Governor Spry (1909-1917) Joseph Hillstrom Petitions
Utah State Archives Series 6645
As chief executive officer of the state, Governor Spry had the authority to commute the sentences of those convicted of crimes. The conviction and execution of Joseph Hillstrom (Joe Hill) became one of the most controversial criminal cases in Utah history; it generated national and international interest. Petitions were sent to Governor Spry's office protesting the planned execution and/or conviction of Hill for the gunshot murders of grocer J.S. Morrison and his son Arling.
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