George Shedd's Appointment to Inspector of Iowa Penitentiary

George Shedd was appointed as Inspector of the Iowa Penitentiary in 1855. The document below is a transcription of the original document. According to his personal letters, he traveled around the state of Iowa and worked for improvements to the conditions.

He also wrote home of visiting prisons in the Northeast on a trip during May and June of 1858 commissioned by the State Board of Inspectors determine how to improve the penitentiary.

"It can readily be seen that the Iowa penitentiary was constructed slowly without any plan with regard to the future. The Board of Inspectors realized the necessity for a comprehensive plan to answer future wants of the institution. This plan must allow for execution as necessity should require and means allow. After much deliberation the advice the Board decided to send one of its members to visit several eastern institutions to study the subject and obtain plans. Accordingly with executive approval, they commissioned Dr. George Shedd, the medical and senior member of the board to carry out these duties. He was instructed to investigate as far as practicable the whole subject of prison economy, diet, clothing, labor and discipline, together with the moral, educative and sanitary regulations. Auburn, Sing Sing and other prisons were visited. According to Dr. Shedd the best architectural plans were found in Massachusetts, especially the jails of Boston and Lawrence where the octagon plan was in use."

Source: "History and Development of Fort Madison Penitentiary 1839-1933" by Beulah White Walker, page 39.

State of Iowa

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting.

Know ye, That reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity and ability of George Shedd Esq. and his appointment having been duly confirmed by the Senate.

Therefore, I James W. Grimes Governor of the State of Iowa, in the name and by the authority of the people thereof, do hereby commission him Inspector of the Penitentiary in place of R. Walbright resigned, and do authorize, empower and require him to execute and fulfill the duties of that office according to law, and to have and to hold the said office, with all the rights, privileges and emoluments, thereto legally appertaining, for the term of four years unless sooner removed by the Governor.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the great Seal of the State of Iowa.

Done at Iowa City this Twelfth day of January One thousand eight hundred and fifty five, and of the independence of the United States the seventy ninth, and of this State the ninth.

[Signed] James W. Grimes

By the Governor, Geo. W. McCleary Secy. of State

I, George Shedd, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America, and that of the State of Iowa, and that as Inspector of the Iowa Penitentiary, I will faithfully discharge all the duties required by law, to the best of my ability. So help me God. [Signed] George Shedd

State of Iowa, County of Lee. On this day came before the undersigned Clerk of the District Court for said County, the above named George Shedd, who before me subscribed and was by me sworn to the above oath. Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court at Fort Madison, this 6th day of February, A.D. 1855.

Samuel A. James
Clerk D.C.