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People and Events

People and Events.



Year State Location Description Source Persons Named as Rioters Persons Named as Targets Note
1836 Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. August: Beverly Snow attempted to return to DC. White youths assualted him, but he was rescurd by a constable. Snow was placed in jail and was examined by the mayor before being released. Snow left, and swore never to return. New-York Spectator, August 22, 1836. Beverly Snow PTH
1836 Arkansas Hot Springs Co. Burning of William, an enslaved man, for allegedly murdering master, another white, and five slaves. Taylor, Negro Slavery in Arkansas, 235-236 as listed in Pfeifer, Roots of Rough Justice. William PTH
1836 Missouri St. Louis April: Francis L. McIntosh, a black steamboat hand from Pittsburgh, killed a deputy sheriff and wounded another peace officer in resisting arrest. Overpowered McIntosh was placed in jail. But a mob took him from jail and burned him alive. A judge excused those arrested saying that they had been caught up in the "electric frenzy" of abolitionism. Curray.Free Black, p.98;Memoir of Lovejoy, p.165-178 Francis L. McIntosh
1836 Ohio Cincinatti April: Fist fight between black and white boys triggered riot. White mobs invaded black neighborhood, set fire to houses, beat black people and forced some to flee. Governor declared martial law, but not before several African Americans killed. Curray.Free Black, p.105-106
1836 Arkansas Helena, Arkansas August: Mob hangs an African American for stabbing a white during a fight. Werner. "Race Riots," p.23
1837 Mississippi Vicksburg, Miss October: Lynch law - "One man has been dragged from the bosom of his family and so maimed and mutilated as to become an object of horror and pity; another was forced from his house and hung pon the next tree; and on Sunday the 24th an old man named Grace, formerly of Warrington, Va, was tried and acquitted before a magistrate, charged wtih giving free passes to negroes. The lawful decision did not satisfy the mob. He was stripped and flogged within hearing of the shrieks of his wife and children." Raleigh (NC)Standard, November 1, 1837 Grace
1837 Illinois Alton, Ill November: Elisha Lovejoy killed while defending his press for a 4th time. Memoir of Lovejoy, p.283-295; Hermann. "McIntosh Affair," p.140-141 Elijah Lovejoy
1837 Massachusetts Boston June: Broad Street Riot. A fire engine ran into an Irish funeral procession. The resulting fight, estimates suggest, included 15,000. Irish taken out of the tennements and beaten. 800 horsemen helped to quell riot. Lame.Policing the City, p.33; Beals.Brass-Knuckle Crusade, p.73; Billington, p.196
1837 Illinois Alton August: Collective violence prevents Lovejoy from printing a second time. At night a group of men of about 15 or 20 entered the office after throwing stones, drove off the hands there and destroyed the office. A large crowd watched. Some of the mob had met Lovejoy in the street, but after harassing him, let him go. Memoir of Lovejoy, p.187, 231-234; Hermann. "McIntosh Affair," p.140-141 Elijah Lovejoy
1837 Conneticut Meriden, CT Fall: During a talk by abolitionist preacher Mr. Ludlow in the long regational church, part of the crowd showered Ludlow with rotten eggs and other missiles. Noonan.Nativism, p.137 Ludlow
1837 New York Upstate NY September: Irishman stopped passerby and after finding if they were Catholic or Protestant, beat the Protestants. Billington, p.197
1837 Illinois Alton, Illinois September: Mob destroys Lovejoy's press a third time. About 12 men with handkerchiefs over their faces did this. The mayor had placed a constable to protect the press and even his own entreaties were to no avail. Memoir of Lovejoy, p.250; Hermann. "McIntosh Affair," p.140-141; Feldberg.TE, p.48 Elijah Lovejoy
1837 Missouri St. Charles, Missouri October: While visiting St. Charles where his in-laws lived, and presenting a guest sermon, Lovejoy was harassed by a mob repeatedly. Indeed a mob visited him at his in-laws' several times one night, and compelled him to flee the town and return to Alton. Memoir of Lovejoy, p.251-260 Elijah Lovejoy
1837 Illinois Alton, Illinois November: Mob attacked Lovejoy's house, throwing brickbats, etc. Memoir of Lovejoy, p.283 Elijah Lovejoy
1838 Illinois Illinois, Michigan Canal March: Dispute over firing workers leads to riot. Militia ordered in. Ten killed. Way.Common Labour, p.290
1838 Pennsylvania Philadelphia June: Insane black man killed a watchman. After the funeral a crowd gathered and threatened black neighborhood. Mayor successfully discouraged them. But that evening black homes were attacked. During fighting another white man stabbed to death. Scharf and Wescot,. p.654-655; Werner, p.273
1838 Missouri Crooked River, Missouri October: Mormons attack party of Missourians who had captured three Mormons. Mormons charged and routed opponents. But lost three dead - including leader David Patten and several wounded. Missourians lost 1 dead. Baily. Armies, p.63-64 David Patten
1838 Missouri Haun's Mill, Missouri October: Approximately 240 men from several counties, including several big shots, attacked a Mormon community, killing 18 or 19 people - largely men and boys. Missourians in state militia. Baily says out of 38 men and boys, 17 killed and wounded. Several of the dead were killed after - caputre and were wounded already. H+W p.301-304; Baily, p.67-69
1838 Texas Texas-Louisiana Border Regulator or Moderator movement to capture criminals. Bruce.Violence and Culture, p.109-110
1838 Ohio Ohio Canal workers on the Wabash and Erie at Hyunter's Falls burnt a shanty and stable belonging to their employers and then clashed with the law. Way.Common Labour, p.169
1838 Maryland Baltimore Large riot between fire companies. Scharf.Chronicles, p.548
1838 Iowa Louise County, Iowa Mob whipped James Irwin, an Irishman, acused of claim jumping. Black. "Lynchings," IJHP, 10 (1972), p.170-171
1838 Maryland Maryland January: Canalworkers fight off English workers and scuffle with militia. Way.Common Labour, p.219, 290
1838 Maryland Maryland May: Militia and Irish workers scuffle again as Irish workers threaten to blow up the canal because of non-payment. Way.Common Labour, p.290
1838 Maryland Hagerstown, MD May: Ethnic labor riot. No Irish involved. Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.9, 21
1838 Illinois Illinois and Michigan Canal May: Faction fight between canal workers. Militia ordered in. Way.Common Labour, p.290
1838 Pennsylvania Philadelphia May: Burning of Philadelphia Hall. The hall had only been opened three days and the meeting that night had been cancelled to avoid a riot. The mayor appeared, attempted to dissuade the move, but he gave up in the face of the onslaught of the mob. On the 18th a mob attempted to burn the shelter for colored orphans but were beat back by firemen and others. On the 19th, a group of men attacked a black church, but were prevented from destroying it by officials and militia. Some fighting between black and white people. Warner, p.132-133; Feldberg, p.51-53
1838 New Jersey Paterson, NJ May: Mob disrupts abolitionist meeting in wake of destruction of Philadelphia Hall. Mob attacked a church during abolitionist meeting, smashed doors and windows and scattered the audience. Werner, p.218; McMaster, VI, p.493
1838 New York Elmira, NY May: Mob broke up meeting of preachers Anti-Slavery society and Genesse Conference. Werner, p.218; McMaster, VI, p.493
1838 Missouri Caldwell County, Missouri June: Mormons expell the settlers that they had excommunicated, forcing families to leave homes with only minimal household goods. Baily.Armies, p.51
1838 Missouri Gallatin, Missouri August: Mormons attempt to vote in elections. Efforts to stop them lead to serious brawl involving approximately eight Mormons and many more Missourians. Baily.Armies of God, p.56-57
1838 Missouri Gallatin, Missouri August: Joseph Smith and Mormon militia coerce local judge into promising to avoid further mob violence on the part of Missourians. Baily.Armies of God, p.57 Joseph Smith
1838 Missouri DeWitt, Missouri October: Missourians lay siege to town holding Mormons, forcing them to surrender and leave. Baily, p.59-60
1838 Missouri Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri October: Missourians lay siege to Mormons. Mormon reinforcements compel Missourians to leave. Baily,Armies of God, p.61
1838 Missouri Gallatin, Missouri October: Mormon force occupies nearly abandoned town. They looted and burned the place. Baily.Armies of God, p.62
1838 Missouri Millport, Missouri October: Mormons under Lyman Wight raid and loot town. Baily.Armies of God, p.62 Lyman Wright
1838 Missouri Grindstone Fork, Missouri October: Mormons under Seymour Brunson raid and loot town. Baily.Armies of God, p.62 Seymour Brunson
