Jack County, TX - Obituaries - Jim Curtis and Van Rice ************************************************************************************* This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Dorman Holub Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************************************************* Rural Citizen Jacksboro, Texas Friday, January 7, 1881 Two Men Killed at Henrietta Henrietta Telegraph announced 5 January 1880 that Jim Curtis was killed by Van Rice at Henrietta last night. L.L. Crutchfield has kindly furnished the following dispatch. Henrietta, 5 January 1881 Ð L.L. Crutchfield, Jacksboro Ð Jim Curtis killed by Van Rice, grew out of an old difficulty Jim died instantly, Rice mortally wounded, will died. Will probably be more of it yet, Jim shot three times and through the heart. W.G. Holsell Later Curtis killed Rice; Rice killed Curtis. No other parties interfered. Curtis dead. Rice dying. The unfortunate and sad killing of J.C. Curtis at Henrietta on 4 January 1881, occurred as accurate as we can at this time get it, as follows: It seems Curtis and a man by the name of Van Rice met in a saloon in Henrietta, Curtis invited Van Rice to shake for drinks Van Rice refused and treated the entire party, after a few minutes Curtis wanted Van Rice to drink, when he refused, almost instantly with but few words the two men drew their pistols and commenced firing at each other; Van Rice received a slight flesh wound and Curtis was shot three times one ball penetrating the heart from which he died instantly, Van Rice retired to a doctorÕs office to have his wound dressed when some one shot from a window instantly killing him. Thus the lives of two men passed rapidly from existence. Mr. Curtis was well and favorably known in all of Northwest Texas. He leaves a wife and one child and numerous friends to console his untimely death.