George Washington
George Washington, a Black man about twenty-two years old, was held at the McComb City corporation jail. Early on Friday, November 22, 1889, he was found hanging from a tree near the Illinois Central Railroad shops in McComb City. According to the mayor, the jail was broken open and he was taken out shortly before the city marshal was to move him to the county jail, and no one could say who broke the lock or took him. A coroner's jury found that he died by hanging at the hands of unknown persons.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. A coroner's jury found he died by hanging at the hands of unknown persons after the town jail was broken open and he was taken out.
Reported by: coroner's jury (medical examiner or coroner); the mayor.