1838 Missouri Northern Missouri October: Missourians retaliate by burning and looting Mormon homes throughout the area. Baily.Armies of God, p.62-63
1838 Missouri Far West and Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri November: After the Mormons surrendered at Far West, the Missouri militia went wild. It looted and plundered Mormon property, raped the women, etc. Baily.Armies of God, p.74-76
1838 Pennsylvania Harrisburg, PA December: A hostile crowd assembled in the Senate chamber and intimidated the Whig-Antimasons, convincing the speaker, Charles Penrose, and two supporters to escape out a window in a small room to the rear of the speaker's desk. This led to the bloodless "Buckshot War." Vaughn.Anti-Masonic Party, p.111 Charles Penrose
1839 Maryland Little Orleans, Md August: Irish workers fight with Germans. This involves canal workers. One dead. Militia ordered in, arrests and imprisonments. Way,Common Labour, p.193,223-224
1839 Iowa Johnson County, Iowa An Iowa claims club organizes to drive a man named Crawford off of land he settled, but claimed by member William Sturgis. About 60 members of the club under the leadership of its marshal tore down Crawford's substantial log and clapboard cabin. Upon a second visit, the issue was "adjusted" to Sturgis' satisfaction - ie, his claim was bought off. Bogue. "The Iowa Claims Clubs,"MVHR, 45 (1958); 246-247 William Sturgis Crawford
1839 Iowa Johnson County, Iowa Two counterfeiters caught, tried by an ad-hoc court; one was sentenced to 10 lashes, the other 15. Black. "Lynchings,"IJHP10 (1912), 171-172
1839 Pennsylvania Pittsburgh April: Inter-racial fistfight leads to whites attacking black population and houses. An interracial peacekeeping force quells the riot. Curray.Free Black, p.100
1839 Pennsylvania Pittsburgh May: Minor race riot. Resulted in the destruction of some black dwellings. Werner, p.273, 247
1839 Massachusetts Boston June: Celebrated prosecution of grover who violated 15 gallon temperance law led to a crowd attacking John Manly's store in Dock Square. Manly was a repeated temperance informer. Police arrested 18 and Manly's store not seriously injured. "Working Classes and the Temperance Movement in the Ante-Bellum Boston,"Labor History, 19 (1978) 510-517 John Manly
1839 Mississippi Adams Co. July: A group of armed persons destroys the home and evicts renter Dominico Arighi, allegedly instigated by the lessors. W. C. Smedes & T. A. Marshall, Reports of Cases Argued and Determined in the High Court of Errors and Appeals for the State of Mississippi 11, 87-98. Dominico Arighi PTH
1839 Maryland Baltimore August: For three nights a mob gathered outside the Carmelite Nunnery threatening greater violence because of the escape of an allegedly deranged nun. Rocks thrown and some property destroyed. Police arrest about 20 a night and militia drove back mob with bayonets. Mannard. "1839 Baltimore Nunnery Riot"
1839 New York Rensselaerville, NY August: Albany County deputy sheriff Amos Adams stayed the night at a tavern. About 10:00pm a group of men rode up to the tavern, destroyed Adams' wagon and maimed the tail of his horse. Adams had been serving writs that day. Pendleton, p.84 Amos Adams
1839 Maryland Maryland Fall: Chesapeake and Ohio canal worker fight. Irish and Germans against each other. Troops called in and 10 rioters shot before disturbance quelled. Billington, p.197
1839 Ohio Marion, Ohio September: After a court decided in favor of a fugitive slave, the Virginians attempting to gain possession of him, seized the black person and brandishing pistols and knives at the spectators. A mob quickly formed and attacked the Virginians. In the melee, the black person escaped. Werner. "Race Riots," p.41
1839 New York NYC September: Engine companies 15 and 40 involved in major brawl, involving over 1,000 men and boys. Mose Humphrey of Company 40 and (??) of Company 15 led their respective sides. Later fight reenacted on stage. Weinbaum, p.152-153 Mose Humphrey Mose Humphrey
1839 New York Berne, NY September: Deputy sheriff Daniel Leonard met opposition in serving writs. A group of undisguised farmers captured him at Gallup's general store, threatened him, and burnt his remaining writs in a tar barrel. They forced Leonard to buy him a drink, then returned with Leonard to all the farms he had served writs, forcing him to destroy these. After more drinks, treating Leonard when he ran out of money, then released him to walk 12 miles to Albany. Pendleton, p.85-86 Daniel Leonard
1839 Ohio Cincinnati September: Fewer than 50 persons destroy one building - the dwelling of "Negro Doctor" John Woodward for allegedly mistreating two women patients. Curray.Free Black, p.104 John Woodward
1839 New York Reidsville, NY October: Sheriff Archer and three deputies forced to turn back by "a wall of determined men." Pendleton, p.86-87
1839 Massachusetts Boston October: About 20 men seized Asa Savells as he debarked from Chelsea Ferry. The attackers had blackened faces and wore large hats; one had a mask on. They tarred and feathered Savell, a paper hanger, because he was a temperance informer. Three men were later indicted. Dodd. "Working Classes and the Termperance Movement,"Labor History, 19, 510-531 Asa Savells
1839 Michigan Detroit November: African Americans attempt to seize runaway in the hands of officials. Schneider. "Detroit"
1839 Conneticut Wolcott, Connecticut December: Mob burnt to ashes an anti-slavery meeting house. Richards, p.156
1839 New York Reidsville, NY December: 1500 anti-rent farmers force sheriff Michael Artcher and 500 men to return to Albany without issuing any writs. Pendleton, p.29-30, 87-89 Michael Artcher
1839 New York NYC December: 50 firemen forced their way into a German tavern, broke bottles and a table. They were ejected, but returned with reinforcements. One fireman shot as he was breaking in the door. Other shots followed. Porbably several wounded. Weinbaum, p.153
1839 New York Albany County Late: Helderberg War- Crowds ranging up to 75 or 100 men attack sheriffs to prevent serving of writs, etc. Cheyney. Anti-Rent War, p.297
1840 Iowa Bellevue, Iowa April: Sheriff leads posse in attack on Brown's hotel and gang of thieves. Gun battle unsues. Unclear what authority used. Several killed. Afterward posse takes law into own hands and horsewhips captured bandits. Ely. "Pioner Gangsters," p.73-90
1840 Missouri St. Louis October: Ethnic rioting led to the death of at least one person. Billington, p.198
1840 Virginia Charlettsville, Va November: University of Va riot. Students shoots and kills J. Davis, an eminent Va legal scholar. Bruce.Violence and Culture, p.63 J. Davis
1840 Ohio Troy, O Minor race riot over education. Werner, p.273
1840 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Race riot. Schneider
1840 New York NYC Street battle between Bowry boys and German musicians outside the American Hotel. The musicians had promised to serenade singer Fawny Elssler. The Boys intended to break this up. Buckly. "To the Opera House," p.53
1840 New York Rensselaerville, NY January: Anti-renters seized a deputy sheriff and prepared to tar and feather him, but before they could do so, the deputy sheriff was rescued. Pendleton, p.92
1840 New York Rensselaerville, NY February: Tenants tarred and feathered a seriously injured deputy sheriff attempting to serve a process. Pendleton, 31 N19, p.92
1840 Pennsylvania Philadelphia March: Kensington residents opposed the building of a RR link for the Philadelphia and Trenton RR through their neighborhood. Crowd forced workmen to leave and then replaced paving stones. One 2nd day women and children forced workmen to leave. On 3rd day crowd also tore up rails. Feldberg, p.64-65
1840 Iowa Des Moines County, Iowa March: Mob lured a man by the name of Cleek to edge of town, accused him of stealing from his landlady. But this was just a ruse to get his jacket off. They tied him to a tree and whipped him with clubs. He gave them $10 and they stole $100 from him. Black. "Lynchings," p.172 Cleek
1840 New York NYC March: German-Irish fight at a beer garden. Mayor and militia disperse. Headly, p.310
1840 New York NYC April: Several violent strikes. Troops called in to protect workers. Especially among workers on Croton aquaduct. Headly, p.310
1840 Iowa Linn County, Iowa April: Vigilantes horsewhip four captured bandits. Ely. "Pioneer Gangsters," Palimpsest, 21(1940) p.73-90
1840 Massachusetts Rowley, MA May: Irish RR workers went on strike when two workers had wages docked. Workers went to town and brawled with townspeople. Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.10
