St. Cloud Reformatory. Inmate History and Record
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No. 5148 The Court: The condition of the defendant both physically and
mentally is good except that the young man is evidently somewhat
unsophisticated
and perhaps easily led. He is not lacking in ordinary mental qualities. His
disposition is good so far as we know; he has no bad habits.
Letters written for information as
follows:
Date: 3-11-21 Name
of Addressee: O. J. Larson, Esq. Address:
Duluth, Minn. Answered:
3-25-21
To following effect: Am unable to learn
anything derogatory about his character. Was obliged to go to work at an early
age to support his widowed mother. His Sunday school teacher says that he is a
boy of good moral character. Hundreds of others took an active part in the
lynching. His release would meet with the approval of the people of Duluth
generally.
Date: 3-11-21 Name
of Addressee: Longfellow School Address:
Duluth, Minn. Answered:
3-29-21
To following effect: Is in our register
for 1916 & 1917. Attended school 62 days without absence or tardiness. (For
percentage of work and conduct see letter in
files).
Date: 3-11-21 Name of
Addressee: Mrs. Betsy Hammerberg Address:
Duluth, Minn. Answered: 3-20-21
To following effect: (By Rev. A. E. Smedberg, Pastor,
Salem SW. Mission Church, West Duluth, Minn.) Always resided at home. Began
smoking cigarettes about 3 yrs. ago. Abstained from alcohol and drugs. Always
kind and obedient to his mother. Brought his pay checks home to his mother.
Disposition at home was always the best. Associates were the schoolmates of his
district. Mother says he did occasionally accompany other boys to the pool
halls. Was a member of good standing of the Good Templer Lodge. (Signed by
mother and sister)
Date: 3-11-21
Name of Addressee: Mrs. M. Isaacson
Address: Duluth, Minn.
Answered:
To following
effect:
Date: 3-11-21
Name of Addressee: Chas. Dennison
Address: Saxe, Minn.
Answered:
To following
effect:
Date: 3-11-21
Name of Addressee: Miss Esther Larson (sweetheart)
Address: Duluth, Minn.
Answered: 3-?-21 To following
effect: Has always conducted himself in a perfectly gentlemanly manner,
when with me. Was not at all erratic. Had a peaceable disposition.