He was a giant in local history. Civil war hero and leader, and in his civilian capacity contributed much to the welfare of the Trenton community. General Mott is generally associated with the South Trenton area. The Mott School is named in his honor. A true hero of the war between the states, or as we have come to know it, the Civil War.-
Gershom Mott, Major General of NJ Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War, served as Keeper of the State Prison, 1877- 1881.
Revolutionized many aspects of the prison's operations, and stiffened up security and discipline- In his 4 years as Keeper, there were no escapes. He introduced the blue uniforms and badges in 1880, the first in New Jersey's prisons.
He was heavily critisized for an incident in which an inmate died during the imposition of discipline, and this, along with the change of political party in the Governor's Office, was probably why he was not reappointed at the end of his term in 1881, despite his record as a highly effective Keeper.
It seems that they found an old 'Stretching Machine' in storage and Mott started using it to discipline the hard cases. One inmate, while being 'Stretched' had a seizure and died.
Some old toys are best left in storage... - Saturday, February 11, 2012
- Tom Glover said...
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THANK YOU, WHOMEVER YOU ARE, A VERY INTERESTING COMMENT.
TOM GLOVER - Saturday, February 11, 2012
- Wayne Sanderson said...
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Sorry about that- It came up as the web page I administer instead of me!
Lt. Wayne H. Sanderson
New Jersey State Prison, Trenton - Saturday, February 11, 2012
- Tom Glover said...
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Nice to meet you Lt. Sanderson! Many thanks for the interesting information on Gershom Mott. Thanks also for visiting my blog.I hope you
return often. My oldest brother Len retired from N.J. State Prison back in the 1970's.
Tom Glover - Saturday, February 11, 2012
- Wayne Sanderson said...
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Do you know Harry Camisa? He and your brother undoubtedly worked together- Harry Started as an Officer in 1950! I had lunch with him recently, and we exchanged pictures and war stories. Next time I see him I will ask him about your brother.
- Sunday, February 12, 2012
Gershom Mott, Major General of NJ Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War, served as Keeper of the State Prison, 1877- 1881.
ReplyDeleteRevolutionized many aspects of the prison's operations, and stiffened up security and discipline- In his 4 years as Keeper, there were no escapes. He introduced the blue uniforms and badges in 1880, the first in New Jersey's prisons.
He was heavily critisized for an incident in which an inmate died during the imposition of discipline, and this, along with the change of political party in the Governor's Office, was probably why he was not reappointed at the end of his term in 1881, despite his record as a highly effective Keeper.
It seems that they found an old 'Stretching Machine' in storage and Mott started using it to discipline the hard cases. One inmate, while being 'Stretched' had a seizure and died.
Some old toys are best left in storage...
THANK YOU, WHOMEVER YOU ARE, A VERY INTERESTING COMMENT.
ReplyDeleteTOM GLOVER
Sorry about that- It came up as the web page I administer instead of me!
ReplyDeleteLt. Wayne H. Sanderson
New Jersey State Prison, Trenton
Nice to meet you Lt. Sanderson! Many thanks for the interesting information on Gershom Mott. Thanks also for visiting my blog.I hope you
ReplyDeletereturn often. My oldest brother Len retired from N.J. State Prison back in the 1970's.
Tom Glover
Do you know Harry Camisa? He and your brother undoubtedly worked together- Harry Started as an Officer in 1950! I had lunch with him recently, and we exchanged pictures and war stories. Next time I see him I will ask him about your brother.
ReplyDelete