Alford Davis (Lynching of)

In early January 1894, Alford “Alf” Davis, an African American man, was hanged by a mob in Lonoke County for allegedly stealing hogs. Alford Davis was possibly the thirty-year-old farmer who was living in Pettus Township, Lonoke County, in 1880. He was born in Alabama and was living with his wife, Emma, and three small children.

In many accounts, Davis is described as an “old negro.” There were brief reports of the incident in newspapers across the country, and they differ on whether the lynching happened on January 4 or January 5. The Bolivar Bulletin indicates that Davis had been known for stealing and killing hogs “whenever it suited his convenience, regardless of the ownership of the hog.” Apparently, the constable had arrested him for his alleged thievery and had him in custody when a mob of about twenty-five men took him and hanged him in the woods. Coroner F. A. Corn held an inquest, and it was determined that Davis died at the hands of parties unknown. The Southern Standard noted that “there is some excitement among the colored element in that neighbor hood, but there is no fear of trouble.”

For additional information:
“Alleged Hog Thief Lynched.” Indianapolis Journal, January 6, 1894, p. 6.

“Condensed Telegrams.” Bolivar Bulletin (Tennessee), January 12, 1894, p. 1.

“Lynched for Hog Stealing.” Southern Standard (Arkadelphia, Arkansas), January12, 1894, p. 1.

“Lynched for Hog Stealing.” Boston Globe, January 6, 1894, p. 1.

“West and South.” State Republican (Jefferson City, Missouri), January 11, 1894, p. 1.

Nancy Snell Griffith
Davidson, North Carolina