In the town of South Fulton, Tennessee, a young lawman's life was cut tragically short in the line of duty. Deputy Marshal Frank Taylor, a 24-year-old male, was on patrol on College Street on a Wednesday, the 9th of April, 1902. During his rounds, he encountered a man who was intoxicated and behaving in a disorderly manner.
The man began to curse at Deputy Marshal Taylor, who, in his official capacity, warned the individual to cease his foul language or face arrest.
The warning, however, did not have its intended effect. Instead of complying, the man swiftly drew a revolver and fired upon Deputy Marshal Taylor multiple times. The shots proved fatal, and the young officer was killed.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene. News of the cold-blooded murder of the deputy marshal spread quickly, igniting a sense of outrage within the community. Several hours later, an incensed mob located the man responsible for Deputy Marshal Taylor's death. Taking the law into their own hands, the mob exacted their own form of justice and lynched the suspect.
