The Dark History of Newark, Ohio

The grave of Carl Etherington, 17, who was originally from Kentucky, murdered by a Newark mob in 1910

## Kingpin’s Street Style: The Wild Story of Carl Etherington—A 17-Year-Old Deputy and a Mob Gone Mad

### Real History, Real Streets

Yo, Kingpin’s fam! We’re all about bold moves, fearless fits, and making noise in the streets—but sometimes, the streets have stories that hit different. Today we’re digging into a wild, true tale from Newark, Ohio, that went down on July 8, 1910. This one’s about Carl Etherington, a 17-year-old who got caught up in the chaos of the Prohibition era—and paid the ultimate price.

### Who Was Carl Etherington?

He was 17, and instead of just chilling with friends or hitting up the latest sneaker drop, he was sworn in as a deputy to help bust illegal bars. That was Carl Etherington. The kid was part of a squad trying to bust up saloons in Newark, Ohio, during the wild days of Prohibition—when booze was banned, but the party didn’t stop.

Licking County had voted to become a dry county but it was by an extremely small margin. Many rural areas of the county supported the measure but with it's growing industry and an expanding working class population, voted against the proposal.  They choose to ignore the law by allowing it's numerous taverns to continue to operate, even though it was illegal. 

The mayor, along with the police, looked the other way. Not only did they turn their heads, but welcomed the city's refusal to adhere to the new laws. 

These tensions came to a head on July 8, 1910. A private security group, which included Etherington, was deputized to close Newark's illegal bars.  Choas and a lyching would be the end result. 

# The Night Everything Went Down

On July 8, 1910, Carl was out with other agents, raiding saloons. Etherington and his buddies were met with open hostility in their attempts to shut down their taverns. 

Violent scuffles abounded after a failed attempt to close down a tavern. Etherington was assulted by William Howard, ex cop and tavern owner. Etherington shot Howard, in "self-defense", which killed Howard only a couple of hours later. The local police locked up Etherington in the Old Licking County Jail. As news spread by word of mouth about Howard's murder, a mob gathered at the Old Licking County Jail. 

### Mob Mentality: When Justice Breaks Down

Word spread fast. An angry mob formed—thousands of people, wild with rage. With no social media,  no Facebook,  no Instagram!! That's pretty impressive!! All by word of mouth and yes, it traveled fast!! 

The elected officials and the mayor were sympathic to the tavern owners and were against the alcohol ban, were not able to disperse the crowd. The sheriff put up no resistance when the mob picked up a railroad tie and beat down the door to the jail to pull Etherington out, put a rope around his neck, and dragged him to a telegraph pole on the corner of Second Street and south Park Street, where the mob lynched him. 

Following Etherington’s death, the governor relieved the mayor and the sheriff of their duties. Fifteen members of the mob were charged with crimes, but only eleven received sentences. None did more than four years in jail. 

### Why This Story Still Matters

At Kingpin’s, we know street style is about more than just looking fresh. It’s about the stories, the struggles, and the history that shapes our world. Carl Etherington’s story is a reminder: the streets can be wild, and justice isn’t always guaranteed. Mob mentality? It’s never the answer. Real strength is about standing up for what’s right—even when it’s not easy.

### Lessons for the Kingpin’s Crew

- **Stay Woke:** Know your history. The world you flex in today was built by people who stood up, spoke out, and sometimes paid a heavy price.
- **Respect the Struggle:** Whether it’s fighting injustice or just repping your style, remember those who came before you.
- **Be the Change:** Don’t let hate win. Stand up for justice, unity, and respect—on the block and beyond.

### Keep It Kingpin

We wear our stories as boldly as we wear our fits and it’s part of the real history of American streets. Let’s honor that by keeping our heads up, our fits strong, and our hearts open.

Stay fearless. Stay fresh. Stay Kingpin.

*Inspired by true events from Newark, Ohio, July 8, 1910. Never forget the real stories behind the streets.*

The barred door to the Old Licking County Jail where the mob stormed down the entrence. The railroad tie that was used to break into the jail to get Etherington, lies in the right of this photo. 

The historic Licking County Old Jail where the mob of over 5,000 people came in after Etherington. This is how Newark, Ohio became known as "Lil' Chicago" for it's lawlessness and shady activitties. This jail has had many dark events here as well, including a woman who set herself on fire. This jail is known for paranormal activity and is investigated and open for Halloween every year. Has been visited by Ghost Adventures and many more

The location of Carl Etherington’s lynching on July 8, 1910, on the corner of Second Street and south Park Street, the Southside of the square, where they could see the courthouse from where they hung Etherington 

The location of Etherington's lynching as of 2020

Carl Etherington as he appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine's article on the lynching

William Howard in his police uniform