Chapter III: Front Matter (3)

A close Biblical student and possessed of considerable natural ability, power of prayer and exhortation, it is hoped and expected that he will continue to be a worker in the Lord’s vineyard.

_Serial No. 3595_—Received from Monongahela Co. in 1898, to serve a term of four years for grand larceny. Upon entering the prison he became an active worker in the Bible class. He is an exemplary prisoner and thought well of by the warden and prison officials. It is expected that, upon his release, his experience in prison will make of him an efficient Christian worker. Possessing some ability and ambition as a hymn-writer, herewith is a sample:

“A BROTHER OF JESUS.”

A brother of Jesus, a comrade to fight,
A brother to conquer, and strive for the right,
A brother in daring, a comrade indeed,
A brother to venture, whatever the need.
A brother in spirit, when dangers surround,
A comrade in courage who stands his ground,
A brother who’s faithful, loyal, and true,
A comrade who fights, and fights his way through.
A brother for heaven, who stands by the cross,
A comrade obedient, whatever the cost,
A brother who’s ready and willing to die,
A comrade who will not his Savior deny.
A brother on duty, by day and by night,
A comrade who’s trusting in Jesus’ great might,
A brother so Christlike, O Savior, I’ll be
A comrade in purpose, sacred to thee.

DEGENERATES.

_Serial No. 4035_—Was received from Pocahontas County in 1898, to serve two years for horse stealing. He claimed upon his entrance to the prison to be a “preacher.” It is alleged by persons who know his life and character that he is an old and experienced horsethief, who had served many terms of imprisonment in the different penitentiaries of the country, and was looked upon from a criminological point of view as a moral degenerate of the first degree. While playing the role of a “mountain evangelist” in the county from whence he was committed to the penitentiary, he there applied his first and only calling, as a horsethief of the first degree. Upon his introduction to the prison he professed to be very religious, and stoutly maintained that he was an innocent man much maligned and persecuted. He was made janitor of the chapel, doubtless owing more to the fact that he was a cripple, having only the use of his left hand, and a glib talker and not of use elsewhere.

He soon ingratiated himself into the good graces of the visiting ministers, who looked upon him more in pity than aught else, and they extended to him charity which covers a multitude of sins. He did active and good work, however. Upon his release from prison he made loud professions of reformation and made pretense of going to serve God and by so doing become a good citizen. It was, however, soon after his release observed by persons interested in his welfare that he was secretly treading the path of wickedness. Soon he was a fugitive from justice with big rewards offered for his apprehension and conviction for the larceny of many horses from the farmers of the state and of Pennsylvania. Sheriffs of many counties were on the lookout to apprehend him. Recently the sheriffs ran their quarry down and landed him in the Mineral County jail and doubtless he will soon be returned to his old familiar quarters, there to once more ruminate the error of wrong-doing. It might well be said of him with Pope, “Why formed so weak, so little, and so blind.” He has received another sentence of ten years in state prison.

PATHETIC.

_Serial No. 3984_—Under sentence of death for the murder of his brother-in-law, is an object of great pity. This man for the love of his sixteen-year-old boy murdered a man, for which deed the law demands his life. He and the man murdered were both wealthy farmers at Terra Alta, Preston Co., West Virginia. Last November (1900) his boy was arrested by the brother-in-law for breaking into the cellar of his house and getting drunk on his cider. He had him indicted, tried, convicted, and sentenced to the penitentiary for the term of one year, which angered his father, who took a shot-gun and shot his brother-in-law dead in his own barn in the presence of a hired man. The father escaped and lived in the mountains a month, gave himself up, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to be hanged Feb. 15, 1901.

His neighbors, who were kindly disposed to the erring man, at once put in circulation a petition to the Governor praying for a commutation of sentence to life imprisonment. His wife signed a remonstrance against granting the petition of her husband’s friends. However, the governor, in order to enable the condemned man’s friends to present the petition to the advisory board of pardons for their consideration, granted him a respite until April 13. Upon his arrival in the penitentiary he was permitted to see his wayward boy, and the scene between father and son was truly pathetic.

