Murder and lynching.

INGLES, GRIFFORD, JARRET

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/22/2008 at 15:31:26

Maquoketa Weekly Sentinel
April 23, 1857

BRUTAL MURDER AND LYNCHING – The most cool and deliberate murder which it has been our lot to record, was committed about two weeks since in Jackson county, by a man by the name of Grifford. The murdered man, whose name is John Ingles, was during the summer 1856 a laborer in the employ of one Jarret, who is Grifford’s uncle, and arrangements had been made for the re-employment of Ingles, as a farm laborer during the coming season, and about two weeks since, while on his way to and within about one mile of Jarrett’s house, was instantly killed by a rifle shot. As soon as the news of his murder had become noised about, suspicion was fastened upon Grifford and Jarret, and they were confined in Jackson county jail, to await trial, in case they did not see fit to get out and leave. Saturday last, a large number of citizens collected, and having in view the fact that many murders had been committed in that region, and that the course of the law had been so slow and ill managed, that the perpetrators of many bloody deeds had eluded justice entirely, and were yet prowling among this community, until a favorable opportunity should present itself for other outrages, they proceeded to the aforesaid jail, tore it down, and with the intention of summarily hanging both the prisoners.- Grifford, Jarrett’s nephew, was secured, and with as little delay as possible, a rope was dangling in the air. Before his executioner put an end to his career of crime, he confessed that he did the deed, but that it was committed through the instigation of his uncle, who had hired him to put Ingalls out of the way. Amid the general confusion which attended the prompt action of the vigilance committee, Jarrett succeeded in escaping, but was recaptured, and was brought to this city yesterday morning, where more secure quarters were in readiness for him at the Scott County jail, where he will undoubtedly remain until he has his trial at the May Term of Jackson County Court. As to the motive which prompted this murder we have not learned – and may be the secret of the prisoner alone. In a few days there will undoubtedly be further and more complete developments.