The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1883-11-23
LYNCHED FOR MURDER.
Jacob Melting, the Aged Murderer OF
Little Ada Atkinson, Hanged by I'm
known Persons at Oxford, Ind.

Jacob Melting, the Aged Murderer of
Little Ada Atkinson, Hanged by I'm
known Persons at Oxford, Ind.
FOWLER, Ind, Nov. 2O-The most in
tense excitement prevails here over the
lynching of Jacob Melting, the murderer of
Ada Atkinson, which took place Monday
morning. Sunday night it was intimated
that mob law would be resorted to, and
many of our citizens gathered around the
jail, anxiouSly awaiting developments.
Their waiting was not in vain, for about
11:30 O'Clock fifty or more masked and we'll
mounted men, armed to the teeth, galloped
up to the jail. They were closely followed by
buggies containing from twenty-five to fifty
men, Upon arriving at the jail picket
guard was thrown out, who commanded the
citizens to stand back and not interfere. A
dozen men then approached the main en-
trance of the Jail and demanded of the
Sheriff the keys to the doors. These he re-
fused to produce The yigilantes then pro-
ceeded to the east door of the Jail, and the
order was given to force an entrance. The
men brought Sledge-hammerS and crowbars
from their vehicles, and in five minutes the
outer door was reduced to ruins. The mas
sive iron door which separates the prison.
ers from the jaier's room was then forced
and the way was cleared. As the Captain
of the yigilantS crossed the threshold he was
met by Melting, who had retired early, but
upon hearing the noise had awoke and
dressed himself, putting on his hat and over
coat. He was asked if his name was Nell
ing, and upon his giving answer in the affir-
native, was told that he was wanted. He
said he knew it. and was prepared to ac-
company them. He was placed in a buggy
and was driven toward Oxford, the scene of
the murder, followed by the vigilantS. A
large crowd had congregated about the Jail
during the thirty minutes taken up in gain
ing an entrance by the mob who now made
a rush for the livery stables, and every
horse and vehicle that could be found was
pressed into service by the excited people
who were bent upon seeing the hanging.
During the journey Melting was calm and
collected. He conversed freely with his
captors and said he knew they were going
to hang him, but wanted it done right.
When they had reached a point about two
hundred yards from Atkinson's residence,
and under the gnarled limbs of a walnut
tree, the procession halted, the men dis
mounted, and the prisoner was asked if he
has anything to say. He answered: Ihave
not" The Captain of the vigilants then APP
preached him and said: g Mr.. Melting, you
are now on the verge of eternity. In a half
hour your soul will have flown across the
river of death. will now ask you TO tell
the truth. Was it not your purpose to ravish
that child when you went to the house?"
Melting replied that it was not
Have you confessed the entire truth in
this matter?"
81 have"
is there any other crime you have ever
committed that you would like to speak
about?'
g l believe not"
Orders were then given to bind Nelling's
hands behind him. The rope was tied to a
stout limb, a buggy was driven under the
tree, and the prisoner lifted into it. The
moose was adjusted around his
neck, and he was requested to
stand upou the seat, to which he
said: 81 don't care about doing that, |
might fall off and hurt myself" Finally he
consented, and his feet were bound. He
was then asked if he had anything to say,
as it was his last opportunity. He gazed
around upon the upturned faces of the
crowd. Not single muscle quivered. His
face was as calm as a child's and not
the least perceptible temor could be
detected in his voice as he answered:
"No, sir, l have not" The order was
then given, the buggy was driven out from
under him, and the soul of Jacob Melting
was launched into eternity. He died from
strangulation. With the exception of a
few twitches of his lower limbs and a con-
Vulsive opening and closing of the eyes he
died without struggle. In ten minutes
after the drop he was pronounced dead.
The stricteSt order was preserved. Not a
man among the yigilants spoke word or
made any unnecessary sound save the spolles-
man. The band was thoroughly organized,
and, if the truth was known, composed of
some of the best men of the county.
general sentiment of satisfaction is expressed
by the people over the result The body
was cut down at 1890 Monday, and the Cor
Oner rendered verdict in accordance with
the above facts.
The remains were inferred in the Potter's
Field, west of Oxford. 1t is estimated that
fully five thousand people witnessed the
burial. A great deal of excitement has
been caused by the discovery of document
in Nelling'S cell, in which he asks God to
grant his grace to make full and complete
confession before he died.
Melting killed Ada Atkinson in her room
about eight weeks ago. She was almost a
child, and he had been lrer fathers laborer
for many years. The case excited a great
deal of attention and was for long time in
mystery. Another man was arrested on the
word of Melting, but afterward Melting adj
mitted he lied and said he did it himself
He barely escaped lynching at the time, and
was recently removed from Jail to avoid the
fury of the mob. He was to have been in