J.J. Hittson

J.J. Hittson's Unusual Experience

About 1870, when J.J. Hittson was returning from the Jim Ned to the old Narbo Ranch, during the dark hours of the night, he was caught by a rainstorm, so he ran into some of his father's old deserted houses. The place was a double-log-house, with a gate between, and a corral adjoining behind. This arrangement, when built, was made to protect the horses from Indians. As soon as he reached here it began to blow and a terific rain was falling. J.J. Hittson had turned his horse in the corral of the log cabin. A similar house, built by Wm. Hittson, a brother of John, was about 100 yards away. After J.J. Hittson had been in his place of shelter for about twenty or thirty minutes, four or five Indians, who knew the houses were vacant, came dashing up and not thinking any one present, intended to rush in, out of the rain. The storm was raging and rain falling in torrents. Hittson had no means of escape, excepting to run into the Indians. So he placed himself in readiness for their unwelcomed arrival. One warrior jumped from his horse, and was rushing in. So Hittson fired, and shortly afterwards, heard something flouncing in the water. The remaining savages were so shocked, they ran away without their horses. J.J. Hittson was afraid to pass out of the house in the direction of the Indians for fear he would be killed, so he attempted to climb out of the chimney, and in a short time was as black as a negro. He later slipped out, however, into the darkness, and when he reached the old Narbo ranch, the ranchmen were mystified at his smooty appearance. When some of the Hittsons and other returned to the old deserted house the next morning, they found a dead Indian, and five Indian ponies.

Note: Author personally interviewed: Jess Hart, J.J. Hart and a cousin, in Callahan Co. at that time, and J.J. Hittson himself.

The above story is from the book, The West Texas Frontier, by Joseph Carroll McConnell.