PARDON BOARD:

The application form includes full name, age, birth date and place, nationality of parents, occupation(s) and residence(s) for the five years preceding conviction, trial data (date, court, crime, sentence), succinct statement of trial evidence (often a separate narrative appended to the application), reasons/justification for which the pardon is being requested, and sometimes a certified copy of the pardon or commutation (if granted).

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One numerical sequence (1915-1934); six alphabetical sequences whose date spans overlap (representing various cullings from current files); and one box of application miscellany that have not been connected to specific files.

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Access Restrictions:

Access to the 1988 files is restricted due to the presence of Social Security numbers and several sets of sealed court records. Researchers may apply to use these records in accordance with the State Archives guidelines. The remainder of the collection is not restricted and the files are open for use per Minnesota Statute 638.07 (1980).

Access to and use of reserve materials requires the permission of State Archives staff.

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate the cited item and/or series here]. Minnesota. Board of Pardons. Pardon Applications. State Archives. Minnesota Historical Society.

See the Chicago Manual of Style for additional examples.

Accession Information:

Accession numbers: [256?]; [266?]; 983-87; 988-78; 990-51; 991-63; 2003-70; 2006-19; 2017-31

Processing Information:

Digitized by: Christopher G. Welter, February 2011

Digitization of reserve material was made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008.

Catalog ID number: 001703904

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For notes on missing files, the "see" references were supplied by the Pardon Board. It is assumed that the earlier file has been moved into the later file, though this hasn't been verified physically.

Location

Box

Reserve 61

1

Files 85 and 86 (Younger brothers):

Access Restricted.

Background material, 1887-1897. 4 folders.

In 1899, Senator George P. Wilson attempted to pass a bill that would allow parole of convicts who had been sentenced to the State Prison for the remainder of their natural life. The bill, drawn by George M. Bennett, passed the Senate 48 to 5 but was defeated in the House 31 to 68. Wilson had been Attorney General at the time of the raid and assisted with the prosecution of the Youngers in 1876. Most of the following 1889 items may have inspired Wilson's efforts a decade later.

Digital version, ca. 1887-April 26, 1889

Digital version, May 27-June 24, 1889

Digital version, June 24-July 3, 1889

Digital version, July 4-14, 1889

Digital version, July 16, 1889-July 15, 1897

Brochure by W. H. Harrington, chaplain, Minnesota House of Representatives, circa 1887.

Previously chaplain of the state prison, Harrington describes the Youngers' lives prior to the robbery and pleads for their release.

T. J. Younger, Warrensburg, Missouri [mailed from Osceola, Missouri], to Harrington, August 17, 1887.

As the Younger brothers' aunt, she will organize letters in support of the them to be sent to Harrington and to Governor Hubbard.

William O. Mead, Osceola, Missouri, to Harrington, August 23, 1887.

Supports release.

Robert M. Culloch, Register of Lands, and Michael K. McGrath, Secretary of State, Missouri, to Harrington, August 31, 1887.

Supports pardon.

J. A. Reed to Governor William R. Merriam, circa 1889.

Supports pardon.

Warden at the time of incarceration and for ten years afterward.

Petition for pardon for Robert, due to his poor health, sent to Governor William R. Merriam, circa 1889.

Signed by A. K. Doe, Andrew D. Stowe, M. E. Murphy, J. C. O’Gorman, G. M. Seymour, J. H. Albert, E. G. Butts, Isaac Staples, R. M. Anderson, and J. A. Reed.

Petition, Officers of the State of Missouri to Honorable William R. Merriam, Governor of the State of Minnesota, circa 1889.

Supports pardon.

Petition, Members of the 35th General Assembly, House of Representatives, State of Missouri to Honorable William R. Merriam, Governor of the State of Minnesota, 1889.

Supports pardon.

Petition, Members of the 35th General Assembly, Senate, State of Missouri to Honorable William R. Merriam, Governor of the State of Minnesota, 1889.

Supports pardon.

Petition, Clerks of the 35th General Assembly, Senate, State of Missouri to Honorable William R. Merriam, Governor of the State of Minnesota, 1889.

Supports pardon.

Petition, Enrolling and Assistant Enrolling Clerks of the 35th General Assembly, State of Missouri to Honorable William R. Merriam, Governor of the State of Minnesota, April 26, 1889.

Supports pardon.

Petition, Engrossing and Assistant Engrossing Clerks of the 35th General Assembly, State of Missouri to Honorable William R. Merriam, Governor of the State of Minnesota, April 26, 1889.

Supports pardon.

Petition, Chief and Assistant Chief Clerks of the 35th General Assembly, State of Missouri to Honorable William R. Merriam, Governor of the State of Minnesota, April 26, 1889.

Supports pardon.

A. K. Doe, Stillwater, to Governor William R. Merriam, May 27, 1889.

Supports pardon of Robert.

W. H. Harrington, Minneapolis, to Governor Willaim R. Merriam, June 1889.

Supports release of Robert.

Colonel A. W. Edwards, editor, The Argus, Fargo, North Dakota, to Cole Younger, Minnesota State Prison, Stillwater, June 12, 1889.

Wishes to help in any way to obtain release for them.

H. A. Jones, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, to Governor, June 14, 1889.

Youngers' nephew; supports clemency for Robert.

Captain Ara Barton, Morristown, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 21, 1889.

Rice County Sheriff; supports pardon.

Captain D. Cavanaugh, Faribault, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 22, 1889.

Supports clemency for Robert.

George W. Batchelder, attorney, Faribault, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 22, 1889.

Supports release for all three, but especially Robert. Batchelder is a former state senator and was one of the Youngers’ attorneys after the raid.

H. B. Wilson, Red Wing, to Governor William R. Marshall [i.e., Merriam], June 22, 1889.

Formerly State Superintendent of Public Institutions; supports pardon for all three.

R. A. Mott, attorney, Faribault, to Governor Marshall [i.e., Merriam], June 22, 1889.

Ssupports pardon.

H. P. Hynes, roofer, Duluth, to Governor Merriam, June 23, 1889.

Against pardon.

