Killed in the line of duty while raiding a gambling house in Marshall, Texas.
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Harrison County Deputy Sheriff and son of Marion Huffman.

Killed in the line of duty.

The Shreveport Journal.
16 Apr 1909
Page 1

DEPUTY SHERIFF WAS KILLED AT MARSHALL.
IN RAID ON CRAP GAME.
MARK HUFFMAN MET INSTANT DEATH AND DEPUTY CONSTABLE WOUNDED.
NEGROES USED GUNS.
THEY WERE GAMBLING AT A GRADING CAMP WHEN THE OFFICERS VISITED CAMP.
THIRTY SUSPECTS HAVE BEEN PLACE IN JAIL AT MARSHALL AND THE COUNTRY IS BEING SCOURED BY POSSES WITH BLOODHOUNDS FOR OTHER NEGROES---LOCAL AUTHORITIES ASSISTING.

Marshall, Tex., April 26. ---Deputy Sheriff Mark Huffman and Deputy Constable Alex Cargill, brother to Sheriff Cargill, raided a negro grading camp crap game at 1 o'clock this morning. The lights were put out and the negroes fired on the officers, killing Huffman instantly and wounding Cargill in the left arm. The negroes scattered and officers and citizens are now scouring the country. Some arrests have been made but there have been no identifications of guilty parties.
NEWS REACHES HERE.
Local Authorities Asked to Look for Fugitives.
Messages were received this forenoon at the offices of Sheriff J. P. Flournoy and Chief of Police E. O. Allen asking the local authorities to look for some of the negroes who are supposed to have taken part in the shooting last night which resulted in the death of Deputy Sheriff Mark Huffman and the serious injury of Deputy Constable Alex Cargill.
One of the main participants has relatives here and is supposed to have fled towards Shreveport, with a view of receiving assistance from the local negroes. The officers are on the lookout for him but are inclined to believe that he changed his direction after leaving Marshall and went into the swamps. The negro is believed to be Mose Hill, known to the police as "Creole" Mose.
All of the roads leading to the city have been watched today and several suspects have been stopped and interviewed. Three of them were arrested about noon and placed in the city jail. All of them denied having been to Marshall lately and claim they known nothing of the trouble there last night.
The long distance telephone message received by Sheriff Pat Flournoy stated that forty or fifty negroes were in the grading camp when the attack was made on the two officers, who went to the camp to raid a crap game. As soon as the officers appeared at the door the lights were extinguished and the shooting began, Deputy Huffman fell instantly, having been shot dead. The other officer was seriously wounded. The negroes hurried from the camp, scattering in various directions. About thirty of the negroes, it was reported, were captured and placed in jail on suspicion. Bloodhounds were secured and a big crowd of men started in pursuit of the fugitives. The ring leader is said to have made his escape. The officers who made the visit to the camp have friends here. Sheriff Cargill, whose brother was wounded, is well known in Shreveport.

The Shreveport Times.
28 Apr 1909
Page 1

SPEEDY TRIAL WILL PREVENT LYNCHING.
JUDGE BUFORD ACTS---GRANDJURY WILL PROVE HUFFMAN'S ASSASSINATION.
MARSHALL IS QUIET, SAYS EARLY REPORT.

Special to The Times.

