On This Date in Minnesota History: May 29

May 29, 1920 – St. Paul Police Chief John J. O’Conner retired from the police force on this date. O’Connor is best remembered for the O’Connor Layover Agreement, which was in use in St. Paul for approximately 35 years.

“The agreement allowed criminals safe travels within the city limits of St. Paul as long as they followed three very simple rules; they checked in with the police upon arrival, committed no serious criminal activity within the borders of the city, and paid all of the necessary bribes. As long as these three things happened city officials turned a blind eye to their misdeeds. The police force even went as far as protecting returning criminals that committed crimes outside of St. Paul - even from federal agents, who lacked the jurisdiction to try these kinds of cases until the mid-1930s.”¹

http://www.mnopedia.org/thing/oconnor-layover-agreement¹

St. Paul Police Chief John O’Connor¹

               __________________________________________________________

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 MHS records.  Both short searches and family history reports.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com ®  click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com