The Shreveport Times.
1 December 1903
Page 1
THREE NEGROES IMPLICATED IN SHOOTING OF ROBERT ADGER SWUNG SIDE BY SIDE TO A WILLOW LIMB.
THE MEN CONFESSED THEIR CRIME AND PRAYED BEFORE BEING EXECUTED.
TWO BLACKS LIBERATED.
PROVED THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH SHOOTING.
MR. ADGER IS STILL ALIVE, BUT THERE IS LITTLE HOPE ENTERTAINED FOR HIS RECOVERY - SCENES AT LYNCHING.
Staff Correspondence Shreveport Times.
Belcher, La., Nov. 30 - Phil Davis, ex-convict, Walter Carter, erstwhile fugitive and Clint Thomas, all negroes, between 23 and 35 years of age, were hanged to a limb of a willow tree on Horseshoe Bayou here this afternoon for their cowardly attempt on the life of Mr. Robert Adger Saturday night. The execution took place within a hundred yards of the place within a hundred yards of the place where less than forty-eight hours before they had committed a crime so wanton and so brutal that one wonders in the relation of it that it could have been the act of human beings. Probably twelve hundred people, white and black, witnessed the triple hanging and within an hour after it was all over Belcher had assumed its wonted quiet. The negroes who had witnessed the dread punishment visited upon three of their race dispersed to their work without a murmur of disapproval. Many of them had assisted in the search of the fugitives and some had rendered valuable aid during the chaos immediately succeeding the attack on Mr. Adger when no one seemed to know what negroes were in the party that was responsible for the crime. The white men who conducted the execution realized that a climax had been reached and they looked upon what they were about to do as a solemn duty to themselves, their families and to that element of the negro race that is not inclined to palliate a crime so inhuman. More than that, and probably a consideration that appealed just as strongly, was that this might prove a lesson to the reckless and criminal class, for matters had come to such a pass that it was felt drastic measures were necessary.
This afternoon when a Times representative, Sheriff Ward, District Attorney Land, Chief of Police Jones, Deputy Sheriff Ward and Patrolman Rascoe reached Belcher, although it was then only a few hours after the hanging, there was not the least excitement apparent. Only a few negroes were about the station or on the streets and everybody appeared to have resumed their several occupations. There were no crowds gathered nor little knots of men as is usual when something has occurred to excite and arouse people. Men discussed the hanging when approached about it, but not a man was found who would state that he had witnessed the events of the afternoon. Sheriff Ward, District Attorney Land, the Times representative and the others each made a personal investigation and individual inquiries and after it all they each found that one knew about as much as the others and this was that the three negroes had been hanged. When it came to finding out the details, particularly as to who constituted the vast crowd that was admitted to have been present, nobody knew. The scene at the hanging was described, not minutely, but sufficiently clear to be understood and then the story would invariably conclude with the words: "At least, so I am told." The authorities finally became convinced that they had but one duty to perform. A coroner's jury was empaneled, citizens were examined and verdict was rendered that the negroes came to their deaths at the hands of unknown persons. To have attempted to learn more would have been a task that might have invited ridicule, but which would certainly not have aroused any curiosity over the ultimate outcome of the inquiry.
Two of the negroes who were hanged, Phil Davis and Walter Carter, both of whom came to the Belcher community some months ago from the neighborhood of Grand Cane [DeSoto Parish], were caught Sunday afternoon at a point between Vivian and Lewis' mill, nearly twenty-five miles from Belcher; and it is estimated that the two negroes must have traveled more than thirty miles after leaving Belcher Saturday night. Clint Thomas, who came from the vicinity of Plain Dealing in Bossier parish, was caught about a mile and a half from Belcher Sunday. He had not attempted to flee far, thinking that the flight of Davis and Carter would divert suspicion from him. Thomas was kept in the swamps near Belcher during the day Sunday under guard of a party of men. When it was learned Sunday night that Davis and Carter had been captured, the plans for the execution of all who were known to have been in the gang that shot Mr. Adger were quietly arranged. The posse that had charge of Clint Thomas in the swamp also had Sam Lee and Peter Thomas under guard. It had been discovered that both of the last named negroes were with Davis, Carter and Thomas when the murderous attack was made on Mr. Adger.
It was late in the night before the party arrived with Davis and Carter and it was determined to wait until day in order that there might be a full investigation before anything further was done. For all that, it was positively known that Davis and Carter were guilty. Both were armed when captured and both made an attempt to kill one of the posse, but were shot and disarmed before they could use their pistols. Carter was wounded in the leg and a bullet grazed Davis' face so closely that he fell senseless, although it developed that he was practically unhurt. The posse rushed both men through the woods toward Belcher while the authorities were still in various directions searching for the fugitives. After daylight yesterday morning the five negroes were confronted with each other in the woods back of Belcher and they were told exactly how much was known against them. Negroes who knew each of them had declared that they saw them Saturday night just before the shooting of Mr. Adger and had watched them while the shooting was in progress. There were several negroes who positively identified all five as having been in the party that fired on Mr. Adger.
When they saw that there was no chance of escape, Davis, Carter and Thomas confessed each to having shot Mr. Adger. They exonerated Sam Lee and Peter Thomas, stating that one endeavored to prevent them from committing the crime while the other stood off as though he was afraid to participate. In further proof that each of the three participated in the shooting were the wounds received by Mr. Adger. Some of them were caused by a 45 calibre pistol, others b ya 41 calibre and others by a 38 calibre. He was wounded in seven places besides having other bullet holes in his clothing.
Having secured the confessions, it was determined that the hanging must follow and this decision quickly became known to the crowd which had gathered in Belcher but which was in ignorance of the exact whereabouts of the negroes. Inquiries were sent from Shreveport, but no information was permitted to be given out. Sheriff Ward had sent two deputies to Belcher early in the morning, thinking they might be needed if any more of the negroes were caught. The deputies were never permitted to reach Belcher. Later in the day Sheriff Ward became convinced that his presence was needed at Belcher if a lynching was to be prevented, and he endeavored to charter an engine to take him there, but failed. He learned at 12:30 that the negroes had not been hanged and thought that he might reach Belcher in time to prevent such a step. It developed, however, that the hope held out to him was simply to mislead him into believing that drastic measures had been abandoned. Within half an hour after he received information that the negro had not been hanged, the crowd had ropes around their necks and were ready to launch them into eternity.