HUMOROUS.

_Serial No. 3715_—An illiterate white boy from Calhoun County, to serve two years for grand larceny for stealing a heifer, sensibly availed himself of the privilege afforded by the warden to attend the night school. He made remarkable progress in his studies, so that he could read and write a legible hand. He was so elated with his success that he stated before his release that he was glad he was sent to the penitentiary for stealing the heifer to procure money to take his girl to the county fair, for now he had a fair education and could get on better in the world.

MEN EXECUTED FOR MURDER.

The West Virginia Legislature passed an act February, 1899, viz.: “The sentence of death shall in every case be executed by hanging within the walls of the penitentiary and not elsewhere. The officers of the court imposing sentence may be present, and twelve respectable citizens, a physician and surgeon, and such representatives of the press as the warden may desire; and the condemned may by request have his counsel, ministers of the gospel, and such relatives as the warden may deem prudent.”

_Serial No. 3745_—Colored, of middle age, who had served a term in the penitentiary for stealing, was brought to the prison in 1899, from McDowell County, to suffer the penalty of death Oct. 10, 1899, for the unprovoked murder of a “scarlet” negro woman. Upon his entrance into the prison he asked for and was given a Bible, which he constantly read during the time he awaited to be executed by mandate of the law. Ministers of his race paid him frequent visits, anxious to aid him in spiritual and temporal affairs. He professed sincere religious belief and that upon confession of faith he would be saved, yet he did not seem to accept with good grace the assistance offered him by the negroes.

During his former imprisonment while he was employed to clean and scrub the guard-room and the main-building hallways, he frequently met the chaplain; so he made request to the warden that he be sent for to pay him a visit. The chaplain responded at once and devoted much of his time to giving religious consolation and words of good cheer. He, however, constantly maintained that he was innocent of the crime charged; that the negro with him at the time of the shooting was responsible for the woman’s death, by means of a shot-gun. He doubtless was possessed of a scheming mind, and hoped that he might by some means escape the penalty for his crime. Many negro prisoners as well as white ones deeply sympathized with him, for he was considered a “good fellow” when they knew him in prison as one of their number.

A collection amounting to $50.00 was taken up from among the prisoners to pay a lawyer to procure a copy of the record of his trial to enable him to file an appeal to the Supreme Court for a new trial. The lawyer received and acknowledged the receipt of the money, making in return therefor full and profuse promises what he would do to save his life. He took and spent it for liquor, became drunk on the money, and did not turn a hand to save the life of his confiding client. The unfortunate man, hearing of the reprehensible conduct of his attorney, and the time near at hand for his execution, grew despondent and weak mentally and physically. He was baptized, professed repentance, confessed he murdered his mistress, and the night of his execution between the hours of 12 a. m. and 1 p. m. it was found necessary to administer powerful stimulants to brace him up for the trying ordeal. With zeal and courage his spiritual advisor prayed, counseled, and assisted him to the scaffold. His neck was broken by the fall and his death was painless.

_Serial No. 3746_—A splendid specimen of the young mulatto, possessed of a fair education for one with the limited opportunities within his reach, by occupation a coal miner. He was received into the prison from McDowell County under sentence of death for the willful murder of a sixteen-year-old negro boy, while he was in an intoxicated condition; also to be executed Oct. 10, 1899. He asked for and was given a Bible. He was a musician, playing the guitar with skill, and possessed of a fine tenor voice he was fond of singing hymns, which he did with pathos, rhyme, and music, to the delight of his hearers.

