The University of Chicago Library > The Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center > Finding Aids > Guide to the Joliet Penitentiary Testimony Records 1878
© 2007 University of Chicago Library
| Title: | Joliet Penitentiary Testimony. Records |
|---|---|
| Dates: | 1878 |
| Size: | .25 linear ft. (1 volume) |
| Repository: |
Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center |
| Abstract: | The Joliet Penitentiary Testimony Records contain a one volume manuscript of testimony given before the Commissioners of the Illinois state Penitentiary at Joliet in 1878. The Commissioners were responsible for investigating reports of brutality in the discipline of prisoners confined at Joliet. |
No restrictions.
Original documents, texts, and images represented by digital images linked to this finding aid are subject to U. S. copyright law. It is the user's sole responsibility to secure any necessary copyright permission to reproduce or publish documents, texts, and images from any holders of rights in the original materials.
The University of Chicago Library, in its capacity as owner of the physical property represented by the digital images linked to this finding aid, encourages the use of these materials for educational and scholarly purposes. Any reproduction or publication from these digital images requires that the following credit line be included: Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library.
The images presented here may include materials reflecting the attitudes, language, and stereotypes of an earlier time period. These materials are presented as historical resources in support of study and research. Inclusion of such materials does not constitute an endorsement of their content by the University of Chicago.
The University of Chicago Library appreciates hearing from anyone who may have information about any of the images in this collection.
When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Joliet Penitentiary Testimony. Records, [Box #, Folder #], Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library
The Commissioners of the Illinois State Penitentiary at Joliet, R. L. Dulaney, A. M. Jones, and S. H. Jones were appointed on April 1, 1877 by the Governor of Illinois, Shelby M. Cullom. They were given the responsibility of investigating reports of brutality in the disciplining of prisoners confined at Joliet. Accusations of brutality centered on the treatment of prisoners in "solitary confinement." The whipping, gagging, and trussing up of prisoners was alleged to be standard punishment for recalcitrant prisoners. However, the "Report of the Commissioners…For the Two Years Ending September 30, 1878" makes no allusion to the alleged incidents, except to the prison physician's recommendation that "sound-deadened walls" be installed in the "solitary" quarters. In addition the report complains of prisoners feigning insanity so that they might be removed from the prison.
The Joliet Penitentiary Testimony Records contain a one volume manuscript of testimony given before the Commissioners of the Illinois state Penitentiary at Joliet in 1878.