Frederick Bass Murder
The Covington Journal, February 28, 1874, page 3
MOB PROCEEDINGS AND MURDER IN NEWPORT
On Wednesday afternoon as four workers were leaving Swift's iron works in Newport, under the escort of several policemen, on their way to their homes in this city, they were attacked by a party of strikers, who raised the cry of "black sheep" and stoned them. At the corner of Elm and Brighton streets, Newport, the workmen faced their pursuers and fired three pistol shots, mortally wounding a young man named Frederick Bass, a butcher, who was with the crowd though taking no active part. Bass died the same night.
It is said the fatal shot was fired by Jacob Henry. The workmen were pursued halfway across the Licking bridge where a stop was put to the riotous proceedings by Sheriff Percival. Jacob Henry escaped. Subsequently J H Healey, Daniel Miller and L M Weaver were arrested in this city, charged with malicious shooting, but after examination before a magistrate in Newport were discharged.
The Swift iron and steel works in Newport have suspended operations in consequence of the failure of the authorities to protect the employees from the insults and attacks of strikers, and it is declared that the demands of the strikers will not be acceded to if the establishment has to cease to exit, thus throwing out of employment a large number of honest men with families, who are willing to work for fair wages and all because the proprietors see fit to conduct their business in their own way. It is reported that Mr. Swift has applied to the State authorities for aid.