I have tried to type these letters as they were written (spelling errors and all). In some cases, words were omitted from the original letter and I have inserted them in parenthesis to make the sentence complete. Centered before the body of each letter is the letterhead on which the letter was written.


Western Boot and Shoe Mfg. Co. Manufactures of Mens' Custom Made Goods - Chester, Ills. July 31st, 1890
To Whom it May Concern
Dear Sirs: George C. Schoolcraft, a convict, has worked in our shop during the entire time of our contract 13 1/2 years. His behavior, industry and general demeanor has been exellent - and we cheerfully recommend him as a worthy subject for pardon to the proper authorities. Western Boot Mft. Co., J. Stein Pres.


This letter is also on Western Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Co. stationary Menard,Ills July 25, 1890 To the Governor of the State of Illinois - Learning that George Schoolcraft is about to make application to your excellency for a pardon - I take this method of testifying to his good conduct and industry during the two years he has been under my charge in the finishing department of the Western Boot Mfg Co. works at Chester Prison - I hope that for the sake of humanity you will be pleased to grant him a pardon. Very respectfully - Supt. Western B & S. Mfg. Co. F. F. Fletcher, Forman Robt. E Wallace


From the Office of John C. Edwards, Attorney at Law and County Judge of Hamilton County McLeansboro, Ill, Dec. 19th, 1891 Mr. H. G. Reeves
Dear Sir:
I was exceedingly sorry to learn of the illness of Governor Fifer and hope for his speedy recovery. I herewith forward you the papers in regard to commutation of sentences of George C. and Marion Schoolcraft. 1. Petition 2. State's atty's letters 3. Statement of J. H. Schoolcraft 4. Certification of Publication. Judge C. C. Boggs was the trial judge and has promised me to place his statement upon file at an early day and soon as we can have a hearing I will be there to present the matter. With the kindest regards, Yours truly, John C. Edwards


McLeansboro, Ill May 25th, 1892
To Governor Joseph W. Fifer
We the undersigned, citizens of Hamilton County Illinois take pleasure in recommending the commutation of the sentences of George C. Schoolcraft and Marion Schoolcraft who were sentenced to the penitentiary for 25 years each for the murder of John Mann in 1886. If executive clemency is extended to their reducing the sentence of Marion to ten years and that of George to fourteen years it will meet our approval and we think it will be approved by the citizens of Hamilton County.
H. M Crouch, Shff Ham. Co.
W. R. Daniels Depty Co Clerk
J. W. Jones Atty at Law
John Hawthorn Co. Treas
D. I. Underwood
J. H. Upchurch Cir. Clerk
J. __________
James R. _______
_______________
G. W. Hogan
T. B. Steele
J. W. Mercer


This letter was on "The Leader" letterhead. McLeansboro, Ill., May 26, 1892 Hon. Joseph W. Fifer, Governor, Dear Sir: It has always been the impression of the people of this county, that the punishment awarded to George and Marion Schoolcraft, convicted of the murder of John Mann, was excessive and a great many have always believed them innocent of the crime. While on a visit to the Southern Ill Penetentiary at Chester some three years ago, James H. Schoolcraft, a brother of George and Marion, and who was convicted with them, told me that he, and he alone, was guilty of the murder of John Mann, and that neither of his brothers knew anything about the murder until after it was committed. I asked him why he had allowed his brothers to be convicted if they were not guilty, but am not sure of the exact nature of his reply. (No second page of this record was found.)


Office of T. B. Stelle, Attorney at Law, Loan Agent, Title Abstractor McLeansboro, Ill, May 26th, 1892
Hon. Jos. W. Fifer, Governor Springfield, Ills
Dear Sir: I was of counsel for the defendants in the case of the People vs. Hardaman Schoolcraft, George Schoolcraft, and Marion Schoolcraft tried of the February term 1886 Circuit court of this county on charge of murder. I necessarily was intimately acquainted with all the facts and circumstances and I then believed and insisted that defendants George Schoolcraft and Marion Schoolcraft were not and could not under the evidence be guilty of the charge and were convicted because indicted with the other brother. Subsequent developments have -?- this position on -?- and satisfactory that our people generally are now convinced of their innocence and unite without exception in asking your excellency to commute the sentences. Prior to this charge both were unblemished characters and were highly respected. I hope you can see your way clear to commute their sentences. Signature illegible.


