Brown, Lexington Herald, February 6, 1902

GIRL RETURNING FROM LEXINGTON WAS DRAGGED FROM HER CONVEYANCE BY A BRUTAL NEGRO.

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky., Feb. 5. – (Special) – The entire community was aroused tonight when it was heard that Miss Della Powelll, the pretty 19-year-old daughter of Mr. Franklin Powell, had been assaulted by an unknown negro. The family gave the following story when seen at their home, two miles in the country, tonight by The Herald correspondent:

Miss Powell had driven to Lexington today with a friend. On returning the friend stopped at her own home, leaving Miss Powell to drive the remaining four miles alone. When within half a mile of her own home she met a negro man, who called to her to stop. She attempted to drive faster, but he caught the horse, dragged her from the buggy and choked her to drown her screams.

After accomplishing his purpose he left with the words that “he’d have to leave the country and go without his hat.” She climbed into the buggy and drove home.

Her brother aroused the neighborhood. A large posse was formed, and men with shotguns, rifles and pistols, driving and on horseback, left town to join in the search.

Bloodhounds have been put on the trail and trains are being watched tonight. Miss Powell belongs to a prominent family here. She is a graduate of the Jessamine Institute and is bright and attractive. She was very composed tonight and thinks she would have no trouble in identifying the negro.

ARREST MADE.

A negro named Tom Brown was arrested at midnight by Officer J. J. Peel and posse in a cabin on the farm of Arthur Young, for whom he worlds. He was brought here and lodged in jail before the mob knew he had been caught. He denies all knowledge of the crime, but admits that he was on the road after working hours. He was identified by Miss Powell. He was arrested just one mile and a half from where the crime was committed.