Fisherman’s Wharf, Rockport, Massachusetts
May 6, 1972
Photograph from the private collection of Deborah Sweeney.
© Deborah Sweeney, 2014.
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/16/wordless-wednesday-fishermans-wharf/
Schwartz to Prison.
William B. Schwartz, the Indianapolis attorney, who was indicted on a charge of coining and passing counterfeit dollars, entered a plea of guilty, and was given a $10 fine and costs, and five years in the United States prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kas., at hard labor. Schwartz pleased his own case, and gave the judge a written appeal for clemency. Judge Anderson was not inclined to show mercy. After Schwartz stated that he had been an attorney for 18 years, the judge replied: “After 19 years as a lawyer you deliberately turned and violated the laws of the country.” He then fixed the sentence.
“Schwartz to Prison,” Indianapolis Sun (Indianapolis, Indiana), 27 November 1906, p. 1, col. 5; digital image, Newspaper Archive (http://www.newspaperarchive.com : accessed 7 April 2014).
Letter transcription:
MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-14-43
Dear Daddy – It is sunny today but cold, after our snows of yesterday. I went to town yesterday and sent the things you asked for. A week’s letters are missing – I thought they might come today but haven’t seen Carl yet – Maybe he has passed us by. The last I had was Mar 31 & Apr 1. You had added a P.S. to your 31st letter or I wouldn’t have known you wanted anything. Anna Rhude wrapped the package for me, so you thank her too (mentally). D. is waking up after a short nap and is working on his thumb. It hasn’t been nice enough to take him out this week but maybe I can take him out today – Had to stop & give D. his morning routine – and since I started this we have had two snow storms and the sun is shining again – – Ralph Bower told me he is trying to enlist in the navy – he had an exam and was 2 lbs underweight – but he is going to try & gain and take another exam. Hickey wrote them that he wasn’t with you but if he would need medical attention would see you. Did you ever write to him? If you have had any recent news from Joe R. let me know. I enclosed a picture of all of us in the package I sent yesterday. It was such a good one of John and gives you an idea how much he has grown this winter. It was taken when D. was 5 mo. old – I had two taken at the same time but the other wasn’t as good of J. Mark was watching D. and didn’t take good in either. I wanted to work in the yard this week but the weather hasn’t been agreeable so far. I just get used to working outside then I have to stay in and break in all over again. I won’t work too hard.
Love – Mother
Probably not the picture Gladys was talking about, but it was taken when David was 5 months old.
© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/15/sunny-but-cold-gladys/
“The men are well treated,” he said. “Their food is good. It is utterly false that Edward Franklin, the night turnkey, has been intoxicated. I know he has not touched a drop in ten years. As to the complaint about the filth, they are expected to clean their own quarters. I announced to them in criminal court, where some of them were arraigned, that none would get a bite to eat until the cells were thoroughly cleaned.
“Yes, Judge Alford asked me about the complaint, and I showed him the evidences of the plot to escape. They made the complaint in order to escape punishment.”
Inspection of Ward.
County Commissioner McGregor and a representative of The Sun visited the jail Thursday, inspected the United States ward, and talked to the prisoners, who were house-cleaning very industriously, by applying streams of water from the hose to the cell floors. They said they were required to mop the floors every morning, but complained that there was a thorough cleaning ordered only once in about three weeks.
“Everything in that letter was true,” said Attorney William B. Schwartz, the counterfeiter, looking through the bars “Our bed-clothing is full of vermin, which is the worst things we have to bear.”
Prisoners Were Beaten
“Is it true that Jack Blake and L. Knauss were seriously beaten because they did not wish to sign the letter” he was asked.
“They were not hurt,” Schwartz replied, smiling, but he admitted they had been punished by the “Kangaroo court.”
Knauss cried when asked about his experience. “The ‘Kangaroo court’ said that I could not have a cot unless I paid for it,” he said, “and after the first night I had to sleep on the floor. They beat me up when I refused to sign the letter of complaint. I was whipped with a strap. Boys, it wasn’t right.”
Court Must Be Stopped.
Sheriff Sourbler is taking strenuous measures to break up the sessions of the court. John Smith and a prisoner named Greeley, two officers of the court, have been confined with the negro prisoners as a punishment, but the men in the dungeon are thought to have been the ringleaders.
Commissioner McGregor suggested to the sheriff that a garbage can be provided for the prisoners and that the cells be washed out oftener. Otherwise, he thought the prisoners had no right to complain, and will so report to Judge Alford.
“Jail Plot Exposed,” Indianapolis Sun (Indianapolis, Indiana), 20 September 1906, p. 8, col. 3-4; digital image, Newspaper Archive (http://www.newspaperarchive.com : accessed 7 April 2014).
