Died in jail or a lockup
Lawrence H. Johnson
Lawrence H. Johnson was held in the Siskiyou County jail at Yreka, California. In the early hours of August 26, 1895, a mob of about 250 men broke the lock of his cell, led him across the street and hanged him from an iron rail between two trees in the courthouse square. Accounts say the under sheriff refused to give up the keys, and a deputy was held up and handed them over before the mob entered. He pleaded for mercy before he died.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. A mob of about 250 men broke into the Siskiyou County jail at Yreka, took Lawrence H. Johnson from his cell and hanged him from a rail between two trees.
Reported by: news dispatch datelined Yreka, Cal. (reporters).
News reports (11)
- The Morning News, August 27, 1895, page 1
- Birmingham Age-Herald, August 27, 1895, page 1
- Fort Worth Gazette, August 27, 1895, page 1
- The Evening Bulletin, August 27, 1895, page 1
- Richmond Dispatch, August 27, 1895, page 2
- The Roanoke Times, August 27, 1895, page 4
- The Times, August 27, 1895, page 1
- The News & Observer, August 27, 1895, page 1
- The Austin Weekly Statesman, August 29, 1895, page 1
- Goldsboro Weekly Argus, August 29, 1895, page 3
- Highland Recorder, September 6, 1895, page 1