Several lists exists that attempt to document the mob lynchings that occurred in the United States between the period that was after the Civil War and up to the mid 1900s. As Equal Justice Initiative often points out, it is difficult to know with certainty how many actually happened because they weren’t always reported on nor documented.  The state of Maryland has at least 44 known lynchings, depending upon which list and criteria one views. Two are known to have happened within the geographic borders of Howard County. There are other activities referred to as “near-lynchings” that occurred that we will also be examining. Hezekiah Brown was extensively reported about in newspapers of the time across the country, and there were others who made the local newspapers. 2 men lynched, and 6 near lynchings. 

All of the events are important to examine.

Unknown date of threat in 1851: Amos Green

Unknown date of threat: Joseph Shipley, Jr.

December 12, 1884 date of report: Rev. Hezekiah Brown

September 18, 1885: Nicholas Snowden

May 28, 1895: Jacob Henson