seriesNo,seriesEntityName,seriesTitle,seriesDateRange,seriesArrangement,seriesDescription,seriesTotRetentDesc,seriesPrimaryClassCode,seriesExtentDesc 6645,Governor Spry,Joseph Hillstrom petitions,1914-1916.,Alphabetical by state.,"As chief executive officer of the state\, Governor Spry had 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. Petitions were sent to Governor Spry's office protesting the planned execution and/or conviction of Hill for the gunshot murders of grocer J.S._Morrison and his son Arling. Although the petitions defending Hill varied somewhat\, the following views were typical:__he was innocent; he had an unfair trial; he had jurors who were selected unfairly; he received inadequate counsel; he lacked a motive for the crime; and he was,convicted on circumstantial evidence.",,Public,1.35 cubic feet 2 microfilm reels