The Anderson Intelligencer (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, May 25, 1898, Page 8, Image 8
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84026965/1898-05-25/ed-1/seq-8/
Found Dead in Jail
Last Thursday night the ginhouse and machinery of E. H. Simpson at Iva was destroyed by fire, and it was the work of an incendiary. Suspicion rested upon Joe Harris, Asbury Harris, and Elbert Harris, all negroes, the first two being half brothers, and the latter a son of Asbury. They were arrested and committed to jail by Magistrate Jackson. They were in charge of Constable McCullough, and on the way a posse overtook them and gave Elbert Harris a flogging. When the prisoners reached the Jail Friday night Elbert was very sick and Sheriff Green immediately called in Dr. J. C. Harris, who has been visiting the prisoner twice a day, giving him every attention possible. This morning at 5 o’clock the negro was found dead in his cell. At the hour of going to press Coroner Nance had not finished the inquest. Dr. Harris had testified that he found marks of violence on the prisoner’s back and leg, and believed that his death was caused by exhaustion. There has been considerable stealing and several attempts to burn property in and around Iva. A few nights preceding Mr. Simpson’s fire an attempt was made to bum A. G. Cook’s store. It is believed these negroes were guilty of all these crimes.
Since the above was written and put in type the jury of inquest has rendered a verdict that death was caused by exhaustion produced from causes unknown to them.