The hanging took place at one o'clock. By that time hundreds had gathered from all nearby communities. It was decided to let Sam Lee and Peter Thomas off with their lives, and this was accordingly done. Davis, Carter and Thomas realized that their end was near. They could give no adequate excuse for the brutal manner in which they had attacked Mr. Adger. They had borne him no previous ill will. Their one lame reason for shooting him was that they had new guns and wanted to try them. Time was given them to pray and after they had done the three ropes were thrown over a willow limb, the three negroes were placed on boxes and the word was given that swung them above the ground and held them dangling in plain view of the awestruck members of their race. Not a shot was fired and when the negroes were dead after having been left for an hour, the bodies were cut down and given over to relatives for burial. Within a remarkably short time the little place was as peaceful as it ever was.
Tonight a coroner's jury, composed of Lee Boynton, L. P. Peyreux, C. G. Horton, A. C. Wyche and J. S. Bush, was empaneled by Justice of the Peace Berneathy to inquire into the lynching. Several witnesses were summoned, but absolutely no information could be secured and the jury finally abandoned the case, returning a finding that the deceased had come to their death at the hands of unknown parties.
Mr. Adger is still living tonight, but his condition is critical. There is very little hope that he will recover, and if he does it will be a wonder of physical recuperating powers. he is being attended by Drs. Sims, Watters and Gulledge, of Belcher, and also by Dr. Schumpert. An operation was performed on him Sunday morning, it being found that the wound in the abdomen had not caused any perforations but one bullet had penetrated the right lung and another passed through the liver. The wounded man was in considerable pain this evening, but the physicians stated he was doing as well as could be expected.
Some of the details of the shooting Saturday night are not known except in and around Belcher. It seems that it has been the habit of a party of negroes to gather in Belcher on Saturday night and terrorize the other negroes, shooting recklessly in the streets and committing various acts of lawlessness. On Saturday night previous a negro had been wounded in this way and things had reached the point where a man's life was in peril as he passed along the street. Citizens made efforts to stop this spirit of recklessness. Saturday night the party of negroes who shot Mr. Adger came to Belcher with the avowed purpose of "getting them a nigger." They started to kill one negro, but were dissuaded by one of their number, and next halted a young white man, whom they also started to shoot. Finally they began shooting their pistols promiscuously in the streets and Mr. Adger started toward them to quell the disturbance. This was the opportunity they wanted and they began shooting at him. After they had shot him down, they went up to him and stamped on his body, one of his hands being torn apart by their heavy shoes. They spit in his face and one of them jumped over his body, at the same time holding his pistol downward and firing it. When someone called to them as they ran off that they had killed a white man, one of them called back, "So much the better, then." It was this brutality that wrought the people of the community to such a pitch.
Mr. Adger and Mr. James Dixon were standing talking on their store gallery when the negroes started the disturbance, and both started to go across the railroad to where the negroes were shooting their pistols. They were about 100 feet below Adger & Dixon's store, which faces a sort of common, with the railroad running through the middle and stores facing the tracks on each side. Mr. Adger took a pistol out of the store in order to be prepared for trouble and went on toward th enegroes, while Mr. Dixon was still in the store. Just as Mr. Dixon walked onto the gallery the negroes began shooting Mr. Adger. Mr. Dixon ran to Mr. Adger's assistance unarmed and the negroes then started to escape down the railroad. When Mr. Dixon reached Mr. Adger the wounded man handed him his pistol, saying: "Here, take this, Jim. I'm shot." Mr. Dixon grabbed Mr. Adger's pistol and tried to make it fire, succeeding once, but he followed the negroes for several hundred yards without getting the weapon to fire again. Mr. Adger was quickly removed from between the switch track and the main track, where he had fallen, and, as soon as any sort of order was restored, a negro was found who knew the guilty negroes. Posses were organized and the pursuit was started, which finally resulted in the capture of the right parties.
All three of the negroes who were hanged had bad records. Phil Davis had served a term in the penitentiary for shooting a negro near Grand Cane. Walter Carter, a cousin of Davis', was said to have been a fugitive from Mansfield, where he was wanted by the authorities as by the citizens of that place for insulting a white lady. Clint Thomas came from Plain Dealing and was said to have a bad reputation.
In discussing the lynching here this afternoon, citizens said it was but the natural climax of conditions that had become unbearable. The country is all practically new and there has grown up with it a class of lawless and reckless blacks, who were becoming a distinct danger to the welfare of the community, imperiling the lives of whites and blacks during their moods of turbulence and threatening to disrupt the feeling of good will prevailing between the races. This is the class, they stated, that were to be found around crap games, creating trouble at the negro dances and a source of disturbance at the negro churches. They worked during the day if they were made to and at night they armed themselves, gathered into parties of like spirit and went abroad to bulldoze and override more peaceful members of their race.
The Bossier Banner-Progress.
Benton, Bossier Parish, Louisiana
10 December 1903
Page 3
DEATH OF MR. ROBERT E. ADGER.
Mr. Robert E. Adger, who was shot by negroes November 28th, at Belcher, died on the 7th instant. Hope against hope had filled the hearts of his fond wife and devoted relatives and friends for his recover, and all was done that could be done, but to no avail.
Mr. Adger was a son of Mr. Joseph Ellison Adger, deceased, one of Bossier's most eminent citizens; was about 46 years of age, and spent most of his life in this parish, where he was well and favorably known, and had many warm friends. He was a prominent planter and merchant and leading citizen.
Deceased leaves a wife and two small daughters, Mamie and Bessie; two brothers, Messrs. Joseph E. and Wm. L. Adger, and other relatives, to mourn his death and to whom the Banner extends its sincerest sympanty.