[Editor’s note: This is the first and probably only letter in the entire collection written by Roscoe that will actually be published on the date it was written, exactly 71 years ago today.]
Letter transcription:
4/14/43
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 224
% F. P. M. San Fran.
Dear Mother,
Again just finished the morning chores and sweating like a trouper but that isn’t unusual. There are rumors of mail coming in but I’ll keep my fingers crossed until it does but sure would appreciate some.
We got some news a few days ago that packages would only be sent at the request of the person wanting them and then only if the commanding officer signs the request so I’m wondering if your packages really will come
[page 2] thru. Newspapers can be sent only from the publisher himself. Really the papers haven’t been much help because your letters have the news before the paper arrives. You can still have it sent if you wish but I’m not particular. Anyway I’m not writing Bart anymore letters because I don’t like his reprints.
Well I still haven’t finished my story reading yet so must get busy.
Love Daddy
Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)
© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/14/fingers-crossed-roscoe/
Meals for Sunday.
“At this meal the sirup is not diluted. The dinner meal is served at 2 o’clock in the afternoon and is the same as any other day, with the addition of boiled potatoes. No supper is served Sundays. The condition of the table and cutlery used by the prisoners, so far as filth is concerned, is in keeping with the other surroundings. Apparently no attempt is made to removed the corrosive and rusty substance from the cutlery, which time and inattention allow to accumulate.
Men Lost Their Breakfast.
“The occasion of this complaint is the outcome of a long series of the abuses embodied in this letter, and brought to a climax by the further unbearable treatment of the night turnkey in depriving all men in the United States ward of their breakfast, without the slightest provocation, and after he had repeatedly, and without cause, threatened to make life unbearable for all men in this ward. There are men here who are actually starving, unreasonable as it may seem, and unless something is done for the relief of these men the outcome will be serious, in some cases where the men are fit subjects for the hospital.
Ready to Make Affidavits.
“We, therefore, beseech your honor to cause such investigation as you may deem necessary and proper to verify the truth of these statements and to effect a long needed reform.
“Respectfully submitted by the prisoners of the United States ward who stand ready to make affidavit to these and more serious abuses.”
After reading this letter in commissioners court, Thursday, Sheriff Sourbler declared it to be a tissue of lies from beginning to end.
“Jail Plot Exposed,” Indianapolis Sun (Indianapolis, Indiana), 20 September 1906, p. 8, col. 3; digital image, Newspaper Archive (http://www.newspaperarchive.com : accessed 7 April 2014).
[Editor’s note: This is the first and probably only letter in the entire collection written by Gladys that will actually be published on the date it was written, exactly 71 years ago today.]
Letter transcription:
MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-13-43
Dear Daddy – This is one of those spring day when we have variety – It has snowed several times today but melts as it hits the ground – the sun shines then snow again. I was going to take D. out but it isn’t warm enough – the wind is very chilly. I have given him his afternoon meal vegetables, apple sauce and milk. He is now playing in his bed. He waves his left hand – not at any one in particular but just waves. He shakes his head as if saying “no” and J. & M. think that’s pretty cute. I got your letters of Mar 31 & Apr 1 and you had a P.S. on the 31st letter about some seed. I’ll go to town after school and get what you asked for and send them today (lettuce, radish & carrot). There are a week’s letters somewhere en route (Mar 24 to 30) but they will probably come this week. These today came in 11 days, so maybe they are still coming via air – in fact I suppose they would have to. About the taxes, I gave you the figures several times before but again they figured 159 – and there is a new State ruling on Gross so we don’t have to pay that now. I talked to Agnes and she is going to get all the information on it and let me know but she said for me not to file gross. The blank come but I’ll just keep it. I’ll keep buying bonds so we can pay all those if they have to be paid. I’ll include a folder on the new tax with the seed. I haven’t taken pictures of D. since his sixth month but will get film (if I can) and take some more around his seventh – I have put him in his buggy by the desk and he is about to beat something out of his toy. Hope you have my letters telling you J. & D. didn’t have measles.
Love – Mother
Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943
© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/13/he-is-about-to-beat-something-out-of-his-toy-gladys/
Accused a Negro Jailer.
“There are men confined here who have enjoyed every social and home environment which tends to elevate, and who know and can fully appreciate the rank injustice and demoralizing abuse heaped upon them in a most deplorable way. The writer has reference to the conduct of a deputy sheriff, a negro, whose delight seems to be the application of language which can not be even hinted at here, so vile and foul it is. This is not an exaggeration, but a true recital of facts made in a very conservative way. Men are called names which, anywhere else, would be resented in a very forcible way. When men such as are here have to listen to the blasphemous abuse of a negro which reflects upon the honor and virtue of their mothers, it seems it is high time to call the attention of those who strive for the honest administration of law to correct and prohibit such abuses.