G. M. Seymour, Stillwater, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 24, 1889.

Supports pardon. The Youngers worked for him while in prison and have done well.

E. W. Durant, mayor, Stillwater, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 24, 1889.

Supports pardon.

Dwight M. Sabin, businessman and former U. S. senator, Stillwater, to Governor Merriam, June 24, 1889.

Supports pardon.

E. G. Butts, attorney, Stillwater, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 24, 1889.

Supports pardon; former prison inspector.

A. K. Doe, Stillwater, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 24, 1889.

Supports pardon, current prison inspector.

Horace W. Pratt, businessman, Minneapolis, to Governor, June 24, 1889.

Supports pardon for Robert.

T. C. Clark, doctor, Stillwater, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 24, 1889.

Supports release for Robert; served as Robert’s prison doctor.

Liberty Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 24, 1889.

Supports pardon for Robert; former prison inspector.

J. N. Albert, Stillwater, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 24, 1889.

Supports pardon; Protestant chaplain at the prison.

Horace W. Pratt, businessman, Minneapolis, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 26, 1889.

Supports pardon for all three.

M. E. Murphy, Stillwater, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 29, 1889.

Supports pardon; Catholic chaplain at the prison.

Samuel [Mathus?], Stillwater, to Governor William R. Merriam, June 30, 1889.

Supports pardon.

W. H. Harrington, chaplain, Minnesota House of Representatives, to Governor Merriam, July 1889.

Supports pardon.

S. B. Lovejoy, Minneapolis, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 1, 1889.

Supports pardon.

W. H. Grant, attorney, St. Paul, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 1, 1889.

Supports pardon.

Petition, citizens of St. Paul, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 2, 1889.

Supports pardon.

Enclosure: C. E. Bell, Sauk Rapids, to Governor William R. Merriam (June 28, 1889).

Enclosure: S. [Lowenstein?] to Governor William R. Merriam (June 28, 1889).

Enclosure: F. R. [Weber?] to Governor William R. Merriam (June 28, 1889).

Enclosure: [Roy H.?] Comstock to Governor William R. Merriam (June 28, 1889).

Enclosure: R. J. Bell et al. to Governor William R. Merriam (June 29, 1889).

Enclosure: State Senator A[ndrew] G. Anderson to Governor William R. Merriam (June 29, 1889).

Enclosure: R. J. Montague, William Anglim, and E. M. Walsh to Governor William R. Merriam (June 29, 1889).

Enclosure: A. Allen to Governor William R. Merriam (June 29, 1889).

Enclosure: Lyman Loeing, Morehead, to Governor William R. Merriam (June 30, 1889).

David Day, St. Paul, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 2, 1889.

Written on Ramsey County Court House and City Hall Special Commission stationery. Day was a member of the commission and was also an officer at the prison at time of the Youngers’ incarceration. Supports pardon. Also signed by William Lee.

Adam Fetsch, tobacconist, St. Paul, to Governor, July 2, 1889.

Supports pardon for Robert.

W. M. Campbell, U. S. Marshall (District of Minnesota), St. Paul, to Governor, July 3, 1889.

Supports pardon.

H. G. Finkle, judge for Clay County Probate Court, Moorhead, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 4, 1889.

Against pardon on legal grounds; not just because it is the Youngers.

Edward J. Hodgson, businessman, St. Paul, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 4, 1889.

Against pardon.

Enclosure: clipping from the Red Wing Advance (July 3) protesting the pardon.

W. W. Griswold, Morris, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 4, 1889.

Against pardon.

Thomas P. Ritchie, St. Louis, Missouri, to Governor Merriam, July 4, 1889.

Against pardon.

H. W. Brower, St. Charles, to Governor Merriam, July 5, 1889.

Against pardon.

T. M. Newson, St. Paul, to Cole Younger, July 6, 1889.

Asks Cole to forward the enclosed letter in support of pardon to the Governor.

Enclosure: Newson to Governor William R. Merriam, July 6, 1889.

Henry H. Sibley, St. Paul, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 8, 1889.

Supports pardon.

William Warner, Department of the Interior, Sioux Commission, Crow Creek Agency, Dakota, to Colonel E. F. Rogers, St. Paul, July 8, 1889.

Supports pardon. Warner is an ex-member of Congress and commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic.

B. G. Yates, businessman, St. Paul, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 8, 1889.

Supports pardon. Former resident of Madelia and participant in the Youngers' capture.

W. S. Culbertson, New Albany, Indiana, to Governor, July 8, 1889.

Against pardon.

Julius A. Schmahl, editor, The Redwood Gazette, Redwood Falls, to Board of Pardons, July 9, 1889.

Supports pardon.

Stamped on back: Board of Pardons, numbers 85 and 86 Recommendation of Julius A. Schmahl, Filed this 10th day of July 1897 Roland H. Hartley, Clerk.

Elisha Taylor, Detroit [Michigan?], to Governor, July 9, 1889.

Against pardon.

C. O. Cooley, doctor, Madelia, to Governor William Merriam, July 10, 1889.

Supports pardon. Youngers' physician for first week after capture.

William R. Estes, businessman, Madelia, to Governor, July 11, 1889.

Against pardon.

W. W. Murphy, Madelia, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 11, 1889.

Supports pardon. Sheriff of Watonwan County and a member of the capture party.

James H. Easton, banker, Decorah, Iowa, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 11, 1889.

Against pardon.

A citizen, Arkoe, Missouri, to Governor, July 12, 1889.

Against pardon.

John C. Wise, editor, The Review, Mankato, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 12, 1889.

Supports pardon.

Harold I. Cleveland, editorial writer, St. Paul Pioneer Press, to Governor, July 13, 1889.

Supports pardon. Present at capture in Madelia and has kept in contact with the Youngers since then.

Petition, citizens of St. Paul and other cities, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 13, 1889.

Supports pardon. Includes signatures of W. R. Gill and other prominent citizens.

William R. Estes, businessman, Madelia, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 14, 1889.

