Barbarous Lynching

A series of race riots in Springfield continue with the brutal lynching of William Donigan, a cobbler who was “respected as a simple and inoffensive citizen.”

Springfield, Ill., Aug. 15 - With one more victim added tonight to the roll of fatally injured in the race riots which began here last night, Springfield spent the night in anxiety Apprehension of more serious trouble was modified, but not stilled, by the presence of 2,500 national guards men from various parts of the State, under command of Maj. Gen. Young. Tonight’s victim of race prejudice was an aged Negro, William Donigan. He was a cobbler, and respected as a simple and inoffensive citizen. His shop was within two blocks of the statehouse. Tonight, in the absence of a patrol, a mob set fire to the shop, and the aged Negro was compelled by the smoke to run into the street. His appearance was greeted by a shower of stones and bricks and as he staggered under the fusillade he was seized and his throat cut. A rope was then run through the wound and the victim bound to a tree. There he was found later, unconscious and al but dead. Dr. Tuttle who dressed the wound, reported that death was a matter of hours. A witness to the firing of the shop turned in an alarm, but when the firemen appeared the blaze was out. It had not gained much headway. And had been extinguished by some of the cooler headed members of the mob. The city which is richest in memories of the great emancipator, is tonight an armed camp because its citizens yesterday gave vent to hatred of the race which Abraham Lincoln declared free and equal with all other people in this country. Squads of soldiers are patrolling the downtown streets and in the troubled portions of the community entire battalions are watching over the lives and property of the Negroes. Sobered by the recollection of the tragic events of last night and this morning, the city quieted down during the day and only the murmured threats of friends of those who were killed or wounded in the street frays give evidence that the presence of the troops was necessary. This murmuring, however, kept the authorities on the anxious seat. Early today friends of William Bowe, a county official who was so seriously hurt that he is hovering between life and death, made efforts to enlist followers for a raid of vengeance upon the black belt. Taking a lesson from last night’s experience, Sheriff Warner at once notified Gov. Deneen that fresh outbreaks were threatening, and that more troops would be necessary. The response of the executive was prompt, and as a consequence a full brigade of State troops is here under the command of Gen. E. C. Young. The troops consist of the First, Fourth, and Fifth regiment of Infantry, and the Second squadron of cavalry and a Gatling gun squadron. Two of the infantry regiments are scattered through the city at various points, the First regiment being held in reserve and the Fourth on patrol duty. In the face of this display of force it is not thought likely mobs will be permitted to form. The determination of the State to preserve order is shown in the following statement given out by Gov. Deneen this evening. He said: “The outbreak of mob violence was as intolerable as it is inexcusable. The idea of wreaking vengeance upon a race for the crimes of one of its members is utterly repugnant to all notions of law and justice...

“Barbarous Lynching,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed September 14, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/706.