Richmond planet., 1899-12-09

MAYsvILLE, KY, December 6.-Rich-
ard Coleman (colored), the confessed
murderer OF Mrs. James Lashbrook, the
wife of his employer, expiated his
crime in daylight to- day, at the hands
ofa mob, consisting OF thousands OF
citizens. by burning at the stake, after
suffering indescriDAble torture.
The dreadful spectacle occurred on
the peaceful cricket-grounds on the
outskirts of this city.
Just two months ego. Richard Cole
man, the trusted empioyee OF Farmer
James LSshbrook, murd cred the wo-
man who had bean his beuefactor.
Coleman had been left in charge of
the house. Mrs Lsshbook had driven
10 MaysviIle and returned, when Cole
man asked her to enter the cabin TO
look at some work on which he had
been engaged.
The colored man locked the door on
the inside. Mrs. Lsshbrook became
frightened and screamed. Coleman
struck her on the head, knr cking her
down, but not stopping her cries, He
then seized q ra zOr and cut her throat.
he picked up the bleeding body and
ulaced it on the bed. he then left the
room. out returning heard her still
croaning, and with al axe he struck
her rene atedly on the head until be
was sure she WAS dead. The man
washed the blood from his hands and
clothing. and went to where Mr.. Lash
hook was at work in the field, and told
him that he had better come to the
house, as some one had killed his wife
1t was not until after the efficers ar
rived that suspicion WAS directed
against Coleman. Blood spots had
been found on his clothing, but he ac-
counted for that by saying that he had
been killing chickens. That night,
however, at Maysville, partial con
fession was obtained. and knowing the
resnIt n that fact should become
known, the fficers quietly took HIM to
Covington, KY. for eafe-keeping.
INDICTED FOR MURDER.
He was indicted for the murder
Shortly after his incarceration at Gov
ington he made q complete COME ssion
of his crime to the Jailer. The story
of his crime, including worse than
murder, was told without any appear
ance OF feeling by the prisoner.
The trial Was set for to day. Sheriff
Perrine determined to leave Covington
by the train, on the Chesapeake and
Ohio road, which started at 7:30
O'Clock Wednesday morning from Gin
cinDsti and Covington. Coleman had
been told Tuesday night to prepare to
return to the scene of his crime. He
was instantly stricken with fear, and
begged piteously to be permitted to
rev. ain in Covington until after his
trial
hs said he expected to die. but
dreaded the vengeance OF mob. When
he was handcDffed. on leaving the Jail
In Covington he was almost perslyz zed ),
and had to be assisted to the patrol
wagon. On entering the train he SEEM
ed unable to sit down, until one Of the
guards forced him into 3 seat.
Il developed that in the crowd at
Covington, and even on the train, there
were some of the relatives of Mrs.
Lashbrook, ready to convey informa-
tion il any attempt was made to secret
the prisoner. Messages were sent here
The prisoner, with his escort, arrived
at 1920 o'clock Sheriff Ferrine,
while en- route for Maysville, had been
informed that q mob was awaiting the
arrival of the train at the depot, and he
hastily prepared for the swearing in of
deputy sheriffs.
As train puffed slowly into the old
station the mob formed on both sides,
in two long, closely-huddled crowds,
and armed men stationed themselves
at the platforms of all the cars and
warned the frightened passengers to
remain quiet and not to interft re. The
Sheriff and his assistants were strong,
lY armed, and there was some resist
ance, as the leaders Of the mob jostled
roughly against them, and demand
were uttered from the outer friDges Of
the crowd for the prisoner.
OFFICERS GIVE HIM UP.
Sheriff Perrine made bold move
ment. and started walking swiftly, but
with no indication Of panic. from the
ear. A step behind him followed the
officers with Coleman in their midst,
seeking to conceal himself behind the