The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1910-09-01
White Caps Whip Holiness
Preacher and Two Friends
Who Came to Rescue.


CThe following was copied from West
Virginia newspaper, but the person
copying it failed to give dates or the
name OF the paper. We insert IL be-
cause one OF the parties involved,
Mr.. Polling. was at one time . resi-.
dent Of Beaver county, and well
known to many people here)
A mob Of about fifty White Caps
burst into the residence Of Rev. Scott
Williams, a Holiness preacher. on Tues
day morning at about O'Clock, pulled
him out into the yard and whipped
him severely and outrageousIy. Albert
and Wesley Polling, two very highly
respected citizens OF that peighbor-
hood, hearing the mob pass their resi-
dence, and fearing that violence would
be done to Rev. Williams, went to the
home as fast possible TO render any aid
they could. They were recognized by
the mob and were lsshed very severe
ly. The Tabernacle" or tent in which
the Holiness or Sanctiflcation meetings
we're held was burned to the ground,
and the mob left with the warning TO
Rev Williams that unless he left the
county within ten days he would again
receive q visit from them, and would
be left hanging to . tree.
The whipping occurred on Sand
Ridge, about IL or Is miles from this
place, where Williams has been hold
ing a series of meetings, made many
converts, and where a bitter feeling
has arisen between the members Of the
orthodox churches and the followers
OF the Holiness faith, who profess to
have reached state Of sinless perfec-
ton. The use OF the church was de-
MED Williams and temporary taber-
nacle was constructed and the meet.
ings held. Threats Of violence have
been made on several occasions, and
that usual quiet community has>been
in turmoil over the church and relig-
ious question.
From the best information we can
gather it seems that the mob gathered
at the house used by the preacher and
forced the door with heavy rail. and
burst into the room where Williams,
his wife and children were sleeping.
The preacher was seized and pulled
into the yard. while other members oi
| the mob turned their attention to the
other members of the family to pre-.
vent their crying out. A pillow wal
forced down over the face Of Mrs Will
Jams 80 tightly that she and her foul
weeks old infant were almost smoth
ered.' About the time the preacher
was pulled ont into the yard, the twt
Polings appeared on the scene and be
gan pleading and praying for the mol
to desist from their purpose, but to NJ
avail. After the preacher had beer
severely lashed with hickory whips
the Polings were subjected tothe ssm'
treatment. The tabernacle was theI
fired. and after delivering the warninl
the mob quietly dispersed withou
making any further demonstration.
During the scufiie Williams recog
nized member or two OF the party
and hat belonging to one was left II
the house which was identified as be
longing to Tom Coger, young man o
that neighborhood. The grand jur!
was in session and on Tuesday an in
dictment was secured against him.
capias was issued and an officer dis
patched Immediately to apprehen'
him. He was brought here and lodge,
in Jail Wednesday morning, and ha
not as yet been able to secure bond
He was taken before the grand jury Il
make other Indictments. At this tim
the grand jury has not completed It
work, and some startling develop
ments are expected.