Enclosure: copy of unsigned petition being circulated in Madelia; asks him to wait for the signed copy before deciding on pardon.

William R. Estes, businessman, Madelia, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 16, 1889.

Enclosure: signed petition from Madelia citizens against pardon Madelia.

M. D. Flower, businessman, St. Paul, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 17, 1889.

Supports pardon. Former Adjutant General of Minnesota.

Envelope of letters favoring pardon, July 20, 1889.

Notation indicates letters had not yet been read by Governor William Merriam.

Enclosure: B. G. Yates, St. Paul, to Governor William R. Merriam (July 15, 1889).

Enclosure: Mayor Robert A. Smith, St. Paul, to Governor William R. Merriam (July 17, 1889).

Enclosure: Ignatius Donnelly to Governor William R. Merriam (July 18, 1889).

Enclosure: Chief of Police John Clark, St. Paul, to Governor William R. Merriam (July 18, 1889).

Enclosure: Police Captain John R. Bresett, St. Paul, to Governor William R. Merriam (July 18, 1889).

John [Deamond?], Mankato, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 20, 1889.

Supports pardon. Former Blue Earth County sheriff; his life and that of his son were spared twice by the Youngers during the flight from Northfield to Madelia.

W. S. Pattee, Minneapolis, to Governor William R. Merriam, July 21, 1889.

Wishes to see him concerning the pardon.

A. E. Rice, banker, Willmar, to Governor, July 21, 1889.

Against pardon.

L. M. Hazen, Chief of Detectives, Cincinnati, Ohio, to Governor, July 23, 1889.

Commends governor for his statement that he would do nothing at all in the case no matter how many petitions were received. Hazen had pursued the Youngers in Missouri before the Northfield robbery.

Enclosure: photocopy clipping of Governor Merriam's statement (July 22, 1889).

E. F. Rogers, businessman, Kansas City, Missouri, to Governor, October 30, 1894.

Supports pardon.

E. F. Rogers, businessman, Kansas City, Missouri, to Governor Knute Nelson, November 21, 1894.

Congratulations on the election and trust you will see October 30, 1894, letter regarding the Youngers.

B. G. Yates, businessman, St. Paul, to Governor Knute Nelson, December 14, 1894.

Supports pardon. Formerly lived at Madelia and participated in the Youngers' capture.

Mentions enclosed letters, though none were with this letter.

Nicholas A. Nelson, publisher, Washington County Journal, Stillwater, to Governor D. M. Clough, December 8, 1896.

Supports pardon.

Stamped on back: Board of Pardons, numbers 85 and 86, Filed this 22nd day of July 1897 Roland H. Hartley, Clerk.

S. A. Langum, editor and publisher, Preston Times, Preston, to Board of Pardons, July 9, 1897.

Supports pardon. Formerly an officer at the prison

Stamped on back: Board of Pardons, numbers 85 and 86 Recommendation, Filed this 10th day of July 1897 Roland H. Hartley, Clerk.

H. M. Blaisdell, attorney, Fairmont, to Board of Pardons, July 15, 1897.

Thanks the board for its action in the cases of Cole and Jim Younger.

Stamped on back: Board of Pardons, numbers 85 and 86 Recommendation, Filed this 16th day of July 1897 Roland H. Hartley, Clerk.

Case files 85-86, 1897-1898. 1 folder.

Digital version

Packet: Board of Pardons, State of Minnesota, number 85. In the Matter of the Application of Thomas Coleman Younger. Declined this 13th day of July 1897 R. H. Hartley, Clerk, undated.

Application for Pardon or Commutation, Thomas Coleman Younger. Signed. Filed the 18th day of June 1897 R. H. Hartley, Clerk, June 16, 1897.

Applied on the grounds that he had been imprisoned nearly twenty-one years, more than double the average time served by life prisoners; that during his entire confinement he demeaned himself in perfect conformity to all prison regulations; and the main object of the imprisonment had been accomplished, the reformation of the prisoner.

Packet: Board of Pardons, State of Minnesota, number 86. In the Matter of the Application of James Harden Younger. Declined this 13th day of July 1897 R. H. Hartley, Clerk, undated.

Application for Pardon or Commutation, James Hardin Younger. Signed. Filed the 18th day of June 1897 R. H. Hartley, Clerk, June 16, 1897.

Applied on the grounds that he had been imprisoned nearly twenty-one years, more than double the average time served by life prisoners; that during his entire confinement he demeaned himself in perfect conformity to all prison regulations; and the main object of the imprisonment had been accomplished, the reformation of the prisoner.

Board of Pardons, files 85 and 86. Statement of case and reasons for clemency. Filed July 18, 1897. Signed by the Youngers’ attorney, H. A. Jones, June 10, 1897.

Remarks of Colonel Bronaugh to the Board of Pardons. Filed July 13, 1897. Stating reasons for clemency, undated.

George N. Baxter, Faribault, to Governor D. M. Clough, July 13, 1897.

Prosecuting attorney during the Youngers’ trial. He went to Northfield at that time to get evidence to indict them for shooting the Swede [Nicolaus Gustavson] and could find no one who knew if he was killed by the robbers’ or citizens’ fire so it was decided it was a stray bullet and no indictment was found.

Petitions and recommendations supporting pardon/parole. 1 folder.

Much of this material was stamped on the back upon receipt by the Board of Pardons. When applicable, the file date has been listed.

Digital version, June 24-July 10, 1897

Digital version, July 10-12, 1897

Digital version, July 12, 1897-June 6, 1898

File jacket, July 12, 1897.

Arthur Pomeroy, New York, New York, to Governor D. M. Clough. Filed July 1, 1897, June 24, 1897.

G. A. Newman, doctor, New London, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, June 26, 1897.

Hospital steward at the prison (1895-1896).

W. H. Harrington, Minneapolis, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 1897.

Chaplain at the Stillwater prison (1880-1885).

A. T. Cole, attorney, Fargo, North Dakota, to Warden of Stillwater Prison. Filed July 12, 1897, July 6, 1897.

William H. Wallace, attorney, Kansas City, Missouri, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 6, 1897.

