Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 February 1894 — ROPE IS PLACED BY A WOMAN. [ARTICLE]

ROPE IS PLACED BY A WOMAN.

Mob at Lebanon, Ind.. Almost Succeeds in Lynching; Frank Hall. Frank Hall, tho negro who assaulted MrH. Akers at Lebanon, Ind., had a narrow escape from lynohlng. The mob oven succeeded in securing possession pf him long enough to got a rope around his neck, before the office rs succeeded in dragging tho prisoner into tho courtroom. shoriff Troutman brought Hall back to Lebanon from lndianupolts for a hearing. As soon as it became known that Hall was in the city, a mob led by farmer’s from the vicinity whore the assault was committed attacked the jail, but were repulsed by the Sheriff and his small posse. Prosecutor Dutch mounted the jail steps and hogged of the mob to allow tho law to tako its course. He said that he would vigorously proseoute the negro. About i o'clock Judge Neal orderod Sheriff Troutman to bring tho prisoner into the court. The Sheriff and posse came out tho front door of the jail and down the steps to tho sidewalk. There Mrs. Akers and her friend, Mrs. Hattie Taylor, met them, and, assisted b,v the now furious mob, Mrs. Taylor placed the rope aronnd Hall’s nock. Revolver and knives were drawn, but citizens came to tho sheriff’s rescue and after a twenty minutes’ struggle, in which several persons were hurt, Hall was dragged into tho courtroom. Judge Neal ordered the sheriff, if necessary, to deputize a thousand mon. Quiet being restored the prisoner was ordered to stand up and plead. In a trembling voice he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to twentyone years in Northern State's prison. Surrounded by 100 deputies, Sheriff Troutman made a rush with the prisoner for the Big Four depot, and the prisoner was placed aboard the train. Accompanied by twenty of the Sheriff's posse, the negro then started for Michigan City. *