The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1876-01-06
THE STORY OF NIXON CURRY.

THE STORY OF NIXON CURRY.
His Romantic Marriage and Tragic |
Fiees 10 Europe. "a Dies IN an Asy.
1um for the Insane.
[From the New York SUM-
William Hill, patient in a private
asylum near Glasgow, Scotland, died
few weeks ago. Many years ago there
lived in Iredel County, North Carolina,
arespected Presbyterian minister named
Curry, the pride of whose life was an
only son, Nixon by name, in whose
training the good man took peculiar de-
light. The young man won the affec-
tions of young girl attending the same
school, and SO ardent was their attach
ment that no rival was suffered to come
between them. When the girl reached
the age of fifteen, her devotion to young
Curry became so manifest that her
parents, wishing to secure for her what
they viewed as better alliance, forbade
further intercourse between the two.
As natural consequence, clandestine
meetings were resorted to, and continu-
ed for three years. At the expiration
of that period, the hand of the young
lady was sought by the son OF South
ern statesman, and her parents tried to
compel her acceptance, whereas she
eloped with young Curry. The couple
were overtaken. Then the young man
turned and shot his rival, who led the
pursuit, killing him instantly. The
young couple then renewed their fight.
After long and heated chase Curry
took refuge with his betrothed in the
Allegheny Mountains, near the head
waters of the Catawba, and there, out
lawed from society, he became high.
wayman, and speedily achieved dread.
ed notoriety by the number and charac-
ter of his daring exploits. The Govern
or of North Carolina offered 5000 for
his arrest, and many, lured by the
tempting offer, tried to hunt him down.
Suddenly he was missed from North
Carolina. It was supposed that he had
died, or that he had changed his base of
operations.
One day, at the time of the first set
Element Of the fertile delta of the st.
Francis River, in what is now Arkansas,
an immigrant appeared in the district
calling himself John Hill. He was a
handsome, amiable man, and though
having only moderate means, extended
a generous hospitality to all who visited
his beautiful little home, rendered
doubly attractive by the presence Of q
lovely wife. In short time he became
the most popular man in the settlement,
and so he continued for ten or twelve
years. He was repeatedly elected to
the Legislature, and there he was dis
tinguished for powerful and impassioned
eloquence. He became leader in the
ranks of his party, was q member OF
the convention that framed the State
Constitution, and represented his dis
trict in the Senate of Arkansas.
Hills most intimate acquaintance
were the Strongs, four brothers, men OF
wealth and ambition. A close intimacy
sprang up between them, and Hill, in an
unguarded moment, made the eldest
Strong conversant with his previous his
tory, telling him that he was the noto-
rious Nixon Curry of North Carolina.
Strong then requested Hill to resign his
seat in the Senate, but Hill re.
fused, and the brothers conspired to
ruin him. Sending to North Carolins
they procured requisition for his ar.
rest and copy of the reward offered
for his capture. The four brothers
powerful and determined as they were
well knowing the character of the mar
with whom they were to deal, secured
the assistance of dozen men, and, sur
rounding his house, attempted to effec1
his capture. On approaching the MAR
entrance and demanding his surrender
one of them was shot dead, and thre.
others were dangerously wounded, an(
the attack was abandoned.
The Governor of Arkansas published
an additional reward for Hills arrest
and hastily packing few articles Hill
set out with his wife and children fol
Upper Arkansas, where he knew Of tn,
existence of q band Of desperadoes who's,
members he had reason to believe woull
protect him. He was overtaken at Con
way Court House and halting his Wagon
and admonishing his wife and children
to keep their places he stepped forth il
the face of his pursuers, and in q few
eloquent words told them why he uui
North Carolina, at the same time assur
ing his pursuers that he would not b.
taken alive. The gallantry of the &C
ton operated in his favor, and the pur
|, suit was abandoned. Constant pursui
|, had already made him morose anl
quarrelsome, and he began to drinl
heavily and resort to the gambling tabl
as q means of support. One day in Sep
TENDER, 1916, while seated at breakfas
he told his wife that he had Fremont
ton Of death, and felt that he should b.
. killed that day before sunset. Calm,
his SON William, . bright boy of four
, teen, he made him swear to kill the maj
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