Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1876-02-03

from North CarOllna. IL was supposed
that he had died, or that he had changed
Is base of operations
One day, at the time Of the first
settlement 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 handsome little home, rendered
doubly attractive by the presence of
lovely wife. In short time he be-
came the most popular man in the
settlement, and so he continued for ten
OF twelve years. He was repeatedly
elected to the Legislature, and there he
was distinguished for powerful and i'm
FASHIONED eloquence. He became a
leader in the ranks of his party, was
member of the convention that framed
the State Constitution, and represented
his district in the Senate of Arkansas
Hills most intimate acquaintanees
were the Strongs, four brothers, men of
wealth and ambition. A close intis
macy sprung up between them, and
Hill. In an unguarded moment, made
the eldest Strong conversant with his
previous history, telling him that he
was the notorious Nixon Curry, of n.
G. Strong then requested Hill to re-
sign his seat in the Senate, but Hill re-
| fused, and the brothers conspired to
ruin him. Sending to North Carolina.
they procured a requisilion for his
arrest, and copy of the reward offered
for his capture. The four brothers,
powerful and determined as they were,
we'll knowing the character of the man
with whom they were to deal, secured
the assistance of dozen men, and sur.
rounding the house, attempted to
effect his capture. On approaching
the main entrance and demanding his
surrender, enc Of them was shot dead
and three others were dangerously
wounded, and the attack was aban
doned.
The Governor of Arkansas published
an additional reward for Hills arrest.
and hastily packing a few articles he
set out with his wife and children for
Upper Kansas, where he knew of the
existence Of a band of desperadoes,
whose members he had reason to be-
lieve would protect him. He was over
taken at Conway Courthouse, and
! hating his wagon and admonishing his
wife and children to keep their places,
he stepped forth in the face of his pur-
surers, and in few eloquent words
told them why he quit North Carolina,
at the same time assuring his pursuers
that he would not be taken alive. The
gallantry Of the action operated in his
favor, and the pursuit was abandoned.
Constant pursuit had made him worse
and quarrelsome, and he began to drink
heavily and resort 90 the gambling-
table a. a means of support. One day
in September, lS45, while seated at
breakfast, he told his wife that he had
premonition of death, and felt that
be would be killed that day, before
sunset. Calling his son William, a
bright boy of fourteen, he made him
swear to kill the man who should kill
his father.
The Circuit Court of Pope county
being in session, he attended it with a
young man named Howard, who Was
engaged to bis eldest daughter. As
soon as they reached the village Hill
began to drink, and exhibited an un-
usual disposition to quarrel. He in
suited everyone he met, and finally
threatened to clean the Court house;
he dashed into the court room, to the
CONSERVATION of judge, jury and law
yers. Young Howard tried to restrain
him, but glazing like tiger, he turned
upon the youth and felled him TO the
floor; at the same time, drawing a
pistol, he exclaimed: ''Kill me, or Iii
kill you'll The man, in moment OF
extreme anguish, drew a knife and
buried it in the bowels of Hill He
died soon after.
Howard quit Arkansas, and several
years later, was heard of in San
Antonio, Texas, where he joined the
Confederate forces, under the com
mand of Col. Long. Az the close OF
war he was met by VIM. Hill, who,
remembering the oath he had taken at
his fathers instance, shot the former
and fled to Europe. lie joined the
French army and served through the
Franco Prussian war, but was subject
to fits of temporary insanity. Finally,
his case became hopeless, and he was
placed by his friends in an asylum near
Glasgow, Scotland, where he recently
died,
Two girls were comparing progress
in the study Of their catechisms-''I
have got to original SIM" said one.