The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-07-14

1 6Fs
Nixon Curry. was staggering to hundreds. Many
for time refused to believe it. - hr
Perhaps the state of public feeling can best be
| shown by the two following extracts from the
Little Rock Gazette. The frsteappeared when
Hill became SO popular during the daysof the
Convention i,
] "Among the truest friends of the people Of all
In the present convention may be named John
Hill, of st. Francis. His energy, elequence and
/ courage fully entitle him to the proud place he
holds. and we trust. will long retain-that of
the leader of the Arkansas Democracy"
| The second extract is taken from the same
paper for May, 1910:
BLOODY AFFRAY.-A desperate rencontre oc-
Cured last week in St. Francis. Two distinguish
ed citizens were killed. and three deaths resulted
from an attempt to arrest John Hill member
of the last Legislature, and formerly of the State
Convention who, as it is alledged is the notorious
robber, Nixon Curry, who committed such atroci-
ties fifteen years ago in the mountains of North
Carolina"
A requisition was sent by the Governor of
North Carolina demanding the surrender of
Nixon Curry. The Governor Of Arkansas pub
lished anadditional reward for the arrest of John
Hill; and thus between the two it seemed as if
it was about up with the victim.
Hill packed up hastily and set out with his
wife and children for Upper Arkansas. where he
knew OF the existence Of band of desperadoes
hat he had reason to believe would protect him.
He pursued by over a hundred of the citi-
zens, many of them unarned, and attending only
for the purpose Of witnessing the sport and Sc
curing part of the niunfcent reward that was
offered for the mans apprehension. Hill was
oyertaken at Conway Court House by these men,
and halting his wagon and admonishing his wife
and children to keep their places, he marched
boldly forth with his death dealing gun to meet
, them.
The gallantry of the action and Hills incredi-
BILE bravery. operated in his favor Many were |
unwilling to hurt so intrepid ii character. others |
were afraid panic was created, and Hill pur-
sued his way unnlolested.
Subsequent attempts were made to arrest him.
but all resulted tragicay or ludicrously 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 chasing of him
changed his nature. He became morcse and |
port port of rs family He became asdrinker, too
and was speedily transformed into most bitter
and quarrelsome opponent
IF H;ll had been famous among the mountains
of North Carolina, he now became doubly So
Excepting, perhaps, that prince OF duelsts James
Brown, there never was man who inspired more
terror. Men who had acquired wide reputa-
tion for their deeds of daring turned pale when
they encountered John Hill. Bullies who sought
quarrels on the slightest pretext, accepted all
manner of insults from him without word OF
remonstrance.
One day in September, 1845 while he was
seated at the break fast table Hill burst into tears
..What is the matter. dear. inquired his wife
| Il have had dreadful dream; it ls a warn-
| ing. | know that shall die before sunset. 10
oether we have encountered perils and hardships;
YOU abandoned wealth and position for my sake,
and YOU have never spoken an unkind word to
me. We have loved from childhood, and that
love has never known abatement 1t is this that
troubles me-not regard for self. 1t ls Indeili-
bly, impressed upon my mind that shall Gle a
horrible death before shutdown, and the thought
that it will distress you, also dlstresses me-
| These were the exact words of Hill, as testified
bv his wife and children. His wife told him
..Thep. nv dear husband, do not go to court
to-day" ~,
(The Circuit Court of Pope county, IN which
Hill resided, it should be remarked, was then IN
SESSION.
eyes, my wife, I must CO. he replied. "When
a mans time has come he should not seek to
avoid death. but meet it bravey." Then turn
inc to his son, William, bright boy OF thirteen
he told him to 90 and get the Bible, and upon 1t
he made HIM swear to kill the man who should
kill his father 80
Here comes Moses Howard, father, he will
protect YOU" remarked Mary, the eldest daugh-
ter. 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 in company with Hill. who shaved
and dressed himself with particular noasness ana
embraced his wife with the warnest affection,
and with tears in his eyes, before leaving.
AS soon as the two reached town, Hill began
drinking deeply and showed more quarreisome
a disposition than ever lie insu,ted everybody
e that crossed his path, and all the cntreatles q
! the Young man failed to pacify him. Finally he
declared that he would clear the court house, and
dashed into the courtroom with fury depicted
: in his countenance. Judge lawyers, jury, spec
A tators. all made rush for the door. One MAJ
!. who Jagged behind was seized by Hill and beaten
n uanercifully.
Young Howard caught hold of the nfur.atee
man and attempted to restrain him. when. gl7r
a ing like tiger he turned upon the youth ant
q struck him to the earth. Before he could ris
r Hill sprang on him and commenced pounding him
D. For God sake step. Hill. Don't you know
n me. your friend-Howard?" z"
is Hill seemed to grow more furious each momen
" and clutched pistol, determined to take n
e. friends life Howard, seeing the crisis ha
a come seized the Bowie knife that protruded irol
an his vest and buried it in his bosom.
so THE dream is fulfilled" exclaimed Hill, wit
Mt smile of singular sweetness that fingered on
". naturally handsome face after he was corps
nl lie then died without groan.
re Howard looked down into his face. as if unab
ly to realize what he had done. Then he burst il
he to tears. .
,e ssGod knows 7 would not have done II if