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

the others were badly wounded, several
of them mortally, when the rest of them
were glad to withdraw for the time This
affair caused the most unbounded excite
ment throughout Arkansas. The thought
that the chivalrous and highly popular
John Hill could be identical with the no.
torious robber, Nixon Curry, was stag
gGring to hundreds. Many for time
refused to believe it.
Perhaps the state of public feeling can
best be shown by the following extracts
from the Little Rock Gazette. The first
appeared when Hill became so popular,
during the days of the conventions:
"Amons the truest friends of the peo-
pie of all in the present convention may
be named John Hill, of st. Francis. His
energy, eloquence; and courage fully en-
titles him to the place he holds, and, as
we trust, may long retain-that of the
leader of the Arkansas Democracy"
The second extract is taken from the
same paper for May, 1910:
BLOODY ATFRAY.-A desperate EN-
counter occurred in st. Francis last
week Two distinguished citizens were
killed, and three others dangerously
wounded. The difficulty occurred from
an attempt to arrest John Hill, a member
of the last Legislature, and formerly of
the State convention, who, as it is al
legged, is the notorious robber, Nixon
Curry, who committed such atrocities
fifteen years ago in the mountains of
North Carolina"
a requisition was sent by the Governor
of North Carolina, demanding the sur
render of Nixon Curry. The Governor of
Arkansas published an additional re-
ward 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 Ar
kansas, where he knew of the existence
Of a band of desperadoes that he had
reason to believe would protect him. He
was purst,ed by over hundred of the
citizens, many of them unarmed and at
tending only for the purpose of witness
ing the sport and securing a part Of the
munilicent reward that was offered for his
apprehension. Hill WAS oyertallen at
Conway court house by these men, and
halting his wagon, and adinoiishing his
wife and children to keep their places, he
marched forth with his death dealing
gun:
The gaIlmtry of the action, and Hills
incredible bravery, operated in his favor.
Many were unwilling to hurt so intrepid
Il character; others were afraid panic
was created, and Hill pursued his way
unmolestcd.
Subsequent attempts were made to ar
rest HIM, but all resulted tragically or
ludicrousIy to those attempting it. 1t
was known that Hill could never be ta-
ken alive, ,and many began to believe that
he could not when dead also.
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 gaming
table for the support Of his family. lie
became q drlnker, 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
became doubly Sc. Excepting perhaps,
that prince of duelists, James Bowie,
there never was man who inspired
more terror. Men who h:d acquired a
wide reputation for deeds of daring turn
ed pale when they encountered John
Hill. Bullies who sought quarrels on
the slightest pretext accepted all manner
of insults from him, without a 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.
q have had a dreadful dream. 1t is
warning. know | shall die before sun
set. Together we have encountered
perils and hardships; you abandoned
wealth and position formy 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 indelibly impressed upon my
mind that l shall die horrible death
before sundown, and the thought that it
will distress you 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 so to
court today
(The Circuit Court of Pope County,in
which Hill resided, it should be remark
ed, was then iii session.
"Yes, my wife, must go, he replied.
"When mans time has come he should
not seek TO avoid death, but meet it
bravely" Then turning to his son Will
liam, bright boy of thirteen, he told
him to go and get the Bible, and upon it
he made him swear to kill the man who
killed his father
"Herc comes Moses Howard, father;
he will protect you" remarked Mary,the
eldest daughter, us she deserted the
iyoung man approaching.
The youth, who was fine, powerful
man, chatted few minutes with Hill, i,who
shaved and dressed himself with partic'
ular ncatness, 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
more quarrelsomc disposition than ever
He insulted everybody that crossed his
path, and all the entreaties of the young
, man failed to pacify him. Finally, he de-
clarcd that he would clear the court
house, and dashed into the court room
with fury depicted in his countenance.-
Judges, lawyers, jury, 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
on him and commenced pounding him.