Marshall, Texas, April 28, 1 a. m.
---Quiet rules in Marshall at 1 o'clock this morning. The drawing of a special Grand Jury, the promise of a speedy trial and evidence that the wheels of justice shall be hurried onward as rapidly as the law allows seems to have satisfied the citizens to let the law take its course and the city is peaceable this morning and everything is in readiness for the opening of court this morning at 7:30 o'clock when the Special Grand Jury will be [empaneled].
Major Rains informed The Times representative that there seems to be no danger of an attack on th ejail.
It is conceded there never was and never will be any danger of a lynching so long as the militia is kept on guard.
GRAND JURY DRAWN.
Special to The Times.
Marshall, Texas, April 27.---Sheriff Cargill received the list of the Grand Jury from the Commissioners about 4:30 p. m. and immediately went out to summon them to meet at the Courthouse at 7:30 o'clock tomorrow morning to examine the witnesses. The Grand Jury consists of a number of Marshall business men as follows: W. M. Woods, T. H. Minner, L. J. Greem, Henry Stephens, P. G. Whaley, H. C. Pelz, W. T. Cock, J. M. Bonham, J. M. Winston, B. T. Bell, Emory Fry, Walter James, E. B. Hayes, J. J. Jones, Frank Naendall, L. P. Sawyer.
OFFICERS GOOD WORK.
Arrest and Jailing of Huffman's Alleged Slayers Good Execution.
Sheriff Cargill and his corps of deputies have done all in their power to protect the negroes charge with the murder of Mark Huffman. They affected a speedy arrest and by carefully laid plans were able to land their men behind prison bars, protecting them from the vengeance of an aroused populace that was unanimous in its verdict that death itself was too eady for those who took the life of the young deputy sheriff.
The officers who died this are to be congratulated. They forgot that the murdered man was a dear friend and remembered for the time being only their oaths, and that the dignity of the State of Texas must be upheld and its laws enforce.
Some of the went twenty-four hours without rest or sleep and did not stop until the negroes were safely lodged in jail and guard of soldiers drew a line around the prison through which none could pass.
TIMES CARRIED NEWS.
The story of the tragedy, its sequel in the capture of the negroes, their being brought to Shreveport, the ride back to Harrison County and then the mile and a half run through the mud and rain to the county jail, has been told. The Times yesterday spread the tidings throughout this section of the country. To many of the people of Marshall it was the first to bring the news that the negroes were once more in their midst, having come in while they slept.
Yesterday morning the people awoke to this information. They took it quietly. Judge Buford was enroute to the city, the militia were on guard at the jail. The men who knew and respected Mark Huffman stood on the streets---waiting.
Waiting---waiting for that which only the future can disclose. But at least it is safe to say, waiting for his murderers' death.
This the people demand, that something must be done and be done quickly. And thus matters rest until a grand jury had been drawn, summoned and ready to take up its labors this morning. Then night came and that same quiet which had marked the movements of the men of Marshall throughout the day continued as the shadows lengthened, the militia men lolled in front of the jail and the negro prisoners sat inside, sullen and they, too---waiting.
The Times, yesterday, told of how the officers ran through the deserted streets of Marshall with the two negroes. "Creole Mose" and Jesse Jefferson and finally landed them in the same cell with the other suspect, Mat Chase.
THE RAILROAD TRIP.
When the Texas and Pacific train pulled out of the Union Station late Tuesday night the two negroes lay huddled in a seat, while the sheriff and his deputies sat around. They had not passed from the city limits before "Creole Mose" was asleep. Jefferson sat looking about him for some time and then he joined his fellow captive in the land of dreams.
It was raining outside, the officers sat around as quietly as the train plunged through the darkness.
PRISONERS HID.
Just before [Waskom] was reached, the negroes were awakened and hid in the toilet. One officer stood at the door, the windows were watched so that the prisoners could not escape and so the train stopped.
One man boarded; he carried a shotgun. He spoke to the officers, went to the front portion of the smoking car and sat down with his gun between his knees.
The train moved on until Jonesville was reached. Here a score of men boarded the train.
FIRST SIGHT OF TEXAS.
A young man, who said he was from New York and had never been South before, remarked that the train must have entered Texas and these were rangers or cowboys. Those who stood near explained that it was merely a little lynching party and no one meant any harm. This information was supplemented by other remarks, and the gentleman from New York lost all further interest in the proceedings and retired to the Pullman in the rear.
In the meanwhile, the Sheriff and his men had been talking with a party from Jonesville, and thinking all was safe brought the negroes out from their hiding place. The prisoners still wore the tired an dull expression and did not seem to fear violence.
REACH MARSHALL.
When the train began to approach Marshall, the prisoners were carried out to the platform and a "slow down" signal was given to the engineer of the train. When the foundry was reached, Lee Hawley jumped off, the negroes followed and then several others. The car doors were slammed, the train started up and Lee Hawley set the pace for a midnight Marathon which will long be remembered by all who entered, and by the two negroes, no doubt, to their dying day.
It was dark and muddy. Through the blackness and in the slush plunged the small party which wished to make as much headway as possible and get as near the jail as possible before the train reached the depot.
MIDNIGHT MARATHON.
In a long swinging pace, the one and a half mile run began. Lee Hawley proved himself - a fit favorite in a Marathon race as he set the pace. Behind came the two negroes, cuffed together, an eager second; then followed the field, down streets, up streets, in mud and on sidewalks splash, splash, went what, for all they knew what might be a race with death.
The two negroes, charged with killing a man to escape a small jail sentence, needed no urging as they hurried on towards that same prison.
FALL BY THE WAYSIDE.
Some of the runners dropped out as the killing pace continued. The town clock struck 1. "It might be some one turning in an alarm," thought one of the runners, a stranger in the town, and still they ran.
"Wait a minute, slack up a bit, Lee," panted a voice from behind. "You know I smoke cigarettes." No answer from the Marshall Marathon runner.
Only one-half of the bodyguard reached the jail, the others had lagged behind. The militia which had been on guard all night came out and met the still panting party. They plunged into the jail. The negroes still handcuffed, were thrust into a cell, two of the runners collapsed, the negroes looked as though they could have gone some more.