1840 Virginia Blandford, Petersburg, VA July: A man named John Slaughter recieved an anonymous letter from "A.B.C. and fifty others" ordering him to quit town within twenty days or be "well dressed." Slaughter had been lynched before, some years ago. Slaughter believed that Joseph Pledge had written the letter. In anticipation, Slaughter moved to an upper room in his house with pistols and a scythe. Pledge rode to Slaughter's house and tried to convince him he was not part of the plot. Slaughter did not believe him, and called him a "damn'd free negro mulatto looking son of a bitch." At this, Pledge throw a brickbat into a window, causing Slaughter's child to cry out. Slaughter, believing his child to be killed, opened fire. The shot pierced Pledge's femoral artery, and he died. Benjamin Watkins Leigh, Virginia Reports: Jefferson - 33 Grattan, 1730-1880 (Thomas Johnson Michie, annot.), 753-756. Joseph Pledge; John Slaughter Joseph Pledge; John Slaughter PTH
1840 Pennsylvania Philadelphia July: Frost street resident, Kensington, riot to prevent construction of RR. Tear up rails at night that had been laid that day and burnt them. Feldberg. Philadephia Riots, p.4; Feldberg. TE, p.68-69
1840 Pennsylvania Philadelphia July: More resistance to RR. Crowd with paving stones drive sheriff and posse and workmen away. That night crowd broke into three story tavern that had been headquarters for workmen and sheriff, drove off the proprietor, and torched the building. Feldberg. TE, p.68-69
1840 Illinois Lockport, Illinois August: Canal office destroyed by strikers. Offense or slight to workers triggers action. Way.Common Labour, p.291; Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.20,22,23
1840 Pennsylvania Philadelphia September: Brick factory partly destroyed by fire by strikers. Strikers objected to introduction of machinery. Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.11,24
1840 Iowa Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA September: Nat, a Black man, flogged to death for alleged theft Chicago American, September 18, 1840 as listed in Pfeifer, The Roots of Rough Justice. Nat PTH
1840 Maryland Baltimore November: New Market and United Companies attack Whigs by the Patriot Office. Greenburg.Cause for Alarm, p.81
1840 New York NYC November: Report of the "Spartan Gang" paraded the streets with short clubs to disrupt elections. They invaded the Whig campaign headquarters, pulled down posters and hand bills, assaulted the dozen Whigs in the rooms and took over the bar. Weinbaum, p.151-152;Common Advertiser. November 1, 1840
1840 New York NYC December: Group of German-Americans fought a street battle against police. Nissembaum.Battle, p.96
1841 Mississippi Union Point, MS Burning of a "runaway slave" for alleged murder, rape, and robbery Christopher Waldrep, ed., Lynching in America: A History in Documents (New York: New York University Press, 2006), 76-77, source: Mississippi Free Trader, March 8, 1854 as listed in Pfeifer, The Roots of Rough Justice. PTH
1841 Illinois Ogle Co., Illinois June: Regulators take three captured horse thieves and suspected murderers - Wm. Driscoll and two sons, out of jail. The Driscolls were accused of shooting the Regulator captain John Campbell. They held a trial, sentencing two to death. At the prisoners' request, they shot the man instead of hanging. Jones. "Three Days," p.136-139 William Driscoll
1841 Louisiana Carrollton, Louisiana July: Mostly German ropewalk workers beat manager to death and severely injured two others while they investigated charges that the workers had treated brtually a crippled worker. Grimsted. "Antebellum Workers," p.10,11,23,24
1841 Texas Shelbyville, Texas October: 300 Regulators under Watt Moorman held "trial" for three members of McFaddin family for murder of Charles Jackson (McFaddin house had been burnt by Jackson earlier). Two oldest McFaddin hanged. Other murders committed by Regulators at this time. Sonnechson.10 Texas Feuds, p.31-33 Watt Moorman McFaddin
1841 Missouri Pulaskie County, Missouri Slickers organize to purge community of counterfeiters, horse thieves, and criminals. They succeeded. Vincent. "Slicker War,"Missouri Hist Rev, (1912-1913) p.138-145
1841 Michigan Detroit Rapid depreciation of bank notes brought 100s of protesters to the steps of the Bank of Michigan. City officials called US troops to protect the property until the crowds dispersed. Schneider. "Urbanization…Detroit 1824-1847,"Michigan History
1841 Illinois Greenough's Ford, Ogle County, Illinois White Rock company of Regulators capture horse thief by the name of Daggett and administer either 36 or 96 lashes. Brunbaugh. "Regulator Movement," p.13 Daggett
1841 Illinois Ogle County, Illinois Regulators capture Daniel Ross, torture and whip him. Brumbaugh. "Regulator Movement," p.14 Daniel Ross
1841 Illinois Ogle County, Illinois Regulators adminster 96 lashes to a "fallen" Baptist minister. Brumbaugh. "Regulator Movement," p.14
1841 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Race riot. Schneider.
1841 Pennsylvania Philadelphia February: Attempt to build RR through Kensington again resisted. Crowd repaired work done that day and made a bonfire of rails. Feldberg.TE, p.69
1841 New York Rensselaerville, NY March: Albany County Sheriff Amos Adams attempted to hold a distress sale. But "Indians" with tin dinner horns drove off the landlord's friends who had come to bid on items. First appearance of Indians. Pendleton, p.92-93 Amos Adams
1841 Pennsylvania Philadelphia March: Kensington crowd resists RR construction. Replaced paving stones and made bonfire out of rails. Feldberg.TE, p.69-71
1841 Illinois Ogle County, Illinois April-June: Regulators act against horse thief gang, wanring them out of the community. If they refused, they were whipped. In one case, a man was given 500 lashes. Jones. "Three Days"Journal of Illinois State History, 132-134
1841 Ohio Cincinnati June: A man by the name of Burnett hid a fugitive slave. Although brough up on charges, a mob gathered to destroy his home, but was prevented from doing so by officials. Woodson. "Negroes in Cincinnati,"J of NH(1910) 13; Richards, p.124; Werner, p.107-108
1841 Texas Shelby County, Texas July: Regulators under Charles Jackson attack homes of men they accused of being slave stealers, burning them. Moderators subsequently formed to get revenge. Sonnechson.10 Texas Feuds, p.25-27 Charles Jackson
1841 Illinois Ogle County, Illinois July: After an editorial against lynching, following Regulator murder of two horse thieves, the paper's office was destroyed - probably by Regulators. Jones. "Three Days"Journal of Illinois State History, 140
1841 Indiana Evansville, Indiana August: Minor race riot in effort to drive African Americans out of community. Werner, p.112, 273
1841 Indiana New Albany, Indiana August: Minor race riot to drive African Americans out of community over education and self-improvement. Mob burned building housing black church and school. Werner, p.112, 273
1841 Kentucky Maysville, Kentucky September: Minor race riot to drive black people out of community and over self-improvement. Free black people attacked a church built for slaves - burnt down. Werner, p.135, 273
1841 Ohio Cincinnati August: Several days of fighting between white and black people. African Americans wound several whites. On the 34d as many as 1800 whites invade black neighborhood. African Americans fire on them and the whites used a cannon. At 2:00am militia establish cease fire. Officials convince black people to surrender arms, and promise that their homes and families would be protected, 200-300 black people surrender to authorities, mob ignores officials (??). Woodson. "Negroes in Cincinnati,"J of NH(1910) 13; Richards, p.122-129; Werner, p.113-137
1841 New York Berne, NY September: Local constable seized Bill Snyder, a deputy sheriff and then turned him over to anti-renter "Indians" who brutalized him. When he escaped down a ravine, the "Indians" fired shots over his head. Pendleton, p.93-94
1841 New York West Manor, Albany County, NY Late: Palmer Banton, undisguised and a group of "Indians" kidnapped a Dutchman from his farm because he did not support the anti-rent movement. They intimidated him, and forced him to jump up and down 3x and shout "Down with the Rent." After about five hours he was released. Pendleton, p.103-104 Palmer Banton
1842 Missouri Pevely, Jefferson Co., MO Hanging of black man for alleged murder and robbery Goodspeed's History of Franklin, Jefferson, Washington, Crawford, & Gasconade Counties, Missouri (Chicago: The Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1880), 405 as listed in Pfeifer, The Roots of Rough Justice. PTH
1842 Louisiana East Feliciana Parish, LA Burning of two "runaways" for alleged murder, rape, and kidnapping Wyatt-Brown, Southern Honor, 388-389 as listed in Pfeifer, Roots of Rough Justice. PTH
1842 Ohio Cincinnati, Ohio August: Rioting broke out after a parade of German military companies when one of the officers killed a boy who was annoying him. Billington, p.197
1842 Pennsylvania Schuykill River, PA Irish workers fight with black people. Grimsted. "A-C," 9, 21 n.23; Slaughter.Bloody Dawn, p.39