Called It Public Disgrace.
“These are but a few of the true facts, and an investigation would show a state of affairs, a disgrace to any civilized community, and more especially so in a city like Indianapolis, noted for its educational and religious influences.
“It is a notorious fact that the night turnkey, on several occasions, has been so disgracefully under the influence of liquor that he fell prostrate on the floor in the effect to discharge his duties. This occurred once to our knowledge. This man’s language in addressing the prisoners is one continual string of profanity and abuse, and his delight seems to be just how much suffering he can cause the men in every possible way.
Appeals Were Not Heeded.
“We have previous to this appealed to the sheriff with no noticeable change for the better. Refusal has been made of a common garbage can, in which to deposit the natural accumulations of dirt, which, in a place like this, borders on filth. A visit to this ward a 9 o’clock at night will show a condition of affairs worse than has been described.
“The bill of fare of the jail will, no doubt, be interesting to the taxpayers of Marion county, who pay 40 centers per day for the keeping of each inmate. Six mornings a week, sirup, diluted with water; three slices of small loaves of bakers’ bread, with a small cup of coffee, which is invariably cold, compose the breakfast meal. For dinner, either hominy or beans, with meat in a small quantity, and three slices of bread, and water compose the meal. Supper consists of either soup, which, in most cases, is not touched, or diluted sirup and bread with coffee. On Sunday the men eat their breakfast at 8 o’clock.
“Jail Plot Exposed,” Indianapolis Sun (Indianapolis, Indiana), 20 September 1906, p. 8, col. 3; digital image, Newspaper Archive (http://www.newspaperarchive.com : accessed 7 April 2014).
Letter transcription:
Apr. 13, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 224
% F. P. M.
San Fran. Calif.
Dear Mother,
Nothing much to write and so on and so on, but must keep up the daily schedule and as I said yesterday I know our my mail to you will be “bunchy” and I’m afraid you will worry. And this letter won’t be there to tell you not to worry but it will save you that in the future. What I mean is this. The mail won’t be regular but don’t worry it just doesn’t get going. That is I think that is the case.
I’m still very much in the midst of censoring and many of the boys are sending home money
[page 2] orders but for the present I’ll just let mine pile up on the books unless you need it. Of course by the time you get this and back again to me you could be starving but sending money out of here I think is a little to [too] uncertain.
I’m washing again today trying to get the rust stain out of my clothes – used bleach and everything but it’s so hot I can’t get much worked up.
I guess I’m a little late but hope you have a pleasant Easter
Love Daddy
Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)
©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/12/you-could-be-starving-roscoe/
JAIL PLOT EXPOSED
(Continued from Page One.)
“Honorable Sir: We, the undersigned beg to submit for your consideration, the following grievances of mistreatment as prisoners confined in the United States war of the Marion county jail, to-wit: First, we wish to call your attention to the fact that the prisoners are refused the proper means of maintaining personal bodily cleanliness, owing to the nonprovision of soap, towels and hot water.
Complained of Vermin.
“Many are compelled to sleep on the bare, damp concrete floor without bedding of any description. Those of the prisoners who are provided with bedding are without one exception reeking with vermin. The blankets furnished are not only filled with vermin, but are positively filthy. The men must use these to protect themselves from the cold, from which they suffer not a little because of lack of sufficient covering. The officials as a whole are indifferent to the requests of the prisoners for the chemicals furnished with which to spray their bedding themselves. The bedbugs, together with the vermin make sleep next to impossible.
Demanded Medical Aid.
“One of the most inhuman acts of injustice which the prisoners are forced to bear and suffer is being compelled to use the bedding of men afflicted with unmentionable diseases, which one is liable to contract at any time. These same men and others suffering from various complaints brought on by lack of food and long confinement have had to wait for days before medical aid could be obtained. This applies not only to the county prisoners, but to the United States prisoners as well. Men who have money to purchase articles of food necessary to regain and maintain their health are refused the same when there is a man who is kept purposely to purchase such articles as the prisoners may be able to pay for, and as the statues provide for under section 6, 118 R. S. of 1881, which is still in force. Even food brought here by wives, mothers and friends has been refused the prisoners for which it was intended.
“Jail Plot Exposed,” Indianapolis Sun (Indianapolis, Indiana), 20 September 1906, p. 8, col. 3; digital image, Newspaper Archive (http://www.newspaperarchive.com : accessed 7 April 2014).
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