Abstract
The writing of this thesis was prompted by the unique circumstances surrounding the lynching of Will Brown. The purpose of the thesis is to unravel the strange effects of this unusual lynching and riot. Because of the local and political nature of the event, such usual source materials as books and journals relating to it are practically non-existent. As a result, the main source of this thesis has been the stirring daily record provided by the newspapers of Omaha as found in the files of the Omaha Public Library. I am deeply appreciative of the aid given by its librarians. It is hoped that the account rendered here will shed light on the mystery surrounding Omaha's venture into mob rule.