1 December 1903
Page 1
THREE NEGROES IMPLICATED IN SHOOTING OF ROBERT ADGER SWUNG SIDE BY SIDE TO A WILLOW LIMB.
THE MEN CONFESSED THEIR CRIME AND PRAYED BEFORE BEING EXECUTED.
TWO BLACKS LIBERATED.
PROVED THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH SHOOTING.
MR. ADGER IS STILL ALIVE, BUT THERE IS LITTLE HOPE ENTERTAINED FOR HIS RECOVERY - SCENES AT LYNCHING.
Staff Correspondence Shreveport Times.
Belcher, La., Nov. 30 - Phil Davis, ex-convict, Walter Carter, erstwhile fugitive and Clint Thomas, all negroes, between 23 and 35 years of age, were hanged to a limb of a willow tree on Horseshoe Bayou here this afternoon for their cowardly attempt on the life of Mr. Robert Adger Saturday night. The execution took place within a hundred yards of the place within a hundred yards of the place where less than forty-eight hours before they had committed a crime so wanton and so brutal that one wonders in the relation of it that it could have been the act of human beings. Probably twelve hundred people, white and black, witnessed the triple hanging and within an hour after it was all over Belcher had assumed its wonted quiet. The negroes who had witnessed the dread punishment visited upon three of their race dispersed to their work without a murmur of disapproval. Many of them had assisted in the search of the fugitives and some had rendered valuable aid during the chaos immediately succeeding the attack on Mr. Adger when no one seemed to know what negroes were in the party that was responsible for the crime. The white men who conducted the execution realized that a climax had been reached and they looked upon what they were about to do as a solemn duty to themselves, their families and to that element of the negro race that is not inclined to palliate a crime so inhuman. More than that, and probably a consideration that appealed just as strongly, was that this might prove a lesson to the reckless and criminal class, for matters had come to such a pass that it was felt drastic measures were necessary.
This afternoon when a Times representative, Sheriff Ward, District Attorney Land, Chief of Police Jones, Deputy Sheriff Ward and Patrolman Rascoe reached Belcher, although it was then only a few hours after the hanging, there was not the least excitement apparent. Only a few negroes were about the station or on the streets and everybody appeared to have resumed their several occupations. There were no crowds gathered nor little knots of men as is usual when something has occurred to excite and arouse people. Men discussed the hanging when approached about it, but not a man was found who would state that he had witnessed the events of the afternoon. Sheriff Ward, District Attorney Land, the Times representative and the others each made a personal investigation and individual inquiries and after it all they each found that one knew about as much as the others and this was that the three negroes had been hanged. When it came to finding out the details, particularly as to who constituted the vast crowd that was admitted to have been present, nobody knew. The scene at the hanging was described, not minutely, but sufficiently clear to be understood and then the story would invariably conclude with the words: "At least, so I am told." The authorities finally became convinced that they had but one duty to perform. A coroner's jury was empaneled, citizens were examined and verdict was rendered that the negroes came to their deaths at the hands of unknown persons. To have attempted to learn more would have been a task that might have invited ridicule, but which would certainly not have aroused any curiosity over the ultimate outcome of the inquiry.
Two of the negroes who were hanged, Phil Davis and Walter Carter, both of whom came to the Belcher community some months ago from the neighborhood of Grand Cane [DeSoto Parish], were caught Sunday afternoon at a point between Vivian and Lewis' mill, nearly twenty-five miles from Belcher; and it is estimated that the two negroes must have traveled more than thirty miles after leaving Belcher Saturday night. Clint Thomas, who came from the vicinity of Plain Dealing in Bossier parish, was caught about a mile and a half from Belcher Sunday. He had not attempted to flee far, thinking that the flight of Davis and Carter would divert suspicion from him. Thomas was kept in the swamps near Belcher during the day Sunday under guard of a party of men. When it was learned Sunday night that Davis and Carter had been captured, the plans for the execution of all who were known to have been in the gang that shot Mr. Adger were quietly arranged. The posse that had charge of Clint Thomas in the swamp also had Sam Lee and Peter Thomas under guard. It had been discovered that both of the last named negroes were with Davis, Carter and Thomas when the murderous attack was made on Mr. Adger.
It was late in the night before the party arrived with Davis and Carter and it was determined to wait until day in order that there might be a full investigation before anything further was done. For all that, it was positively known that Davis and Carter were guilty. Both were armed when captured and both made an attempt to kill one of the posse, but were shot and disarmed before they could use their pistols. Carter was wounded in the leg and a bullet grazed Davis' face so closely that he fell senseless, although it developed that he was practically unhurt. The posse rushed both men through the woods toward Belcher while the authorities were still in various directions searching for the fugitives. After daylight yesterday morning the five negroes were confronted with each other in the woods back of Belcher and they were told exactly how much was known against them. Negroes who knew each of them had declared that they saw them Saturday night just before the shooting of Mr. Adger and had watched them while the shooting was in progress. There were several negroes who positively identified all five as having been in the party that fired on Mr. Adger.
When they saw that there was no chance of escape, Davis, Carter and Thomas confessed each to having shot Mr. Adger. They exonerated Sam Lee and Peter Thomas, stating that one endeavored to prevent them from committing the crime while the other stood off as though he was afraid to participate. In further proof that each of the three participated in the shooting were the wounds received by Mr. Adger. Some of them were caused by a 45 calibre pistol, others b ya 41 calibre and others by a 38 calibre. He was wounded in seven places besides having other bullet holes in his clothing.
Having secured the confessions, it was determined that the hanging must follow and this decision quickly became known to the crowd which had gathered in Belcher but which was in ignorance of the exact whereabouts of the negroes. Inquiries were sent from Shreveport, but no information was permitted to be given out. Sheriff Ward had sent two deputies to Belcher early in the morning, thinking they might be needed if any more of the negroes were caught. The deputies were never permitted to reach Belcher. Later in the day Sheriff Ward became convinced that his presence was needed at Belcher if a lynching was to be prevented, and he endeavored to charter an engine to take him there, but failed. He learned at 12:30 that the negroes had not been hanged and thought that he might reach Belcher in time to prevent such a step. It developed, however, that the hope held out to him was simply to mislead him into believing that drastic measures had been abandoned. Within half an hour after he received information that the negro had not been hanged, the crowd had ropes around their necks and were ready to launch them into eternity.
