Willis, Owensboro Messenger, June 1, 1892

LEBANON, KY., May 31.--This morning at 12:15 o’clock six men came to the jail and roused up Jailer Clark, who asked what was wanted. 

They answered by informing him that Officer Brown, who was night policeman, had a prisoner that he wanted to place in jail. 

Mr. Clark got up and opened the door, and three men instantly grabbed him by both arms and the back of his neck. Five men then presented their pistols and told him to surrender the keys or death would be his portion. 

Mr. Clark could not do otherwise than obey their orders. He asked them to release their hold and not ask him to unlock the door. His request was promptly refused and he was forced to unlock the doors leading the cells. 

Before going into the cells they placed two men to guard Mr. Clark, while three of the men entered and struck matches, which enabled them to recognize Wick Willis among the other prisoners. They then pinioned his arms behind him. 

He was in his night clothing and they left the jail without giving him time to dress. They quietly left the town with their prisoner, going in the direction of Campbellsville. This morning Willis’ dead body was found hanging to a tree just outside of Campbellsville. 

The intention of the mob was to hang him at Columbia, but daylight coming on them, they were forced to hang him just where they did. His forehead bears a deep wound, caused by a blunt instrument. It is thought the wound was received while trying to make his escape. 

Last week Willis met Miss. Dice, who belongs to one of the best families of Adair county, on the highway, seven miles from Columbia, and tried to outrage her, and was only prevented by two or three men, who were attracted by the young lady’s screams. 

She became unconscious, and has only recovered consciousness at intervals since. 

Willis was tried at Columbia last week, and lodged in jail here last Friday to prevent a mob hanging him there. In appearance and intelligence he was much above the average negro. 

The mob certainly could not have numbered over twenty men. Everything is quiet here today, as if nothing had happened.