1842 North Carolina Raleigh, NC Mob attempted to lynch black abolitionist Lunsford Lane. Included was a coat of tar - and presumably feathers. Both mechnics and rich people involved. Lane managed to escape with the help of some friends. Eaton. "Mob Violence,"MVHR(1942) Lansford Lane,Narrative of Lansford Lane…,Boston 1845 Lunsford Lane PTH Edits
1842 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Race riot. Schneider. "Community and Order"
1842 Massachusetts Boston Black crowd fails in effort to free George Latimer, escaped slave, from his captors. Curry.Free Black, p.23
1842 Ohio Cincinnati January: When the Miami exporting company bank suspended and closed its doors, followed by payment suspension by the Cincinnati bank, a riot occurred. A crowd inside the Cincinnati bank seized desks, workers, etc., throwing them into the street and property taken. The sheriff was taken out of the building when he attempted to interfere. Later, the MEC Bank and Exchange bank were broken into. The mayor and officers were beaten off with clubs and bricks. Two other bank offices were broken into and $240,000 taken. Ross.Workers, p.50-51; McMaster, p.6-7
1842 New York NYC April: Spartan Band contested the right of Catholics to share in educational funds and policy making. They attacked the regular Democratic headquarters in Dunn's hotel, smashed windows and destroyed the barroom's furniture. They also attacked Bishop John Joseph Hughes' home and damaged it. Police and militia restored order. Weinbaum, p.152 John Hughes
1842 Louisiana New Orleans May: Depreciation of municipal notes created a panic. At a public meeting in the street someone shouted, "Down with the banks!" (In French) and a rush was made to sack the offices of the exchange brokers. Volunteers broke up the crowd. McMaster, p.9-10
1842 New York NYC April: Passage of a bill giving control over public educaation to the state, and hence sympathetic to Catholics led to come rioting the night the bill was passed. Mob chased any Irishman that came into their path and stoned the windows of Bishop Hughes house. The militia was ordered out to guard the city's Catholic churches. Orangemen involved in rioting. Billington, p.154; Cook.Armies, p.22 John Hughes
1842 Massachusetts Plainville, MA Summer: Rowdies tore down tent of black worshippers, sang obscene songs and ran horses off. Next day, evangelists ambushed rowdies and tied several up. Murphy.Ten Hours, p.74-75
1842 New York NYC Summer: Fight between Engine Company 33 and Engine Co. 5 and truck and hose company 4. Fight lasted almost an hour and was caused supposedly when No. 33 splashed water at No. 4 and 5 during an earlier fire. Costello.Our Firemen, p.175
1842 New York NYC July: "Battle of the Boots," Fire Company 27 ambushed 34 led by Dave Broderick. This was in revenge for an earlier fight that 34 won. In the signal "boots" 27 and its followers attacked 34 on Hudson street. This was one of several such fights. 27 took Broderick's (??) in triumph. The next day, when Broderick went to the saloon to get it back, he, Mike Walsh and others were beaten again. Costello.Our Firemen,p.176-178; Limpus.History, p.169-170; Buckly, p.340 Dave Broderick; Mike Walsh
1842 Pennsylvania Minersville, PA July: Miners marched along the Norwegian RR with clubs and other weapons, compelling workers along the line to quit work. The strikers were largely Irish. That night 150 soldiers arrived, but things had quited down by then. Aurand.From MM, p.68; Palladino.Another Civil War, p.49
1842 Pennsylvania Wadesville, PA July: Striking miners compelled others to join them. Sheriff intervened and arrested a few ringleaders. Palladino.Another Civil War, p.50
1842 Pennsylvania Wadesville, PA July: Striking miners threw stones at houses of strikebreakers. A foreman broke up the crowd by firing a few shots. Palladino.Another Civil War, p.50
1842 Pennsylvania Philadelphia August: Irish RR workers who had wages docked retaliated by burning a bridge. Grimsted. "AL," p.10,11,22,23
1842 Pennsylvania Philadelphia August: Black people march to celebrate emancipation in WI under black Temperance auspices. Whites (probably Irish) attack the parade. They followed this with assaults on black people and the destruction of some buildings, including the black Presbyterian church and black-owned assembly hall. Initially sheriff and posse routed by mob; but militia and additional police quell the rioting. Curray.Free Black, p.196
1842 Pennsylvania Philadelphia September-October: Often violent weavers' strike, strikers attacked and manhandled a posse and sheriff. They also cut webs out of looms, etc. Several incidents occurred. Feldberg.Philadelphia Riots, p.4; Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.10,23
1842 Louisiana New Orleans November: Workers use col. Violence in reaction to scabs. Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.11
1842 Pennsylvania Philadelphia December: Figt erupts between Franklin Hose Company and Washington Engine Companies. Franklin firefighters claimed that Washys had a suspiciously large number turn out for false alarm. While Franklins had 6 to 8x their normal number (300-400 men). Horns, wrenches, and brickbats, etc., were used. No clear winner. Feldberg, p.78-79
1842 Pennsylvania Philadelphia December: Washington Engine Co. ambushed Franklin hose while the latter was returning from a fire. Feldberg, p.79
1842 Pennsylvania Philadelphia December: Washington Fire Co. set a false alarm and ambushed Franklin Hose Company as they passed Callowhill and Broad street. Dick Manly, gang leader of the Killer's there. Washys drove the Franklins off, forcing them to abandon their hose carriage and then defend it. Feldberg, p.79
1842 Pennsylvania Philadelphia December: 400 angry Franklin supporting stormed Washington Engine house. They captured the Washy's engine, dragged in out and dismantled it. Feldberg, p.79-80
1843 New York NYC May: Tracks of Harlem Railroad at Center street torn up after train ran over little girl. Cook.Armies, p.27
1843 Indiana Pendleton, Indiana Mob clubbed and severely injured Frederick Douglass. Richards, p.156 Frederick Douglass
1843 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Ethnic riot. Schneider. "Community and Order"
1843 Pennsylvania Philadelphia January: Kensington Weaver's strike. Strikers entered houses on non-strikers, cut (??), destroyed looms and stuff being manufactured. They beat some non-strikers. Afterward they occupied the Nanny Goat Market from which they beat back the sheriff and a posse.The next day they paraded through the streets, beat one obnoxious to them and prepared to defend Nanny Goat Market again. But news that the militia was called up dispersed them. Scharf and Wescott, p.661
1843 Mississippi Gallatin, Copiah Co., MS February: Hanging of "negro men of Mr. Burdy" for alleged rape, murderous assualt, and robbery Courier de La Louisiane, March 1, 1843 as listed in Pfeifer, The Roots of Rough Justice. PTH
1843 New York NYC March: Fight between Engine Companies 34 and 27 led to the disbandment of 34, temporarily. Costello.Our Firemen, p.107-108
1843 Iowa Jackson County, Iowa March: Competition over land development between Colonel William Johnson and William Bennett. Bennett and his comrades seized Johnson at his house and gave him a whipping, ordering him out of the country. Johnson swore out warrants, driving Bennett and his men away, but then he himself had to leave the county. Black. "Lynchings," p.175-176 William Bennett William Johnson
1843 Pennsylvania Philadelphia May: Strikers cut cloth and looms. Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.10,22
1843 Ohio Cincinnati July: Anti-abolition or anti-black riot. Target, as in earlier 1842 riot, was an English confectioner. Nine year old girl brought from New Orleans with masks escaped with help from Abolitionists. Owner incites crowd, who throw stones at Cornelius Burnett's home. But mayor's prompt show of force and arrest, especially on 2nd night, limits violence. Richards, p.42,69; Werner, p.137-138 Cornelius Burnett
1843 Massachusetts Boston August: A group of sailros assaulted four black people. When the black people defended themselves, a crowd appeared that beat every black person that appeared. This occurred in North Square. Several were injured. Of those arrested, all were Irish. Police and firefighters quelled the riot. Curray.Free Black, p.100-101
1843 New York NYC Fall: Several fights and riots among different fire companies. Costello.Our Firemen, p.107
1843 New York NYC December: Battle outside Black Joke's engine house at Gouverneur and Henry street, when members of Bean Soup, Old Maid, and Old Turk Engine companies attacked. Numbering 600 strong. Black Joke greeted them with guns and a cannon loaded with slugs, chains, bolts. Police arrived and arrested several Black Jokes. Subsequently the company was disbanded. Limpas.History, p.181-182; Buckly, p.340
