Correction Officer John R. Hinson

John R. Hinson

John R. Hinson was employed as a convict guard at the Eastham state prison farm, located 13 miles west of Trinity in Houston County. On Saturday, October 15, 1932, Hinson was struck in the head with a pitchfork and knocked from his horse by three convicts and his shotgun and pistol were taken. Hinson was beaten with the pitchfork handle once he was on the ground. Charley (Chuck) Wilson, serving 20-years for robbery from Pampa, Buchanan Sloan, serving 15-years for robbery from Hill County, and H. G. Daniels, serving 20-years for robbery from Bexar County, made a dash for liberty. The remainder of the work detail carried Hinson to the hospital. A posse with bloodhounds cornered Wilson about 8:00 p.m. When he refused to surrender, he was shot to death by guards, who thought he was still armed with Hinson’s gun. The posse caught the other two convicts near Madisonville Sunday after an all-night hunt. Hinson’s pistol and shotgun was recovered on the convicts.

Hinson died at a Huntsville hospital on Thursday, November 3, 1932. He was about 62 years of age at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife, and at least two children.

H. G. Daniels and Buchanan Sloan signed confessions to the beating death of Hinson. No further information as to the sentences they received.