Isaac wrote to the Chairman of the Parole Board on behalf of his son, David. This was in response to a suggestion by Isaac’s son, Dr. Leslie Carr, who had recently visited his brother at the Stillwater prison. Leslie thought it might help shorten David’s confinement if Isaac shared David’s family background.
Nov 14, 1921 – C. J. Swendsen, Chairman, Parole Board, St. Paul, Minnesota
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty to write to you concerning my son D A Carr now confined in Stilwater prison No 6621. My youngest child Dr. Carr from Clermont Ia [Iowa] called on you lately and he wrote me that it might help shorten David’s confinement for me to tell you just about the kind of family we are.
I have allways been a farmer now retired. I am 85 years old last may and my wife 75 we have raised a family of 10 children 2 have died and D A is the only one ever accused of any crime or misdemeanor. I never sued a man and never was sued. We are members of the M E Church W. D. Moore pastor. I have been a church trustee many years. I served near 4 years in the Civil War 2 enlistments. I have 2 honorable discharges. I served the whole time in Co F 11 Ia infty 3rd Brig 4 Divis 17 AC army Tennessee. Was in the Battles of Shiloh Corinth Vicksburg Atlanta and many skirmishes. I marched with Sherman to the sea up thru the Carolinas to Wasn [Washington] DC. took part grandest of all grand reviews May 24, 1865. Mustered out at Louisville and discharged at Davenport last of July 1865.
I have no hospital record always ready for duty slightly wounded twice and a member of Ed Hamlin Post 112 dpt of Iowa GAR. Wife and 3 girls are WRC. I have been commander of the post 20 odd years reelected year after year. I gave D A as good education as our circumstances admitted. He speaks reads and writes german fluently tho there is no german blood in our veins. We are of scotch irish descent. I have 6 sons in law of whom I am proud. None use tobacco or have ever drank intoxicants. 2 are preachers all are church members and Dave tho not a church member has due respect for Christian religion. Uses no tobacco and is strictly prohibition and when he is free I am sure he will be law abiding and a useful man generally. We will be glad to have him come right home and I wil bind myself in any bond that he wil never again deserve a pris [prison?] punishment. You are strictly honest and upright or you wouldn’t hold the office you do. The laws must be upheld when your conscience tells you. Dave has been punished enuf. Kindly use your influence to send him home to his aged parents Brothers & Sisters and may heaven Bless you is our prayer.
I. N. Carr
Note: David would not be released from prison until March 1922.