Lynching of Amos Miller

Amos Miller was a 23-year-old African-American farmhand who was lynched from the balcony of the Williamson County Courthouse in Franklin, Tennessee, on August 10, 1888. Miller worked on a farm belonging to a family named Scott near Santa Fe in Maury County. He was accused of raping Mrs. Scott, described as a 50-year-old white woman, on either June 9 or June 10, 1888.

Miller was arrested on June 16, 1888, at the home of a man identified as Marshal Roberts, where he allegedly attempted to steal a hat after losing his own. Contemporary press coverage from The Daily American described Miller as "a heavy-built, very dark negro." Miller reportedly confessed to the assault after his arrest and was jailed in Columbia, Tennessee. That same day, a mob threatened to lynch him. In response, authorities transferred him to the jail in Franklin on June 17, but he again faced lynching threats there. He was moved a third time, to the Davidson County Jail in Nashville, for his safety.

Miller's trial was postponed twice because of continued threats of mob violence. On August 9, 1888, one day before the rescheduled trial, a mob traveled from Maury County to Franklin. The following morning, members of the mob gathered in the public square, on horseback, and inside the courthouse itself. Miller was brought to Franklin by train and entered the courthouse for his trial. His lawyers requested a change of venue or a further postponement, but the presiding judge, identified as Judge McAlister, rejected the request and proceeded with the trial.

During the proceedings, a mob of approximately 40 men entered the courthouse and, joined by others already inside the building, forced Miller out of the courtroom. The mob then hanged Miller from the railings of the courthouse balcony at approximately 10 a.m. Law enforcement authorities reportedly did not identify any member of the mob responsible for the lynching.

The case is situated within the broader historical pattern of false accusations of rape used to justify lynchings during this era in the United States.