Lynchings Averted or Resisted by Law Enforcement

Law enforcement participation in, or acquiescence to lynching was so common during the lynching era, anti-lynching organizations began to celebrate and publicize the incidents where sheriffs took extraordinary measures to protect their prisoners.

This article from the Jonesboro Evening Sun (October 13th, 1914) offers a representative example of the important state actors could play in the prevention of lynching. In this case, Faust Scott was protected because the county sheriff, Governor, and national guard were ready and willing to act.

For PDF version: Faust Scott Attempted Jonesboro Evening Sun 10131914

Here you will find documentation of cases where law enforcement personnel acted conscientiously and fulfilled their legal obligations to ensure due process.

Incidents are listed in chronological order.

January 2nd, 1914 – Attempted in Chestertown, MD

April 14th, 1914 – Charles Ragland

May 12th, 1914 – Robert (Earl) Hamilton

June 19th, 1914 – Frank Mathis

July 6th, 1914 – Johnson (first name unknown)

July 19th, 1914 – Moses Johnson

July 26th, 1914 – James Addison

October 13th, 1914 – Faust Scott

August, 1919 – Anthony Williams

December 20th, 1920 – Henry Lewis