Tuesday, October 30, 2018

On This Date in Minnesota History: October 30


October 30, 1914 – Today Fred Johnson chose imprisonment at Stillwater with his pals in preference to freedom without them.

Johnson, with Thomas Burns and Oscar Wallace, was indicted for robbery in the first degree. It was alleged that they had stolen a watch and money from George Baxter on Oct. 17.

Johnson was placed on trial first. He was found guilty of robbery in the second degree, but Judge Hale announced he would grant a retrial on the request on account of the misconduct at the trial of Johnson’s attorney.

Burns and Wallace were found guilty today. Johnson had testified in their behalf and he was in the Minneapolis courtroom when they were sentenced to the penitentiary.

As they were led from the courtroom by a deputy sheriff one of them turned and held out his hands. “Goodbye, Fred,” he said. Johnson started to extend his hand, then suddenly withdrew it. “I can’t see you guys go up alone,” he stammered in a husky voice.

Then to the court he said: “Your Honor, I don’t want another trial. I would rather go with the boys.”

Accordingly Judge Hale imposed a prison sentence.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Highwayman Chooses Prison With Pals Rather than New Trial”; Oct. 31, 1914; p. 14.



Mpls. City Hall and Courthouse

A view of the City Hall and Courthouse from the northwest. As seen in the photograph, the magnificent structure dwarfed surrounding buildings, such as the row houses to the west and across the block. It remained the tallest building in Minneapolis until the construction of the Foshay Tower in the 1920s.

http://www.municipalbuildingcommission.org/Historic_Photos.html?gallery=b04c89e5-2667-4c98-b030-dee56f4f8ee7&image=CHCC06_4.jpg


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If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                       


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