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Gilbert Henry Stephenson. Application No. 5151. Letter from T. W. Hugo to Board of Pardons, March 11, 1921.
Type of event: Incarcerations
Location: Minnesota; United States
Addressee: Board of Pardons
Addressor: T. W. Hugo
Document date:
Document type: Correspondence
Citation:
Minnesota. Board of Pardons.
Gilbert Henry Stephenson: Application No. 5151.
Pardon Application. File no. 5151, 1921
Correspondence
Letter from T. W. Hugo to Board of Pardons, March 11, 1921.
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CITY OF DULUTH
_____
MAYOR’S OFFICE
T. W. HUGO, MAYOR
COMMISSIONER
OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
March Eleventh,
1 9 2 1 .
To the Pardon Board,
Stillwater,
Minnesota.
Gentlemen:
On the fifteenth of June, 1920 a mob law
got the better of the civil and as a consequence people became excited and did
things which they would not have otherwise thought of, the whole resulting in
the unfortunate hanging of some negroes and general destruction of property by
and through which the city of Duluth received a great deal of unpleasant
notoriety and a sensational trial which sentenced among others, Mr. Gilbert H.
Stephenson to Stillwater for rioting and as one of the participators in the
riot.
Since that time certain evidence has been brought to my attention
particularly that of a policeman who knew Mr. Stephenson very well and who is
positive that he is not the man who was indentified (sic) as a participant in
the riot.
Mr. Stephenson has lived in Duluth for eight years was a truck
driver for Mr. Sloan (?) and as far as known has been an orderly and reputable
citizen, has not been under police surveillance at any time and has committed no
offense for which police had reason to take cognizance. Many reputable citizens
have spoken to me in reference to this matter amongst them being Mr. Ed.
Swenson, formerly city alderman and one who has lived in Duluth all his live
time, who knows Mr. Stephenson and his relatives intimately and a man in whom I
place implicit confidence in any thing which he might say, give Mr. Gilbert H.
Stephenson very splendid record and I am inclined to believe what he
says.
Being informed that other evidence can be presented than that
submitted at trial, I respectively request that you give this matter your
attention if the facts are satisfactory, and give the person the benefit of a
re-hearing or whatever is the usual method of procedure.
Thanking you
for the courtesy of your patient hearing, I remain
Yours
respectfully,
TWH:AJ T. W. Hugo