Description:

KLANSMAN IS ACCUSED OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
Fascinating group of three typed letters, all related to an internal investigation by the Altoona, Pennsylvania chapter of the Ku Klux Klan into domestic abuse allegations against a Klansman, Ralph F. Rupert. The file opens with a T.L.S. from Rupert's brother-in-law and fellow Klansman, H. Musser Krebs, 1p. 4to, Altoona, Aug. 9, 1924, to John F. Marshall, a "Kleagle" (recruiter) of the Altoona branch. Krebs writes, in part: "...Mr. Rupert is my brother-in-law, married to my sister and is a member of our organization. This is intended as a letter of information against Mr. Rupert. He is a man that is not entitled to membership in an organization of this kind, and does not live up to the vows of said organization. He is abusive to his wife and family; just recently having knocked down one of his boys about 11 or 12 years old and kicked him in the face. He threatens the children that if he goes to the house and gets his shot-gun, he will shoot them dead in their tracks. He also threatens his wife that he will strangle her until she cannot breathe... Mr. Rupert is at heart a coward, and I believe that if he were to receive a letter of this kind that it would possibly have a tendency to straighten him out. I feel it my duty to report a case of this kind and especially when it is my sister..." Marshall follows up with his own T.L.S., 1p. 4to., Altoona, Aug. 13, 1924, to R.R. Miller, a Klan official of the Roaring Springs chapter, to which Rupert belongs. Marshall enquires as to Rupert's membership status and general character, and asks Miller to investigate his home life. Miller writes back at the top of the page, in part: "... He is not in to good financial condition at present. Married - He and wife members of Lutheran Church. He talks a good bit for a Klansman..." An unsigned retained copy of Marshall's letter is also present. The file is rounded out by a final unsigned typed letter from Marshall to Miller, likely a retained copy, 1p. 4to., Altoona, Aug. 28, 1924, in part: "... I would ask that you make a close investigation of Mr. Rupert's home life, as I have in my possession a report that he is abusive to his wife and family, that he has threatened to shoot the children in their tracks also to strangle his wife until she can not breathe. If the above facts proves true I am of the opinion that Mr. Rupert is a coward at heart and not a Klansman...[all sic]" The outcome of this investigation is unfortunately unknown. These letters show paper clip marks, minor toning and slight insect damage to the edges, else very good.

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May 14, 2018 1:00 PM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

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