Pardons, paroles, and clemency files, 1821-1825.

ArchivalResource

Alabama. Governor (1821-1825 : Pickens). Pardons, paroles, and clemency files, 1821-1825.

Pardons, paroles, and clemency files, 1821-1825.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/84029439

The Constitution of 1819 gave the Governor of Ala. the power to grant reprieves and pardons in all criminal and penal cases, except those of treason and impeachment, and to remit fines and forfeitures. This series consists of correspondence, petitions, legal documents, etc., relating to pardons from crimes, parole from sentences and remission of fines imposed. Most items give details of the crime, and of the criminals' background and family life. Among the individuals whose cases were put before the Governor are: Benjamin Brumby, Baldwin Co., for the manslaughter of Jacob Newbury; John Phlemming (or Fleming), Blount Co., for killing John Patterson; Lewis Mays, Conecuh Co., for the manslaughter of Reuben Strange; George Osteau (or Osteire), Limestone Co., sentenced to death for stealing a slave; Moses, a Mobile Co. slave, for killing his owner, Sandford McBlendendorn (?); Wilson Gilbert and William Langley of Mobile, for keeping a "bawdy house"; Manuel, a Mobile Co. Choctaw Indian, for murdering a slave owned by William Dubroea (?); James Huckaby, Marengo Co., for stealing a cow; Martin Binion, Tuscaloosa Co., for the murder of Golman Williams; Moses, a Montgomery Co. slave owned by Thomas Hearne, convicted of murdering Cezar (Cesar), a male slave owned by Samuel N. Graham; and Adam Lowrey, Morgan Co., for hog stealing and horse stealing. Lowrey had received twenty-nine lashes and been branded with the letter "T" on his right hand as part of his punishment. The most spectacular request for pardon concerned the case of Reuben Turner of Huntsville in Madison Co. who was convicted for the murder of Thomas Logwood. Turner had spent two years in jail at the time most of the petitions were generated and had been involved in a jailbreak. Turner had returned to the jail within hours after the escape and turned himself back in. His petitioners contended that Turner had killed Logwood in self defense, that he was an upstanding citizen, and that he had been in jail long enough. Petitions for pardon included one from the jurors who originally sentenced Turner, and one from citizens of Va. acquainted with the Turner family that includes a signed statement by Thomas Mann Randolph, governor of Va. Clement Comer Clay was the circuit court judge who presided over the Turner case.

Originals: 9 folders.Copies: One microfilm reel.

Alabama Department of Archives and History