Knew the Youngers prior to the robbery.

E. D. Wheelock, [Kadoka?], South Dakota, to Warden Wolfer. Filed July 12, 1897, July 7, 1897.

Former Steele County resident.

Petition, citizens of Preston, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 10, 1897, July 8, 1897.

E. B. Ellison, Guthrie, Oklahoma, to Governor D. M. Clough. Filed July 12, 1897, July 9, 1897.

Robert Forbes, chaplain, State Senate, Duluth, to Governor D. M. Clough. Filed July 10, 1897, July 9, 1897.

W. W. [Ervin?], St. Paul, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 9, 1897.

Burr Deuel, Red Wing, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

Suggests exchange of James stock from Missouri for the Youngers.

Thomas H. Loyhed, businessman, Faribault, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

Was a member of the capture party.

Robert Mee, attorney, Faribault, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

Former Rice County attorney.

H. M. Barton, businessman, Faribault, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

Deputy sheriff of Rice County at the time of the robbery.

R. A. Mott, Minnesota Institute for Defectives, Faribault, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

A large number in the county are in favor of release.

R. A. Mott, Minnesota Institute for Defectives, Faribault, to Governor D. M. Clough. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

A large number in the county are in favor of release.

Henry Wolfer, Warden, to Roland H. Hartley, Clerk of the Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

Enclosure: George P. Wilson, Minneapolis, to Warden Wolfer, July 10. Wilson was Attorney General at the time of the raid.

George W. Newell, Faribault, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

George W. Batchelder, attorney, Faribault, to Charles M. Start, Chief Justice and member of the Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

D. Cavanaugh, businessman, Faribault, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

C. Cooley, attorney, Madelia, to Governor D. M. Clough. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

Enclosure: petition from Madelia citizens, July 6, 1897. Three of the seven were in the posse that captured the Youngers.

George W. Tressler, McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Governor. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

Former inmate at the prison.

Hector McLean, Minneapolis, to Judge [Charles M.] Start. Filed July 12, 1897, July 11, 1897.

W. N. Cosgrove, Faribault, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 11, 1897.

Signatures of business and professional men on letterhead of William R. Estes, Madelia. Filed July 12, 1897, [July 12,] 1897.

Dwight M. Sabin, Bayfield, Wisconsin, to Board of Pardons, in care of Warden Wolfer. Filed July 12, 1897, July 12, 1897.

C. Kendrick, doctor, Kendrick, Mississippi, to Governor D. M. Clough. Filed July 13, 1897, July 12, 1897.

Mississippi state senator.

Affidavit of George M. Bennett, Minneapolis, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 12, 1897.

Typescripts of selected 1889 letters in support of pardon. Filed July 12, 1897, July 12, 1897.

All except one of the originals are found in the 1889 folders. Included are Ignatious Donnelly (July 18), John C. Wise (July 12), George W. Batchelder (June 22), J. A. Reed (undated), Horace W. Pratt (June 26), T. C. Clark (June 24), B. G. Yates (July 15), M. D. Flower (July 17), Dwight M. Sabin (June 24), W. M. Campbell (July 3), G. M. Seymour (June 24), Henry H. Sibley (July 8), Robert A. Smith (July 17), Harold I. Cleveland (July 13), John B. Bressett (July 18), John Clark (July 18), E. W. Durant (June 24), Liberty Hall (June 24), J. H. Albert (June 24), Ara Barton (June 21), M. W. Murphy (June 29), A. K. Doe (June 24), Wm. Warner (July 8), Thomas T. Crittenden (June 5; original not in these files), David Day/William Lee (July 2), and E. G. Butts (June 24).

T[homs] T. Crittenden, et al, Jackson County, Missouri, to Governor D. M. Clough and Chairman, State Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 12, 1897.

John [Q.?] Crisp, Missouri, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 12, 1897.

Member of Missouri legislature.

A Friend, Hannibal, Missouri, to Governor. Filed July 12, 1897, July 13, 1897.

J. N. Rogers, attorney, Princeton, to Governor D. M. Clough. Filed July 12, 1897, July 13, 1897.

Henry Wolfer, Warden, to Roland H. Hartley, Secretary of the Board of Pardons. Filed July 22, 1897, July 22, 1897.

A note written in someone else's hand states that there are three enclosed letters and a petition. One of these letters (from Nicholas A. Nelson) wasn't part of the file upon receipt.

Enclosure: W. H. Pratt, doctor, Stillwater, to the Board of Pardons (July 3, 1897) describing the exemplary conduct of Cole during the January 25, 1884, prison fire.

Enclosure: H. A. Jones, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, to Wolfer (July 1, 1897) with enclosed petition from the 37th General Assembly of Missouri addressed to Governor Nelson (circa 1891).

Stephen B. Elkins, U. S. Senator (West Virginia), to Governor D. M. Clough. Filed June 9, 1898, June 6, 1898.

Protests and affidavits against pardon/parole. 1 folder.

Much of this material was stamped on the back upon receipt by the Board of Pardons. When applicable, the file date has been listed.

Digital version, June 10-July 10, 1897

Digital version, July 10, 1897

Digital version, July 12-13, 1897

File jacket, July 12, 1897.

Affidavit of Frank J. Wilcox. In the Matter of the Application for the Pardon of Coleman Younger. Filed July 12, 1897, June 10, 1897.

Clerk of the Northfield bank during the robbery; describes shooting of Heywood but does not say who shot him.

D. B. Thurston, Kansas City, Missouri, to Governor. Filed July 10, 1897, July 7, 1897.

Affidavit of D. J. Whiting, Northfield dentist. Filed July 12, 1897, July 7, 1897.

Describes seeing Coleman Younger giving orders in the street during the raid and men who he thought were Bob and Jim Younger firing on Manning.

Affidavit of John Morton, Northfield jeweler. Filed July 12, 1897, July 8, 1897.

States he saw Cole Younger shoot the Swede [Nicolaus Gustavson].