1844 Pennsylvania Philadelphia May: Anti-Irish violence. Begun over Bible dispute. Erupts in Kensington. Nativist meeting after rainstorm attempts to use local market. Irish resist, and a neighborhood battle erupted. Death of George Shiffler anger nativist crowd. Mayor's attempts to quell disturbance failed. Militia and special police used. St. Michaels and St. Augustine Catholic church attacked. Feldberg.Philadelphia Riot; Scharf and Wescott, p.663-669; Billington, p.220-237 George Shiffler PTH Edits
1844 Illinois Cathage, Illinois June: Mob broke into jail and shot Joseph Smith and his brother Heyrum. Wounded another Mormon leader. They had been arrested for the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor. Baily.Armies, p.136-137 Joseph Smith; Heyrum Smith
1844 Pennsylvania Philadelphia July: Anti-Irish violence - deaths and injuries. In Southwark. Starts with threat to Catholic church. Militia attempts to defend. Battles ensue with mob and militia. Mob has cannons at times. A total of 14 killed on both sides. Feldberg.Philadelphia Riot; Scharf and Wescott, p.669-674; Billington, p.220-237
1844 Texa Shelbyville, Texas August: Big Texas battle involving at least 100 men on both Moderaator and Regulator side. Estimates vary - some say Regulators lost 15 in killed and wounded, Moderators 6 wounded. Regulators say 16 Moderators killed, 2 Regulators. (??)10 Texas Feuds, p.47-50
1844 Illinois Western Illinois September: Raid and counter-raid between Mormons and opponents. Some 150 Mormon homes and farms burned. Mormons retaliate, including gun battle where one anti-Mormon was killed. Winn.Exiles, p.227-228
1844 New York Grafton, NY December: A group of 50 "Indians" obstructed Nathan Martin with three workmen from transporting lumber on land. Martin had obtained at the landlord's terms 21 year old Elijah B. Smith, threatened the "Indians" with an axe and one "Indian" shot and killed him. Pendleton, p.113-115, 136 Nathan Martin; Elijah B. Smith
1844 Maryland Baltimore After a false alarm two fire companies riot and fight one month. Greenberg.Cause for Alarm, p.90
1844 New York NYC Riot at Olympic theater between supporters of Mrs. Timms and Mrs. Taylor. Buckly. "To the Opera House," p.93
1844 Kentucky Louisville After a German newspaper advised its readers to go to the polls armed during an election, nativist mobs forced the editor to flee and other rioting followed. Billington, p.197-198
1844 Missouri St. Louis Election riot involving Irish and Native Americans. Schneider. "Riot and Reaction," p.175-176
1844 New York Hinsdale, NY January: Between 100 and 150 armed men, some in paint and Indian blankets, attacked Cattaraugus County sheriff George W. White and other officers when they attempted to evict Jacob Wearn from his farm. Pendleton, p.122 George W. White
1844 Pennsylvania Philadelphia March: Unknown group of raiders broken into Goodwill Hose Company's headquarters, stole their engine, drove it to the outskirts and burned it. Feldberg.TE, p.80
1844 New York Brooklyn, NY April: On the homeward march from hearing a Native American speaker, a group of natives passed a Catholic church. Irishmen, probably gathered to defend their church, attacked the rear of the nativist party. A street battle lasting several hours ensued. Billington, p.237
1844 Pennsylvania Philadelphia May: Nativist meeting at the Nanny-goat Market disrupted by hecklers and fights. In retaliation for this disturbance, Nativists called for a meeting on Monday the 6th. Werner, p.144-145
1844 Illinois Nauvoo, Illinois June: Joseph Smith ordered Nauvoo Legion to destroy William Law's newspaper and press, the Nauvoo Expositor. Law was a Mormon who hoped to reform the church. He and his family were also driven from the town. Baily.Armies, p.124-125 Joseph Smith William Law
1844 New York Dutch Hill, NY June: The sheriff attempted to evict the Learn brothers from their (??) hand Purchase farm. The sheriff and 6 or 7 men were confronted by 100-150 men, many wearing Indian disguises, had to leave the premises. Brooks.Frontier Settlement, p.226
1844 Illinois Illinois June: Outlying settlements of Mormons harassed by mobs. Baily.Armies, p.126-127
1844 Pennsylvania Philadelphia June: Weccacoes attempted to attack American Representative Weccacoes Fire Company's engine house. Their rivals were waiting for them and fired upon the attackers. The watch then interfered and confiscated the attackers' guns. "Fire Companies," p.80
1844 New York Roxbury, NY Summer: After John B. Gould continued to use the tin horn for dinner call local Indians visited him, and threatened tar and feathers. But his neighbors came to his rescue. On their retreat the "Indians" tar and feathered a neighbor Hiram More. Pendleton, p.107-108 John B. Gould; Hiram More
1844 New York Rensselaer County Summer: Sandlake Indians robbed district attorney Gideon Reynolds of legal papers and threatened him. Pendleton, p.128 Gideon Reynolds
1844 New York Stephenstown, NY July: "Indians" intecept Rensselaer County sheriff Gideon Reynolds and two deputies attempting to serve process on a (??) Rensselaer tenant, forcing them to withdraw. Pendleton, p.125 Gideon Reynolds
1844 New York Alps, NY July: Sheriff's party of 35 encountered over 100 men, forced to dismount and walk back to town. After searching the officials, the anti-renters found distress papers upon George B. Allen, a deputy. They tarred and feathered him. Pendleton, p.126 George B. Allen
1844 New York Rensselaer County, NY August: "Indians" captured deputy sheriff Jacob Lewis and burned his papers. When he persisted, they tarred and feathered him and chased him around the village of Nassau where he lived. Pendleton, p.126 Jacob Lewis
1844 Kentucky Louisville, KY August: After the editor of the German paper Beobachter advised his readers to go to the polls armed and prepared to defend their right to vote against Nativist poll watchers, a mob, after reading the warning translated in the Louisivlle Journal of nativists, gathered in front of the Beobachter office and forced the editor to flee. This occurred during the Presidential elections. Deusner. "Know-Nothing Riots," p.122
1844 New York Albany, NY August: Men dressed like Indians stopped the carriage of Mrs. Willow P. Van Resselaer, wife of heir to the East Manor, and hitched her horses and left her unharmed. Pendleton, p.101-107 Willow P. Van Resselaer
1844 Pennsylvania Pennsvylvania August: Drunken foreigners attacked and damaged a Lutheran church. Billington, p.197
1844 New York Stephenstown, NY August: "Indians" surround old man and attempt to intimidate him into denouncing rent. When he refused, they dragged him out of town and fearing the worst, he relented. Pendleton, p.106
1844 New York Stephenstown, NY August: Anti-rent indians attempted to tar and feather Samuel P. Rollo and his father because they did not sympathise with the anti-rent movement. Other acts of intimidation also occurred at this time. Pendleton, p.105 Samuel P. Rollo
1844 New York Sandlake, NY August: Men whose faces were painted black shot at Albany County sheriff Christopher Batterman. They hit the sheriff's horse, but he was able to capture two of them. Pendleton, p.129 Christopher Batterman
1844 New York Rensselaerville, NY August: About 60 "indians" oppsoe Albany sheriff Christopher Batterman. When the sheriff went for his revolvers, 12 of the group attacked, hit him a few times, knocked him from his horse, and stole his papers. He refused to give up, so they tarred and feathered his leg and dumped him in a wagon, ordering his deputies to return to Albany. Pendleton, p.129 Christopher Batterman
1844 Conneticut Connecticut September: Foreign workmen riot. Billington, p.197
1844 New York Stephenstown, NY September: Two non-resident landowners captured 12 miles from Albany and forced to return to Stephenstown because they had accidentally torn down an anti-rent sign. After a ritual confession, they were allowed to leave. Pendleton, p.106
1844 New York Roxbury, NY September: "Indians" stole and burned legal papers of deputy sheriff Timothy Corbin and then tarred and feathered him when he attempted to serve a process on Daniel squires, a tenant. Pendleton; Christown, p.90-91 Timothy Corbin
1844 New York NYC September: Efforts to control pigs running loose in the streets triggered riotous resistance by the Irish owners. Billington, p.196; Cook.Armies, p.27
1844 New York NYC September: Confrontation between Democratic and whig parades prompts whig paper to advocate getting (??) Johnson, p.137
1844 Pennsylvania Philadelphia December: Fire company fight. Werner, p.151;Public Ledger, December 9, 1944
1844 New York Copake, NY December: Sheriff Henry C. Miller prevented from holding a sale of Stephen Becker's property by 200 "Indians" led by "Big Thumper." Decker had refused to pay rent. In front of 15,000 sympathisers Miller's papers burned. Pendleton, p.57,133 Big Thumper Henry C. Miller
