August 21, 1896: Fred Robertson and Lewis Purnell

The following article comes from The World (New York, N. Y.) dated August 22, 1896:

WOULD HAVE LYNCHED WOMEN TOO.

Angry Mob Hangs Two Negroes, and Their Female Accomplices Have a Narrow Escape.

(Special to The World.)

ROSETTA, Miss., Aug. 21.—Two negroes named Fred Robertson and Lewis Purnell were taken from jail by a mob late to-night and hung to the same limb.

The mob intended also to lynch Lethia Watson and Caroline Smith, two negro women, who were implicated with them.  The women begged so hard, however, they were let go.

The four negroes were arrested two days ago for the murder of L. W. King, a prominent merchant, whose body was found in a pond last winter.  He had been foully murdered, but there was no clue to the murderers.

A few days ago the negro Robertson was trying to sell a gold watch in Weston.  It excited suspicion, he was brought back to Rosetta and confesses the crime, implicating the other three.

The Pittsburg Courier (Pittsburg, Pennsylvania) printed the Negro Press Creed on August 23, 1947:

NEGRO PRESS CREED

The Negro Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every man, regardless of race, color or creed, his human and equal rights.  Hating no man, fearing no man, the Negro Press strives to help every man in the firm belief that all are hurt so long as anyone is held back.