Pioneer history of Ingham County, compiled and arranged by Mrs. Franc L. Adams, secretary of the Ingham County pioneer and historical society.

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PIONEER HISTORY OF INGIIAM COUNTY

"The affair will be remembered by the older citizens, and the
account shows to the younger generation how unjust a lynching
must be in the heat of excitement.
"On the 23rd of August, 1866, occurred the death of a negro
boy at the hands of a mob, on account of which the good name
of Mason has suffered unjustly all these years, for although the
tragedy occurred in the county seat village, it was organized and
conducted entirely by persons from adjoining counties and towns,
but two or three of Mason's citizens participating in that midnight
murder, and I would not reopen the memory of that tragedy but
for the vindication of the city and its good citizens who have borne
the odium of that bloody deed so long.
"As editor of the Ingham County News at that time, I took
unusual pains to obtain and publish the facts, which were substantially as follows:
"A negro boy, named John Taylor, a slave in Kentucky, became a camp follower of a Michigan regiment, and was brought to
Lansing when the company returned from the war. Being homeless and needy, he sought work, and finally hired out to Daniel
Buck, a Delhi farmer, where he remained several weeks. He was
exceedingly anxious to attend school during the coming winter,
and had arranged with a colored family near Owosso to board
with them when the district school commenced. lie was destitute of clothing save the tattered garment he wore from the
South, and he asked his employer for some money to purchase a
suit. Mr. Buck refused to pay him so the boy left. He quartered
for a few days with some colored families in Lansing until forced
by them to hunt for another job. I-e visited Buck two or three
times in the hope of receiving his wages, but without success.
Finally, half starved, penniless and nearly naked, he resolved on
an earnest effort to get his dues. About ten o'clock at night he
went to the Buck place. Fearing that Mr. Buck might attempt
to put some of his former threats into execution, as he passed the
woodpile he picked up the axe with which to defend himself in
case of attack. IIe entered the house, which was dark, and proceeded to the bed of Mr. Buck. To his surprise the bed was
empty, although it was warm. Then it occurred to him that this
was some trap laid to get him into trouble and he at once started
for the front door, being well acquainted with the arrangement of