The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1868-12-15

ticular. We knew Nixon Curry, and
more brave, honorable, and candid man
prior to the affair with the Strongs neve
breathed. The writer has omitted t
mention two facts--first, that Curry wa
under the influence of strong drink whel
he revealed the strange history of hi
early life, although he was very temp
perate man. The second omission is
that Moses Howard, spoken of, was tn,
Ibetrothed of Curry's supremely beautiful
Ehughter Mary.-Butte County (Cal.
Press
In the year IS, there lived in lredel
County, North Carolina, a Presbyterian
minister, by the name of Curry. Ht
was a man in comfortable circumstances
of most excellent reputation, with large
family of sons and daughters. Among
these was a boy by the name of Nixon
noted for his sprightliness, his activity
and courage.
Many are the incidents recorded of hi
early days, wherein he displayed his bra
very; and won the respect and admira
ton of his schoolmates. Heseemed i'm
pulsivc, generous and the possessor o.
many noble qualities.
From childhood, Nixon Curry was il
love. His fair one was Il girl somewhat
younger than himself, attending the same
school with him. She returned his af
fection; and so afdcntly were they at
tached to one another, that, what is mosi
rare in childhood, no rival was ever suf
fercd TO come between them.
Thus they grew up i'll delicious dream
of the future as their years increased
SO apparently did their passion for eacl
other. AT fifteen this was SO very evl
dent, that their parents forbade all inter
views between them Her parents were
the very f. F's of North Carolina, and
they had and could easily secure more
brilliant prospects for her.
The natural consequences followed
The lovers met by stealth and renewed
their pledges to each other Lucy prom
ised, that, whatever should occur, she
would never wed any one else, and Nix
on vowed to stand 10y her SO long as {
breath of life remained in his body.
At length, at the age of eiehtecn,wher
Lucy's relatives were doing their utmost
to force her into the arms of another
she fed with her true and devoted lover
They were Immediately pursued and over
taken, when the enraged Nixon Curry
brought to bay, turned and shot his rival
and one of the others, and renewed his
fight
The pursuit was hot, but he succeeded
in eluding them, and took refuge III the
Allegheny Mountains, near the sources
Of the Catawba.
Here really begins the extraordinary
! career Of Nixon Curry Under the plea
of necessity he took up the profession OF
a robber, and speedily rendered his name
famous by the number and character OF
his exploits. Without attempting to give
any of the minor incidents, it should be
stated that the young robber never took
a life for the sake of plumber, although
he did it again and again to avoid az
rest.
The Governor of North Carolina of
fercd $4,000 for his apprehension, and
many parties, tempted by this offer, en-
gagged in the pursuit They frequently
gained sight of the notorious bandit
more than once the crack of his death
dealing rife was heard from some ad-
joining rock; but never was they able to
discover 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 safe
ty; and he had, therefore, prudently re-
moved them, while the opportunity re
manned to him.
During the first settlement of the fer
tile delta bordering en- the st. Francis,
now in the State of Arkansas, an emf
grant made his appearance, calling him
self John Hill. He rapidly became the
most tpopular man in the settlement AL
though of moderate means, he was So
Der, industrious, generous, and of eNten-
ded hospitality, and such continued to
be his character in the country which he
had adopted for a period extending over
about dozen years.
During all this time, not qualelsome
word occurred between him and any of
his neighbors; and yet all knew that it
was from no lack of courage on the part
of Hill, for of all the hunters that pierced
the jungles of cane in the Great Swamp,
or descended by torchlight into the bow
els of the Ozark Mountains, he had the
reputation Of being the most fearless
He was overwhelmingly elected again
and again to the Territorial Legislature,
and distinguished himself by his power
full and impassioncd eloquence, and
speedily became q leader in the ranks of
his own party. He was a member OF the
convention which formed the State con-
stitution, and was reelected to represent
his county in the Senate of Arkansas.
And now he began his second series OF
nisfortuncs. Hills most intimate neigh
bors were the Strongs, four brothers OF
considerable wealth, great deal Of am
bition, and in the phrase of the country
famous fighters" A close and cordial
intimacy grew up between them and
Hill, and the latter, most unfortunately
and unguardedly, made George, the cid
est conidant of his previous history
1t so happened that George had most
ambitious desire for political distinction
and made request that he should re-
! sign his seat in the Senate in his favor
Hill refused, and the brothers co.'s pire(
for revenge.
Sending to North Carolina, they pro
cured copy of the reward offered TO
Nixon Curry, the notorious robber. Th'
four, powerful and determined as the,
were, dared not attempt his capture
alone, but secured the assistance of ;
dozen men, and made the attempt t.
capture Hill in his own house. Th
latter never forgot his daily peril. HI
always carried an enormous double bar
relied shot gun, two long rifle pistols, ant
a formidable knife. Arkansas has neve
been noted as peaceably inclined State
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