Died in jail or a lockup
Eel Smith
Eel Smith, a Black man, was held in the jail at Wetumpka, Alabama. Early on January 4, 1915, a mob broke into the jail, took him and another man from their cells, and lynched them. According to the South Bend News-Times, Governor O'Neal was telephoned about the threat and ordered three Montgomery state militia companies out, but they arrived too late to stop the killings. The account gives no detail on whether the jailers resisted the mob or handed over the keys.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. According to the newspaper account, a mob broke into the Wetumpka jail early on January 4, 1915, took Eel Smith from custody and lynched him.
Reported by: newspaper account of the Wetumpka lynching (reporters).