2 Alabama Negros Are Lynched by Mob
- Title
- 2 Alabama Negros Are Lynched by Mob
- Source Type
- Newspapers
- Author
- N/A
- Publisher
- The Fairmont West Virginian
- Publication Place
- Fairmont, WV
- Publication Date
- January 4, 1915
- Transcript
- 2 Alabama Negroes Are Lynched by Mob By Associated Press. MONTGOMERY, Ala., Jan. 4.-Two negroes, Ed and Will Smith, were taken from the Watumpka jail early today and lynched by a mob. They had been accused of implication in the murder of R. A. Stillwell, an Elmore county farmer. Soon after reports reached the governor's office that a mob had over-powered the jail attaches at Watumpka and removed the negroes to Montgomery. militlamen were hurried to the scene in automobiles. However they were too late to prevent the lynching. Stillwell was shot several days ago while guarding his barn against thieves. Bloodhounds led directly, it was declared, to the cabin occupied by the Smith negroes, who were arrested. Searching parties found the negroes' bodies hanging in the woods five miles from Watumpka. Three supposed members of the mob are in jail at Watumpka, but their names have not been revealed. Gov. O'Neal has ordered a special session of the Elmore county grand jury to investigate. Three Montgomery militia companies remained at Watumpka throughout the day.