1844 New York Near Claverack December: Arrest of Dr. Smith A. Boughton "Big Thunder" resisted by anti-renter, till Boughton agreed to go. Earlier a boy had been killed accidentally at an "Indian" meeting. Christown, p.109-112
1845 New York Andes, NY August: Sheriff Greene Moore of Delaware co., attempted to hold an auction at the Earle farm in a rent related controversy. A large contingent of "Indians" - anti-renters - opposed him. In the scuffle that ensued, an "Indian" shot and killed Osman Steele, a deputy Sheriff. Pendleton, p.1-9 Greene Moore; Osman Steele
1845 New York Ancram, NY January: During big crackdown on anti-renters there was little opposition. However, "Indians" partially destroyed a vital bridge near Ancram iron mines minuted before state militia arrived. Pendleton, p.140
1845 New York Lake Delaware, NY January: Deputy Steele and escort ambushed by "Indians" and held captive for several hours until Sheriff More rescued him. Pendleton, p.146 Osman Steele
1845 New York Dutch Hill, NY January: The Sheriff and some deputies sought to arrest indicted lewd rioters. After arresting one man, a group of armed "Indians" drove them back. The sheriff called out the militia. With 1,100 militiamen on January 26, the opposition melted away. Brooks.Frontier Settlement, p.228
1845 New York Hinsdale, NY January: Efforts to arrest 11 indicted men for riot at Learn's farm resisted by groups of armed farmers. Only one successfully arrested. Pendleton, p.123-124
1845 New York Middletown, NY February: Nine "Indians" threatened deputy sheriff JA Berson if he returned to the area on legal duties. Note - A total of 346 anti-renters arrested in 1845 crackdown in Delaware county. Pendleton, p.147 JA Berson
1845 New York Hinsdale, NY March: A group of farmers again resisted sheriff White of Cattaraugus county. Pendleton, p.124 White
1845 New York Coopers Lake, North of Bearsville, NY March: "Indians" attack three men cutting timber for the Livingstons on disputed land. In scuffle two Indians unmasked. Two of the lumber men escape, but the 3rd, John Lasher, was captured and tarred and feathered. Christman, p.135; Pendleton, p.109 John Lasher
1845 New York Andes, NY March: "Indians" attack sheriff's men Osman Steele and Charles Parker at a tavern, but Sheriff More arrived the next day from Delhi to rescue them. Christman, p.140 Osman Steele; Charles Parker
1845 New York Roxbury, NY March: Osman Steele and about 80 men engaged in hand-to-hand fighting with about 100 Indians. They captured 10 and took them to Delhi. Threats of rescue, however, came to naught. Christman, p.141 Osman Steele
1845 New York Bearsville, NY March: Sheriff officers arrested two identified Indians who were then rescued by their friends. Pendleton, p.109; Pound. "Down-Rent War," NYH 23 (1942)
1845 New York Bleinham Hill March: About 150 "Indians" attack Sheriff John S. Brown and the undersheriff Tobias Bouck at a tavern in the evening. That day the sheriffs had been serving papers on tenants Brown and Bouck were beaten and their papers burned. The Indians discussed tar and feather but decided against it. Christman, p.137-139 John S. Brown; Tobias Bouck
1845 New York Bearsville, NY March: Efforts to arrest "Indians" thwarted by "Indians." Pendleton, p.109
1845 New York Ancram, NY April: After eviction of anti-renters a mob attacked the house of the new tenant, pulled it down and razed the remainder. Pendleton, p.111
1845 Pennsylvania Philadelphia June: Weccacoes Hose Company members attempt to storm Franklin Fire Company's house, but watchmen interceded. Laurie. "Fire Companies," p.75
1845 New York NYC July: During the great fire at New street a fireman went into a German grocery at the corner of Beaver and Pearl streets and had some refreshment. He told the proprietor to charge it to his company. When the proprietor attacked him, demanding payment, forty firemen rushed in and demolished his store. Costello.Our Firemen, p.183
1845 Kentucky Lexington, KY August: Mob suppresses Cassius Marcellus Clay's newspaper True American. A vigilance committee dismanlted the press boxed the parts and sent them to Cincinnati. Eaton. "Mob Violence,"MHOR(1942) p.361-362 Cassius Marcellus Clay
1845 New York Ancram, NY October: Anti-renters pulled down "Up-renter" house of William H. Bogerdus. Pendleton, p.111 William H. Bogerdus
1845 Iowa Keokuk County, Iowa Winter: Two men were accused of pre-empting land claims. Convicted by a lynch jury, they were sentenced to be tied to a pole and ducked through a hole in the ice in a mill pond. They then were to be tarred and feathered. After one man attempted to commit suicide on the way to the pond, the sentence was changed. Black. "Lynchings," p.178
1845 New York Dutch Hill, NY March: About 100 men again opposed the sheriff attempting to evict or arrest men in the area. Eventually both sides (??) promised. Brooks.Frontier Settlement, p.229-230
1846 Tennessee Nashville March: After EZC Judson shot and killed a Mr. Pottersfield - whose wife he may have had an affair with - a lynch mob pursued him. Judgson had to be placed in a jail for safe-keeping. Buckley. "To the Opera House," p.429 EZC Judson
1846 New York NYC Theater riot at Palmo's theater against a Scottish singer named Templeton. Buckly. "To the Opera House," p.192 Templeton
1846 Iowa Lee County, Iowa Mob almost hangs a Mr. Walsworth for a muder he didn't commit. At last minute news arrived that the supposed victim was still alive and the mob dispersed. Black. "Lynchings," p.177-178 Walsworth
1846 Virginia Parkersburg, VA Northern faction most numerous, but when Rev. John Dillon from Ohio arrived to assume the pulpit, a vigilance committee of 60 ordered him out of town. Eaton. "Mob Violence,"MVHR(1942) p.363 John Dillon
1846 Virginia Guilford, VA Rev. James Hargis prevented from preaching at local church by a mob because he represented the northern faction of the Methodist church. Eaton. "Mob Violence," MVHR (1942) p.363 James Hargis
1846 Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, PA February: Strikers briefly took over an iron mill. Some strikers arrested and convicted but either pardoned or let go. Women participated and four women convicted along with two men. Issue concerned wages. Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.10,11,22
1846 New York NYC March: Workers use col. Violence during strike. Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.11,23
1846 New York NYC April: Irish workers fight with Germans. Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.9,21
1846 Missouri St. Louis April: Anti-Catholic lecturer attacked by foreign mobs. This occurred elsewhere, too. Billington, p.198
1846 New York Brooklyn, NY May: Unskilled Irish laborers demand raise from 65 cents a day to 87.5 with longer daylight hours. Employers ordered the strikers out of their shanties - built on nearby land - and replaced the strikers with newly arrived German workers. The Irish refused to go, attacked the Germans and would have driven them off had the militia not been called out. McMaster, VIII, p.99
1846 Pennsylvania Philadelphia July: Workers on strike use collective violence in reaction to scabs. Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.11, 25
1846 Virginia Salem, VA July: When Rev. Valintine Gray of the Northern Methodist Church attempted to preach at local Methodist church he was dragged from the pulpit by his hair and clothes. Eaton. "Mob Violence," MHOR (1942) p.363 Valintine Gray
1846 New York NYC July: Big fight involving fire engine companies 1, 6, 23, and 36 on return from fire. All the companies were subsequently disbanded. Costello.Our Firemen, p.173-174; Limpus.History, p.150
1846 Illinois Massac County, Illinois August: Extensive Regulator activity torturing suspects in an effort to get them to confess and implicated the local sheriff. Etheson. "Good Men," inLethal Imagination, p.152-153
1846 Illinois Massac County, Illinois August: Conflict between Regulators and Flatheads. Regulators duck captives until they confessed and used other tortures. Brumbaugh. "Regulator Movement," p.38-39
1846 Illinois Massac County, Illinois Fall: Regulators, aided by men from Pope County and Kentucky, drove out the sheriff, the county clerk and representative elect. All had supported the Flatheads. They also whipped several people and threatened anyone who spoke against them. They even tarred and feathered some victims. Brumbaugh. "Regulator Movement," p.39-43
1846 Illinois Massac County, Illinois November: 20 Regulators visited rural home of an elderly man named Mathis, believing he knew about local criminal activity. When he and his wife resisted, the Regulaters accidentally shot her and purposely hit him. Once taken away - "arrested" by Regulators, Maths was never seen again. Etcheson. "Good Men,"Lethal Imagination, p.149 Mathis