Affidavit of P. S. Dougherty. Filed July 12, 1897, July 8, 1897.

States he saw the man who shot the Swede [Nicolaus Gustavson] but does not name the man.

Affidavit of W. H. Riddell, Northfield storekeeper. Filed July 12, 1897, July 8, 1897.

States he never heard anyone on the street during the raid say don’t shoot.

H. A. Brill, St. Paul, District Court Judge, to Charles M. Start. Filed July 10, 1897, July 8, 1897.

Anson L. Keyes, County Attorney, Faribault County, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 9, 1897.

F. A. Smith, Bank cashier, Minneapolis, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 10, 1897, July 9, 1897.

John McKinley, Duluth, to Attorney General Childs (a member of the Board of Pardons). Filed July 12, 1897, July 9, 1897.

Charles C. Otis, District Court, St. Paul, to Charles M. Start. Filed July 10, 1897, July 9, 1897.

William B. Dean, J. Ross Nichols, businessmen, St. Paul, to Charles M. Start. Filed July 10, 1897, July 9, 1897.

Edward A. Paradis, editor, The Midway News, St. Paul, to Henry W. Childs, July 10, 1897.

Enclosure: photocopy clipping of Paradis' editorial.

Edward A. Paradis, editor, The Midway News, St. Paul, to Governor D. M. Clough. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

Enclosure: photocopy clipping of Paradis' editorial.

Not safe to give my name, Louisville, Kentucky, to Governor, July 10, 1897.

Petition, citizens of Howard Lake, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

J. W. Mason, attorney, Fergus Falls, to H. W. Childs, Attorney General. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

William Louis Kelley, District Judge, St. Paul, to Charles M. Start, July 10, 1897.

C. R. Barns, editorial writer, St. Paul Pioneer Press, to H. W. Childs. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

Affidavit of Ellen M. Ames, Northfield. Filed July 12, 1897, July 10, 1897.

States she saw Cole shoot a drunk coming out of a saloon during the raid.

Packet: Board of Pardons files 85 and 86: Protests filed this 12th day of July 1897, July 12, 1897.

Enclosure: Marian B. Lull, Brooklyn, New York, to Governor D. M. Clough (July 8); states her husband, Captain Louis J. Lull, was killed in a fight with the Youngers following an 1874 train robbery in Missouri.

Enclosure: Fanny Lull Henderson, Minerva Lull, and Julia Lull Royce, Boston, Massachusetts, to Governor D. M. Clough (July 9); also comment on their brother Captain Lull's death.

Enclosure: Charles Parsons, banker, St. Louis, Missouri, to F. W. Anderson, St. Paul (July 10).

Enclosure: Fred Bloom, Woodstock, to Governor D. M. Clough (July 10).

Petition, citizens of Madelia to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, [July 12, 1897.]

Enclosure: Compilation of names on William R. Estes letterhead, Madelia (undated).

Petition, citizens of Dassel to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, [July 12, 1897].

Petition, citizens of Faribault to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, [July 12, 1897].

Petition, citizens of Northfield to mayor and common council of Northfield. Filed July 12, 1897, [July 12, 1897].

Petitions, Rice County Board of County Commissioners to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 12, 1897.

Two sets of same signatures.

Samuel M. Davis, attorney, Minneapolis, to Charles M. Start. Filed July 13, 1897, July 12, 1897.

Martha G. Ripley, doctor, Minneapolis, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 12, 1897.

Against pardon/parole on grounds that keeping them in prison means they cannot reproduce.

C. A. Patterson, architect, Minneapolis, to Governor D. M. Clough. Filed July 13, 1897, July 12, 1897.

G. W. Plank, Laird [Minnesota?], to Governor D. M. Clough and Board of Pardons. Filed July 12, 1897, July 12, 1897.

F. E. Dudley, Minneapolis, to Board of Pardons. Filed July 13, 1897, July 13, 1897.

Location

Box

Reserve 61

2

Files 555 and 556, 1897-1901. 3 folders.

Access Restricted.

Digital version, February 26, 1897-July 10, 1901

Digital version, February 11-March 4, 1899

Digital version, May 7, 1898-July 9, 1901

File jacket, undated.

Number 555. Application For the Parole of Thomas Coleman Younger, Filed on the 8th day of May 1901, May 6, 1901.

Submitted to the Board of Managers, State Prison. Reasons for parole: has been confined in the Minnesota State Prison for nearly 25 years and during that time has obeyed all of the rules of the prison and shown every evidence of reform.

Number 556. Application For the Parole of Jim Harden Younger, Filed on the 8th day of May 1901, May 6, 1901.

Submitted to the Board of Managers, State Prison. Reasons for parole: has been confined in the Minnesota State Prison for nearly 25 years and during that time has obeyed all of the rules of the prison and shown every evidence of reform.

To the Honorable the Board of Pardons, State of Minnesota, Resolution, From the Board of Managers, in support of Cole’s parole, signed by B. F. Nelson and Henry Wolfer, 1901.

To the Honorable the Board of Pardons, State of Minnesota, Resolution, From the Board of Managers, in support of Jim’s parole, signed by B. F. Nelson and Henry Wolfer, 1901.

Materials pertaining to the passage of “A bill for an act to amend section 7510 of the 1894 General Statutes of Minnesota, the same being section 4, of chapter 9, of the General Laws of Minnesota for the year 1893, relating to the parole of prisoners," April 1901.

The bill allowed parole of convicts who have been sentenced to the State Prison for the period of their natural life.

Enclosure: A sheet detailing the history of the bill: Filed April 2, returned to the House April 5, returned to the Governor’s Office April 9, filed with the Secretary of State, April 11.

Enclosure: Copy of a letter (April 5) from Governor Samuel R. Van Sant to M. J. Dowling, Speaker of the House, returning House File 234.

Enclosure: Copy of a letter (April 5), W. B. Douglas, Attorney General, to Governor Van Sant, returning House File 234 to the Governor. Following passage by both houses and submission to the Governor for approval; explains constitutional points and recommends approval.

Enclosure: Petition, Faribault citizens in support of the bill, 1897.