Bevis House B. F. Bevis, Prop. Centrally located God Sample Rooms for Commercial Men McLeansboro, Ills. May 26, 1892
Hon. Joseph W. Fifer, Governor of the State of Ills. I am informed that there is pending before your honor an application for the commutation of the sentence of George C. and Marion Schoolcraft. I think it would be right for your honor to commute the sentence of George Schoolcraft to 14 years and that of Marion Schoolcraft to ten years and if your Honor will do this it will meet my approval and the approval of the best citizens of Hamilton County Your Honor will please grant the boys this clemency and you will place me and all of your special friends who know about the case under -?- obligations to you in near future I am your friend and one of your harty supporters in the coming campaign. Yours truly, B. F. Bevis


S. W. Longworth
The Preventive Grocer McLeansboro, Ill. May 26, 1892
Dear Sir
I am informed that Geo. C. and Marion Schoolcraft have pending before you an application for commutation of their sentences - they were convicted for the murder of John Mann in the year 1886 - The facts as I have reason to believe are as follows -
Three brothers were tried together and all convicted and sent to penitentury for twenty-five years each. James H. Schoolcraft committed the crime (as he afterwards confessed) - as I now believe - G.C. and Marion Schoolcraft were punished for the crime Jas. H. Schoolcraft. If you can commute the sentence of Geo C. Schoolcraft to fourteen years and Marion Schoolcraft to ten years - it will meet my own (and I am satisfied) the approval of most of the citizens of this county.
Very Respectfully S. H. Longworth


Office of T. M. Eckley Attorney at Law McLeansboro, Ill, May 26, 1892
Gov. Joseph W. Fifer, Springfield, Ill,
Dear Sir, I understand that the application of Marion Schoolcraft now at Chester under a twenty-five year sentence for murder will be presented to you tomorrow for commutation of sentence. At the time of his conviction, I thought the sentence was more severe that the evidence justified, and subsequent developments have confirmed me in that opinion. If you should see fit to commute his sentence to ten years, I think the clemency on your part would be an act of justice which would meet with the general approval of your citizens. I am, Governor, Very Respectfully, T. M. Eckley


J. H. Miller, Dealer in Hardware, Implements, Hay, Grain, Field Seeds, Etc. McLeansboro, Ill, May 26, 1892
Gov. Joseph W. Fifer, Springfield, Ill,
Dear Sir: I write you in regard to the commutation of sentence of Geo C. and Marion Schoolcraft. They were convicted of the murder of John Mann in the Spring of 1886 and sentenced to 25 years each. I was personally acquainted with Georce C. - Marion was a boy only 18 years of age and I was not intimately acquainted with him - and know him as a man who stood fair in our county prior to the assassination of John Mann. The above two brothers were punished for the offense of their brother Hardiman. A commutation of the sentence of Geo C. to 14 years and that of Marion to 10 years would meet the approval of our people. The granting of this favor will be regarded as a personal favor to myself and I can assure you it will be so received by the citizens of this county. Very Respectifully - J. H. Miller


Office of Wilson & McNabb McLeansboro, Ill May 26th, 1892
To His Excellency Joseph W. Fifer, Gov of Ill
Dear Sir: I write you in behalf of George C. and Marion Schoolcraft, convicts from Hamilton County to the Chester Prison. These men were sentenced by the Circuit Court of our County at the Feb term 1886 for a term of 25 years charged with the murder of John Mann. They were indicted, tried and convicted, together with Hardiman Schoolcraft. Each of these convicts proved clearly an alibi; were convicted no doubt by the jury on the belief that they were accessories before the crime. In behalf of George C. I would say that prior to that charge he had always been regarded by all who knew him to be high minded and honorable gentleman. In behalf of Marion, I would say that he at the time was young I think not more than 18 years of age and had been left to grow up without any culture whatever; and naturally, was endowed with merely enough mother not to take care of himself.

I will further say, that I was connected with the defense and that nothing in any of our private consultations, developed by inference or otherwise that either of the men was directly or indirectly, connected with the killing. I hartily recommend that you pardon them.

Hoping you may be lenient toward these men, I am respectfully yours fr: A. M. Wilson


Walpole, Illis May 5, 1893
Gov. Altgeld Springfield, Ills
Dear Sir I wand say to you in behalf of G. C. Schoolcraft that I have none him since he was a boy strate man in his deling with me and had a fair repitation as a man hear and I think you wand note be cheating justis to parden him. I think the Lawers got all he had and his famlie neads his help bad now Truly yours William H. Daivs


Edwards & Wright, Attorneys at Law McLeansboro, Ill May 23th, 1893
John P. Altgelt, Governor of Illinois
Dear Governor, I presented to Governor Fifer a petition for the pardon of George C. and Marion Schoolcraft. The Governor granted the petition as to Marion and declined to interfere with the sentence of George C. The commutation of the sentence of George was recommended by the trial judge, Judge C. C. Boggs, and numerous other persons. These brothers were convicted upon circumstantial evidence and George and Marion as accessories before the fact. Since the trial, a brother James H. has confessed his guilt. And there is not now nor hgas there been any doubt of his guilt. It is equally certain that George C. was not within two miles of the scene of the assiasination. I was the chief counsel for the State in the prosecution of punishment as fixed by the jury was excessive in and the punishment of George C. should be lessened. Respectfully, John C. Edwards


