MASSAC COUNTY REBELLION
This was the name given to an outbreak of mob violence which occurred in Massac County in 1845-1846.
An arrested criminal having asserted that an organized band of thieves and robbers existed, and having given the names of a large number of the alleged members, popular excitement rose to fever heat. A company of self-appointed "regulators" was formed whose acts were so arbitrary that at the August election of 1846 a sheriff and County Clerk were elected on the avowed issue of opposition to these irregular tactics.
This served to stimulate the "regulators" to renewed activity. Many persons were forced to leave the county on suspicion and others tortured into making confession. In consequence, some leading "regulators" were thrown into jail, only to be soon released by their friends who ordered the Sheriff and County Clerk to leave the county.
The feud rapidly grew both in proportions and in intensity. Governor French made two futile efforts to restore order through mediation and the ordinary processes of law were also found unavailing. Judge Scates was threatened with lynching only 60 men dared to serve in the sheriff's posse and these surrendered upon promise of personal immunity from violence. This pledge was not regarded, several members of the posse being led away as prisoners, some of whom it was believed were drowned in the Ohio River. All the incarcerated "regulators" were again released the Sheriff and his supporters were once more ordered to leave and fresh seizures and outrages followed each other in quick succession.
To remedy this condition of affairs the Legislature of 1847 enacted a law creating district courts, under the provisions of which a Judge might hold court in any county in his circuit. This virtually conferred upon the Judge the right to change the venue at his own discretion, and thus secure juries unbiased by local or partisan feeling.
The effect of this legislation was highly beneficial in restoring quiet, although the embers of the feud still smoldered and intermittently leaped into flame for several years thereafter.