The hanging took place at one o'clock. By that time hundreds had gathered from all nearby communities. It was decided to let Sam Lee and Peter Thomas off with their lives, and this was accordingly done. Davis, Carter and Thomas realized that their end was near. They could give no adequate excuse for the brutal manner in which they had attacked Mr. Adger. They had borne him no previous ill will. Their one lame reason for shooting him was that they had new guns and wanted to try them. Time was given them to pray and after they had done the three ropes were thrown over a willow limb, the three negroes were placed on boxes and the word was given that swung them above the ground and held them dangling in plain view of the awestruck members of their race. Not a shot was fired and when the negroes were dead after having been left for an hour, the bodies were cut down and given over to relatives for burial. Within a remarkably short time the little place was as peaceful as it ever was.
Tonight a coroner's jury, composed of Lee Boynton, L. P. Peyreux, C. G. Horton, A. C. Wyche and J. S. Bush, was empaneled by Justice of the Peace Berneathy to inquire into the lynching. Several witnesses were summoned, but absolutely no information could be secured and the jury finally abandoned the case, returning a finding that the deceased had come to their death at the hands of unknown parties.
Mr. Adger is still living tonight, but his condition is critical. There is very little hope that he will recover, and if he does it will be a wonder of physical recuperating powers. he is being attended by Drs. Sims, Watters and Gulledge, of Belcher, and also by Dr. Schumpert. An operation was performed on him Sunday morning, it being found that the wound in the abdomen had not caused any perforations but one bullet had penetrated the right lung and another passed through the liver. The wounded man was in considerable pain this evening, but the physicians stated he was doing as well as could be expected.
Some of the details of the shooting Saturday night are not known except in and around Belcher. It seems that it has been the habit of a party of negroes to gather in Belcher on Saturday night and terrorize the other negroes, shooting recklessly in the streets and committing various acts of lawlessness. On Saturday night previous a negro had been wounded in this way and things had reached the point where a man's life was in peril as he passed along the street. Citizens made efforts to stop this spirit of recklessness. Saturday night the party of negroes who shot Mr. Adger came to Belcher with the avowed purpose of "getting them a nigger." They started to kill one negro, but were dissuaded by one of their number, and next halted a young white man, whom they also started to shoot. Finally they began shooting their pistols promiscuously in the streets and Mr. Adger started toward them to quell the disturbance. This was the opportunity they wanted and they began shooting at him. After they had shot him down, they went up to him and stamped on his body, one of his hands being torn apart by their heavy shoes. They spit in his face and one of them jumped over his body, at the same time holding his pistol downward and firing it. When someone called to them as they ran off that they had killed a white man, one of them called back, "So much the better, then." It was this brutality that wrought the people of the community to such a pitch.
Mr. Adger and Mr. James Dixon were standing talking on their store gallery when the negroes started the disturbance, and both started to go across the railroad to where the negroes were shooting their pistols. They were about 100 feet below Adger & Dixon's store, which faces a sort of common, with the railroad running through the middle and stores facing the tracks on each side. Mr. Adger took a pistol out of the store in order to be prepared for trouble and went on toward th enegroes, while Mr. Dixon was still in the store. Just as Mr. Dixon walked onto the gallery the negroes began shooting Mr. Adger. Mr. Dixon ran to Mr. Adger's assistance unarmed and the negroes then started to escape down the railroad. When Mr. Dixon reached Mr. Adger the wounded man handed him his pistol, saying: "Here, take this, Jim. I'm shot." Mr. Dixon grabbed Mr. Adger's pistol and tried to make it fire, succeeding once, but he followed the negroes for several hundred yards without getting the weapon to fire again. Mr. Adger was quickly removed from between the switch track and the main track, where he had fallen, and, as soon as any sort of order was restored, a negro was found who knew the guilty negroes. Posses were organized and the pursuit was started, which finally resulted in the capture of the right parties.
All three of the negroes who were hanged had bad records. Phil Davis had served a term in the penitentiary for shooting a negro near Grand Cane. Walter Carter, a cousin of Davis', was said to have been a fugitive from Mansfield, where he was wanted by the authorities as by the citizens of that place for insulting a white lady. Clint Thomas came from Plain Dealing and was said to have a bad reputation.
In discussing the lynching here this afternoon, citizens said it was but the natural climax of conditions that had become unbearable. The country is all practically new and there has grown up with it a class of lawless and reckless blacks, who were becoming a distinct danger to the welfare of the community, imperiling the lives of whites and blacks during their moods of turbulence and threatening to disrupt the feeling of good will prevailing between the races. This is the class, they stated, that were to be found around crap games, creating trouble at the negro dances and a source of disturbance at the negro churches. They worked during the day if they were made to and at night they armed themselves, gathered into parties of like spirit and went abroad to bulldoze and override more peaceful members of their race.
The Bossier Banner-Progress.
Benton, Bossier Parish, Louisiana
10 December 1903
Page 3
DEATH OF MR. ROBERT E. ADGER.
Mr. Robert E. Adger, who was shot by negroes November 28th, at Belcher, died on the 7th instant. Hope against hope had filled the hearts of his fond wife and devoted relatives and friends for his recover, and all was done that could be done, but to no avail.
Mr. Adger was a son of Mr. Joseph Ellison Adger, deceased, one of Bossier's most eminent citizens; was about 46 years of age, and spent most of his life in this parish, where he was well and favorably known, and had many warm friends. He was a prominent planter and merchant and leading citizen.
Deceased leaves a wife and two small daughters, Mamie and Bessie; two brothers, Messrs. Joseph E. and Wm. L. Adger, and other relatives, to mourn his death and to whom the Banner extends its sincerest sympanty.
The Shreveport Times.
