William Johnson

William Johnson, a 17-year-old Black man, was held in the county jail in July 1891. An armed mob overpowered the jailer, took his keys, removed Johnson from the jail, and hanged him from a tree near the public square. One newspaper report places the jail in Henderson, Texas, and another places it in Houston, Texas.

Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched

Reported by: news reports.

News reports (2)

• The Roanoke Times, July 23, 1891, page 1 The Roanoke Times, July 23, 1891
• Huntsville Gazette, July 25, 1891, page 3 Huntsville Gazette, July 25, 1891