Woman Leader Commits Suicide

After her arrest, Kate Howard, a leader in the Springfield race riots, commits suicide by swallowing acid.

Springfield, Ill., Aug. 26 - Mrs. Kate Howard, one of the leaders in the recent riot in this city, committed suicide today by swallowing acid soon after being placed under arrest. She died as she was being led into the jail. “Before the special grand jury, now in session many witnesses testified that Mrs. Howard was one of the ringleaders of the mob which wrecked Loper’ restaurant and cafe. She was the first person indicted and was held on several counts in the sum of $10,000, which she furnished. When she was released she said she would never be arrested again. “Today shortly after the special jury returned another indictment against her, charging murder in connection with the recent lynchings. Deputy Sheriff Kramer was sent to Mrs. Howard’s rooms to arrest her. Mrs. Howard received the officer at the door. She secretly swallowed a large dose of poison, then said: “I’m ready to go now.” She accompanied the deputy to jail, two blocks away, and was just entering the door when she fell dead. Ten more indictments, three charge murder, were returned by the special grand jury late this afternoon. True bills charging murder, were found against Mrs. Kate Howard. Abraham Raymor and Ernest, alias “Slim” Humphrey. “Ethel Howe a young woman, was indicted for malicious mischief. SHe was a friend of Mrs. Howard.”

“Woman Leader Commits Suicide,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed April 24, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/709.