Mays, Lexington Herald-Leader, January 16, 1902

Springfield, Ky., Jan. 11– Jim Mays, a Negro, charged with assaulting Lulu Jeans, daughter of Joseph Jeans, one of the most prominent farmers in the county, near Simmstown, six miles from here, was hanged by a mob at an early hour this morning.

His body was found hanging to a tree in the High School yard this morning. The mob came into town quietly about 2 a.m. and after arousing Jailer Catlett demanded the keys to the jail. Their request was refused, however, and they immediately broke in. The found Mays cowering in his cell and begging the other prisoners to protect him. The leaders of the mob took charge of the Negro and dragged Mays to the High School yard, where he was speedily strung up to a tree.

It is not known in what direction the men departed or where the mob dispersed. Neither are any of the members of the mob known to the officials.

The Negro was arrested and brought here Wednesday. He was charged with attempting to commit a criminal assault upon a young white girl in the Simms neighborhood, this county. She was returning home from neighbors when she was attacked by the Negro. She fought him stubbornly and her screams brought two of her brothers to her rescue. The [sic] pursued Mays and succeeded in capturing him after a long chase. The brothers beat the Negro severely and were only prevented from killing him by the arrival of some farmers who turned the Negro over to a Constable.