The Topeka state journal., 1897-09-27
DAYLIGHT LYNCHING.
Mob Wouldn't Wait for Fear of the
Militia,

Hawesville, KY, Sept. 27.-In the
broad glare of a Sunday sun, in the
midst of a protracted revival, not
mask to be seen, and in the presence of
500 infuriated people, Raymond Bush
rod, a negro, last evening at O'Clock
was made to pay the penalty of his as
sault on 14-year-old Maggie Roberts.
He was swung from a limb in the court
house yard.
Bushrod was from Rockport, Ind.
Several months ago he was taken in
and treated kindly by Willis Clark,
farmer in the upper part of the coun-
ty, only to betray Clark and steal his
watch. For this he was released two
weeks ago from the county jail, after
having served a sentence of 156 days.
He was in town yesterday and drink
ing. In the afternoon he set out afoot,
going west on the Texas railroad. Three
miles below town, near Petri station, he
encountered Maggie Roberts, daughter
of Ben Roberts, farmer. He ran. her
down and assaulted her. Then he beat
her with an iron coupling pin and left
her on the railroad grade to die. The
news of the outrage spread and search
ing parties were sent in every direc-
tion. Guards were sent to every skiff
for 20 miles, and his escape to Indiana
was well night impossible.
Failing in his attempt to cross at Tell
City, he made back over the railroad
and was captured in hiding under the
waiting station at Falcon, a mining
town four miles below the scene of the
crime. Bushrod fell in with a crowd of
four who brought him quietly to
HaweSville and surrendered him to the
jailer, while the town was deserted
searching for him.
In the meantime the officers got wind
of mob, and he was secretly guarded
in the graveyard on the hill until morn
ing, when he was again locked up. But
the people had been determined all day.
Early they came afoot. on horseback.
in wagons and in trains. They were
impatient for darkness. 1t was rumor-
ed that militia would arrive at 4:4O
from OwenSborO for his protection. The
angry crowd would not stand this, and
they placed truSty SentinelS on the hill
overlooking, to give a sign if the train
bore such protection. The troops failed
to come, but at this time the officers
thought to play a ruSe. The mob was
led to believe that Bushrod had escap-
ed from behind, and a hot pursuit fol-
lowed. The trail was followed only a
square, when the open attempt to spir-
it Bushrod over the hills and out of
town was discovered. a few well cho-
sen guards, however, stayed at the Jail
and, as he was brought out, the mob
formed in front and the officers were
made to yield.
Promptly at o'clock the march to
the court square, but few steps away,
was begun. Hating in front of a great
shady poplar, with limbs and twigS
hanging over the most public street,
a selection was made. Some delay was
caused for want of a rope, but directly
a bran new half-inch p1ow line was
furnished, and everything was in read
inesS for the first lynching in Hancock
county.
In the meantime Bushrod was given
an opportunity for confession and
prayer. His confession was complete.
He stated that he was guilty, and that
this was the third offense, one success
full effort having been made upon his
60-year-old aunt. After Offering up his
last supplication, long and fervent
prayer on bended knee. the signal to
| haul away was given. The applause as
he went up was deafening.
In about four minutes he was pro-
| nounced dead, and Coroner Mitchell
viewing the body, cut it down and sum-
moned a jury, whose verdict that
Bushrod came to his death at the
hands of unknown parties.
After the lynching, the mob's leader
an Indianian, made a little talk in
| which he pointed to the gruesome corpse
saying: Here is the protection we of
fer our wives and daughters
No action by the authorities against
| any member of the mob is likely.
During the entire time of the lynch
| ing not less than 200 women were on
the hill and hillside overlooking the
public square, and when his dangling
form went up. rent the air with their
shouts. In fact, the women gave a
| double assurance to the ones engaged
that the proper punishment was being
meted out.
No-To- F3aA foE Fifkv T,aCrm