The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1907-02-15

II Kentucky as poy was no'eu o onIv
feared his fellow men, but would go
miles out of his way to avoid women.
Yet there came time in Kentucky, as
well as other parts of the South, when the
true courage of all men was severely tested.
During the Presidential election of 1860
men in Kentucky voted uiva Voce, and OF
course every one expected that John Harris
would take to the woods. as he was known
to be rank Abolitionst and the only Lin
coin man in the whole county:
and great reader, and never seemed to
have the courage to resent, many insults
were heaped upon him when his anti
slavery statements were known.
The memorable election day Of 1860 was
at hand; excitement was very great and
feeling ran high.
The voter had to approach the cleo
ton table and call out the name-either
Douglas, breckenridge, Bell or Lincoln
for whom he desired to cast his vote. The
election table was surrounded by mob of
desperate men and election buns"
John Harris at the appointed hour was In
line ready to cast his vote.
The excitement was intense. and some
f 10 s neebbors e coad sc co
believe their eyes when they saw the
Coward" standing calmly in line APP
parently not needing their threats.
He had told them that voting was
sacred duty and that he intended to cast
his vote even If death should be the result
When John reached the voting table
pointed at him and he was again warned
that he must die II he voted the BLACK Re-
publican ticket"
He merely smiled at their threats and
told them he would vote although he died in
the act.
asked the usual questfon-"Who do you
vote for?" He replied II vote for Abraham
Lincoln"
At this moment James Wilson, who was
afterward General Rousseau's Union scout
IN lie faat said "T a Demo-
crat, and the first man who attempts to do
harm to John Harris is dead man"
John voted, and instead of turning around
and walking out of the room. he walked
backwards, holding large knife in each
hand, while James Wilson covered the
"bums" with a double-barrel shot gun.
constituent Not word was spoken for
some time. John Harris went to his home
unmolested. Going to his room. he threw
child The psychic condition which pos
sessed him was now gone and his coward
ice again controlled him.
On the tenth of June, 1861, there gath
cred large crowd Of people near RUSSELL
Vile, Kentucky, to feast upon roasted OK
and to hear. speeches from Humphry Mar
tial, and others advocating secession
Many people were ignorant of the pur-
port of the meeting and were out for
good time, aud among that number was
when he arrived on the grounds there
was already a great gathering of people
present Martial was on the stand de-
Immediate secession. Above him hoated
the Stars and Bars, the emblem Of seces-
sion. John and one of his cousins were
seated upon a log listening to the speech
es when in the distance was heard the
beating of drums and whistling of fife.
A procession of sons OF Southern plant
ers approached carrying aloft the Stars and
Bars, and trailing In the dust the stars
and Stripes. At the sight Of the latter John
turned pale and trembled like leaf.
AS they came nearer, Johns face flushed,
his eyes sparkled and springing to his feet
he grasped the Stars and Bars and in an
instant tore II into shreds.
CONSERVATION seized the whole crowd and
not a word was spoken for several mo-
ments, But soon there was an outburst Of
wrath from every tongue and they ad-
vanced upon him for the purpose OF aveng-
xiii the Abolutionist; hang the Black Re
publican" shouted the now Infatuated mob
John Immediately backed out from the mob
some distance, but soon saw that he was
surrounded, and there was no escape. He
stopped down and picked up club and
begun to strike every man In reach. HIS
blows with the club were so powerful that
several were knocked senseless to the earth
before he was overcome.
Finally he was taken by the mob and In
few moments a rope was around MS ,,n meek
scious. The rope was loosened ana ne pc
gan to breathe and when he was able to
stand his hands ana rect WERE teu 10
small sapling growing near.
Then a consultation was held as to
whether or not they should burn him. On
account OF his having two brothers who
were Secessionists and who had already en-
listed in the Confederate Army, II was
deemed best not to torture him with fire.
with hendish ingenuity they spread syrup
on his face and exposed parts, TO attract
flies Of which the woods were full.
During all this time not a groan was
heard from John. The day waned and the
people enjoyed themselves as only Ken
fuckians can Not a mouthful Of water
was given him, and the flies swarmed over
his face and hands like bees.
Two men stood guard to prevent anyone
from relieving his suferings- When night
came on and most of the people had gone
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