Executed
Joe James
Joe James, a young Black man, was executed in Illinois in October 1908. His attorney, A. Morris Williams, joined his defense and asked for a change of venue and a new trial, and both requests were denied. Williams then sought review from the parole board and the governor. The case came in the aftermath of the Springfield Race Riot of August 1908.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state. Defense attorney A. Morris Williams sought a change of venue and a new trial, both denied, and then sought clemency from the parole board and governor.
Reported by: the Illinois state courts (court); attorney A. Morris Williams (family or their lawyers).