June 1896 – Quigley, Montana: Local Whites Lynch a Chinese Laundryman

Map showing location of Quigley, Montana

Narrative

In June 1896 in Quigley, Montana, an itinerant Chinese man (nicknamed “Big Hank”) was lynched by local white miners simply for trying to open a laundry business in the camp. A gang of masked miners dragged him out and brutally beat him to death. One report described how the victim’s “head [was] beaten to a jelly with clubs” by the mob (Princeton Union, June 4, 1896). The lynchers intended this murder as a warning to any other Chinese who might come to Quigley. The crime was plainly racially motivated, and as usual, none of the perpetrators were identified or punished.

Related Newspaper Article(s)

Killed by a Mob

The Helena Independent (Helena, Montana)

June 1, 1896 (Page 1)

Special to The Independent (June 1): reports from Quigley say “Big Hank,” a Chinese laundryman, was beaten to death by a masked mob; earlier attempts to expel him had failed, despite prior intervention and firings.

A Chinaman Murdered

The Philipsburg Mail (Philipsburg, Montana)

June 4, 1896 (Page 4)

Quigley: Sam Hing (“Yank”) was shot dead after assailants apparently tried to burn his dwelling to draw him out. Prior threats to leave camp are noted; inquest found no suspects.

A Most Brutal Murder

Rock Creek Record (Quigley, Montana)

June 6, 1896 (Page 1)

Quigley, MT: Chinese laundryman Sam Hing (“Yank”) was found dead near his laundry; signs of attempted arson were present. An inquest found a fatal gunshot to the head; jury ruled death by unknown person(s).

Killed by Arrant Cowards

Bonners Ferry Hearld (Bonners Ferry, Idaho)

June 6, 1896 (Page 6)

From Missoula (June 1): at Quigly, Wong Ying (“Yank”) was shot dead—report says arson was attempted to draw him out. He’d faced prior expulsion threats; inquest found no suspects.