Democratic Sentinel, Volume 1, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 November 1877 — LYNCH LAW IN lOWA. [ARTICLE]

LYNCH LAW IN lOWA.

Hanging of Reuben Proctor by a Mob at Indianola. [From the Dee Moines Register.] Reuben Proctor, the man suspected of shooting Miss Cadigan in Belmont, Warren county, was taken from jail at Indianola to the nearest Justice to the scene of the crime for examination. A large crowd had gathered when the Sheriff and prisoner arrived, and it was evident there was trouble brewing. At the opening of the court it was reported that the girl was but just alive, when it was suggested that the court adjourn to the house to take her dying declaration. To this a strong objection was male by the crowd, accompanied with hurried consultations among them, but finally the crowd consented on a pledge of the court and officers that Proctor should be brought back, and the prisoner was taken before Miss Cadigan and identified as one of the three masked men who attempted to rob her father’s house, and by one of whom she was shot while ejecting him from the house. She had known Proctor several years, and he passed the house every day. She knew his dress, walk, and voice. He had frequently visited the house within a few weeks, and at each visit was peculiarly anxious to find out whether he had sold his farm, hogs and grain, and how much he got for them, if he got the money, etc. On the night of the attack a man walked into the house with a mask on, and, without a word, drew a pistol and pointed it at her. She sprung to him, caught the pistol, and pushed it down, when it was discharged, and the ball entered her right breast. She tore off the mask and found the man’s face blackened, so she did not recognize him. She pushed him out-doors, when he fired again, the ball entering her hand. As he went out the door another man outside said; “How do you like that?” and that man was Reuben Proctor. At the close of her deposition, the court started back, and, when about half way, was met by a crowd of about 300, led by two men with ropes over their shoulders. Surrounding the prisoner, they returned to the Justice’s office, where other evidence was taken corroborating Miss Carigan’s testimony, and fixing the crime on Proctor, until court adjourned to supper. After supper the Sheriff was notified that he would have to surrender Proctor. The Sheriff attempted to resist, when a rope was thrown over Proctor’s neck, the crowd closed in around him, keeping back the officers, and he was run across the street, the rope thrown over a crossbeam of. a pair of scales, and he was quickly run up. After he had hung about fifteen minutes, the leader of the vigilantes told them they could disperse until called out again. He made a speech, which was responded to by a citizen, who tendered thanks for the work they had done. Proctor’s body was taken down and an inquest held, the verdict being that he came to his death by hanging by unknown men. Proctor spoke not a word. Not one of the crowd were masked. No attempt was made at disguise. The work was done openly and emphatically. Proctor was 25 years old, and. one of the worst men in the country. Two brothers are in the penitentiary, and all have been identified with murder, robbery and various crimes for years, until the indignant people could bear no more, and are determined to rid the country of all such.