The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-12-18
Hanging Was by Spencer County Res
idents, Who Followed Sheriff
and Prisoner to Boonvflle.
GOVERNOR WILL TAKE ACTION
STEPS UNDER CONSIDERATION TO
PUNISH THE LYNCHERS.
Exodus of Negroes from River Towns
stockport Is Quiet After the Ex-
citing Events of Two Days.
special to the Ind.anapolis journal.

Special to the indianapolis Journal.
BoONvILLE, Ind. Dec. II. - Joseph
Rolla, one OF the negroes implicated in
the murder OF Hollie Simons, the Rockport
barber, was hanged by a mob in Boon
Vile tonight. He was brought to this
county by Sherif Anderson from Rockport
at 4 o'clock this afternoon and was lodged
In jail. The sheriff, on learning that
mob was after his prisoner, attempted to
take him to Evansville, but was prevented
by Boonville citizens, who guarded the Jail
until the mob arrived, at o'clock. The
members proceeded to hammer holes in
the side of the jail. After an hours work
they entered and broke open two cell doors,
secured the prisoner and proceeded with
him to the courthouse yard. where he was
hanged to a tree. The mob was quiet in its
procedure and did its work quickly. There
was no shooting, and the hanging was
witnessed by thousands Of men, women
and children. The hanging occurred at $50
o'clock.
Rolla, who was implicated by the con-
fcssioa made by Rowland just before the
latter was hanged. had been secreted by
tie proprietor of the veranda Hotel. at
Rockport. the negro having convinced his
employer that he was innocent. This morn
ing Sheriff Anderson arrested Rolla. and
then threw strong guard around the ho-
tel to protect him. A band OF citizens be-
gan to collect about the hotel, and they.
also. threw a guard around the hostelry
in order that the sheriff could not get
away with his prisoner.
At noon the sheriff put the negro in a
closed carriage and made dash through
the guard of citizens and escaped before
opposition could be effectual. The mob
organized and men We're sent hurrying in
all directions in search of saddle horses.
After organizing the mob divided into two
bodies and set out on different roads to
Boonville in the hope of overtaking the
sheriff. Failing to do this, and learning
that the negro had been placed in the
Boonville Jail, the parties joined forces
outside the city and waited for nightfaIl
before entering the city.
1t was after o'clock when they came
cantering into Boonville and up to the Jail
After dismounting the leaders made re-
quest for peaceful entry into the Jail. and
on being refused asked for the keys. This
demand being refused also, an order was
given to procure battering ram. and
convenient telephone pole was brought into
requisition. The side wall of the Jail was
soon battered down and entrance gained
to the Jail
1t was the work of but few minutes to
get the negro out OF the cell and put a
rope around his neck. He was dragged
about two blocks to the courthouse square,
and at the northwest corner of the lot
tree was selected with handy limb.
"whistlins Joe'' was given a few minutes
in which to make his peace with his Maker,
but he persisted in vehement tones that he
was innocent and asked TO be turned loose
The order to swing him up was given end
the negro's body was soon dangling in the
chilly air. 1t was agreed that the body
should remain hanging until noon to-mor-
row. when it will be cut down by the cor
oner.
Members of the mob wore no masks, and
the order was given to keep all pistols in
pockets. no doubt to prevent indiscrim-
mate shooting and wounding of innocent
people. as occurred at Rockport Sunday
night. There was no effort on the part
of the citizens of Boonville to prevent the
lynching. though the streets were crowded
with men. women and children watching
the work Of the mob.
Rolla struck the First Blow.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
ROCKPORT. Ind. Dec. I.-Joseph Rolla.
who was hanged at Boonviile tonight. for