Lynching of King Johnson

Background

On December 25, 1911, King Johnson was involved in a verbal confrontation with Frank Schwab over a game of pool at a saloon in the Fairfield area of Baltimore. The argument grew heated, with Johnson reportedly calling Frank Schwab several vile names.

The Shooting of Frederick Schwab

Upon leaving the saloon, Johnson was approached by Frank's brother, Frederick Schwab, a 29-year-old white blacksmith who lived in the Fairfield area of Baltimore. Frederick was upset over the names Johnson had used against his brother. Johnson later stated that he already feared Frederick because of previous encounters between them. When Frederick struck him, Johnson drew a pistol and fired several shots. The first shot struck Frederick in the chest, killing him; two additional shots were fired over Frederick's fallen body. Witnesses who observed the incident said they did not see Frederick strike Johnson before the shooting.

Arrest

Following the shooting, Frank Schwab returned to the saloon where the initial argument had occurred and contacted Chief Irwin of the Anne Arundel County Police. King Johnson was subsequently arrested at his home, along with a witness identified as Hubert "Reedbird" Chase. There was no reported resistance at the time of arrest, and Johnson maintained that he had acted in self-defense. Both Johnson and Chase were taken to the jail in Brooklyn, Maryland. Plans were made to transport the two men to Annapolis for their safety that same day, but the transfer was delayed.

The Lynching

Around two o'clock in the morning on December 26, 1911, before the planned transfer could take place, King Johnson was taken from his cell at the Brooklyn jail and lynched.