Lynching of Samuel Johnson

Marker Text: On March 5, 1886, a white mob in Eatontown lynched Samuel Johnson, a 66-year-old black man known as “Mingo Jack.” Earlier that day, a white woman reported an assault by an assailant who asked if she knew “Mingo Jack.” The constable, accompanied by the woman’s father, arrested Mr. Johnson at his home jailed him then told locals that he would not be surprised if Mr. Johnson was lynched before morning. During an era when black people were burdened with a presumption of guilt, the mere mention of Mr. Johnson’s nickname was enough to arouse a mob to seek vengeance before any investigation. The constable later testified that he ignored Mr. Johnson’s worry about the mob yelling for his lynching. Shortly before midnight, the mob broke into the jail, brutally beat Mr. Johnson to death then hung his body over the jail cell door. Several white neighbors and a terrified black couple said they heard several shots, and cries of “Murder!” Like many African Americans during this era, Mr. Johnson was murdered by white mob violence. Although six white people were identified as participants in the lynching during the Coroner’s Inquest at Eatontown, the jury ignored the allegations. Residents claimed they knew Mr. Johnson was innocent. In the end no one was ever held accountable for the lynching of Samuel Johnson.