1 December 1903
Page 1
THREE NEGROES IMPLICATED IN SHOOTING OF ROBERT ADGER SWUNG SIDE BY SIDE TO A WILLOW LIMB.
THE MEN CONFESSED THEIR CRIME AND PRAYED BEFORE BEING EXECUTED.
TWO BLACKS LIBERATED.
PROVED THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH SHOOTING.
MR. ADGER IS STILL ALIVE, BUT THERE IS LITTLE HOPE ENTERTAINED FOR HIS RECOVERY - SCENES AT LYNCHING.
Staff Correspondence Shreveport Times.
Belcher, La., Nov. 30 - Phil Davis, ex-convict, Walter Carter, erstwhile fugitive and Clint Thomas, all negroes, between 23 and 35 years of age, were hanged to a limb of a willow tree on Horseshoe Bayou here this afternoon for their cowardly attempt on the life of Mr. Robert Adger Saturday night. The execution took place within a hundred yards of the place within a hundred yards of the place where less than forty-eight hours before they had committed a crime so wanton and so brutal that one wonders in the relation of it that it could have been the act of human beings. Probably twelve hundred people, white and black, witnessed the triple hanging and within an hour after it was all over Belcher had assumed its wonted quiet. The negroes who had witnessed the dread punishment visited upon three of their race dispersed to their work without a murmur of disapproval. Many of them had assisted in the search of the fugitives and some had rendered valuable aid during the chaos immediately succeeding the attack on Mr. Adger when no one seemed to know what negroes were in the party that was responsible for the crime. The white men who conducted the execution realized that a climax had been reached and they looked upon what they were about to do as a solemn duty to themselves, their families and to that element of the negro race that is not inclined to palliate a crime so inhuman. More than that, and probably a consideration that appealed just as strongly, was that this might prove a lesson to the reckless and criminal class, for matters had come to such a pass that it was felt drastic measures were necessary.
This afternoon when a Times representative, Sheriff Ward, District Attorney Land, Chief of Police Jones, Deputy Sheriff Ward and Patrolman Rascoe reached Belcher, although it was then only a few hours after the hanging, there was not the least excitement apparent. Only a few negroes were about the station or on the streets and everybody appeared to have resumed their several occupations. There were no crowds gathered nor little knots of men as is usual when something has occurred to excite and arouse people. Men discussed the hanging when approached about it, but not a man was found who would state that he had witnessed the events of the afternoon. Sheriff Ward, District Attorney Land, the Times representative and the others each made a personal investigation and individual inquiries and after it all they each found that one knew about as much as the others and this was that the three negroes had been hanged. When it came to finding out the details, particularly as to who constituted the vast crowd that was admitted to have been present, nobody knew. The scene at the hanging was described, not minutely, but sufficiently clear to be understood and then the story would invariably conclude with the words: "At least, so I am told." The authorities finally became convinced that they had but one duty to perform. A coroner's jury was empaneled, citizens were examined and verdict was rendered that the negroes came to their deaths at the hands of unknown persons. To have attempted to learn more would have been a task that might have invited ridicule, but which would certainly not have aroused any curiosity over the ultimate outcome of the inquiry.
Two of the negroes who were hanged, Phil Davis and Walter Carter, both of whom came to the Belcher community some months ago from the neighborhood of Grand Cane [DeSoto Parish], were caught Sunday afternoon at a point between Vivian and Lewis' mill, nearly twenty-five miles from Belcher; and it is estimated that the two negroes must have traveled more than thirty miles after leaving Belcher Saturday night. Clint Thomas, who came from the vicinity of Plain Dealing in Bossier parish, was caught about a mile and a half from Belcher Sunday. He had not attempted to flee far, thinking that the flight of Davis and Carter would divert suspicion from him. Thomas was kept in the swamps near Belcher during the day Sunday under guard of a party of men. When it was learned Sunday night that Davis and Carter had been captured, the plans for the execution of all who were known to have been in the gang that shot Mr. Adger were quietly arranged. The posse that had charge of Clint Thomas in the swamp also had Sam Lee and Peter Thomas under guard. It had been discovered that both of the last named negroes were with Davis, Carter and Thomas when the murderous attack was made on Mr. Adger.
It was late in the night before the party arrived with Davis and Carter and it was determined to wait until day in order that there might be a full investigation before anything further was done. For all that, it was positively known that Davis and Carter were guilty. Both were armed when captured and both made an attempt to kill one of the posse, but were shot and disarmed before they could use their pistols. Carter was wounded in the leg and a bullet grazed Davis' face so closely that he fell senseless, although it developed that he was practically unhurt. The posse rushed both men through the woods toward Belcher while the authorities were still in various directions searching for the fugitives. After daylight yesterday morning the five negroes were confronted with each other in the woods back of Belcher and they were told exactly how much was known against them. Negroes who knew each of them had declared that they saw them Saturday night just before the shooting of Mr. Adger and had watched them while the shooting was in progress. There were several negroes who positively identified all five as having been in the party that fired on Mr. Adger.
When they saw that there was no chance of escape, Davis, Carter and Thomas confessed each to having shot Mr. Adger. They exonerated Sam Lee and Peter Thomas, stating that one endeavored to prevent them from committing the crime while the other stood off as though he was afraid to participate. In further proof that each of the three participated in the shooting were the wounds received by Mr. Adger. Some of them were caused by a 45 calibre pistol, others b ya 41 calibre and others by a 38 calibre. He was wounded in seven places besides having other bullet holes in his clothing.
Having secured the confessions, it was determined that the hanging must follow and this decision quickly became known to the crowd which had gathered in Belcher but which was in ignorance of the exact whereabouts of the negroes. Inquiries were sent from Shreveport, but no information was permitted to be given out. Sheriff Ward had sent two deputies to Belcher early in the morning, thinking they might be needed if any more of the negroes were caught. The deputies were never permitted to reach Belcher. Later in the day Sheriff Ward became convinced that his presence was needed at Belcher if a lynching was to be prevented, and he endeavored to charter an engine to take him there, but failed. He learned at 12:30 that the negroes had not been hanged and thought that he might reach Belcher in time to prevent such a step. It developed, however, that the hope held out to him was simply to mislead him into believing that drastic measures had been abandoned. Within half an hour after he received information that the negro had not been hanged, the crowd had ropes around their necks and were ready to launch them into eternity.
