African American man Jeff Curry had a verbal argument with Frank Powell and Frank's son about a job he's done with them. During the argument, it was said he swore to kill Frank. Near the Blue Creek, Alabama mines he concealed himself and waited by a road that he knew Frank would pass. He was caught and arrested before he could try to kill Frank.
On the night of March 19, 1888, Constables David Rainey and Sam Redden were going to bring him to Birmingham jail. They claimed that 12 disguised white men overtook the guards and took Jeff from them. The mob of men then tied Jeff to a large tree. They then shot him to death. It was said that his body was riddled with bullets. The men then disappeared into the woods.
In the newer article, it's stated that Frank and Jeff pulled revolvers out at each other, and this was why he was arrested. The older articles indicated that this did not happen. It's also suspected that Frank and his friends may have killed Jeff.
This case has never been solved.
SOURCES:
News and Observer- March 21, 1888
The Tuskaloosa Gazette- March 22, 1888
The Times and News- March 22, 1888
The Troy Messenger- March 29, 1888
The Columbia Recorder- March 29, 1888
Birmingham Watch- Feb. 29, 2019
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