Enclosure: Copy of the act creating the Board of Pardons (created by amendment to the Constitution, adopted November 1896).

In the Matter of the Parole of Coleman and James Younger. Satisfied that Chapter 234, Laws 1901 is a law and the parole of the Youngers is valid. Signed by the Pardon Board: Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, Chief Justice Charles M. Start, and Attorney General Wallace B. Douglas, July 10, 1901.

Letters and petitions both in support of and against files 555 and 556, 1899-1901. 2 folders.

Some of the materials in these folders are actually in support of passage of the 1901 law and therefore date earlier than the 1901 applications.

Minnesota newspaper clippings, 1899. Photocopy.

Glued to pages of the Appendix for Cora McNeill's 1898 novel, Mizzoura, published by the Mizzoura Publishing Co., Guaranty Loan Building, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Includes pages 367-368, 371-372, 375-376, 381-382, 385-392. The clippings (all in support of the parole) are from the Minneapolis Journal (undated); The Representative, Minneapolis (undated); Lake Crystal Union (undated and February 22); Todd County Argus, Long Prairie (undated); Fairmont [Daily?] (undated); Hutchinson Times (undated); Browns Valley Tribune (February 17); Stillwater Gazette (February 11); St. Paul Dispatch (February 11); Crookston Times (February 14); Solway Advocate (February 16); Eden Valley Journal (February 16); Lanesboro Journal (February 16); Princeton Union (February 16 and 23); Mankato Free Press (February 17); Fergus Falls Globe (February 18); Morris Times (February 22); Albert Lea Tribune (February 22); Litchfield Independent (February 28); Benson Monitor (February 24); Jackson Republic (February 24); Menahga Messenger (February 24); Bird Island Union (February 24); Wheaton Gazette Reporter (February 24, March 3); Edgerton Enterprise (March 2); Pine City [Pine Poker?] (March 2); Ortonville Herald Star (March 2); Crookston Journal (March 2); and Ely [Miner?] (March 3).

Unsigned sheet against parole, undated.

Appears to be the second page of an unsigned letter.

Unsigned sheet containing notes on the Youngers’ father’s murder and Cole’s participation in the 1863 Quantrell raid on Lawrence, Kansas, undated.

L. B. Valliant, State of Missouri, Supreme Court Justice, to Supreme Court Justice Charles M. Start, June 12, 1901.

Supports parole.

E. F. Rogers, businessman, Kansas City, Missouri, to Charles M. Start, June 15, 1901.

Supports parole.

George M. Bennett, Minneapolis, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, June 25, 1901.

Includes a list of petitions, letters, etcetera, bearing on the Yougners' parole and a list of well-known petitioners.

Enclosure: Petition to Board of Pardons, circa 1901.

Among the dozens of signatures, most fall under the column for full pardon; a handful are under another, conditions advisable.

Enclosure: Petition to Board of Pardons, December 22, 1898.

All signatures in support of full pardon.

Enclosure: Petitions for relief from Reverend Henry B. Whipple, Honorable C[ushman] K. Davis, Ex-Governor Alexander Ramsey, et al, undated.

All are in favor of a parole or outright pardon. Many speak of Cole's war service, ane one addresses his conduct during the January 25, 1884, prison fire.

Enclosure: H. B. Whipple, Bishop of Minnesota, to Chief Justice C. M. Start [copy], undated.

Enclosure: C[ushman] K. Davis, U.S. Senator, Washington, D.C., February 25, 1899.

Enclosure: D. Frank Powell, doctor, St. Paul, to Governor Van Sant, July 8, 1901.

Enclosure: M. N. Gilbert, Bishop Coadjutor, St. Paul, to Honorable George P. Wilson, March 28, [?].

Enclosure: Henry A. Castle, Postmaster, St. Paul, to Minnesota Senator George P. Wilson, February 20, 1899.

Enclosure: A. T. Ankeny, attorney, Minneapolis, to Minnesota Senator George P. Wilson, March 23, 1899.

Enclosure: Henry H. Sibley and Robert A. Smith to Governor William R. Merriam, July 8 and 17, 1899. Typescript.

Enclosure: George P. Dodd, Minneapolis, to George M. Bennett, March 4, 1899.

Enclosure: Emory S. Foster, St. Louis, Missouri, to George M. Bennett, May 7, 1898.

Enclosure: U. S. Senator Stephen B. Elkins (West Virginia), to Charles M. Start, July 4, 1898.

Enclosure: E. F. Rogers, Kansas City, Missouri, to George M. Bennett, January 24, 1901.

Enclosure: Statement of Gideon W. Thompson, Barry, Missouri, March 5, 1898.

Enclosure: E. G. Bower, Dallas, Texas, to George M. Bennett, April 25, 1898.

Enclosure: William N. Gregg, Kansas City, Missouri, to George M. Bennett, April 9, 1898.

Enclosure: Affidavit of Marshall P. Wright, Jackson County, Missouri, August 6, 1898.

Enclosure: A. R. McGill, December 28, 1898.

Petition, Bankers of Sedalia, Missouri, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, July 2, 1901.

Supports parole.

Petition, Lawyers of Sedalia, Missouri, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, July 2, 1901.

Supports parole.

Wm. J. Stone, Attorney, St. Louis, Missouri, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, July 6, 1901.

Supports parole.

C. E. Faulkner, Minneapolis, to Board of Pardons, July 7, 1901.

Supports parole.

George M. Bennett, Minneapolis, to Board of Pardons, July 10, 1901.

Offers to find employment for the Youngers.

F. E. Kenaston, president, Minneapolis Threshing Machine Co., to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, July 10, 1901.

Contrary to a statement made by someone in the company; they will not provide jobs to the Youngers.

Henry Wolfer, Warden, to the Board of Pardons, July 10, 1901.

Enclosure: C. E. Faulkner, Minneapolis, Superintendent, The Washburn Memorial Orphan Asylum, to Wolfer, July 9, 1901.

Supports parole.

Location

Box

Reserve 61

2

Files 633 and 634, 1901-1902. 4 folders.

