior my sake, and you have never
, spoken an unkind word to me. We have
r loved from childhood and that love has
never known abatement. It is this that
: troubles me-not regard for self. 1t is in
, 'delibly impressed upon my mind that
shall die horrible death before sundown,
and the thought that it, viii distress you,
/ also distresses me-"
, These were the exact words Of Hill, as
testified by his wife and children. His
: wife told him
, Then, my dear husband, do not go to
J court to-day" i| lF'
(The Circuit Court of Pope county, in
which Hill resided, IL should be remarked,
was then in session. ry
Eyes, my wife, l must CO." he replied.
When amar's time has come he should not
seek to avoid death, but meet it bravely" r"
Then turning to his son William, o bright
boy of 13, he told him to go and get the
Bible, and upon it he made him swear to
kill the man that killed his father.
"Here comes Moses Howard, father, he
will protect you," remarked Mary, the
eldest daughter, as she deserted the young
man approaching.
The youth, who was fine, powerful
looking man, chatted few minutes with
the family, and then went out with Hill,
who shaved and dressed himself with par
hcular neatness, and embraced his wife
with the warmest affection, and with tears
in his eyes, before leaving
As soon as the two reached town, Hill
began drinking deeply and showed q more
quarrelsome disposition than ever He in
suited everybody that crossed his path, and
all the entreaties Of the young man failed
to pacify him. Finally he declared that
he would clear the courthouse and dashed
into the courtroom with fury depicted on
his countenance. Judges, lawyers, jury,
spectators, all made rush for the door.
One man who Jagged behind was seized by
Hill and beaten numerically.
Young Howard caught hold Of the infuri-
ated man and attempted to restrain him,
when, glaring like tiger, he turned upon
the youth and struck him to the earth.
Before be could rise Hill sprang on him,
and commenced pounding him. %
For Gods sake, stop Hill Don't you
know me, your friend Howard?" 70
Hill seemed to grow more furious each
moment, and finally clutched pistol, de-
termined to take his friends life. Howard
seeing the crisis had come, seized the
bowie-knife that protruded from his vest,
and buried it in his bosom.
"The dream is fulfilled r exclaimed Hill,
with smile Of singular sweetness that lin
gered on his naturally handsome face after
he was corpse He then died without q
groan- -----g e8 cad
Howard looked down into his face, as if
unable to realize what he had done. Then
he burst into tears.
80