The hanging took place at one o'clock. By that time hundreds had gathered from all nearby communities. It was decided to let Sam Lee and Peter Thomas off with their lives, and this was accordingly done. Davis, Carter and Thomas realized that their end was near. They could give no adequate excuse for the brutal manner in which they had attacked Mr. Adger. They had borne him no previous ill will. Their one lame reason for shooting him was that they had new guns and wanted to try them. Time was given them to pray and after they had done the three ropes were thrown over a willow limb, the three negroes were placed on boxes and the word was given that swung them above the ground and held them dangling in plain view of the awestruck members of their race. Not a shot was fired and when the negroes were dead after having been left for an hour, the bodies were cut down and given over to relatives for burial. Within a remarkably short time the little place was as peaceful as it ever was.
Tonight a coroner's jury, composed of Lee Boynton, L. P. Peyreux, C. G. Horton, A. C. Wyche and J. S. Bush, was empaneled by Justice of the Peace Berneathy to inquire into the lynching. Several witnesses were summoned, but absolutely no information could be secured and the jury finally abandoned the case, returning a finding that the deceased had come to their death at the hands of unknown parties.
Mr. Adger is still living tonight, but his condition is critical. There is very little hope that he will recover, and if he does it will be a wonder of physical recuperating powers. he is being attended by Drs. Sims, Watters and Gulledge, of Belcher, and also by Dr. Schumpert. An operation was performed on him Sunday morning, it being found that the wound in the abdomen had not caused any perforations but one bullet had penetrated the right lung and another passed through the liver. The wounded man was in considerable pain this evening, but the physicians stated he was doing as well as could be expected.
Some of the details of the shooting Saturday night are not known except in and around Belcher. It seems that it has been the habit of a party of negroes to gather in Belcher on Saturday night and terrorize the other negroes, shooting recklessly in the streets and committing various acts of lawlessness. On Saturday night previous a negro had been wounded in this way and things had reached the point where a man's life was in peril as he passed along the street. Citizens made efforts to stop this spirit of recklessness. Saturday night the party of negroes who shot Mr. Adger came to Belcher with the avowed purpose of "getting them a nigger." They started to kill one negro, but were dissuaded by one of their number, and next halted a young white man, whom they also started to shoot. Finally they began shooting their pistols promiscuously in the streets and Mr. Adger started toward them to quell the disturbance. This was the opportunity they wanted and they began shooting at him. After they had shot him down, they went up to him and stamped on his body, one of his hands being torn apart by their heavy shoes. They spit in his face and one of them jumped over his body, at the same time holding his pistol downward and firing it. When someone called to them as they ran off that they had killed a white man, one of them called back, "So much the better, then." It was this brutality that wrought the people of the community to such a pitch.
Mr. Adger and Mr. James Dixon were standing talking on their store gallery when the negroes started the disturbance, and both started to go across the railroad to where the negroes were shooting their pistols. They were about 100 feet below Adger & Dixon's store, which faces a sort of common, with the railroad running through the middle and stores facing the tracks on each side. Mr. Adger took a pistol out of the store in order to be prepared for trouble and went on toward th enegroes, while Mr. Dixon was still in the store. Just as Mr. Dixon walked onto the gallery the negroes began shooting Mr. Adger. Mr. Dixon ran to Mr. Adger's assistance unarmed and the negroes then started to escape down the railroad. When Mr. Dixon reached Mr. Adger the wounded man handed him his pistol, saying: "Here, take this, Jim. I'm shot." Mr. Dixon grabbed Mr. Adger's pistol and tried to make it fire, succeeding once, but he followed the negroes for several hundred yards without getting the weapon to fire again. Mr. Adger was quickly removed from between the switch track and the main track, where he had fallen, and, as soon as any sort of order was restored, a negro was found who knew the guilty negroes. Posses were organized and the pursuit was started, which finally resulted in the capture of the right parties.
All three of the negroes who were hanged had bad records. Phil Davis had served a term in the penitentiary for shooting a negro near Grand Cane. Walter Carter, a cousin of Davis', was said to have been a fugitive from Mansfield, where he was wanted by the authorities as by the citizens of that place for insulting a white lady. Clint Thomas came from Plain Dealing and was said to have a bad reputation.
In discussing the lynching here this afternoon, citizens said it was but the natural climax of conditions that had become unbearable. The country is all practically new and there has grown up with it a class of lawless and reckless blacks, who were becoming a distinct danger to the welfare of the community, imperiling the lives of whites and blacks during their moods of turbulence and threatening to disrupt the feeling of good will prevailing between the races. This is the class, they stated, that were to be found around crap games, creating trouble at the negro dances and a source of disturbance at the negro churches. They worked during the day if they were made to and at night they armed themselves, gathered into parties of like spirit and went abroad to bulldoze and override more peaceful members of their race.
The Bossier Banner-Progress.
Benton, Bossier Parish, Louisiana
10 December 1903
Page 3
DEATH OF MR. ROBERT E. ADGER.
Mr. Robert E. Adger, who was shot by negroes November 28th, at Belcher, died on the 7th instant. Hope against hope had filled the hearts of his fond wife and devoted relatives and friends for his recover, and all was done that could be done, but to no avail.
Mr. Adger was a son of Mr. Joseph Ellison Adger, deceased, one of Bossier's most eminent citizens; was about 46 years of age, and spent most of his life in this parish, where he was well and favorably known, and had many warm friends. He was a prominent planter and merchant and leading citizen.
Deceased leaves a wife and two small daughters, Mamie and Bessie; two brothers, Messrs. Joseph E. and Wm. L. Adger, and other relatives, to mourn his death and to whom the Banner extends its sincerest sympanty.
