Burton
Burton, a Black man, was held in Hempstead, Texas, in October 1902. According to the Richmond Planet, a mob broke into the courtroom while the sheriff was waiting for troops, seized him and hanged him in the public square. The Washington Times reported that he was lynched with another Black man, Wesley, on the Tuesday before its October 24 report, after local citizens had promised the governor they would protect the men. The paper said the killing was the second such death in Waller County in six weeks, and that the governor was expected to take up the case with local authorities.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. The Richmond Planet reported that a mob broke into the courtroom, seized Reddick Barton while the sheriff waited for troops, and hanged him in the public square.
Reported by: Richmond Planet (reporters).