Black Sheep Sunday: Letter from Harry Pierpont July 14, 1933

Fellow researcher of Harry PIERPONT, Dave Hudson, contacted me some time ago and was kind enough to share a copy of the letter that Harry wrote to his great-grandfather, Lloyd Hobson.  Lloyd was a member of the jury that convicted Harry for the robbery of the South Kokomo Bank.

A transcript of the letter follows:


Mr. Loyd Hobson
Rural Route R.R. # 2 Box 170
Kokomo, Indiana


June 26  July 14, 1933


My Dear Mr. Hobson:


I am writing you regarding a recommendation for parole from a term given me by the Howard County Court in which you served as a Juror.  You possibly recall that this took place in May 1925.  If you remember, I was sentenced to a term of ten to twenty-one years in the Reformatory from which I was transfered shortly afterwards.  As you know the crime for which I was convicted was the robbery of the South Kokomo Bank in which four men participated, One of whom was paroled in two and a half years, and another in six and a half years.  Up to now I have not asked for parole chiefly because I did not think I deserved it.  Even now I am asking for consideration more for my parents sake than my own.  I only have twenty-two months left and it would not hurt me to serve it, But these same months might be the means of saving my Father's life.  My parents live on a farm in Ohio and my Dad is seriously ill of tuberculosis.  A Bank failure took most of his life savings.  Then a fire destroyed his barns and equipment.  He has been confined to his bed for three months and the Doctors say he has little chance to recover and even if he does  he must remain in bed for at least a year.  This bad luck all combined has put my folks in a bad way, and if I could obtain my freedom now, I could do the work on the farm and ease my Dad's mind that much and he might have a chance to get better.


I am sure no one will hold it against me for trying to obtain my release under these circumstances.  Mr. Homer Miller ex prosecutor wrote my Mother that as I had served over eight years he would have no objections to my parole.  You know, very few men even serve as much time as I have for the same kind of offence, especially when as young as I was at the time of the offence was committed.


Is it asking too much of you to recommend me for parole?  I'll assure you, you will never have cause to regret it, and you will have the everlasting gratitude of a Mother and Father who really need me.  After all, Mr. Hobson.  Don't you think that the law has served its purpose in my case?


I would appreciate it very much if you will write me your views and advice on this. Hopeing to hear from you real soon.  I am., 


Respectfully yours.


Harry Pierpont # 11014


Box 41
Michigan City
Indiana

Mr. Loyd Hobson           July 14, 1933

Sir. - When I first sent this letter to you, I also sent one to each Juror in my case.  Mr. Fred K. De Lon, R.R. # 1, Kokomo, received his, and the following is an exact copy of his reply.

Mr. Harry Pierpont                                     Kokomo, IndianaMichigan City, Indiana                               June 30, 1933 

I feel as though you had been punished enough for your wrong doing.  If facts are as you state them in your letter, It might be a blessing to both you and your parents if you could be together again.  I have no objections to you being paroled.  It is not too late yet for you to make good. 

Your friend, 

Fred K. DeLon

You know, Mr. Hobson, it is not absolutely necessary to have Jurors consent to be paroled, But if I could show the Clemency Board that all concerned in my case had no objections, It would help me considerably.

I certainly would appreciate something like Mr. DeLon's letter from you.  Thanking you in advance, I am,

Respectfully yours,

Harry Pierpont # 11014

P.S. This is a copy of letter just received from Mr. J.P. Duncan, also a member of the Jury.

Dear Mr. Pierpont 

I received your letter of June 26.  I certainly would have no objections to you getting your parole.  The time you have served and under the circumstances, I think it would only be justice for you to get your parole. I certainly hope you get your freedom and yet have a happy and prosperous life, and I know it will be an encouragement to your parents.  If there is anything more I can do to help you, I will be glad to do so.  Hope this will be of some benefit to you. 

Yours Most Truly, 

J.P. DuncanR.R. # 8, Kokomo, Ind

Mr. Hobson, -   July 14.

I have been delayed in reaching you.  As the Board starts meeting July 25, time is short, Will you please give me an early reply.     Harry Pierpont