1846 Illinois Massac County, Illinois November: Party of 20 Regulators attempt to force a man named Mathis to testify. Mathis, who was elderly, so too did his wife, who was shot during the scuffle. Later 10 Regulators arrested. About 150 Regulators convince officials to release them. Some Flatheads subsequently seized by Regulators. Brumbaugh. "Regulator Movement," p.48-49 Mathis
1846 Illinois Metropolis, Illinois December: Posse of 60 to 70 men confront Regulators, who took prisoners away from them and also captured several of the posse, probably drowning them in the Ohio river. Etcheson. "Good Men,"Lethal Imagination, p.155-156
1847 Pennsylvania Carlisle, PA June: Crowd of African Americans rescue two fugitive slaves taken to the court house by slave catchers. Attempts were made in the court house and in the street. Stones, clubs, and canes used. Slaveholder knocked down by stones, injured and subsequently died. Katz.Resistance at Christians, p.50-51
1847 New York Port Jervis, NY Battle between Fardowners and Corkonian RR workers about having one group discharged. Other battles occurred. Wittler.Irish in America, p.38 PTH Edits
1847 Pennsylvania Harrisburg Crowd that listened peacefully to Garrison, threw eggs, firecrackers, stones, garbage, etc., when Frederick Douglass began to speak. Richards, p.156 Frederick Douglass
1847 New York Port Jervis, NY February: Irish workers fight with Germans. Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.9, 21
1847 Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Spring: Local black people rescue an escaped slave captured by former master and wisk the individual to Canada. Carry.Free Black, p.231 PTH Edits
1847 Missouri Franklin Co., MO April: Enslaved man named Eli lynched for allegedly murdering and attempting to rape a white woman, and attempting to kill her son Harrison Anthony Trexler, Slavery in Missouri, 1804-1865 (Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins Press, 1914), 254n61 as listed in Pfeifer, The Roots of Rough Justice. Eli PTH
1847 Conneticut New London, CT May: Race riot. No details. Werner, p.247, 273
1847 Pennsylvania Philadelphia May: Weccacoes Hose company captured and destroyed Franklin Fire company (??). Laurie. "Fire Companies," p.79
1847 Maryland Annapolis July: A pleasure steamer from Baltimore put in to Annapolis because it was too crowded to cross the bay. A fight erupted between some of the Baltimore men and Annapolis men. It soon escalated as Annapolis men boarded the vessel with rocks, etc. Those on the steamer broke into a rifle cabinet and fired on those on shore, wounding five. The Annapolis men then procured two cannons and were ready to fire when officials interceded and the steamer sailed for Baltimore. Scharf, p.524-525
1847 Maryland Baltimore September: Large battle between competing fire companies. New Market and United fire companies fought against Watchman fire company for 1.5 hours along Light street from York to Larden and along Burre street from Light to Sharp street. The companies were on their way to a fire in Federal Hill. Bricks and pistols used. Some of the New Market equipment captured and thrown in Larden. Police nightwatch and fire officers quelled the riot. Scharf.Chronicles, p.523-524
1847 Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Winter: Local African Americans rescue an escaped slave captured by former master and wisk individual to Canada. Carry.Free Black, p.231 PTH Edits
1847 Pennsylvania Philadelphia December: Fire company fight. Warner, p.151
1848 Minnesota St. Croix Valley Hanging of a Native man named Paunais for alleged murder of White trader Marilyn Ziebarth, "Judge Lynch in Minnesota," Minnesota History 55, no. 2 (Summer 1996): 72 as listed in Pfeifer, The Roots of Rough Justice. Paunais PTH
1848 Iowa Jasper County, Iowa Mob tortured John and Nathan Hamlin into confessing killing a man named Nicely from Missouri who lived with them. Thumb stretching had been used on Nathaniel, a noose on John. When Nicely showed up, legal charges were dropped. Black. "Lynchings," p.179-180 John Hamlin; Nathan Hamlin
1848 Massachusetts Northampton, MA Irish workers on the railroad struck for better pay. They assaulted a sheriff trying to disperse them and dragged him off his horse. Clark.Roots of Rural Capitals, p.259
1848 California California Oregon Yankees clashed with naturalized and native Californians. Pitt. "Beginnings of Nativism," p.25
1848 California Los Angeles Special tribunal organized to try some counterfeiters. Blew. "Vigilantism," S. Cal. Q, 54 (1972), 15
1848 Louisiana New Orleans Rowdy election. Democrats (??) Chris Lillie from NYC. Tammary to help rough up opponents. Asbury.French Quarter, p.288
1848 Massachusetts Springfield, MA January: Striking workers use collective violence on scabs. Grimsted, p.11,23
1848 Maryland Baltimore April: Striking workers at Brick factory riot over introduction of machinery. Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.11, 24
1848 New York NYC April: Contest at 6th Ward polls between Whigs and democrats. Police break up fighters. Anbinder.Five Points, p.153-154
1848 Iowa Mahaske County, Iowa June: Jacob Majors not only refused to join the settlers Mutual Protection Association, but also entered the claims of three of his neighbors. Supposedly he had money. The association men went to his farm and burnt his barn to force his return. When he did he deeded the contested land away. Black. "Lynchings," p.179 Jacob Majors
1848 Iowa Knoxville, Marion County, Iowa July: Jacob Majors had warrants issued for the arrest of some land claims protection people. They captured him, tarred and feathered him naked, dressed him and tarred and feathered him again. Black. "Lynchings," p.1179 Jacob Majors
1848 Pennsylvania Allegheny City, PA July: Strikers broke some machinery in a cotton mill when some of their coworkers went back to work. Hours one of the key issues in strike. Women participate. Hours also an issue. Riot began in earnest after owner opened steam valve on strikers. Grimsted. "Antebellum Labor," p.10,22; Adamic.Dynamite, p.6-7
1848 Pennsylvania Allegheny City, PA August: Mob pelted owner of Gray's Allegheny Mill on his way to work during cotton mill strikes. Calvert. "Allegheny…," p.116-117
1848 New York NYC August: Bowerytheater riot. Jealousies and animosities between actors and actresses carried over to audience. Miss Turnbull and Mr. G.W. Smith had a misunderstanding and Turnbull apparently was jealous of Signora Ciocca. The audience refused to all the Signora to appear, pelted Smith from the stage and destroyed a great dael of theater property. A large body of police interfered and broke up the riot. Ireland.Records of the NY Stage, II p.504-505
1848 Ohio Cincinnati September: Angry native tailors attacked a German tailor working at lower prices, cutting his hair and may have tarred and feathered him in his shop in the German Over-The-Rhine area. Ross.Workers…, p.184
1848 Maryland Baltimore October: After election for sheriff a gang of rowdies carrying Cass and Butler banners attacked the newspaper offices of the Patriot and of the Clipper. They did the greatest damage at the Clipper office. They also smashed the windows of several other individuals, probably politicians. Scharf.Chronicles, p.528
1848 Maryland Baltimore October: Members of the Watchman Fire Company attacked the tavern of John Appleby at the corner of Caroline and Hampstead streets, demolishing every window in his house, and wounding Appleby. They also fired pistols. Appleby fired back, wounding several, and drove the rioters off. Seven men were shot. Scharf.Chronicles, p.528 John Appleby
1849 Arkansas Phillips Co. AR Burning of enslaved man for allegedly murdering master Orville W. Taylor, Negro Slavery on Arkansas (Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 1958), 235 as listed in Pfiefer, Roots of Rough Justice. PTH
1849 New York NYC May: Astor Place Riot. Long-time feud between William C. MacReady and Edwin Forrest led to major theater riot. When MacReady attempted to act MacBeth he was not only shouted offstage, but the crowd outside began to riot. Troops were brought in. Fired once over heads, but then had to fire directly into crowd. 22 died, 48 wounded. 50 to 70 police injured. Next night protest against force easily quelled. Some 300 police and 200 state militia involved. Cook.Armies, p.24-27 Edwin Forrest William C. MacReady
1849 Pennsylvania Philadelphia June: Fire purposefully set so a gang could attack Franklin Hose company on its way to the fire. That night the Franklin Hose company retaliated, attacking the Moyamensing Hose. Shots exchanged, one man killed, 9 or 10 wounded. Scharf and Wescott, p.691-692
1849 Illinois Massac Co., Illinois July: Flatheads and Regulators fight at Linn Farm. Two flatheads killed and four wounded. One regulator killed and two wounded. Eteheson. "Good Men," p.17;Lethal Imagination, p.161
1849 Illinois Massac Co., Illinois July: Regulators and Flatheads battle it out about 150 men engaged. Three men killed; two Flatheads, one Regulator. Brumbaugh. "Regulator Movement," p.55-56
