The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1864-07-28
THE MOB IN OTTUMWA!
They break open the Jail and
take out McComb to hang
him!
HE Is RESCUED AND RE.
TURNED TO RIS CELL.
THE LEADERS ARRESTED I!

| TURNED TO HIS CELL.
THE LEADERS ARRESTED
Yesterday was an exciting day in Ottun
wa. TWAS the day on which B. A. McCom
was sentenced to be hung. and on whicl
ne would have been hurg had not an ar
peal tc the Supreme Court stayed the pre-
ceedings and postponed the execution
During tine forenoon il was noticed ths
people in unusual nsmbers were comm
into town, until by noon the streets wer
crowded. The people did not seem excited
no threats were made, and in fact up to thi
time nothing transpired to indicate any un
hwfp' purpose on'the part of the ASSEMBLIES
multitude. estimated to amount 20 1000
men, women and children. The citizen
generally supposed that the crowd. unap
rrised of the postponemen: of the execution
had come in impclled by curiosity to SCI
McComb hung.
About 10 o'clock, however, impelled
seemingly by common purpose, the crowd
gathered about the Jail. and the leaders
confined to some dozen persons, avowed
their purpose to get hold of the prisoner
McComb, and hang him. Sheriff Derby
was at his post and resisted the execution OF
their purpose to the best Of his ability,
knocking down two or three Of the ring
leaders. He also called for assistance,
and was assisted by few. Senator Dixon,
Judge Hendershott, Hon. E H Stiles, and
Capt A. A Stuart addressed the crowd.
urging them to desist, and let the law take
its course. All however, had no apparent
restraining effect A woman mounted the
fence, and made an exciting harrangue, urg-
ing on the mob; and saying IL they would
leave it to the women they would attend to
it themselves. A vote was taken, which
was decided 10 be in favor Of the hanging
A rush was now made for the front door Of
the Jail, one fellow brandishing sledge.
hammer. But Sheriff Derby and the few
assisting him made such effectual resistance
that it is probable the attempt might have
been foiled had not portion of the crowd
gone ronnd to the back side OF the building,
and knocking off two or three boards of the
high fence surrounding the yard, effected
an entrance. after which with sledge ham.
mer the outer door was broken open and
then the locks of the cell in which McOomb
was confined were broken. and the prisoner
dragged out. He asked for an hour which
was given him to prepare for death. A cler-
gyman was sought, and he was finally taken
into the catholic church and baptised by
Father Kreckle, the crowd following After
this he was led down town by way of Court
and Front streets to the corner of Market
and was then placed in wagon and started,
accompanied by an immense multitude. it
was given out, for the other side of the river
near where the remains of the girl were
found, but if such was the purpose, it was
changed after half the crowd had forded the
river, and they finally moved of down Front
street. They went out about mile on the
Agency road where preparations were COM
menced for the execution. A rope was tied
around the neck of tina prisoner. Some
speaking AMI some fighting among the
crowd followed After . short halt, facil.
ties for an execution here were not deemed
satisfactory and they crossed over the ridge
and halted under bent tree, but the ground
was - uneven that it was difficult to keep
the wagon stationary. They finally. how.
ever, got the rope adjusted. McComb assist
ing, and were about throwing it over limb.
Before this was done. however, McComb're-
quested permission to make few remarks.
He said 81 have the rope around my neck
az you see. and have only few moments to
live. but am an innocent man. If you
will give me until the next court I will
prove that George Lawrence is living, and
that did not murder Laura Harvey" At
this point cry was raised all through the
crowd, stake him back" stake him back"
accompanied by the cry of "hang him."
"hang him." The leaders fearing that the
tide was turning, said that it was getting
late and they could wait no longer. An at
tempt was made to throw the rope OYER the
limb, but while this was being done several
resolute men. some Of them from Ottumwa,
jumped into the wagon and seizing the rope
attempted to wrest it from the executioners.
A short struggle for the possession of the
rope followed, wher some one called out
"cut it." No sooner said than done. The
rope was cut, McComb hustled out of that
wagon into another and driven rapidly to
town, where they arrived little after 6 O.
clock, and lodged McComb safely in his
old quarters again. During the evening,
the Sheriff. assisted by detachment Of the
Guards" arrested or persons, recog.
Missed as leaders Of the mob, lodging soma
in Jail and releasing others on bail.
-r
SHOCKING DEArR.-Y Yesterday morning,
about 10 o'clock, J. H. Coan, . daguerrean
artist, was found dead in his picture-car in
this city. From all appearances he had
been deal for some time, as decomposition
had already taken place to such an extent
when the body was found. that the stencil
was terrible. The last time be was seen
alive was ON Monday night last. at about
IL o'clock. at which tine NE was somewhat
intoxicated as he had bcsG continually for
several days previous. 1t is stated by those