Not a soul was in sight save the soldiers and jailer. But it was a peach of a race.
Some sure enough rye was at hand and soon those who had fallen by the wayside recovered and were able to sit up and take notice. The militia standing in the rain on the outside looked for the approaching mob. The officers went in to unchain the handcuffed negroes. Mose was sleeping as peacefully as a baby. Yet hardly a quarter of an hour had passed since he entered the jail.
The Times was informed that the alleged murderers were safe in jail, the populace slept on, the soldiers continued their watch and so the morning dawned.
CITIZENS LEARN OF ARRIVAL.
The news that two more of the alleged principals in Huffman's murder had arrived spread over the city. The excitement of the chase was gone, and the people stood around quietly, talking and waiting.
Few if any threats were made. It seemed as though there would be no effort, save to allow the law to take its course. Only a normal crowd moved on the streets, while the officers gathered in groups and talked.
THREATENING QUIET.
It was an ominous quiet. Every one seemed as though he would like to see the militia relieved. The militiamen seemed anxious to return to civic life. If the Sheriff had taken such a course other events might have transpired.
Every one was waiting---waiting to see if the murdered man's brothers came in from Longview, waited so as to learn what action Judge Buford would take. And so the morning passed into noon.
The crime was discussed freely and be it to the credit of the negroes, through information secured from some of them the men were apprehended and arrested as soon as they were.
SEARCHED DEAD BODY.
One negro, captured early the morning before had said Mose or Chase had done the shooting. A negro woman said Huffman had fallen dead just in front of her tent. She said that Creole Mose had approached the body, holding a burning candle in his hand. He turned of the still warm corpse and going through the pockets in search of the money, had muttered "the _____________ don't hold anything," and then had gone forth into the darkness.
When Mose and Jefferson were captured at Jonesville they made no resistance. It was a different story with Chase. He was armed with a 38 special Smith & Wesson. It contained but three loads. These he deliberately fired at the approaching posse and failing to hit, turned and calmly struck the gun against the building, exclaiming with an oath that it having failed him he should serve no other.
Creole Mose on being searched was found to have a number of cartridges, three knives, a lock pick and a number of similar articles on his person.
IN ONE CELL.
The three negroes, Mose, Chase and Jefferson, were kept in one cell all day yesterday. The bullet, found in Huffman's coat sleeve, and which is supposed to have been the direct cause of his death, was a 38 special Smith and Wesson---the same as the gun found on Chase. Chase says that he picked up the gun after the shooting and it then contained but three loads, and that he did not posses it when Huffman was slain.
The murder, however, seems to be narrowed down between Chase and Mose. Each accuses the other and in conversation with Sheriff Cargill, were bitter in their denunciation of each other, both accusing the other as the assassin.
"I may hang for this, but you will go with me," Chase is said to have remarked to Mose. Both are said to be desperate characters, and neither seems to appreciate the gravity of his position.
Investigation yesterday has made many think Jefferson had nothing to do with the murder of Mark Huffman with the exception, that he was with Mose and Chase and attempted to make his escape.
However, should a mob get its grasp on the, all would no dougt swing from the same limb.
MANY PRISONERS.
Yesterday morning found over fifty negroes in jail. The Sheriff began a close inspection of each of his suspects. They were closely questioned and over twenty-five succeeded in convincing him of their innocence, and were allowed to go.
The citizens of Marshall do not seem to harbor any ill feeling against the negroes in general. Yesterday, members of the colored race mixed on the streets freely. Several were seen in close conversation with the officers, seeming desirous that the guilty be punished.
But should a mob break into the jail, in the excitement of bloodshed and vengeance, the chances are that more than the three suspects might feel the effect of its dire vengeane.
CITIZENS DEMAND ACTION.
The people of Marshall seem to have settled on one thing---the guilty must be punished---and they must not be taken out of Marshall. Speedy action must be taken, and unless a trial has been promised by Judge Buford, summary action would have taken place last night.
The laws of Texas give a condemned man a certain time in which to prepare to meet his Maker, and unless the culprit is willing to waive his rights in this matter, at least thirty days will pass before a legal execution can take place in Harrison County.
The citizens are impatient, the soldiers wish to return to their regular work, and it would be dangerous to take away the guards. The situation in Marshall is quiet, but tense. The citizens are making no threats, but are determined.
JUDGE BUFORD ACTS.
Special to The Times
Marshall, Texas, April 27. ---The only thing new here in the negro murder case is that Judge W. C. Buford arrived here at 1:12 this afternoon and went immediately to the Courthouse where in a few minutes he entered the office of County Attorney John Scott and held a consultation with County Attorney Scott, District Attorney W. R. Jones, Sheriff Cargill and several others. The result of the conference was that Judge Buford entered an order at 3 o'clock calling for a special term of the District Court of Harrison County and for the convening of the Grand Jury to try the negroes now under arrest here in the County Jail charged with the murder of Deputy Sheriff Mark Huffman and the wounding of Deputy Constable Alex Cargill here yesterday morning at the railroad camp in the eastern portion of the city.
The order called for the Court ot convene this the 28th day of April. The Jury Commission composed of H. B. Pitts, F. A. Austin and W. R. C. McKay were immediately sworn in and are now busy drawing the Grand and Petit Juries and as soon as their names are placed in the hands of the Sheriff they will be summoned to come to Marshall to Court, which is now expected to meet here tomorrow morning and it is expected that the true bills of indictment will be returned immediately. Judge Buford, who is now holding Court at Longview, will go back there tonight and adjourn that Court until the Court here is through with its work.
Judge Buford stated that he hoped that the good order that has heretofore prevailed would continue and that he intended to give the men a fair and impartial trial. Everything is quiet here now and the military is still on duty at the jail and will probably be kept there until after the trial.

