Downtown History Walk set for Feb. 28

Published 5:25 am Sunday, February 15, 2026

Probably one of the most popular documented stories about Meridian’s history is “The Last Two Men Hanged at the Lauderdale County Jail.”

Here are the facts.

In 1924 Frank Atkinson and his buddy Clyde Greer killed a man deep in the Okatibbee Swamp. Both men liked to drink Moon Shine and it got them into trouble. It was a fight and the result was an innocent dead man named R. H. Bryant.

Sheriff N. E. Cannady arrested both men and took them to the jailhouse located at the top floor of Lauderdale County Courthouse where a jury sentenced both to death by hanging.

It was such a terrible crime that then Governor of Mississippi, James Whitfield, traveled to Meridian by train to make sure the jury got it right. After interviewing both men, the Governor was convinced they were guilty and ordered the hanging to take place.

The men were hanged on a sweltering hot day on July 25, 1924. It was only the second double hanging in the State of Mississippi. The trap sprung at 2:17 p.m. Atkinson died at 2:28 p.m. and Greer at 2:30 p.m.

Earlier that morning Atkinson had asked to be baptized. The jailhouse bathtub was used.

Both men had spent the morning with their wives and children. When it was time, it was said both men walked calmly to the scaffold.

Their final words: Atkinson, “I am ready to go and I hope to meet you in Heaven.”

Greer, “I have malice to no one and I hope to meet you in heaven.”

And both men blamed the “ole devil moonshine.” And they appealed to young people not to do the same and lose their lives to whiskey.

As the sheriff pulled the leaver sending both men into eternity, a men’s quartet said, “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere.”

But why did this have to happen? Both young men had good jobs on the railroad and had beautiful, young families.

Yes, the above description of “the hanging” are the words and facts but there was emotion, too.

Even until today, emotions are strong and painful. Family members of the two men live in this area and they remember.

Rose Hill Storytellers most diligent focus it to seek the great loss of this time. The hurt by all sides, more so the children,  and especially that all life is important.

Anne McKee is executive director at Meridian Railroad Museum.