He stoutly maintained that his victim was not intentionally but accidentally shot by him; that he accidentally fired his pistol into the dwelling wherein the boy was domiciled out of his sight. Upon learning that the boy was wounded, perhaps fatally, he procured a doctor to whom he paid $50.00, all the money he had saved from his earnings, to save his life. The boy proved to be wounded beyond the hope of recovery and soon died. The chaplain also ministered to the spiritual welfare of the prisoner and became much impressed with the young man’s apparent religious sincerity and his plausible story of innocence of murder. So much was he interested in him that he made personal and strenuous efforts to save his life. The Governor was appealed to, the Attorney General was called upon for assistance to procure a copy of his trial record, and statements made by him were investigated, and the whole matter submitted to the pardon board for their consideration. After an exhaustive and painstaking consideration of the facts submitted to them the pardon board concluded that he lied and was in fact guilty, and should suffer the penalty for his crime. The Governor, after the conclusion of the pardon board was made known to him, paid the prison a visit. He called upon the doomed man in the death-cell, and the latter made to the Governor a most eloquent and pathetic plea to save his life. With tears streaming down his cheeks, the Governor kindly said, “Would to God I could do so, my boy, but the facts as presented to me are undeniable as to your absolute guilt.”

Now knowing that all hope for escape from the gallows was gone and that he must die, he read his Bible, sang gospel hymns, and played his guitar. He confessed that he was in fact guilty of the crime and was now content to suffer death, as he believed he had made his peace with God. He was baptized, and his demeanor to the scaffold from his cell was admirable and brave. He firmly ascended the stairway leading to the death-trap, stood over it without a tremor while his hands and legs were strapped and the rope adjusted about his neck. When asked by the warden if he had anything to say, he replied in a manly and firm voice, “I have made my peace with God. I am guilty. The causes of my downfall were whiskey and women. Jesus will take me and I am ready and willing to die.”

_Serial No. 3772_—Colored, was received at the prison in 1900, from Fayette County, to be executed for the willful murder of a prominent negro saloon-keeper who refused to furnish him more liquor when he was already drunk. He asked for a Bible, and when it was given to him he seemed to be pleased, and constantly read it. His attorney, however, was skilled in criminal law, and was an indefatigable worker. The prisoner, an intelligent colored man, peaceable and quiet when sober, believed that he would not have to suffer the penalty for his crime. Strenuous efforts were made by his attorney to save his life. The Governor and the board of pardon were respectively appealed to, but the guilt of the man was so conclusive, and the murder so unprovoked, that at all points his appeal for clemency was refused. He bravely and uncomplainingly paid the penalty decreed by the law and professed his belief in the saving power of Jesus.

UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH.

_Serial No. 3944_—Committed from Wirt County, under sentence of death for the brutal murder (by means of an ax) of his wife and step-son, a child in years, the motive being to obtain money to be inherited by them, is a constant reader of the Bible, and at all times is ready to argue passages of the Scriptures with any one who will do so with him. His attorneys secured for him a stay of execution pending an appeal to the Supreme Court.

_Serial No. 3972_—Colored, was committed from Kanawha Co. in 1901, for the brutal and unprovoked murder of a negro on account of some money won by gambling. He is a large, middle-aged, gross-looking negro, who has served a term in the penitentiary for stealing. From his life record he appears to have been a vagabond, gambling, preying on the people of his race for a living. He is possessed of some education, a glib tongue, and appears to have made some friends among white people, whom he says are his only friends and are the only persons who will give him any assistance in his effort to escape the gallows. He was to be executed March 22, 1901, but his attorney procured a stay of execution until April 25, pending an appeal to the Supreme Court. He is a constant reader of the Bible.

AN INNOCENT MAN.

_Serial No. 3789_—Committed to the prison in 1899 for twelve years, from Jefferson County, for the alleged crime, in company with other persons, of entering the Potomac river bridge toll-house at Shepherdstown and robbing Richard Morgan and wife, whom they bound and gagged, is an unfortunate victim of untoward circumstances. Evidence has come to light, proved by affidavit, that he is innocent.

THE PRISON CHOIR.

The prison choir is made up of a number of good singers, white and colored, the latter predominating. They are under the skill and direction of Mr. Chas. E. Woodburn, a well-known business man of Moundsville, who has devoted a number of years of his valuable time to these boys as well as to the chapel services, and aided the warden in providing amusement on holidays for the inmates.

APPEAL FOR A PAROLE LAW.

