In April 1893, Mamie Baxter, a fourteen-year-old girl in Denmark, alleged that an African American unknown to her had attempted to attack her. John Peterson, a suspect, appealed to South Carolina Governor Benjamin Tillman for protection, fearing he would be lynched if taken to Denmark, and saying he could prove his innocence. He was taken by the mob, put on "trial" and, after the mob found him guilty, was murdered by hanging.
In April 1,893, Mamie Baxter a fourteen-year-old girl in Denmark, alleged that an African American unknown to her had attempted to attack her. John ,Peterson, a suspect appealed to South Carolina Governor Benjamin Tillman for protection, fearing he would be lynched if taken to Denmark and saying he could prove his innocence. He was taken by the mob, put on "trial" and, after the mob found him guilty, was murde,red by hanging.