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President Roosevelt is already investigating the alleged incident with George R. Koester, and is surprised at the allegations because of Koester’s history upholding “the rights of the colored man.” He will look carefully at the facts and determine what should be done.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-09
George R. Koester, who was recently appointed Internal Revenue Collector for South Carolina, recounts how he received the position and defends himself against criticism.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-23
Newspaper article that uses George R. Koester’s own articles about three lynchings in Gaston, South Carolina, to cast doubt on Koester’s claims that he did not participate in lynchings.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-04
Senator Lodge encloses an account of a race meeting held in Boston. A reference made to “Italian cunning” referred to the administration. The meeting was mostly concerned with Koester (probably George R. Koester, a candidate for government office in South Carolina who was accused of having participated in a lynching years before).
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-19
Senator McLaurin has doubts about the claims that George R. Koester participated in a lynching that took place in South Carolina eight years ago. The person making accusations against Koester is a personal enemy. McLaurin does not wish to become directly involved but is convinced that Koester has been wrongly accused.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-09
Senator McLaurin supports the appointment of George R. Koester and believes the movement to tie Koester to a lynching is simply motivated by politics. He claims there is no ground to attack Koester or his appointment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-12
Booker T. Washington is concerned about rumors that George R. Koester, the revenue collector of South Carolina, participated in or approved of a lynching. If true, Washington hopes President Roosevelt will dismiss Koester. This action would indicate that lynching will not be tolerated and would encourage the African American community. Washington also discusses several potential African American appointees.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-06
Senator McLaurin reports that William Demos Crum is more interested in a consulship than appointment as collector of customs at Charleston, South Carolina. Crum, an African American, would prefer a position where “his race would not be a handicap.” The appointment of George Washington Murray will be made as soon as George R. Koester takes charge.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-30
The appointment of George R. Koester is creating a great deal of comment and Senator McLaurin encloses a personal letter that may interest President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-26
According to Chairman Edmund H. Deas, the opposition to George R. Koester’s appointment as collector of internal revenue in South Carolina is based on rumors that Koester led a lynching.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-29
Senator McLaurin notifies President Roosevelt that he succeeded in reaching Senator Hanna’s secretary, Elmer Dover, via telephone. He explained the matter and asked Dover to have Hanna wire Roosevelt directly. McLaurin also sent his secretary to South Carolina to speak with John G. Capers. They will not be able to keep George Koester’s presence in Washington, D.C., out of the newspapers much longer.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-21
South Carolina is not concerned about the appointment of George R. Koester.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10
President Roosevelt’s decision to host Booker T. Washington at the White House has caused race relations in the South to deteriorate. The writer also states Roosevelt’s “sporting blood” must have impacted his decision to appoint George R. Koester, who has a history of violence against African Americans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10
Narciso Gener Gonzales claims that several years ago George R. Koester, John G. Capers, and W. W. Price shot an African American who had committed a crime. Koester and Capers hold federal appointments, and Price is a reporter for the Washington Star. Gonzales is distressed that South Carolina does not punish its white citizens who commit such crimes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-25