The DeSmet leader. (DeSmet, Kingsbury Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1890-05-24
Arkansas Desperadocs.

Arkansas Desperad0cs.
The capture OF the notorious des-
perado, William Perry, in the mount
aims near Fayetteville, writes Little
Rock Ark correspondent Of the
Louisville Courier Journal, has reviv-
ed interest in one of the bloodiest
vendettas ever carried on in this
State. Perry is a member OF a gang
OF outlaws, who, four years ago,
spread terror through portions OF
Northwest Arkansas. The trouble
dates back more than twenty years.
It's history will bear repetition. Ever
since the first settlement OF the State
the Boston mountains has been the
haunts of desperadoes of every de-
scription. In their gulches and al
most inaccessible caves the moon
sinners" have plied their vocation un-
disturbed, while refugees and murder
ers have there found secure retreat.
In the neighborhood OF Fayettevillei
q section of country known as the
West Fork of White River, which,
until recently, has been the
abode OF desperate characters,
people Of the surrounding country in
subsection. Il was here the vendetta
started. Several citizens, growing
weary OF the terrorism inspired by the
outlaws, sought to uphold the law
and throw off the yoke. There was o
pitched battle, in which one or two
persons were killed on either side.
This was the beginning, and occurred
probably sixteen years ago; but the
ill-feeling has scarcely died away even
to this day. A number of persons
have yielded up their lives, the most
notable being Deputy Sheriff Mounts
and Marshal w. ID. Patton, and
George and John Reed. The last
named were noted outlaws and lead.
ers of the gang which at that time
virtually ruled a wide section OF
country. John Reed had often boast
ed that there was no officer living who
could arrest him. His capture and
tragic late is recalled to-day with o
shudder by those cognizant of the
facts in the case.
The outlaw was i'm Fayetteville one
evening four years ago. Hewas drink.
ing and threa Nening the lives OF vari-
ous people. Town Marshal Patton
got the drop on him." as the saying
goes, and before his friends could In.
terfere had him in jail In the hall
way of the prison Reed broke away
from the guards. A desperate strug-
gle followed. The lights were over.
turned, but the fight went on In the
darkness, bullets flying in every di-
rection. Pre- sently there was an ago.
nized cry, followed by heavy fall, and,
u Jail guard appearing with a light,
Reed was found stretched upon the
floor dead, with a bullet through his
head. There were no arrests, public
sentiment declaring the killing justifia-
BILE.
The brothers and friends Of the dead
outlaw swore to avenge his death.
1t is alleged that several persons left
the country to escape their vengeance.
On the night OF April 10, 1882, anoth.
er bloody page was added TO the his.
tory OF the vendetta On that evening
George Reed was i'm Fayetteville.
Like his brother John, he was an ugly
customer at any time, but particular
ly so when drinking, liquor transforms
ing him into human fury. Marshal
Patton attempted to arrest him. He
defied the officer to take him. A fight
followed, and Patton shot him. He
fell on the ground mortally wounded,
dying some time later. Patton snr-
rendered himself, and was released on
bail, his trial being set' for the next
regular term of the Circuit Court.
The shooting of George Reed created
n sensation. The law-abiding people
felt his death was a aharbinger ofgood.
1t was readily OWNED that surviving
outlaws would attempt to avenge his
fate; and when 1t vas noised around
that they had sworn to kill Patton,
little surprise was expressed. Hence
forth, however. the Marshal lived in
constant dread OF assassination.
Some weeks passed before another
move was made in this game where
humaniife was the forfeit. In May.
1882, the blow was struck. A party
OF five horsemep rode quietly into
Fayetteville at midnight. Deputy
Sheriff Mounts and Marshal Patton
were standing on tbesidewalk engaged
in coversation. The streets were de-
serted. Many OF the citizens were
asleep. The lights disappearing from
the windows OF the different dwellings.
The night air reverberated the
noise of the horses feet on the
stony streets. The horsemen paus-
ed in the shadow OF some tail
buildings. A signal was given: sew
eral pistol shots rang out. and Patton
and Mounts fell on the ground in the
agonies OF death. being literally riddled
with bullets. The assassins re de swift.
ly away. There was terrible excite
ment, but the murderers were not inn
mediately apprehended. The capture
OF William Perry is the beginning OF
the end. he being chief Of thegangs since
the killing OF George and John Reed.
Another member OF the party ID under
arrest, and officers are ON the trail OF
two more. Perry viii be tried soon.
His conviction, together with that OF
his associates, viii extirpate the out
laws. consummation of which the
citizens OF Fayetteville and Washing
ton County generally most devoutiy
wish. IL ia fnmored kare that
Perry's friends will ndeavor to release
him. He % strongly guarded however,
and chances Of rescue or s9capo are
It.rI1t