Arizona republican., 1894-12-05
WHO IS IT? Supposed Capture Of
 J. w. HiIlman Badly Wanted by Insur-
 ance Companies. A History of a Noted Mystery of Fifteen Years Standing. The Alleged Fraud and Murderer
 was Formerly a Resident of Phoenix.

Unless the pursuing officers have made very serious mistake, John W. Hillman whose widow is about to come into enjoyment of the fruit of his in- vestments Tn insurance policies, is still alive, in custody sdid in danger of his neck.
 The case is proba ply the most noted one in the history of life insurance com panies. In 1879 Hillman, living at To- peka, Kans., carried insurance in sev- eral companies, amounting to $s0,000.
 At length it WAS reported that he had been accidentally killed while hunting n Texas. and his wife, in the usual manner, presented her claims against the insurance companies. Proof of Hilman's death seemed to be lacking and the companies began an investiga- tion by which it was developed, or alleged to be developed, that man had been killed and buried, but the man was not Hillman. The insurance companies clalmed to have discovered that when Hillman set out on that hunting trip he was accompanied by two men, one of whom bore a remark able resemblance to him. The suppo- sition, therefore, was that Hillman's double had been murdered by his two companions and that Hillman had ceased to exist only in name.
 In the meantime Hillman's wife be- gan suit against the insursnce com panies. The case was carried through the courts until reached the supreme i court of tlie Unl9E. States where she obtained judgment for the amount sued for, interest and attorneys fees, and payment at the end of this year was ordered.
 While the insurance companies were fighting the case with the best cyl dence at hand, they were hunting for something more convincing, Hillman ! himself. They learned that after the tragedy in the Texas mountains he came to Arizona, subsequently, went to 1 Australia, returning to Arizona where he has been ever since. The hunt for the supposed Hillman began in this i territory month ago, and was con- cluded by his capture in the Huachucas on Thanksgiving night. He had been 1 followed by Under Sheriff Gemmill of La Junta, Colo. and Deputy Sheriff Finley oi Tucson, through Sonora, back into Arizona by the way of Altar, north to Prescott, across the Salt River valley toward the southwest again, 10 the place of capture. He is now in ilil at Tom bstone, awaiting requisltion papers from Kansas.
 The prisoner denies that he is Hill man and is well known throughout Ari- zona as Billy Herndon. He came to Phoenix about nine years ago and re- meined here about three years working as A teamster. He then went to Australia where he staid two years, returning to Arizona. He has not been about Phoenix much since his return. In 1885 he was shot in the neck by man named Gam, at Smiths Mill on the Hassayampa. Comparatively little Is known here of HerEd3n's life before he came to Arlzona. He is sup posed to have come from Texas and was known as the Buffalo Hunter" There are one or two men in the valley who had suspected that he WAS Hillman. A description of him the most strik- ing feature, broken or crooked nose is said to be an accurate description of Hillman. Herndon or Hillman was in Phoenix a month ago or about the time the officers began beating up this part of the world.
 Among the representatives of the in- surance companies who have been in Arizona Tn come ction with the hunt is Col. Stark of the Mutual Life, who is now in Phoenix.