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RIOHMONJVOL,. 15. NO. 40Tihc men got down to the business which brought them to town. They gathered in little groups and discussed the situation. It was quite apparent that something unusual was going to happen very soon. Judge Goodwyn had been warned to keep out of the court-house yard. He was informed that if he attempted to interfere with anything that might go on his own life would be in danger. He watched the movements of the men from his yard, about fifty yards away. Sheriff Dec had been told also that he had better not stay about the jail.TO LA'NCII TWO.It seems that it was at first proposed to lynch the negro to-night, but the way being clear and many persons having come from a distance, the leaders could see no reason for postponing the work. Besides, some reasoned that it would have the desired effect upon evil-disposed persons to have the execution take place before the large crowd assembled. There were at this time probably one thousand whites and blacks., the former being slightly in the majority, In the square. A few nogro women were on the outskirts of the crowd. A number of white ladies could see what was transpiring from their porches across the main street of the town. About half past twelve o'clock the smaller groups of men began to join the central one. It was not long before there was a movement toward the jail. Then everybody realized that the lynching of Cotton was about to take place. A shout was sent up by a few.Sheriff should order the troops withdrawn. He asked those assembled • what they thought should be done. Various views were expressed, but all were practcxllv agreed that Cotton should not be, under any circumstances, taken to Portsmouth. Inasmuch as lawyers had advised that the negro having escaped from Portsmouth while under sentence of deatn, ho would not be legally tried and convicted in Greensville, but would have to be carried to Portsmouth and resentenced to death. The Greensville people were frank to say that the man should bo executed in their county.MORE TROOPS NEEDED.Major Culchins told the gentleman that if the military were going to remain he would call for additional troops. “I can hold that jail with the men I have got against all Grenesville,” said the Major, but I do not want to shoot down your people. Many will think they can fakeCotton against one company. They, therefore, may makp an attack, and then there will be bloodshed. A larger force will have the moral effect of preventing an attack, and will prevent the loss of life.When the -Major had concluded his remarks a gentleman said: 'T.movc that all who favor discharging the soldiers(From a Staff Correspondent }EMPORIA. VA.. March 24—Waiter Cotton, the negro muredcr, and Brandt O’Grady, the man who is supposed to have hud part in the killing of Officers Saunders and Wei ton, were lynched in the. jail yard here to-day.After the whites had taken ’.he life of the negro, the blacks, led by several men of the other race, execuled the alleged Irishman. A crowd of large proportions for a town of the size of this one, cheered as the two men were strung to the limb of ah ancient wild cherry tree. Two shots were tired into the b'dy of the negro (by a relative of Mr. Wc tun.The unlawful hanging of th-s ’ mm was made possible by an o:dcr for the removal of the Blurs. These soldiers had not reached Richmond on their return before the Infuriated mob broke into (he jail and brought the negro out- O’Grady was lynched soon thereafter.A M’ELM ORAJ2LE DAY.This day has been one the people of Greensville and adjoining counties cm never fogct. The soldiers were on guard duty all night. They moved about o* cr their bests in the chill night air, lounge f about a big leg fire or slept for brief periods In their -blankets. It was a cid, vlamp, dismal morning, ^hc weatherEX-JUDGE THE LEADERFormer Occupant of the County DenchHelped to.Lynch Ncrgro.Former County Judge G. P. Barham was the recognized leader of the party. He and a few others had no trouble in entering the jail. The man who had the keys made a formal protest. There was considerable delay in getting- the prisoner out. He was shackled and chained to She floor. It required about ten minutes to* get these things unfastened. Outside was considerably subdued excitement, but no disorder. The average white man wore a very determined look. They seemed to think the lynching of the negro was a very solemn duty. The negroes were quiet.” Some openly said they thought this murderer ought to die by the method decidedupon.NO PLEA FOR MEROY.Cotton made no protest. He did notbeg for mercy. He did not yell. In fact, bo knew the cure was at hand, and sullenly did as he was toll to do. Theshackles removed, the rope was adjusted about Cotton’s neck, but the handcuffs were not removed. As he was led out there was fear that an attempt would be made- to shoot him, as several persons appealed to the crowd’ not toshoot. No one drew a revolver. The man walked steadily. The rope choked him as lie was being dragged' to a, tree about' thirty yards distant. A young man climbed up to the first limb and the end of the rope was thrown to him. lie placed' it over the branch. A dozen men got hold of the rope, ar.d the negro was jerked up. Then two pistol bails were tired into liis body. Death was almost instantaneous. The body was not cut down at once, but was left hanging there.By this time the crowd had doubled. The most exciting incident of the day was yet to come. The negroes, looking upon the form of one of their race dangling in their sight, began to demand thelife of the white man, O’Grady.“You have killed 'the negro, now lets hang the white man,” they said' in a chorus.“We will help you,** responded a number of whites.JUDGE W. SAMUEL GOODWYN(From a photograph taken some ti me ago. He now wears no beard.)Appeals AYcrc Made in Vain for tinMan’s Life.-The crowd rushed back to the jail. Hal a dozen men went in to protect O’Grady. Judge Barham addressed the mob. “Cotton. was a confessed murderer, he said; “but who knows that the white man isguilty?” v“We do.” responded several voices. “No. you don't,” answered the Judge. “This man may be innocent. Let's give him a -chance to prove. If guilty, I will go as far as any one of you in punishinghim.” 1 *“Bring him out,” shouted a chorus ofvoices.Then several of the mob broke by Judge Barham ar.d entered the jail. There was some trouble In getting into the cell. The Jynchers were forced out. But they were determined to make another effort. Mr. C. T. Boykin, of ’Richmond, appealed to(Continued on Twelfth Page.)
Newspaper Details
Richmond Times
Richmond, Virginia, US
Sun, Mar 25, 1900
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Library O.
USA 06 Nov 2019
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