Thursday, September 18, 2014

On This Date in Minnesota History: September 18




September 18, 1918 – One of six aliens with first citizenship papers reported by Duluth draft boards as renouncing his citizenship rather than be inducted into the U.S. army, Olli Kinkkonen was taken from his lodgings this evening by men purportedly from the draft board. Instead of going to the draft board’s office, Kinkkonen was driven to Congdon Park, where he was tarred and feathered by members of a group called the Knights of Liberty. As of midnight, Kinkkonen had not returned to his home, whereupon his landlord called Duluth police headquarters to report his disappearance.

The Knights of Liberty also called upon the other five declarants who had renounced their citizenship for similar reasons, but none were found.

The Duluth News Tribune; “Tar Coat Given Alien; Renounced U.S. Rights. Landlord complains to Police of Olli Kinkkonen’s Involuntary Trip with Knights of Liberty”; September 19, 1918; p. 1.


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