Died in jail or a lockup
Ed Johnston
Ed Johnston was held in the jail at Chattanooga, Tennessee, in March 1900 while his appeal was before the United States Supreme Court. On the night after the court agreed to review his case, a mob broke into the jail, took him from his cell and killed him by lynching. The Supreme Court then brought contempt proceedings against the sheriff, the jailer and others, and six men were found guilty.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. A mob took Ed Johnston from the Chattanooga, Tennessee jail and lynched him, and the Supreme Court later brought contempt proceedings against the sheriff, the jailer and others.
Reported by: court.