Southern Illinois Penitentiary Chester, Illinois May 29, 1893
To the Honorable John P. Altgeld Gov. of Illinois
...that I have known George C. Schoolcraft who is now incarcerated in the State Prison at Chester, Ill for a ... of ... for several years. before the death of John Mann and knew him to be a ... hard working man never ... in trouble of any kinde before. I also went with the Sheriff to arrest Mr. Schoolcraft - he showed no resistance whatever. I heard most all the evidence in this case I don't think from the evidence I heard that Mr Schoolcraft could have bin less than 3 miles from where John Mann was killed at the time the killing was done whatever favors you may show Mr Schoolcraft I assure you it will be appreciated by myself as well as all of Mr Schoolcrafts friends in Hamilton County. Respt yours, T. P. Woodruff


Samuel E. Flannigan Attorney at Law and Notary Public McLeansboro, Illinois, June 9th, 1893
Hon. John P. Altgeld, Governor of Ill
Dear Sir: I have known George C. Schoolcraft, now confined in the pententiary at Chester, Ill., for the murder of John Mann of this county, many years before his conviction, he having resided in Twigg Township and an officer of that township at the time of his conviction. Mr. Schoolcraft has always had a good reputation until having been confined in the pen a long time and there being great doubt of his guilt I personally hope he receives an unconditional pardon. Very Respectfully - John S. Flannigan, M.D. - Walpole, Ill.


R. C. Flannigan & Son - Dry Goods, Notions, Ready-Made Clothing Walpole, Ill, June 3, 1893
To the honorable Governor of the grate State of Illinois
Dear Sir - With regard to Gorge Schoolcraft now in the penetenary at Chester Ill would say I believe him inisent of the charge he is convicted for I do believe his brother commited the murder and ought to be punished. Gorge was a constable in this township at the time the killing was dun and he discharged his duty with satisfaction to the people and with credit to himself and I do believe the god of heaven would bless you in granting him a parden and let him come home to his allmost penlious family. He has sirved a long time and his wife and children needs him O so bad now may god soften your noble hart to grant a parden and bless you in evry duty that is enjoined upon you as the head of this grate state is my praier in the (name) of Jesus Christ Amen. Respt Richard C. Flannigan


reason 1st
Walpole Illinois June 3, 1893
To the Honorable Governer of the State of Ill
To your Excelency greeting - Springfield, Ill
Being requested write you in behalf of Geo Schoolcraft being solely uninterested and after being requested I deem it a duty to lend a helping hand to suffering humanity at any and all times having known Mr. Schoolcraft for several years before the killing of John Mann and was in attendance at Court while he was being tried for the murder of John Mann and listened attentively at the evidence and there was not one bit of evidence that showed he Geo Schoolcraft was at the killing of John Mann.
Reason 2nd
After examineing the evidence closely I do not ththink from the evidence there could have been any conspirasy between George and his brother relative to the killing of John Mann.
Reason 3rd
He, Geor. Schoolcraft was a public officer for several years before the killing of John Mann and discharged his duty honerably and in decency would further say he has a loveing companion and three children and are verry poor and kneed the assistance of a father and companion. I would pray your honor if it is not asking to mutch to permit Mr. Schoolcraft to return home to his loveing family. Wm. Roberts


Walpole, Ill June 24, 1893 Mr. John Oltgale, Gov, Springfield, Ill
To Your Excelency
It seems to me that Geo C. Schoolcraft has been held in prison long enough there being no evidence against him. The killing was done a few days before the sitting of court people being greatly excited over a killing of that kind of man found murdered in the road and Hardiman Schoolcraft having had a difficulty with the murdered man the day before and being a younger brother and living with George the people cried out it was the Schoolcraft Bro. George C. not knowing the excitement amoungst the people claiming his innocency demanded an immediate trile and under the excitement was convicted and his brother Hardiman made confession in prison that he Hardiman done the killing and his brothers knew nothing of it his tale being strait and the gun being found as he Hardiman directed George undoubtedly is innocent as to his life before he had been an honerable citizen being a man of humble circumstances had been elected cunstable a number of times giveing entire satisfaction as far as I know I have known him from boyhood if you can consistantly send him home to his family it will confer a blessing on them and meet the ends of justice. Yours truly W. R. Flannigan I am not related in no way.


