New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-07-24
LYNCHTKG IN IOWA.
Cs,sspssssnss Of ne MY. Tribune.

Cspsspssssnes Of TIE NJ Tribune
NoNrEzUMA, Iowa, July Is, 1857.
On farm three miles west Of this place, lest
1arl two bodies were found under . couple Of
ssrn-shscks In . corn.feld, which proved to be
tAsse Of young man and woman. They had been
shot and stabbed, and, when found, were in state
Of decomposition.
They were subsequently identified as the bodies
81 yssng married couple from Indiana, who wore
passing through Mahaska County north to make a
settlement. They had wagon, in which was con-
tanned their household goods, and four horses,
amounting IN value, it is supposed, to about $500.
"A man in Polk County was soon after arrested or
xuspici0n Of having committed the murder Some
sf the property was found in his possession; he
identified as having followed them, without any os-
tensibe object and against their wishes; traced to
the place where the murder was committed, where
several shots had been heard in quick succession,
&C. This oil man WAS called CumQuick, but gave
kis real nar,e as William Il. Thomas. He had never
sustained any characters was universally detested;
had no known occupation; would often be absent
for weeks no one could tell why or for what pur
pose; was addicted to drinking and all his occupa
ton appeared to be gambling.
He was examined here and an were satisfied OF
his guilt additional evidence has subsequently been
ebtained), and he was confined in Davenport Jail,
70 await the next session OF Court.
He was then brought here for trial, but his case
was put of, and it was supposed that petition
would be presented for change of venue, that he
might be tried in another county.
Fearing this, many of the citizens prepared to pre-
vent his being taken away butupOn being assured by
the Court and the prisoner and his counsel that he
should be tried without delay, and Special Court
appointed, for that purpose, for the l4th of july
and that no change OF venue should be made, they
were satisfied.
Last Sunday he was brought back here for trial,
when it ascertained that the Prosecuting AttOr
ney and the attorneys for prisoner had been concert
ing together and had agreed that there should be
trial. and that no witness for the State had arrived,
the Prosecuting Attorney having written to them not
to come. The State would thus be unprepared, and
if the prisoner demanded change, he would be
remanded, the trial delayed for months, or forever
the purposes Of justice baAled delayed, and the
prisoner perhaps tried in some other county, at
srme future time, all at the expense of this county.
The inhabitants were determined not to be trifed
with again. A Vigilance Committee was organized
assurances we're given that they only wished him to
have fair and impartial trial. and if acquitted all
would scquiesce, even though they might think him
guilty, but change of venue should not be granted
If granted, the prisoner should never leave here
alive.
A guard was kept up all Sunday night and Mon
day, well armed, as it was supposed an attempt
when 1t was the intention of the Committee to shoot
down the horses, secure the prisoner at all hazards
then raise the alarm when their friends, by hum
dreds if necessary, would be at their side.
But all passed away peaceably. Tuesday morn
ing, the l4th, arrived. Crowds of men were seen
in all directions, all well armed with revoverS,
bowie. knives, &c.
All appeared cool but determined. The Prescott
ing Attorney was in favor of change Of venue to
Mahaska County.
Court was called at an early hour 81 a. m. A
change Of venue was applied for and immediately
granted; the prisoner remanded to Davenport, 1l5
miler, 10 await his trial next Fall at tuscaloosa, in
Nahaska County.
The news few. man arose in the crowd;
stated with gushng tears that he had several times
Travelled hundreds Of miles, at great expense, to
rec the murderer Of his sister have a fair trial
again he was disappointed, and the consequence
would be that he would escape. Immediately
rush was made for the prisoner, the officers over
powered but not hurt, and the prisoner borne away
70 the wOOds half mile from town. There he was
hung upon branch of the nearest tree and let
down inseneible. An opportunity was given him,
and he was urged to confess. That he would not
do, and this was repeated three times-the prisoner
shll protesting his innocence. The fourth time the
rope was tied fast and in few minutes he was
dead. Scores and hundreds came out from town to
witness the spectacle but no regret or sorrow was
FELT by any.
An seemed to rejoice and congratulated each
other that the earth was rid of monster. The best
citizens, most wealthy and most pous, moral and
intelligent, ministers and laymen, all approved OF
the act, and thought it duty performed Not
person was intoxicated, none excited: it was done
coolly and deliberately, without any disorder very
little noise, and no hurry or qusrreling.
There could be no opposition, for all approved.
strong feeling 10 entertained against the Prosecuting
Attorney here. The Court immediately adjourned.
The body was left hanging upon the tree, with all
his usual clothing on. About noon he was taken
down and laid as he was, in a hole under neigh
boring tree, eighteen inches in DEPTH covered with
hazel brush and dirt, to lie until wanted but not
eight hours aferw.rd his body met with resurrec-
ton. ,
Absence Of all noise and excitement. None had
been drinking; there was no intemperance, but
cool calm, welformed determination. make no
comments; but all here are of one opinion, aud all
are satisfied. JAY.
AN EVENTFUL DAY At THE WHITE