1 December 1903
Page 1
THREE NEGROES IMPLICATED IN SHOOTING OF ROBERT ADGER SWUNG SIDE BY SIDE TO A WILLOW LIMB.
THE MEN CONFESSED THEIR CRIME AND PRAYED BEFORE BEING EXECUTED.
TWO BLACKS LIBERATED.
PROVED THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH SHOOTING.
MR. ADGER IS STILL ALIVE, BUT THERE IS LITTLE HOPE ENTERTAINED FOR HIS RECOVERY - SCENES AT LYNCHING.
Staff Correspondence Shreveport Times.
Belcher, La., Nov. 30 - Phil Davis, ex-convict, Walter Carter, erstwhile fugitive and Clint Thomas, all negroes, between 23 and 35 years of age, were hanged to a limb of a willow tree on Horseshoe Bayou here this afternoon for their cowardly attempt on the life of Mr. Robert Adger Saturday night. The execution took place within a hundred yards of the place within a hundred yards of the place where less than forty-eight hours before they had committed a crime so wanton and so brutal that one wonders in the relation of it that it could have been the act of human beings. Probably twelve hundred people, white and black, witnessed the triple hanging and within an hour after it was all over Belcher had assumed its wonted quiet. The negroes who had witnessed the dread punishment visited upon three of their race dispersed to their work without a murmur of disapproval. Many of them had assisted in the search of the fugitives and some had rendered valuable aid during the chaos immediately succeeding the attack on Mr. Adger when no one seemed to know what negroes were in the party that was responsible for the crime. The white men who conducted the execution realized that a climax had been reached and they looked upon what they were about to do as a solemn duty to themselves, their families and to that element of the negro race that is not inclined to palliate a crime so inhuman. More than that, and probably a consideration that appealed just as strongly, was that this might prove a lesson to the reckless and criminal class, for matters had come to such a pass that it was felt drastic measures were necessary.
This afternoon when a Times representative, Sheriff Ward, District Attorney Land, Chief of Police Jones, Deputy Sheriff Ward and Patrolman Rascoe reached Belcher, although it was then only a few hours after the hanging, there was not the least excitement apparent. Only a few negroes were about the station or on the streets and everybody appeared to have resumed their several occupations. There were no crowds gathered nor little knots of men as is usual when something has occurred to excite and arouse people. Men discussed the hanging when approached about it, but not a man was found who would state that he had witnessed the events of the afternoon. Sheriff Ward, District Attorney Land, the Times representative and the others each made a personal investigation and individual inquiries and after it all they each found that one knew about as much as the others and this was that the three negroes had been hanged. When it came to finding out the details, particularly as to who constituted the vast crowd that was admitted to have been present, nobody knew. The scene at the hanging was described, not minutely, but sufficiently clear to be understood and then the story would invariably conclude with the words: "At least, so I am told." The authorities finally became convinced that they had but one duty to perform. A coroner's jury was empaneled, citizens were examined and verdict was rendered that the negroes came to their deaths at the hands of unknown persons. To have attempted to learn more would have been a task that might have invited ridicule, but which would certainly not have aroused any curiosity over the ultimate outcome of the inquiry.
Two of the negroes who were hanged, Phil Davis and Walter Carter, both of whom came to the Belcher community some months ago from the neighborhood of Grand Cane [DeSoto Parish], were caught Sunday afternoon at a point between Vivian and Lewis' mill, nearly twenty-five miles from Belcher; and it is estimated that the two negroes must have traveled more than thirty miles after leaving Belcher Saturday night. Clint Thomas, who came from the vicinity of Plain Dealing in Bossier parish, was caught about a mile and a half from Belcher Sunday. He had not attempted to flee far, thinking that the flight of Davis and Carter would divert suspicion from him. Thomas was kept in the swamps near Belcher during the day Sunday under guard of a party of men. When it was learned Sunday night that Davis and Carter had been captured, the plans for the execution of all who were known to have been in the gang that shot Mr. Adger were quietly arranged. The posse that had charge of Clint Thomas in the swamp also had Sam Lee and Peter Thomas under guard. It had been discovered that both of the last named negroes were with Davis, Carter and Thomas when the murderous attack was made on Mr. Adger.
It was late in the night before the party arrived with Davis and Carter and it was determined to wait until day in order that there might be a full investigation before anything further was done. For all that, it was positively known that Davis and Carter were guilty. Both were armed when captured and both made an attempt to kill one of the posse, but were shot and disarmed before they could use their pistols. Carter was wounded in the leg and a bullet grazed Davis' face so closely that he fell senseless, although it developed that he was practically unhurt. The posse rushed both men through the woods toward Belcher while the authorities were still in various directions searching for the fugitives. After daylight yesterday morning the five negroes were confronted with each other in the woods back of Belcher and they were told exactly how much was known against them. Negroes who knew each of them had declared that they saw them Saturday night just before the shooting of Mr. Adger and had watched them while the shooting was in progress. There were several negroes who positively identified all five as having been in the party that fired on Mr. Adger.
When they saw that there was no chance of escape, Davis, Carter and Thomas confessed each to having shot Mr. Adger. They exonerated Sam Lee and Peter Thomas, stating that one endeavored to prevent them from committing the crime while the other stood off as though he was afraid to participate. In further proof that each of the three participated in the shooting were the wounds received by Mr. Adger. Some of them were caused by a 45 calibre pistol, others b ya 41 calibre and others by a 38 calibre. He was wounded in seven places besides having other bullet holes in his clothing.
Having secured the confessions, it was determined that the hanging must follow and this decision quickly became known to the crowd which had gathered in Belcher but which was in ignorance of the exact whereabouts of the negroes. Inquiries were sent from Shreveport, but no information was permitted to be given out. Sheriff Ward had sent two deputies to Belcher early in the morning, thinking they might be needed if any more of the negroes were caught. The deputies were never permitted to reach Belcher. Later in the day Sheriff Ward became convinced that his presence was needed at Belcher if a lynching was to be prevented, and he endeavored to charter an engine to take him there, but failed. He learned at 12:30 that the negroes had not been hanged and thought that he might reach Belcher in time to prevent such a step. It developed, however, that the hope held out to him was simply to mislead him into believing that drastic measures had been abandoned. Within half an hour after he received information that the negro had not been hanged, the crowd had ropes around their necks and were ready to launch them into eternity.
