Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1877-11-30
Mob Law.

DEs MONIES, Ia.. Nov 15-Reuben
Proctor, the man suspected OF
the murder of Miss Cardigan,
in Belmont, Warren county, was
taken from jail at Indianola yesterday
morning to the nearest Justice
to the scene of the crime
for examination. 4 large crowd
had gathered when the Sheriff and his
prisoner arrived, about 10 o'clock, and
it was evident there was trouble brew
ing. At the opening Of the Court it
was reported that the girl was but just
alive, when it was suggested that the
Court adjourn to the house to take her
dying declaration To this a strong OBJ
lection was made by the crowd, accom-
panied with hurried consultations, but
finally the crowd consented on pledge
Of the Court and officers that Proctor
should be brought back, and the prison
er was taken before Miss Cadigan and
identified as one of the three masked
men who attempted to rob her fathers
house, and by one Of whom she was
shot while ejecting him from the house.
She had known Proctor several years,
and he passed the house every day. She
knew his dress, walk and voice He
had frequently visited the house within
few weeks, and at each visit was pc
culiarly anxious to find out whether he
had sold his farm, hogs, and how much
he got for them. if he got the money,
etc On the night of the attack man
walked into the house with mask on,
and without word, drew pistol and
pointed it at her. She sprang to him,
and caught the pistol, and pushed it
down, when it was discharged and the
ball entered her right breast She tore
off the mask, and found the mans face
blaekened, so she did not recognize him.
She pushed him out doors. when he fir
ed again, the ball entering her hand. As
he went out the door another man out
side said: How do you like that?"
and that man was Reuben Proctor At
the close Of her deposition, the Court
started back, and, when about half way
was met by a crowd of about 300, led by
two men with ropes over their shoul
ders. Surrounding the prisoner they
returned to the Justices office, where
other evidence was taken, corroborating
Miss Cadigans testimony and fixirg the
crime on Proctor, until the Court ad-
iourned to supper After supper the
Sheriff was notified that he would have
to surrender Proctor. The Sheriff at
tempted to resist, when rope was
thrown over Proctor s neck, the crowd
closed in around him. keeping back the
officers. and he was run across the street
the rope thrown over cross-beam of
pair of scales. and he was quickly run
up. After he had hung about fifteen
minutes, the leader of the vigilants told
them they could disperse until called
out again He made speech which
was responded to by citizen, who ten
dered thanks for the work they had
DONE Proctor's body was taken down
and an inquest hello, the verdict being that
he came to his death by hanging by un-
known men, Proctor spoke not word.
Not one of the crowd were masked. No
attempt was made at disguise. The
work was done openly and emphatically.
Proctor was % years old, and one of the
worst men in the country. Two broth
ers are in the Penitentiary, and all have
been identified with murder, robbery,
and various crimes for years, until the
indignant people could bear no more,
and are determined to rid the country
of oil cuch