James Simmons Sr.

James Simmons Sr. was held in the jail at Newcastle, Kentucky, when a mob broke in, took him from the jail and hanged him on September 3, 1877. The Daily Dispatch reported that he was one of three men taken this way, while a Cincinnati dispatch reprinted in the Staunton Spectator put the number at four. Neither report says whether jail staff resisted the mob or handed over the keys.

Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched

Reported by: Cincinnati dispatch reprinted in the Staunton Spectator (reporters).

News reports (2)

• The Daily Dispatch, September 5, 1877, page 3 The Daily Dispatch, September 5, 1877
• Staunton Spectator, September 11, 1877, page 2 Staunton Spectator, September 11, 1877