Dekalb K. Holt

JOHNSON, John - John Johnson has made considerable reputation in

Arkansas as an amateur desperado and has stained the soil of Texas and

Missouri with the blood of his fellowman and has served a term in the

penitentiary of the latter State. His home was near the Oxford’s Bend of

White river, this county, but for some time he has been living with a kinsman,

Warren Johnson, in the Cherokee Nation. Two weeks ago the boys,

John and Warren, came up on a visit and before returning persuaded John’s

brother, Micager Johnson, and a young man by the name of Garrett to go

with them, holding out the inducement of high wages. Before reaching the

Indian Territory line the boys had robbed two or three houses, one being

that of De Kalb Holt. A posse, headed by George Matier, constable of Mans’

Hill township, pursued the boys and came up with them some 20 miles in

the Territory. No sooner ordered to halt than the boys opened fire on Matier

and his posse, when a general engagement ensued. Micager soon beat a

hasty retreat carrying with him as a testimonial three bullet wounds, one

through the right hand, one through the left arm and one through the

fleshy part of the left hip. John Johnson was killed on the spot and Mr.

Marshall, one of the posse, was shot through the lungs and will probably

die. Micager was captured by Matier and was brought to town and lodged

in jail. Warren Johnson is thought to be badly wounded but he and Garrett

are still at large. Mr. Marshall is a highly respected citizen and it is to be

hoped his wounds will not prove fatal. [Fayetteville Democrat 5/7/1886]