The Chipley banner. (Chipley, Washington County, Fla.) 1893-1943, 1897-07-31
FLEE FROM IMAGINARY MOB.
AURDERERs FLANAGAN AND PER.
RY PLACED IN STRONGER JAIL. !.
OF LYNCHING WERE MADE
The Two Were Quietly Transferred From
the Decatur to the Atlanta Jail by
Guards for "safe Keeping"


Edward G. Flanagan and II. s. Perry
were transferred from the Decatur,
Ca, Jail to Atlanta Friday night for
safe keeping.
The murderers were securely hand
cuffed and were under q special guard
Of five deputies, who were armed with
revolvers and winchesters.
Tho } was made late in the night,
but every precaution was taken lest
the citizens Of DeKalb should learn OF
the removal.
Threats and ugly rumors were heard
in Decatur Friday afternoon and
night.
The several lynchings throughout
the state had brought excitement and
discomfort TO the friends of the victims
Of the prisoners, who were trembling
in the Decatur Jail.
There was not the semblance Of
mob, but the rumors grew and in
creased. Prominent citizens learned
Of the excitement. The sheriff was
advised to take every precaution
necessary to insure absolute safety to
the men, and late in the night he be-
gan the journey TO Atlanta.
A posse of Ave men were summoned
for the trip. Heavy revolvers and
rifles were distributed among the dep
uties. Quietly the preparations were
made, not q word being said that
would create alarm or suspicion.
At 10. o'clock the posse, headed by
Sheriff Austin, went to the little Deca-
tur Jail, where Flanagan and Perry
were asleep.
The little village was asleep. The
lights were out and no one dreamed of
the scheme which had been arranged
by the officers.
Flanagan was sound asleep when
the sheriff ratified softly upon his cell
door.
"Get up, Flanagan, said the sheriff
The prisoner tossed wildly upon his
cot. Like . fash he was upon his
feet, his frame trembling from fright
and suspicion.
"Its the sheriff." came the reassur-
ing words. 'Dont be alarmed, Flana-
gan. There is no DANGER
Perry rolled across the cot, half
asleep and half awake.
AS he opened his eyes he caught the
glimmer Of winchesters and the muz-
zles Of pistols.
1--WE want you to dress as quickly as
possible" said Sheriff Austin. 1--WE
are gong to take you to Atlanta"
The prisoners looked about them
wildly. In the dim light of the cell
the men covered from fright. They
saw the sherifs at the door, and in
the darkness cleaned the gun barrels.
"Whnt's the matter?" came the
question, as the words fell from Elan
agan's trembling lips.
Flanagan and Perry were ordered
to dress hurriedly. The officers had
seen no movements on the outside,
but they did not know what was COM
ing. They, as we'll as the murderers,
were nervous.
AS soon as the prisoners were dressed
handouts were placed on their wrists,
and they were quickly taken from
their cell. The leave taking of the
jail was quietly done.
The prisoners were taken to the
car and placed between deputies.
There were only one or two other
passengers, who looked seriously at
the armed men and handcuffed prison.
ers, but said nothing.
Without incident the trip was made.
As soon as Atlanta was reached, the
prisoners were hurried to the Frazier
street jhil and we're locked in the rock
portion, Of the prison.