Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1868-10-17
COLUMBUS, OHIO, SATURDAY MORNING. OCTOBER l7 1865 e

y
"BLooDY AFFRAY--A desperate en-
counter occurred in St. Francis last
week. Two distinguished citizens were
killed and three others dangerously
wounded. The difficulty resulted from
an attempt to arrest John Hill, men,
Der of the last Legislature, and formerly
of the State Convention, who, it is al
legged, is the notorious robber Nixon
Curry, who committed such atrocities
fifteen years ago in the mountains of
North Carolina sef-
A requisition was sent by the Cover
nor of North Carolina demanding the
surrender of Nixon Curry. The Cover
nor of Arkansas published an additional
reward for the arrest of John Hill, ard
thus, between the two, it seemed as ifl
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 exist
ence of band of desperadoes that he
had reason to believe would protect him.
He was pursued by over a hundred ofI
the citizens. many of them unarmed, and
attending only for the purpose of wit
Messing the sport and securing part of
the muniicent reward that was offered
for his apprehension. Hill was over
taken at Conway Court House by these
men, and, halting his wagon and admon-
ishing his wife and children to keep their
places, he marched forth with his DEATH
dealing gun. e.. a.
The gallantry of the action and Hill's
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
unmolested. .
Subsequent attempts were made to
arrest him, but all resulted tragically or
ludicrously to those attempting it. 1t
was known that Hill could never be ta-
ken alive, and many began to believe
that he could not even 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 gam
bling-table for the support of his family.
He became dripker, too, and was
speedily transformed into most bitter
and quarrelsome opponent.
mountains of North Carolina, he now be-
came doubly SO. Excepting, perhaps.
that prince of duelists, 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, 1915. while
he was seated at the breakfast table,
Hill burst into tears.
"What is the matter, dear :" inquired
his wife. .a- q msH sr ..-t-..a -
81 have had dreadful dream. 1t is
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 abate-
ment. 1t is this that troubles me--not
regard for myself. 1t is indelibly i'm
pressed upon my mind that / shall die a
horrible death before sundown, and the
thought that it will distress you also dis
tresses me-" sIH
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 remark
ed, was then in session.) i
"Yes, my wife, must CO." he replied;
"when a mans time has come, he should
not seek to avoid death, but meet it
bravely." Then turning to his son
William, bright boy of thirteen, 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
daughter, as she deserted the youth ap-
preaching.
The youth, who was fine, powerful
looking man, chatted few minutes with
the family, and then went out with Hill,
who had shaved and dressed himself
with particular 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 a
n ore quarrelsame disposition than ever.
He insulted every body that crossed his
path, and all the entreaties of the young
man failed to pacify him. Finally he
declared that he would cleer the court
house, and dashed into the courtroom
with fury depicted in his countenance.
Judges, lawyers, jury, spectators, all
made a 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 q
Hill seemed to grow more furious each
moment, and finally clutched pistol,
determined to take his friends life
Howard, seeing that the crisis had come,
seized the bowie-knife that protruded
from his vest and buried it in his bosom
"The dream is fulfilled" exclaimed
Hill with smile of singular sweetness,
that fingered on his naturally handsome
face after he was a corpse. He then
died without groan.
Howard looked down into his face, as
if unable to realize what he had done.
Then he burst into tears.
"God knows would not have done it
if 1 could have helped it, but it was