State of Illinois Appellate Court Third District Fairfield March 10, 1894
To His Excellency The Governor,
I presided at the trial of George, Marion and James H. Schoolcraft, 3 brothers, at the February Term 1886 of the Hamilton County Court upon a charge of murder. They were convicted and sentenced each to twenty-five years imprisonment in the pententiary. They were guilty James H. as principal and the other brothers as accessories. I thought at the time and so expressed myself when overruling the motion for a new trial that all were not guilty in the same degree. The sentance as to James H. was proper and ought not in any ???? be ????? with. About two years ago, quite a large petition asking for the pardon of George and Marion was presented to me and I joined in its prayer as to Marion but declined to do so as to George. Marion was then pardoned. I felt then that George ought to have his time shortened, but that a distinction ought to be made between the two. I have just held a ???? of Court in this County and have consulted with some of the officials of this County and have concluded that I ought now to join in the appealation for executive clemency as to George.
I write for this purpose therefore of saying that it is my opinion that George has sufficently atoned for his participation in the offense for which he was convicted and of asking that the prayer of this petition for pardon in that respect be granted. With the greatest respect - Carroll C. Boggs


Office of Circuit Clerk and Recorder - Hamilton County McLeansboro, Ill March 13, 1894
To His Excelency Gov. John P. Holtgold Springfield, Ill
In the matter of people vs. G. C. Schoolcraft, now in Chester Prison charged with the murder of John Mann in 1885 - will say that I have known George from boyhood and believe justice would be met to have his sentence commuted to a 14 year term. He was an officer and hard working honest man at the time and I can hardly believe he should have ever been convicted as he was to honest brave and nice to concoct such a crime (several words are illegible). It will satisfy the great majority of our citizens to have him released. I trust you will have mercy on him. (Signature illegible)


Springfield, Ill March 27, 1894
To the Governor,
I presided as Judge of the Circuit Court of Hamilton County at the trial of the case of the People v. George - Jas. H & Marion Schoolcraft, charged with the nurder of John Mann. The defendants - three brothers - were convicted and sentenced to be confined in the Penitentiary for 25 years each. This was in March 1886 - the case against George & Marion was that they were accessories before the fact. Marion was pardoned some two years ago - An application for executive clemency in behalf of George is now pending as I am advised.
When in Hamilton County in September last holding a term of Circuit Court I was solicited by a number of refutable and prominent citizens to join in the application in behalf of George and as I remember it I (-?-) a letter to you then in (-?-) behalf. I am just in receipt of the enclosed letter from Hon. John C. Edwards, now 2nd Auditor of the U.S. Treasury Department together with a letter to me asking me to join with him in asking clemency for George.
Judge Edwards prosecuted the Schoolcrafts and is a most worthy and excellent gentleman. The crime was committed by James H. who all concede ought to suffer the full measure of the sentence by Judge Edwards and others who were amazed with the prosecution feel that George has been sufficiently punished and in this I concur. Executive clemency in his behalf would be worthily bestowed and as can best ascertain will meet the approval of the citizens of this County, where the crime was committed. With every good wish, Respectfuly yours, Carroll C. Boggs, Judge 2nd Judicial Court


D. Walker, Attorney at Law December 14, 189_
To his Excellency Joseph M. Fifer, Springfield, ILL
In regard to Marion Schoolcraft, I requested at the time of the trial that the jury would give him a shorter term. He was not present at the time of the killing and only gave what was supposed to be a signal at the bridge... the ... Mann ... as he was killed. He was the youngest of the brothers and I believe if his sentence was reduced to ... years the punishment would probably be ample and as I was State's Attorney of Hamilton County at the time of the trial and conviction would recommend that his sentence be cummuted to ten years in account of his youth at the time and the ... fact that he did not participate in the killing. Resp. L. Walker


(No Date)To the Governor: As one of the Judges of the Second Judicial Circuit I presided at the February Term 1886 of the Circuit Court of Hamilton County, Illinois, at which term George - James H and Marion Schoolcraft were tried and convicted of a charge of the murder of John Mann.
The evidence against them was wholly circumstantial but sufficient to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Mann was killed by James H. Schoolcraft. George and Marion were shown to my satisfaction to have had a guilty knowledge of the intention of James H to commit the crime and while there was evidence tending to show that they were advising and encouraging the commission of the crime. Marion was then about 18 years of age and largely under the control of the other defendants who were his older brothers. His connection with the affair was but sleight and I feel that he has been already sufficiently punished and join in recommending his pardon.
James H. has confessed and made a written statement which I understand is on file in your office. Judge Edwards has shown to me the letters and the petition asking for the commutation of the sentences of George to fourteen years. I know the _____ of such letters and those signing the petition and know them to be highly respected and worthy citizens of Hamilton County and join with them in saying that a commutation of the sentence of George to fourteen years would meet the ends of justice. Respectfully Carrol C. Boggs, Judge, 2nd Judicial Circuit of Illinois