TWO SHREVEPORT NEGROES.
Marshall, Texas, April 26.---Mose Hill, alias "Creole Mose," and Jesse E. Jefferson, alias "Pie" both of Shreveport were principals in killing. Mose Hill is now surrounded in a cabin in Waskom. Twenty-five men have left here via train to get him.
[Additional article explains it was not Creole Mose in the cabin.]

MURDERER KNOWN HERE.
"Creole Mose" Was Arrested in This City Once for Murder.
"Creole Mose," the negro charged with killing a deputy sheriff and wounding another officer at Marshall, Tex., last night is well known to the local authorities. Several times during the past few years he was arrested by the local police. About a year ago he was caught by the police and delivered to the sheriff on the charge of murder of another negro on the Pat Cash plantation on Red river. Sheriff Flournoy, in recalling the case today, said that "Creole Mose" beat the case and was acquitted. The negro who was killed had disagreed with "Creole Mose" while at work in a grading camp, and the latter emptied a six-shooter into his victim upon stopping work for the day.

*Mose Hill and Mat Chase were kidnapped from the Marshall jail and hung from a "mammoth willow tree in the southern portion of the city near Pope's Gin" in the early morning of 20 April 1909. A crowd gathered to see the men in the tree before they were taken down. Marshall undertakers took the bodies to their undertaking establishment for viewing by citizens. In December of 1909, newspapers across the country posted stats for lynchings in the US. Hill and Chase were two of seventy white and black men lynched in 1909.