3 Shot, Sumter Mob Hangs Negro

EMELLE, Ala., July 5.- Short bits of  three-quarter inch rope, souvenirs of a lynching, tonight were the sole evidence of tragedy and violence which swept this community Friday afternoon and night. Four deaths, three by bullets and one by the noose, two white men and two negroes, resulted. All four corpse were buried this afternoon.

Grover T. Boyd and Charlie Marrs, prominent white farmers, were shot to death by negroes. John Robertson, negro was killed by a posse’ s bullets and Esau Robertson, son of John, was hanged to a tree near Emelle.

Tonight at midnight posseman and Sheriff W.D. Scales were still hunting in the swamps for Ollie, King, and Tom Robertson, all sons of the elder john who was killed. Tom who is said to have shot Grover Boyd, is wounded and either Ollie or King is also believed to have been hit.

Sheriff W.D. Scales of Sumter county, directing the hunt, expressed belied that the fugitive would be captured sometime Sunday. Many negroes in the community were disarmed Friday night but otherwise unmoisied. They appear frightened and are keeping close to their homes.

Livingston, 17 miles from here reported high feeling and hundreds of armed men from that region came to Emelle and joined the hunters. Emelle is near the Mississippi line and about 67 miles from Tuscaloosa.

Four state law enforcement officers arrived this afternoon but they were told unofficially that their presences was unnecessary. The attitude of local official and citizens appear that outside aid is not asked or needed.

The trouble was caused ” by putting off killing a couple of negroes too damn long,” one official declared.

Funeral services fro G.T. Boyd and Charlie Maars were held this afternoon with a huge crowd attending. Interment was at Central Presbyterian church yard.

Jim Ayres, white, was suffering from a cheek wound received in a battle with the negroes last night and Clarence Boyd, nephew of Grover, was injured severely about the head with a bottle on the hands of one of the negroes.

Grover Boyd  was shot down from behind by one of the negroes and Charlie Marrs was killed while posseman and enraged citizens stormed John Robertson’s house, where the negroes had taken refuge. John Robertson was killed as he stood on the porch and Esau Robertson was hanged to a tree by enraged band.