Standard [Clarksville, TX], September 22, 1860
We learn from Mr. Wright that he saw the people taking one Wm. Staten, a one-legged schoolmaster out to be hung, at or near Ioni P. O., on Friday last the 17th. Staten has taught school in this county for some year or more, was examined by the committee, but he professed to teach only primary scholars, and after some hesitation a certificate to that effect was granted him. His crime was tampering with negroes; his familiarity with them had long since brought suspicion upon him, and he had been repeatedly arrested for this offence. This time the evidence was broader, plainer, and of an ugly character: he had told several negroes to go ahead, burn and steal all that they could, that although now about to leave for a while he would not be far off to advise or counsel them. These and other like words and deeds made too strong a case. The people went after him, caught him about the river on the 15th, brought him back to the scene of his villainies, tried him and on the 17th hung him to a limb. His death may have saved our town—though mob law is terrible—terrible!!—Crockett Printer.