Access Restricted.

Digital version, December 20, 1901

Digital version, ca. 1901

Digital version, April 10, 1901-January 8, 1902

Digital version, January 8-11, 1902

Digital version, January 14-February 1, 1902

Packet: files 633 and 634. Board of Pardons, State of Minnesota in the Matter of the Application of Thomas Coleman Younger and James Harden Younger, undated.

Application number 633. For the Parole of Thomas Coleman Younger, December 20, 1901.

On the back: Application for the Commutation of Sentence of Thomas Coleman Younger Filed on the 6th day of January 1902.

Reasons for commutation: Has already served 36 years; would like to return home and establish a business; has friends with ample capitol ready to help him if he is restored full citizenship but won’t do so until that happens; would like to be among his relatives in his last years; and no further justice would be served by keeping him on parole.

Application number 634. For the Parole of Jim Hardon Younger, December 20, 1901.

On the back: Application for the Commutation of Sentence of Jim Hardon Younger Filed on the 6th day of January 1902.

Reasons for commutation: Has already served 36 years; is in poor health; would like to move to a warm climate for his health and establish a home and business; has friends with ample capitol ready to help him if he is restored full citizenship but won’t do so until that happens; desires a home and family; in present conditions is continually at the mercy of impersonators and advertisers who seek to make capitol out of his misfortune; and no further justice would be served by keeping him on parole.

Statement of Pardon Board. Application denied for reason it is premature. Unsigned, undated. 3 copies.

Advertising card, Globe Hotel, 260 E. Sixth St., St. Paul, undated.

Contains the following statement: “A noted person located at a place one block and a half from and in sight of this hotel is Jim Younger, one of the famous Younger Brothers, who has charge of the cigar department in the Andrew Schoch Grocery Co., Seventh and Broadway.” Written on the back: “Picked up on the street.”

Petitions supporting pardon:

Citizens of Perham, undated.

[No area listed], undated.

Twin Cities, including signature of H. M. Rice, undated.

Citizens of Moorhead and Felton, undated.

Citizens of St. Paul, undated. 6 petitions.

Citizens of State of Minnesota, undated.

Many are Minneapolis and suburbs.

Citizens of Le Sueur, undated.

Railroad shop men, Minneapolis, undated.

Railroad department, Minneapolis, undated.

The Fire department, Minneapolis, undated.

Minneapolis Post Office employees, undated.

Citizens of Hennepin County, undated.

Citizens of Staples, undated.

Signed mainly by citizens of Hastings, undated.

Citizens of Sauk Centre, undated.

H. T. Williams, Attorney, Sedalia, Missouri, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, April 10, 1901.

Against parole bill, in general, and parole/pardon for the Youngers specifically.

Archibald Carnaghen, Concordia, Kansas, to Governor, April 10, 1901.

Supports parole.

O. B. Gould, Attorney, Winona to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, May 10, 1901.

Against parole.

A Christian (B. Lueder), New Salem, North Dakota, to Governor and Board of Pardons, May 10, 1901.

Supports pardon/parole.

A friend of right and justice, St. Louis, Missouri, to Governor and Board of Pardons, July 7, 1901.

Against parole.

Edw. J. Schurmeier, businessman, St. Paul, July 12, 1901.

Undated cover sheet addressed to the governor to please file enclosed letters with the Younger brothers papers.

Enclosure: Schurmeier to Governor Van Sant enclosing letter sent to Warden Wolfer (July 12, 1901).

Enclosure: Schurmeier to Warden Wolfer (July 12, 1901). Will furnish the Youngers with a store in a suitable location for a cigar and tobacco business; or if employed by Andrew Schoch Grocery Co. they can live with him; or anywhere else they work in St. Paul they can still live with him.

B. G. Yates, Maitland, Florida, to Governor, December 15, [1901?].

Supports full pardon. Appeared earlier before he Pardon Board with Warden Wolfer and Edw. J. Schurmeier on behalf of the Youngers.

Daniel G. Beebe, Minneapolis, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant and the Board of Pardons, December 20, 1901.

Supports full pardon. Was assistant surgeon at the prison, 1896-1897.

Inter-State Institute, St. Paul (H. C. Schurmeier) to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, December 27, 1901.

Supports full pardon.

Petition, Citizens of Buffalo and Wright County, to Board of Pardons, January 6, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

A. J. Muller, St. Paul, to Board of Pardons, January 8, 1902.

Handwriting matches that of Jim Younger’s fiancée, Alix J. Mueller; supports full pardon.

Enclosure: John H. Smith, State Senator, Detroit, to Mr. Alex J. Muller, St. Paul (January 2, 1902); supports a full pardon.

Enclosure: L[ouis] H. Schellback, State Senator, Granite Falls, to Muller (December 26, 1901); supports a full pardon.

Enclosure: Petition circulated in the State Senate by Senator M. J. Daly, (undated); majority in support of parole.

J. P. Chance, doctor, Royalton, to Governor Van Sant, January 8, [1902?].

Supports full pardon. Resident surgeon at the prison, June 1900-May 1901.

N. W. Chance, doctor, Little Falls, to Governor Van Sant, January 8, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

R. H. [Mury?], businessman, Little Falls, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 8, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

William H. Noyes, State House of Representatives, Barnum, to Cole Younger, St. Paul, January 8, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

John H. Schulze, White Bear, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 9, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

George Gundlach, St. Paul, to Board of Pardons, January 9, 1902.

Supports pardon.

E. J. Goff, M. O. Toole, Janesville, Minnesota, to Board of Pardons, January 9, 1902.

Enclosure: Petition from area residents supporting pardon (January 7, 1901).

W. M. Fuller, editor, Daily Transcript, Little Falls, to Governor Van Sant, January 9, 1902.

Supports pardon.

L. N. Scott, theatre manager, St. Paul, to Board of Pardons, January 9, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

Patrick J. Kavanagh, businessman, St. Paul, to Board of Pardons, January 9, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

John J. Platt, doctor, St. Paul, to Board of Pardons, January 9, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

J. M. Bach, businessman, St. Paul, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 9, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

F. H. Mero, dentist, Little Falls, to Governor Van Sant, January 9, [1902?].

Supports pardon.

