Biography
Alton Church was sentenced January 14, 1919 to seven months in Detroit House of Correction for refusing draft registration. The Attorney General describes severe trauma after witnessing fatal and disabling saw accidents, followed by an aversion to having any part in taking human life. The trial judge and prosecutor supported clemency. Four months of imprisonment had actually been served when the matter came for action, and the sentence was commuted May 31, 1919 to expire at once. Four months is a source-reported amount already served; exact admission, physical discharge and complete custody total remain unknown. 1921 Senate hearings, physical 191, printed 185; SHA 256 78ef2e71d40cc5d7a3e9ce8e3a10aa5c745c70cd879bc33cbba1b11d02482441
