Douglas Horton was a blacksmith who lived in Powhatan at the turn of the 20th Century. On August 5, 1898, he got into a dispute over a watermelon with another resident, Elwood Wright. A fight ensued, in which Wright was severely injured/killed.1
Newspaper accounts conflict over the time of death. According to one article, the story is written in such a way as to suggest that Wright died that same day.2 But another account says that he didn't die until December 12, 1901, almost three years after the incident.3 No contemporary sources tell what the dispute was about or what became of Mr. Horton.
Sources:
1. Arkansas Democrat. August 6, 1898. p.6. Douglas_Horton_identified_as_a_blacksmith_of_Powhatan__8_6_1898_.pdf
2. "Otherwise Unnoticed." The Helena Weekly World. August 10, 1898. p.2. Elwood Wright attacked over watermelon, 8-10-1898.pdf
3. Fort Smith Times. December 16, 1901. p.3. Elwood Wright dies in Asylum after Melon fight, 12-16-1901.pdf
