Charles Bailey died from a gunshot wound to the head as Sheriffs Deputies fired into a crowd numbering around a thousand that were rioting outside of the Jefferson County Jail.Mr.Bailey did not die instantly,but the next day.The lynch mob had gathered to hang Richard Hawes for the murder of his wife Emma,and two young daughters,May and Irene.The order to fire was given by Sheriff Joseph Smith in an effort to protect his prisoner and restore order.Ironically,on February 28,1890 it was Sheriff Smith who placed the hood over Hawes' head as the execution was carried out.
Charles Bailey died from a gunshot wound to the head as Sheriffs Deputies fired into a crowd numbering around a thousand that were rioting outside of the Jefferson County Jail.Mr.Bailey did not die instantly,but the next day.The lynch mob had gathered to hang Richard Hawes for the murder of his wife Emma,and two young daughters,May and Irene.The order to fire was given by Sheriff Joseph Smith in an effort to protect his prisoner and restore order.Ironically,on February 28,1890 it was Sheriff Smith who placed the hood over Hawes' head as the execution was carried out.
Gravesite Details
Age of 26,and hometown of Boston Mass. taken from the book "The Birmingham Horrors",by William Stanley Hoole.
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