AGENCY: Governor (2021- : Cox)

SERIES: 2941
TITLE: Joseph Hillstrom correspondence
DATES: 1914-1916.
ARRANGEMENT: Alphabetical by surname, thereunder chronological by date.

DESCRIPTION: As chief executive officer of the state, the governor has the authority to commute the sentences of those convicted of crimes. The conviction and execution of Joseph Hillstrom (Joe Hill) became one of the most controversial criminal cases in Utah history; it generated national and international interest. Correspondence is in the form of letters, postcards, and telegrams.

Letters were sent to Governor Spry's office protesting the execution and/or conviction of Hill for the gunshot murders of J.S._Morrison and his son Arling. Opposition was usually based on claims of Hill's innocence, an unfair trial, unfairly selected jurors, lack of motive, and circumstantial evidence. It was felt he was railroaded for his involvement with the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.) and the labor movement.

Letters were also sent commending Spry for his actions; Spry was praised for making a courageous stand for justice and law and order.

Appeals to postpone Hill's death sentence by President Woodrow Wilson and others are also included. After the case was eventually heard by the Supreme Court, Hill was executed by a firing squad on November_19, 1915.

RETENTION

DISPOSITION

RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION

These records are in Archives' permanent custody.

FORMAT MANAGEMENT

Paper: Retain in State Archives permanently after microfilming.

Microfilm master: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.

Microfilm duplicate: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.

APPRAISAL

Historical

This correspondence documents one of the the most controversial criminal cases in Utah history.

PRIMARY DESIGNATION

Public

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