William Johnson
Taylor, a Black man, was held in the Clark County jail in Indiana when a mob took him from the jail and hanged him from a tree. According to the Valley Virginian, his son later sued the sheriff of Clark County, arguing the sheriff had not used due diligence to prevent the hanging, and sought $25,000 in damages. A 1900 Courier-Journal item recalling the old jail at Charlestown names Squire Taylor, William Johnson and Charles Davis as men held there who were lynched in 1871.
Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched (neglect alleged). A mob took Taylor from the Clark County jail and hanged him, and his son's lawsuit says the sheriff did not use due diligence to prevent it.
Reported by: 1900 Courier-Journal item recalling the old Clark County jail (reporters); his son's lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His son sued the Clark County sheriff over the hanging, seeking $25,000 in damages, but no settlement or award amount is reported.