Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1868-08-21

Perhaps the state Of public feeling can
best be shown by the two following ex-
tracts from the Little Rock G0zctte. 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
energy, eloquence and courage fully entitle
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, 1S40:
sBJO0dyA AGrdy-A desperate renc0untcr
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 Leg
islature, and formerly of the State Convon
tion, who, as it is alleged, is the notorious
robbcr Nixon Curry, who committed such
atrocities fifteen years ago in the noun
tains of North Carolina"
A requlsition was sent by the Governor
of North Carolina demanding the surren-
der of Nixon Curry. The Governor of
Arkansas published an additional reward
for the arrest of John Hill and thus be-
tween the two, 1t seemed as if IL 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 that he had reason to be
lieve would protect him. He was pursued
by over a hundred of the citizens, many
cC E,Nr
the purpose of witnessing the sport and
securing part of the muniticent reward
that was offered for his apprehension. Hill
was overtaken at Conway Court House by
these men, and halting his wagon and ad.
monishing 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 a
character; others were afraid panic
was created, and Hill pursued his way un-
molested
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.
The constant pursuit and hunting him
changed his nature. He became morose
and sour, and unable to follow any regu-
lar business. He resorted to the gambling
table for the support of his family He
became q drinker, too, and was speedily
transformed into most bitter and quar-
relsome opponent
If Hill had been famous among the
mountains of North Carolina, he now be-
came doub1y so. Excepting, perhaps that
prince of duellists, James Bowie, there
never was man who inspired more terror.
Men who had acquired wide reputation
for 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 single word of remonstrance.
One day in September, 1S45, while he
was seated at the breakfast-tab Hill burst
into tears.
"What is the matter, dear9" inquired
his wife.
"I have had dreadful dream It is a
warning. know shall die before sunset
Together 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 is in
dellibly impressed upon my mind that
shall die horrible death before sundown,
and the thought that it will 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
court, to-day"
(The Circuit Court of Pope county, in
which Hill resided, it should be remarked,
was in session,)
ayes, my wife, 1 must CO." he replied,
"When mans time has come, he should
not seek to avoid death, but meet it brave
ly." Then turning to his son William, a
bright boy of ID, 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 eld-
est 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
ticular 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 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 declaredSthat
ho, ,ryc,tlI alo ha ri Nd ohoI
into the court room with fury depicted in
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 in
furiated man and attempted to restrain
him, when, glaring like tiger, he turned
upon the youth and struck him to the earth.
Before he could rise Hill sprang upon him,
and commenced pounding him.
"For Gods sake, stop, Hill Don't you
know me, your friend-Howard? 2"
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 1t in his bosom.
"The dream is fulfilled |" exclaimed
Hill, with a smile of singular sweetness
that fingered ON his naturally handsome
face after he was corpse. He then died
without groatl.
Howard looked down into his face, as il
unable to realize what he had done. Then
he burst into tears.
"God knows would not have done il
if I could have helped it, but 1t was either
your life OF mine"
He turned away with gloomy air, and
upon the instant disappeared He was
never seen in Arkansas again, but several
years after a trader brought the news that
he was living at San Antonio, Texas.
Were we writing fiction, we should here
lay aside the pen; but as we are giving
facts simply, which can be substantiated
duty compols US to add another incident
before this tale is ended.
1t will be remembered that Hill enioineC
upon his son to avenge his death. Faith
fully did that son obey the command
| When he had reached his sixteenth yea
/ ha lnff for TaNas Ha xpao mona cpUara