1849 Iowa Linn County, Iowa July: John Wilson killed for alleged horse theft Dubuque Weekly Miner's Express, July 25, 1849 as listed in Pfeifer, The Roots of Rough Justice. John Wilson PTH
1849 Pennsylvania Philadelphia October: Post-election riot at the California House pub led to race fighting leaving several black and white people dead. Fire set to California House spread to several other buildings. Rioters fight firemen. Two firemen killed, one Irishman, and one black boy. At least nine whites and 16 blacks injured. African Americans attempted to fight back at California house and elsewhere. Militia called out to quell riot. Feldsburg.Philadelpha Riots, p.5
1849 California California December: Yankee miners drive a Chilean party out, hanged the major (??), whipped several others and cropped the ears of still others. At one point before these punishments, an American had been killed. No source given
1849 Missouri St. Louis Firefighters attack Irish neighborhood. Greenberg.Cause for Alarm, p.94
1849 Maine Maine Crowd of hostile Protestants prevent Catholics from laying cornerstone of new church after previous one had been destroyed. Billington, p.309
1849 Missouri St. Louis Irish and American fire companies fight and riot during a wharf fire at the levee. Schneider. "Riot and Reaction," p.175-176
1849 New York Buffalo, NY January: Riot with Welland Canal workers. Way.Common Labor, p.299
1849 New York Buffalo, NY January: Workers use violence during strike over wages. Grimsted, p.11, 23
1849 California Sutter's Mill, CA April: Yankees purge the area of all Chileans, Mexicans and Peruvians. Pitt.Beginnings of Nativism, p.25
1849 New York NYC May: 1st riot at Astor Place theater occurred when Edwin Forest supporters drove MacReady from the stage. Bernstein, p.148-150 MacReady
1849 Pennsylvania Philadelphia June: Moyamensing gangs fight nearly all day from 8th to 11th streets and from Christian Fitzwater streets. Fight was with bricks, stones, and firearms. Scharf and Wescott, p.691,692
1849 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Summer: Killers ignited at least four fires and ambushed the Shifflers before capturing the Shiffler's carriage. Laurie.Fire Companies, p.81
1849 California Rose Bar, California July: Miners evicted a party of white Texans and their accompanying black people. Pitt. "Beginnings of Nativism," p.26 PTH Edits
1849 South Carolina Charleston, SC July: Mob assembled planning to destroy new black episcopal church. But authorities stepped in and with some difficulty broke the crowd up. Carry.Free Black, p.97
1849 Wisconsin Chippewa Falls July: Hanging of unnamed Native man for allegedly stabbing a lumberjack Western Historical Company, History of Northern Wisconsin (Chicago, 1881), 195 as listed in Pfeifer, The Roots of Rough Justice. PTH
1849 California San Francisco Summer: Company of veterans called "the Hounds" attack hispanics from Chile, Peru, and Mexico. At least one killed. Pitt. "Beginnings of Nativism," p.26
1849 Pennsylvania Philadelphia August: At least one, probably more, of gang violence and fights. Johnson.Policing, p.31
1849 California Mariposa, CA August: Hispanics harassed in the Southern diggings and driven to new sights. Pitt. "Beginnings of Nativism," p.26
1849 Illinois Massac County, Illinois September: Mob of 120 surround courthouse and threaten to remvoe the judge if a jury they didn't like was (??) Etcheson. "Good Men,"Lethal Imagination, p.161
1849 Illinois Cairo, Illinois September: After several cases of robbery and theft, locals caught, beat, and ran out of town the culprit. Briggs. "Lawlessness," Mid Am. P.85
1849 Pennsylvania Philadelphia September: Germans celebrating in an upper floor of a tavern on Front street attacked by the Shifflers. They stabbed one German and beat three more. The Shifflers then wrecked the inside of the tavern. Laurie. "Fire Companies," p.80-81
1849 Massachusetts Lowell, MA September: Irish riot between the Acrew Corkonians and the Lowell Street Connaught Men over unspecified old national prejudices. The riot ocurred at the tail end of a cholera epidemic during the famine migration. Began with sporadic fights. On the 9th hundreds fought on either side of the Western Canal which had historically separated the Paddy camps. Women supplied bricks and stones. Mayor called guard to quell. Mill owners fired all involved. Rum was blamed. Mitchell.The Paddy Camps, p.109-110
1849 Pennsylvania Philadelphia November: 40 rowdies savagely beat on old Northern Liberties man. This helped propel consolidation movement. Johnson.Policing, p.32
1849 New York NYC October: 6th ward - supporters of one Democratic politician - Kelly - march through street and bombard opponents saloons. Anbinder.Five Points, p.162
1849 Illinois Massac County, Illinois November: About 120 Regulators surrounded the court house and threatened the judge if he did not impanel a jury suitable to them. Brumbaugh. "Regulator Movement," p.63
1849 California Dry Diggings December: A Mexican hanged for alleged theft. Placer Times (Auburn), 19 Jan. 1850; Rough Abstract of a Forty-Niner Diary as listed in Carrigan and Webb, Forgotten Dead. PTH
1849 New Jersey High Falls, NJ Winter: Factions fights among Delaware and Hudson Canal workers. Arrests made. Way.Common Labour, p.294
1849 California Sarage's Diggings Late: Unknown Mexican hanged for allegedly stealing a mule. Calif. Historical Marker 446; Weston, Mother Lode Album as listed in William D. Carrigan and Clive Webb, Forgotten Dead: Mob Violence against Mexicans in the United States, 1848-1928 (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013). PTH
1850 New York NYC August: Striking tailors ransack a store that made non-union clothing. Police intervened and a general battle ensued. Two strikers fatally wounded, others seriously injured. 32 German tailors arrested and ultimately plead guilty to A+B. Fines levied ranging from $5 to $50. Degler. "Labor," p.81
1850 California Sacramento, California August: A party of 40 squatters attempted to regain possession of property one of their number had been evicted from. The sheriff and his men opposed them. A gun battle ensued. At least two died and several wounded. On the next day, when the sheriff attempted to arrest several of tese rioters at a hotel, another gun battle erupted. The sheriff was killed, while two squatters perished. Hittell, p.673-676; H+W p.130-132
1850 New Jersey Newark Mob attempts to stop speaker during Anti-Catholic rally. Billington, p.266
1850 South Carolina Columbia College, SC Student riot. Bruce.Violence and Culture, p.62-63
1850 New York NYC Isiah Rynders and his "Empire Club" disrupted annual meeting of Garrisonians. Richards, p.156 Isiah Rynders
1850 Missouri St. Louis Mob ransacked row of brothels in vicinity of 3rd and Almond, just south of heart of city. Schneider. "Riot and Reaction," p.175-176
1850 New York Troy, NY Riot against houses of ill fame. H+W, p.448
1850 California Los Angeles Committee of five organized to warn out man who helped black people in their efforts to establish their own freedom. Blew. "Vigilantism,"S. Cal. Q54 (1972) 15
1850 Louisiana New Orleans Mob attacked a convent shouted insults, etc. But police prevented serious damage. Billington, p.311
1850 Texas Galveston Same as above.
1850 South Carolina Charleston, SC Mob attacked a convent, shouted insults, etc. But police prevented further damage. Billington, p.311
1850 New York Palmyra Anti-Catholic excitement led to the burning of a convent. Billington, p.293, 315
1850 Texas Brownsville, TX January: A small group of men whipped and then killed Juan Chapa Guerra under the mistaken impression that he was Juan Chapa García. Report of the Committee of Investigation of the Mexican Government as listed in Carrigan and Webb, Forgotten Dead. Juan Chapa Guerra; Juan Chapa García PTH
1850 Pennsylvania Philadelphia January: Killers set fire to carpenter shop and attacked Shifflers. But when Shifflers reinforced and armed with muskets, they held their ground. Rain dispersed the crowds. Laurie. "Fire Companies," p.81
1850 Pennsylvania Pittsburgh March: Women, about 60-100 drove strikebreakers from a rolling mill and destroyed the day's work. A mixed crowd did the same with more force, beating several, the next day at another factory. Linaberg. "Rolling Mill…," WPHM (196$)
1850 Pennsylvania Philadelphia April: Moyamensing Hose arrived at a fire in an Irish Protestant neighborhood. The Franklins, already there, attacked with guns. Johnson.Policing, p.87-88
1850 Pennsylvania Philadelphia April: Killers - a gang associated with the Moyamensing Hose Company - set ablaze to ambush the Shifflers Hose Company. However, the Shifflers caught the Killers by surprise and with a musket volley, drove them off. Johnson.Policing, p.87; Laurie. "Fire Companies," p.81