Young to discuss book about Morganton's 1927 'legal' lynching

Dr. Kevin W. Young knows a lot about one of Morganton’s darkest hours. He’ll share his research about the event that stained the city’s history when he talks about his recently-released book at Thornwell Books on Thursday, June 20.

Young will tell the story of his extensive exploration of the events surrounding the death and violent aftermath of the “legal” lynching of Broadus Miller.

On July 3, 1927, a crowd gathered on the courthouse square in downtown Morganton. They were there trying to catch a glimpse of Miller’s body. Miller was a 27-year-old Black man who had been shot to death by a bounty hunter after a 12-day manhunt that had spanned portions of Burke, Caldwell, and McDowell Counties, as well as Linville Gorge.

Miller was accused of the brutal murder of Gladys Kincaid, a 15-year-old White girl who had disappeared on the evening of June 21 as she walked home from her shift at a Morganton knitting mill. Her brother found her in a clump of bushes, suffering from a massive head wound. Kincaid later died.

Miller had been laid out for display at the foot of the Confederate monument on the courthouse square.

Young, a lecturer in the Department of English at Appalachian State University, released his book, “The Violent World of Broadus Miller: A Story of Murder, Lynch Mobs, and Judicial Punishment in the Carolinas,” on April 30.

With a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, a master’s degree in English, and a doctorate in history, Young’s extensive and varied educational background enabled him to examine the Miller case through a number of lenses.

Young will speak at Thornwell Books, 202 S. Sterling St. in Morganton, on Thursday, June 20, at 6 p.m. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and Young will sign books for those who wish to have their copies autographed.