Chief Justice Haughn came to Jefferson in the early days of Jefferson’s
history, with the backing of the U. S. Government to create discord
between the white and colored population. He entered politics, after
serving as Chief Justice a number of years, and became judge. He later
had as his opponent for the office Judge S. W. Moseley who, regardless
of the fact that every election box was compelled to have one negro to
help in the election, was elected Nov. 22, 1882.
A political meeting was held in Kellyville, Texas, five miles west of
Jefferson, which many from Jefferson attended, and among those was Chief
Justice Haughn. After the meeting the men from Jefferson stayed for a
short time to chat with friends but Chief Justice Haughn was not
interested and left. When he reached what is now known as the old
Freeman house, he was killed and his body was found in a deep ditch.
Every manager of the election boxes was arrested, but to no avail, as it
is not known today, in 1944, how or by whose hand he met death.