James Nelson
James Nelson was held in the Lafayette County jail at Lexington, Missouri, when a mob of about 130 to 250 men broke in early on December 7, 1896. According to newspaper accounts, the mob overpowered the jailer and guards and battered down the cell doors, and the jailer had refused to hand over the keys, though one report says the officers could not stop the mob. Nelson maintained his innocence and pleaded with the men as they led him out. His body was found that day hanging from an oak tree in Ray County, and the prosecuting attorney, William Aull, said he would seek to bring the mob members to justice.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. A Ray County mob broke into the Lexington jail, overpowered the jailer and guards, and hanged James Nelson from an oak tree, according to the Lexington dispatch and Prosecuting Attorney William Aull.
Reported by: Lexington, Mo. dispatch (reporters); Prosecuting Attorney William Aull.