December 22, 1896: George James

If the victim of the lynching we learn about today is to be believed, he was lynched essentially for being hungry.  We learn about this lynching from the Marion Record (Marion, Kansas) dated December 25, 1896:

An Alabama Negro Lynched.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Dec. 23.—George James, a negro, was lynched at Woodstock last night. Yesterday he attempted to assault Fannie Smith, aged 17, while she was on her way to school.  He was pursued ten miles and brought back and identified by the girl. He confessed, and said he wanted to steal the girl's lunch.

Thank you for joining me and as always, I hope I leave you with something to ponder.