Reward files, 1847-1849.

ArchivalResource

Alabama. Governor (1847-1849 : Chapman). Reward files, 1847-1849.

Reward files, 1847-1849.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/77804723

The governor is the chief executive of the state whose function is to administer the laws of the state. One of the activities used to accomplish this function is the rewarding of monetary prizes for the apprehension of persons charged with any capital offense who have escaped from prison, custody, or who have fled the state. This series consists of petitions, letters, and legal documents concerning rewards offered by the Governor of Alabama for the apprehension of criminals. The correspondence is addressed to the governor by law officers or citizens asking that a reward be offered for a particular individual. Most letters contain details of the crime and a description of the criminal. Murder was the crime committed by the majority of the fugitives although there was one assault with intent to murder case and one rape/incest case. The most prominent request is for the capture of Batson Burns of Coosa County who was wanted for the stabbing death of William Jacks in 1849 Jan. Other fugitives include: Nathan Vowell, wanted for the rape of his daughter, Mary Jane in 1847 Jan. in Tallapoosa County; Arthur Vaughn of Talladega County, wanted for poisoning his wife, Mary, in 1848 July; and Legrand Gary Hanks, wanted for the 1848 Dec. murder of John A. Moore in Wilcox County.

Originals 0.5 cubic ft., (1 folder).Copies 1 microfilm reel.

Alabama Department of Archives and History