John A. Kennedy, Little Falls, to Board of Pardons, January 9, 1902.

Supports pardon.

M. V. Wetzel, pharmacist, Little Falls, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 9, 1902.

Supports pardon.

George LaFond, Little Falls, to Governor Van Sant, January 9, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

C. B. Buckman, Little Falls, to Board of Pardons, January 9, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

J. A. Nichols, businessman, Little Falls, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 9, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

L. M. Roberts, doctor, Little Falls, to Governor Van Sant, January 9, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

N. C. Stewart, city editor, Daily Transcript, Little Falls, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 9, 1902.

Supports pardon.

Petition, Railroad Transfer Company employees, Minneapolis, to Pardon Board, January 11, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

Petition, Police Department, Minneapolis, to Pardon Board, January 11, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

B. F. Nelson, businessman, Minneapolis, to Board of Pardons, January 11, 1902.

Supports pardon. Was a manager at the state prison.

F. H. Boardman, County Attorney, Hennepin County, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 11, 1902.

Supports pardon.

Petitions, Citizens of State of Minnesota, Minneapolis, to Pardon Board, January 14, 1902. 2 petitions.

Supports full pardon.

Petition, Northern Pacific Railroad employees located in Hennepin County, to Pardon Board, January 14, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

Petition, Citizens and ex-soldiers of Stillwater, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 14, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

H. P. Lovejoy, Postmaster, Minneapolis, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 15, 1902.

Supports pardon.

William Kennedy, Minneapolis, to Board of Pardon, January 16, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

Petition, Minneapolis Post Office employees, to Pardon Board, January 17, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

Stanley Washburn, businessman, Minneapolis, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 17, 1902.

Supports pardon.

“Justice” to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 21, 1902.

Against pardon.

J. M. Sullivan, businessman, Minneapolis, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 23, 1902.

Supports full pardon. Was in the posse that caught the Youngers.

George M. Bennett, Deadwood, South Dakota, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 23, 1902.

Supports full pardon.

Cyrus J. West, businessman, Duluth, to Board of Pardons, January 25, 1902.

Against pardon.

John C. Sweet, Minneapolis, State House of Representatives, to Governor Samuel R. Van Sant, January 27, 1902.

Supports pardon.

W. E. Rochford, doctor, Minneapolis, to Board of Pardons, January 31, 1902.

Supports pardon.

Portius C. Deming, Minneapolis, State House of Representatives, to Board of Pardons, February 1, 1902.

Supports pardon. Was sponsor of the 1901 parole bill.

Location

Box

Reserve 61

2

File 758, 1902-1903. 2 folders.

Access Restricted.

Digital version

Packet: Board of Pardons, State of Minnesota, In the Matter of the Application of Thomas Coleman Younger.

Mrs. Ruth [March?], Madison, Wisconsin, to Governor, February 9, 1902.

Thank you for pardoning the “James” boys. Very rambling letter full of religious allusions.

Helen Grubbs (age 15) and Lula Webster (age 13), Nashville, Tennessee, to Governor, September 9, 1902.

"Thank you for the pardon [i.e., parole], now please allow them to return to Missouri."

Application for the Pardon of Thomas Coleman Younger filed on the 10th day of December 1902. Signed by Cole Younger, December 9, 1902.

Asks for conditional or unconditional pardon on the grounds of poor health, true reformation, and demonstrated evidence of his desire and purpose to live an honest and self-supporting life; difficulty in earning a living in a harsh climate; readiness and willingness to submit to any limitations or restrictions imposed by the Pardon Board; and since the death of brother Jim Younger, the stronger need for home and family.

Conditional pardon, undated.

Pardon on the condition that he immediately leave Minnesota and never voluntarily come back and that he place on file with the Governor his written promise to never exhibit himself or allow himself to be exhibited where a charge is made for admission. Signed by members of the Pardon Board—Samuel R. Van Sant, Governor, Charles M. Start, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Wallace B. Douglas, Attorney General.

Cole Younger's acceptance of conditional pardon, February 7, 1903.

"I, T. C. Younger, do here by promise upon my honor that I will never exhibit myself, or allow myself to be exhibited, as an actor or participant, in an public performance, museum, circus, theatre, opera house, or any other place of public amusement or assembly where admission is charged."

Signed by Cole Younger and Governor Van Sant.

Henry Wolfer, Warden, to Charles J. Moos, Clerk Board of Pardons, St. Paul, January 3, 1903.

States Cole has maintained the conditions of his parole and is in poor health.

O. B. Gould, Board of Control of State Institutions, St. Paul, to Charles J. Moos, Clerk Board of Pardons, St. Paul, January 6, 1903.

States Cole has carried out the conditions of his parole.

F. A. Whittier, Superintendent, Minnesota State Training School for Boys and Girls, Red Wing, to Board of Pardons, January 26, 1903.

While a state agent for the prison, he observed that Cole was always an exemplary prisoner.

Cole Younger, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, to Honorable J. A. Johnson, Governor, January 8, 1905.

Concerns his 1903 written agreement about exhibitions. He has been a proprietor of a show but not a participant, contrary to what the governor may have heard. Is asking for the conditions of his pardon to be dropped since people misunderstand them and think he is still on parole and still a prisoner who can’t sign contracts, etc. A full pardon would make his life easier.

Thomas T. Crittenden, Kansas City, Missouri, to Governor Johnson and Board of Pardons, January 30, 1905.

Former governor of Missouri. Asked by Cole to write and urge the unconditional pardon. Is in full support of it.

H. C. Lowrance, lawyer, Kansas City, Missouri, to Governor J. A. Johnson, February 1, 1909.

Supports an unconditional pardon. Writing as a citizen, not a fee-charging attorney.

Location

+Reserve 19

Cole Younger pardon certificate, 1903. 1 item.

Access Restricted.

Digital version

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