John Wilkes

John Wilkes was held in the jail at Byron, Georgia, when, late at night on October 28, 1907, unknown people forced their way in, took him from his cell, shot him and burned his body. The accounts describe a mob, but do not say whether the jailer or other staff resisted or handed over the keys. Several newspapers reported the killing in the days that followed.

Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. Unknown persons forced their way into the Byron, Georgia jail, took John Wilkes from his cell, shot him and burned his body.

Reported by: news reports.

Sources (4)

• The Miller Press, October 31, 1907, page 2 The Miller Press, October 31, 1907
• Turner County Herald, October 31, 1907, page 2 Turner County Herald, October 31, 1907
• The Sisseton Weekly Standard, November 1, 1907, page 6 The Sisseton Weekly Standard, November 1, 1907
• The Herald-Advance, November 1, 1907, page 6 The Herald-Advance, November 1, 1907