The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-07-14
A NORTH CAROLINA OUTLAW.
Truth Stranger than Fiction.

4
Truth Stranger than Fiction.
| Many of the older citizens of Mecklenbure
county will remember the character mentioned in
the following interesting SKETCH which we copy
frosn an Iowa paper Nixon Curry was once
confined in the Jail at Charlotte, charged with
the murder of Benjamin Wilson. We learn
that Curry and man named Cowan escaped
from the Jail in this place sometime previous to
1880. Cowan was recaptured, but Curry es-
capped. Curry was a native of this county. and
We are informed that the sketch does not correct
represent his parentage and marriage, but in
other particulars is nearly correct.-ED. CHAR
1oTTE DEMOCRAT.
In the year 1S- there lived in Iredell county,
North Carolina, Presbyterian minister by the
name OF Curry. lie was man in comfortable
circumstances, of most excellent reputation with
| large family of sons and daughters. Among
these was boy by the name of Nixon, noted for
his sprlghtliness. his activity and courage.
Many are the incidents recorded Of his early
days. wherein he displayed his bravery and won
she respect and admiration of his schoolmates
He seemed impulsive, generous. and the possessor
Of many noble qualities.
From childhood Nixon Curry was in love- His
fair Was girl somewhat younger than him.
self, attending the same school with him. She
returned his affection and so ardently were they
attached to one another that. what is most rare
~ childhood, no rival was ever suffered to come
between them.
Thus they grew up in delicious dream of the
iature and as their years increased, so, appar-
! Ivy IyI fl,DS, e. A.
teen this was so evident that their parents posi-
lively forbade all interviews between them. Her
parents were the very f. F's of North Carolina,
and they had and could very easily secure more
brilliant prospects for her.
The natural consequences followed. The
lovers met by stealth and renewed their pledges
TO each other. Lucy promised that whatever
Should occur she would never wed any else,
and Nixon vowed to stand by her SO long as
breath of life remained in his body
At length, at the age of eighteen when Lucy's
relatives were doing their utmost to force her
ieto the arms Of another, she fed with her true
and devoted love. They were Immediately pur-
saed and oyertaken, when the enraged Nixon
curry, brought to bay, turned and shot his rival
z 4,d one of the others and renewed his flight
~ De spnrsuit was shnf bs4f a - Afa
~ Bfntains. near the sources OF the IataWpa.s
"a Here really begins the extraordinary career OF
Nixon Curry. Under the plea of necessity, he
took up the profession Of robber, and speedily
rendered his name famous by the number and
character OF his exploits. Without attempting
to give anJ of the Einor incidents, 1t should De
stated that the young robber never took life
for the sake of plumber, although he did 1t again
| and again to avoid arrest.
The Governor of North Carolina offered five
| thousand dollars for his apprehension, and many
| parties, tempted by the offer, engaged in the
pursuit They frequently gained sight OF the
| notorious bandit more than once the crack OF
his ath-dealing rife was heard from some ad-
! Joining rock; but never were they able to dis
cover his retreat or bring him to bay
Suddenly all rumors of his daring conduct
ceased and although the search was continued,
he was seen no more in North Carolina. 1t was
| Judged that his quarters were becoming too hot
for safety, and he had, therefore, prudently re-
moved while the opportunity remained to h,n,.
During the first settlement OF the fertile delta
bordering on the St. Francis. now in the State OF
Arkansas, an emigrant made his appearance, call
ing himself John Hill. He rapidly became the
most popular man In the settlement. Although
Of moderate means, he was sober, industrious
generous, and of extended hospitality, and such
continued to be his character in the country
which he had adopted for a period extending
| over a dozen years During all this time not g
quarrelsome word occurred between him and my
I ii his neighbors; and yet all knew that 1t was
from no lack of courage on the part OF Hill, tol
of all the hunters that pierced the jungles o
cane in the Great Swamp" or descended by
torchlight into the bowels of the Ozark Noun
tains. he had the reputation of being the mos
fearless. He was overwhelmingly elected again
.nd again to the Territorial Legislature, and dis
tingrished himself by his powerful and impas
stoned eloquence, and speedily became leade
III the ranks of his own party.
lie was member of the Convention Whlci
,rrned the State Constitution and was re-electe'
.he ensuing wear to represent his county in tn
senate of Arkansas.
And now began his second series of misioI
tunes. Hills most intimate neighbors were tn
Stronps four brothers of considerable wealth,
: great deal of ambition. and, in the phrase OF tn
country famous fighters" A close and cords
intimacy grew up between them and HILL, an
the latter. most unfortunately and unguardedi.
made George, the elder, confidant to his PR
vious history. 1t so happened that George Ca
most ambitious desire for political distinction
and made a request of Hill that he should reslg
: his seat in the Senate in his favor. lie refuses
and the brothers conspired for revenge. ;,
Sending to North Carolina, they procured
a. copy of the reward offered for Nixon curry u
notorious robber The four. powerful ana dete
mined as they were dared net attempt .liS "a
ture alone. but secured the assistance OF "a, aoZ'
men and made the attempt to capture Hill IN
own bonse. The latter never forgot his dal
peril. He always carried an-enormous douo
barrelled shot gun. two long rihe-pistols and
: formidable knife Arkansas has never De
3, noted as peacefully inclined State, and in the
days its population numbered greater per &c
of Idasreradoes and lawless men than 1t does no
al IL