Died in custody
Christopher N. Bender
Christopher N. Bender was being transported from Raleigh toward Memphis when about forty masked horsemen took him from the sheriff's custody and hanged him from a tree. The Daily Phoenix account describes the mob's action as the killing, and it gives no statement from the sheriff about whether he resisted, gave up the prisoner, or was overpowered. The paper's report of August 5, 1868 is the only source cited for these events.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched
Reported by: news reports.