Reuben Proctor
Reuben Proctor was held in the jail at Indianola, Warren County, Iowa. On November 12, 1877, he was taken to a justice's office for a court proceeding, and after court adjourned for supper, a crowd of about 300 men, some carrying ropes, demanded that the sheriff hand him over. According to the Chicago Daily Tribune, citing a Des Moines correspondent, the sheriff tried to resist, but the crowd seized Mr. Proctor, took him across the street and hanged him. The account gives no further details about the people involved or any investigation.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. A crowd of about 300 men seized Reuben Proctor from the custody of the Indianola jail sheriff, who tried to resist, and hanged him from the crossbeam of a pair of scales, according to a Chicago Daily Tribune special correspondent's report.
Reported by: Chicago Daily Tribune, from a Des Moines special correspondent (reporters).