Jasper County Democrat, Volume 13, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 July 1910 — LYNCH HENRY SIMPSON [ARTICLE]

LYNCH HENRY SIMPSON

Negro Pays Penalty for Assault on Miss Mary Cheek. Outrage May Result in Racial War and Gov. Comer Orders Out Troops to Secure Peace. Dothan. Ala., July 4.—Henry Simpson, an 18-year-old negro, was lynched at the residence of S. W. Cheek, three' miles from here, for an assault on Miss Mary Cheek. The negro’s victim is the 17-year-old daughter of S. W. Cheek, who is one of the leading citizens of this section. The assault was committed about 2 o'clock in the morning while the girl was in bed. The negro crawled into the bedroom through the window and the girl awoke to find herself in the clutches of the fiend. When the alarm was given posses with blood hounds pursued the negro. He was captured and taken to the residence of his victim. The negro denied his guilt, but there was strong evidence against him and he was shot to death near where he committed the crime. The outrage so incensed the whites against the negroes that a- racial outbreak is feared and Gov. Comer has ordered a company of state guard here to be in readiness to prevent further trouble. The troops are under arms waiting further orders.