Died in jail or a lockup
John Nelson
John Nelson was held in the jail at Magnolia, Louisiana, in 1886. According to the Macon Beacon, an armed mob broke open the jail, took him out, and hanged him from a bridge near the town. One report says another man, Leander Nelson, was hanged with him, while another mentions only one man taken from the jail. The accounts describe much excitement over the killing.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. An armed mob broke open the Magnolia, Louisiana jail, took John Nelson out and hanged him from a bridge, according to a Macon Beacon report.
Reported by: Macon Beacon (reporters).