The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1878-08-29
SHORT sHRIFT.
A Tennessee NegrO's Terrible Crime Terribly and
RighteOusly Ayenged-Hung on a Tree From
Which Two Other Ravlshers DaDgled

Which Two Other Ravlshers Dangled.
Nashville, August 23,-The AmGrtcans special
gives an account OF the lynChing Of D, Belar for
ravishing Mrs. Martin, wife of prominent far
mer living IN the Twenty.Afth district, Shelby
county Belar had dropped into the neighbor'
hood tramp year ago, and passed as white,
although It was thought he had negro blood in
him. He worked for several parties, and for
some weeks past had been employed on the farm
OF P. Williams. William Martin, sonin-law Of
Williams, lived near the latteI's residence. Both
went on deer hunt Wednesday night, leaving
their wives alone, and not intending to return TIL
next day. Early In the night Mrs, Martin, hear
ing knock at the door, and recognizing his
voice, admitted Belar, who said he'd been sent to
protect her from rowdles and bad women prowl.
ing In the neighborhood. Belar showed pistol,
with which he said he would defend her. Mrs.
Martin was afraid, but as Belar insisted on stay
ing, and she had no way Of escape, she was COM
PEELED to yield. Early in the night she retired TO
her room with young baby, thinking If Belar
had any bad intentions the sight OF the child
would deter him Soon Belar knocked at her
door, and admission being denied, quickly forced
1t open Aterrible struggle then began, Mrs Mar.
tin using all her strength to defend herself At
last, half an hour before daylight completely ex'
hausted, she fell down, unable to move and clasp
ing her baby to her bosom. Belar then accom-
plshed his hellish designs, and in the act almost
crushed the infant to death, Under threat Of
killing her, he compelled Mrs Martin to promise
silence. Belsr then went to Williams house. and
taking one of his best horses, rode 10 neighbours
two miles distant Mrs, Martin recovered sufh.
cienty to rouse the neighborhood Her horrible
story produced the highest excitement and
crowd of indignant citizens soon look the trail.
Belar was found at work, arrested, and taken be-
fore a magistrate, Mrs. Martins evidence was
given, together with overwhelming evidence OF
his guilt. The excitement increased and two at.
temps were made to lynch him on the spot, but
were prevented by prominent citizens, Martin
had returned from the hunt and almost frantic,
hurried to the trial. With great difficulty he was
prevented from killing Belar. 1t was decided TO
send Bear to ShelbyVille jail, and Constable AT
mold, with guard OF FIVE. undertook the Job,
avoiding public ways and taking the woods The
distance was twelve miles. The party succeeded
in getting Just within the corporation line and
were passing the railroad turn table, when sud
denly large crowd Of disguised men, at signal
rushed out from the engine house and freight
cars Arnold was overpoWered In an instant and
the mob imme diately rode away, taking the Iul-
lahoma pike ATnolds party continued on their
way to the jail TO get help II was then discover
ed that oil The streets were strongly ,pcEeted by
horsemen, showing the most complete arrange
ments had been made Suddenly a pistol shot
rang out, and the strangers Immediately diEap-
peared, taking the direction OF the sound. Early
this morning 1t was reported that Belars body
had been found three and halt milesfrom town,
and crowds repaired to the spot. Beiar was still
hanging from q limb by small halter rope, He
had been slrangled to death, The rope had cut
far into the neck The body presented ghaStly
sight as it swung In the early sunlight-swollen
black, the tongue hanging from the mouth, the
eyes prouuded and the body black and blue from
stagnated blood. The CoroneT'sverdict was death
| by unknown persons. Belsr was fve feet eight,
weighed l4O pounds, and had repulsive, sensual
| appearance. The verdict Of the whole commu-
! nifty is served him right. Mrs. Martin was Sc
verely injured, and lies in serious condiuon.-
The limb from which Belar swung was used in
Septen Der, 1871, to lynch two ravishers.