Oh that dreaded jury duty summons. However, I will get on my soap box to stress how important jury duty is. Of course, I have a legal background having worked for both the courts and in the legal community. Shucks, one time I had to sub in for the jury commissioner who was on vacation.* A lot of people’s lives are affected by the juror’s verdict for better or worse. One day you, a family member or friend may find this themselves in this situation and I doubt you would not a want juror’s serving without an attitude?

Anyhow, I came across this old letter written to Judge F.A. Kelley seeking to be excused. While the scanned image appears at the top, some may have find it difficult to read. After all, penmanship, is what it is, some excel and others do not.

On April 23, 1904, Milford resident J. W. Hurlbut wrote: “Dear Sir. Since the summons was served  on me to act as juryman on the 25th of April my business has been awful so that I have a dairy on my hands and it will be impossible for me to attend. Please excuse me and oblige. Yours truly J.W. Hurlbut.” 

Not sure what the out come was. Of course, there was the issue whether the letter would actually be received on time.

Tim

*The excuses people make to get out of jury duty boggles the mind. Let’s just say there are some real creative types out there!