Iowa Old Press
Ottumwa Weekly Democrat
September 22, 1904
MARY CHESSER ESSAYS TO WRITE
And Judge Moon Releases Her On the Strength Of The Effort.
While holding down her hard bench in a cell at the county jail, Mary Chesser was shown the article appearing recently in The Democrat to the effect that her father-in-law, Wm. Chesser, is just now enjoying prosperity on his South Dakota farm. Mary was moved to journey hence and accordingly she sent the following note to Chief Gray:
“Mr. John Gray.
“Hello Boss: Would you please be so kind as to let two of the old Boom Companions out of jail to leave the town at once, as we have made up our mind to leave town at once, if you will let us, and Oblige,
“Mary Chesser and Mary Judson.”
The two Mary’s were brought before Judge Moon on the strength of the letter Monday morning and they were permitted, upon promising to go at once.
Rosie Kelly, who is a little black girl, in spite of her German name, and Bessie White, whose chocolate color also gives the lie to her name, were brought along and released on the same terms.
[transcribed by L.Z., Dec 2019]