Victim ID: VA1893051101
Victim Name: George Halsey
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 20
Job: Unknown
Method of Death: Hanged
Accusation: Rape and murderous assault
Date: 1893-05-11
City: Marion
Mob Composition: Unmasked
Summary: George Halsey, a 20-year-old African American man, was lynched on May 11th, 1893, in Marion after he allegedly assaulted a white woman, the wife of the county treasurer. His body was hanged by the citizens of Smyth County.
The wife of L. F. Atkins was alone at her home in Marion, when she was allegedly assaulted by George Halsey, sometimes in May of 1893. According to The Roanoke Times, Halsey had “cut her throat and left her for dead. She recovered consciousness and identified the negro.” George Halsey was arrested and jailed in Marion while awaiting trial. At around 10 pm on May 11th, 1893, the citizens of Smyth County, joined by the Knights Templars, took Halsey from the jail and brought him half a mile south of Marion, where the mob hanged him on a tree, and riddled his body with bullets. The men were not wearing masks or any other disguises. The following day a Coroner’s Inquest was held to investigate the death of George Halsey; the jury concluded Halesy “came to his death by being hung by persons to the jury unknown” (Southwestern News).
In an editorial, The Roanoke Times stated: “The lynching of a negro brute at Marion again calls attention to the necessity for reforming the code as the only practical and sure method of suspending the operations of Judge Lynch.” The newspaper also justified the lynching because: “The most sacred thing in human keeping-a woman’s honor-must be preserved, and avenged when violated.” The Richmond Planet criticized white newspapers for being lynching apologists.
News Coverage: Alexandria Gazette, Richmond Planet, Roanoke Times, Southwestern News, Staunton Spectator
Article Link (from Alexandria Gazette published on 1893-05-13)
Article Link (from The Roanoke Times published on 1893-05-14)
Article Link (from The Roanoke Times published on 1893-05-14)