The hanging took place at one o'clock. By that time hundreds had gathered from all nearby communities. It was decided to let Sam Lee and Peter Thomas off with their lives, and this was accordingly done. Davis, Carter and Thomas realized that their end was near. They could give no adequate excuse for the brutal manner in which they had attacked Mr. Adger. They had borne him no previous ill will. Their one lame reason for shooting him was that they had new guns and wanted to try them. Time was given them to pray and after they had done the three ropes were thrown over a willow limb, the three negroes were placed on boxes and the word was given that swung them above the ground and held them dangling in plain view of the awestruck members of their race. Not a shot was fired and when the negroes were dead after having been left for an hour, the bodies were cut down and given over to relatives for burial. Within a remarkably short time the little place was as peaceful as it ever was.
Tonight a coroner's jury, composed of Lee Boynton, L. P. Peyreux, C. G. Horton, A. C. Wyche and J. S. Bush, was empaneled by Justice of the Peace Berneathy to inquire into the lynching. Several witnesses were summoned, but absolutely no information could be secured and the jury finally abandoned the case, returning a finding that the deceased had come to their death at the hands of unknown parties.
Mr. Adger is still living tonight, but his condition is critical. There is very little hope that he will recover, and if he does it will be a wonder of physical recuperating powers. he is being attended by Drs. Sims, Watters and Gulledge, of Belcher, and also by Dr. Schumpert. An operation was performed on him Sunday morning, it being found that the wound in the abdomen had not caused any perforations but one bullet had penetrated the right lung and another passed through the liver. The wounded man was in considerable pain this evening, but the physicians stated he was doing as well as could be expected.
Some of the details of the shooting Saturday night are not known except in and around Belcher. It seems that it has been the habit of a party of negroes to gather in Belcher on Saturday night and terrorize the other negroes, shooting recklessly in the streets and committing various acts of lawlessness. On Saturday night previous a negro had been wounded in this way and things had reached the point where a man's life was in peril as he passed along the street. Citizens made efforts to stop this spirit of recklessness. Saturday night the party of negroes who shot Mr. Adger came to Belcher with the avowed purpose of "getting them a nigger." They started to kill one negro, but were dissuaded by one of their number, and next halted a young white man, whom they also started to shoot. Finally they began shooting their pistols promiscuously in the streets and Mr. Adger started toward them to quell the disturbance. This was the opportunity they wanted and they began shooting at him. After they had shot him down, they went up to him and stamped on his body, one of his hands being torn apart by their heavy shoes. They spit in his face and one of them jumped over his body, at the same time holding his pistol downward and firing it. When someone called to them as they ran off that they had killed a white man, one of them called back, "So much the better, then." It was this brutality that wrought the people of the community to such a pitch.
Mr. Adger and Mr. James Dixon were standing talking on their store gallery when the negroes started the disturbance, and both started to go across the railroad to where the negroes were shooting their pistols. They were about 100 feet below Adger & Dixon's store, which faces a sort of common, with the railroad running through the middle and stores facing the tracks on each side. Mr. Adger took a pistol out of the store in order to be prepared for trouble and went on toward th enegroes, while Mr. Dixon was still in the store. Just as Mr. Dixon walked onto the gallery the negroes began shooting Mr. Adger. Mr. Dixon ran to Mr. Adger's assistance unarmed and the negroes then started to escape down the railroad. When Mr. Dixon reached Mr. Adger the wounded man handed him his pistol, saying: "Here, take this, Jim. I'm shot." Mr. Dixon grabbed Mr. Adger's pistol and tried to make it fire, succeeding once, but he followed the negroes for several hundred yards without getting the weapon to fire again. Mr. Adger was quickly removed from between the switch track and the main track, where he had fallen, and, as soon as any sort of order was restored, a negro was found who knew the guilty negroes. Posses were organized and the pursuit was started, which finally resulted in the capture of the right parties.
All three of the negroes who were hanged had bad records. Phil Davis had served a term in the penitentiary for shooting a negro near Grand Cane. Walter Carter, a cousin of Davis', was said to have been a fugitive from Mansfield, where he was wanted by the authorities as by the citizens of that place for insulting a white lady. Clint Thomas came from Plain Dealing and was said to have a bad reputation.
In discussing the lynching here this afternoon, citizens said it was but the natural climax of conditions that had become unbearable. The country is all practically new and there has grown up with it a class of lawless and reckless blacks, who were becoming a distinct danger to the welfare of the community, imperiling the lives of whites and blacks during their moods of turbulence and threatening to disrupt the feeling of good will prevailing between the races. This is the class, they stated, that were to be found around crap games, creating trouble at the negro dances and a source of disturbance at the negro churches. They worked during the day if they were made to and at night they armed themselves, gathered into parties of like spirit and went abroad to bulldoze and override more peaceful members of their race.
The Bossier Banner-Progress.
Benton, Bossier Parish, Louisiana
10 December 1903
Page 3
DEATH OF MR. ROBERT E. ADGER.
Mr. Robert E. Adger, who was shot by negroes November 28th, at Belcher, died on the 7th instant. Hope against hope had filled the hearts of his fond wife and devoted relatives and friends for his recover, and all was done that could be done, but to no avail.
Mr. Adger was a son of Mr. Joseph Ellison Adger, deceased, one of Bossier's most eminent citizens; was about 46 years of age, and spent most of his life in this parish, where he was well and favorably known, and had many warm friends. He was a prominent planter and merchant and leading citizen.
Deceased leaves a wife and two small daughters, Mamie and Bessie; two brothers, Messrs. Joseph E. and Wm. L. Adger, and other relatives, to mourn his death and to whom the Banner extends its sincerest sympanty.
Gravesite Details
The writing on Robert E. Adger's monument faces into a large shrub, it is blank on the other three sides
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