John T. Jacobs - Clarence Darrow Papers, 1909-1926

Gift by anonymous donor, 2012.

The John T. Jacobs - Clarence Darrow Papers are open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room; 1 box at a time (Priority III).

The John T. Jacobs - Clarence Darrow Papers are the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright may belong to the authors or their legal heirs or assigns. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections.

John T. Jacobs - Clarence Darrow Papers, The Newberry Library, Chicago.

Virginia Hay Smith, 2013.

Attorney and judge of Greeley, Colorado; and renowned lawyer of Chicago, Illinois.

Correspondence retained by John T. Jacobs, an attorney of Greeley, Colorado, consisting mainly of letters to him from Clarence Darrow.

Written between 1909 and 1926, the letters provide documentation of friendship, professional collaboration, and a shared interest in reading. They also demonstrate the famous lawyer's concern and affection for his only child, Paul, who was living in Greeley as the manager of the Greeley Gas and Fuel Company. The collection also includes copies of four letters from Jacobs to Darrow. Incoming Jacobs correspondence consists of two letters from American naturalist Enos A. Mills and two letters from Stanley Motor Carriage Company founder Freelan O. Stanley. Also, there is a short essay written by F.O. Stanley giving his opinion on the question of prohibition.

Subjects include the case of Stewart v. Ramsay; some allusions to Darrow's legal role in the Los Angeles bombing case and his bribery indictment; recommended reading and opinions on philosophical and psychological books; Darrow's desire to rent and/or own a cottage in Estes Park, Colorado; money and investments, and above all, Paul's welfare.

Charles H. Ramsay of Greeley, Colorado, came to Chicago in 1914 to testify in a case against an Andres E. Anderson. While in the Federal Court of Illinois, he was served process by George W. Stewart over some unresolved financial matters while in the court corridor after his testimony. Darrow successfully argued that process could not be served this way to a witness coming from another state. The case was resolved in the U.S. Supreme Court in 1916, and Stewart was ruled "plaintiff in error".

Arranged by outgoing and incoming letters, with Stanley essay at the end.

• Names
  • Darrow, Clarence, 1857-1938
  • Darrow, Paul, b. 1883
  • Jacobs, John T.
  • Mills, Enos Abijah, 1870-1922
  • Ramsay, Charles H., ca. 1861-1934
  • Stanley, Freelan Oscar, 1849-1940
• Subject
  • Chicago
  • Manuscripts, American
  • Practice of law -- Colorado -- Greeley -- History -- 20th century -- Sources
  • Practice of law -- Illinois -- Chicago -- History -- 20th century -- Sources
  • Social Action