Died in custody
John Johnson
John Johnson, a Black man, was one of eight people held at a rock crusher near Pittsmorville. According to a July 1903 report in the Van Buren Press, the group tried to get away one night and guards stopped them. Johnson was killed, and another man was shot. Four of the group were recaptured within a mile of the camp.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff. The account says guards stopped the group and killed Johnson, and another man was shot.
Reported by: news reports.