West Virginia Penitentiary,
Moundsville, Jan. 1, 1901.

Dear Sir: Gratified that the generous people of West Virginia have in response to my letters of appeal to them dated Jan. 20, 1899, for donations of literature enabled me to build up a library for my convict charges to 12,000 volumes of books and magazines, I desire to further trespass on their generosity by asking for your support to bring about another measure of reform, viz., a parole law.

The parole law is in force in a number of up-to-date state penitentiaries with remarkable success, bringing protection and good results to society. It saves trouble to prosecuting attorneys and criminal judges, and enables convicts to gain their liberty solely through their individual efforts. For instance, by virtue of the criminal statutes a convict may be sentenced for the minimum of one year or the maximum of five years. The criminal judge upon conviction of the prisoner on trial imposes an indefinite sentence. The convict after the expiration of one year may become eligible to parole if his record is exemplary. Two reliable citizens are required to become surety for the convict’s employment and future good conduct, then he is paroled.

Upon violation of any of the parole conditions, he is returned to prison to serve the maximum sentence. If the convict is a man of family, he is enabled to provide for them; and if he is a single man, he has a chance to become a respected member of society and no longer a menace thereto. Respectfully yours,

S. A. HAWK.

THE WRITER’S LIFE.

That the reader may know and perhaps become interested in the writer of this sketch of the West Virginia prison, he herewith respectfully and modestly submits to them a sketch of his life. I was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1844. My parents, possessed of more than the ordinary education the poor people of Ireland were enabled to receive, journeyed across the American desert to California, having their troubles with the Indians and their Mormon allies. My father hoped to strike a gold mine and become rich, and in the new Eldorado build a home and surround his wife and children—a girl and boy—with all the good things of earth that money could buy. Soon after our arrival at San Francisco, the cholera made its appearance, the plague having been brought to the golden shores of California by emigrants traveling from the east by way of Central America. My father was stricken with it and died. In the Lone Mountain cemetery, of the metropolis of the Pacific coast, he has lain buried for years. The remainder of the family escaped the dread fifty-one disease. Mother was left to struggle alone in a strange land and among strangers to provide for her children. Not afraid of work, she did her duty to her children nobly, faithfully, and well. She now lies buried beside my father in Lone Mountain cemetery, twenty years gone by.

The war-bugle of the Rebellion rang in my ears and woke me to the realization that I had a country to protect and to save. I enlisted in a California regiment of cavalry and served three years with some merit. Upon my discharge from the army I entered an Illinois college to perfect my neglected education, and after graduation I located in Kansas City, Mo. I began at newspaper work, and have continued in that line of work to the present time, with occasional lapses from it to engage in other and more lucrative employment. A soldier of the civil war, having been wounded, injured, and having contracted disease in the line of duty, I was prompted upon McKinley’s election as President to apply for a pension. I went to Washington, D. C., to press my claim in person with the Commissioner of Pensions. He turned me down after I had some words with him relative to his delay in granting to me that which was mine by legal right and title, expressed by the American people through their representative in Congress assembled, and in fulfillment of promises made to the men who saved the nation. Somewhat addicted to the drink habit, I became drunk at my disappointment and the next day I found to my surprise that I was in the police station charged with breaking into and entering a small grocery in Washington City, two miles from my place of dwelling. The alleged damage inflicted was small, but Justice Clabaugh, who had recently been appointed from Maryland, said to me that five years was little enough for the alleged crime.

Serial No. 378.

LETTERS FROM PRISON OFFICIALS.

PRISON LIBRARY DESTROYED BY FIRE.

Nebraska State Penitentiary.

Lancaster, Neb., March 7, 1901.

Dear Sirs: Your consignment of eight books at hand, which is very much appreciated. We are doubly unfortunate at the present time, as we have just lost our entire library by fire. We realize too with you that imprisonment is the turning-point for the better in some men’s lives, as we see it exemplified here. At some future time we will send you for publication the views of some of the above men who believe they have been benefited by their prison experience.

Thanking you again for the books sent, and in advance for any books you may see fit to send us, we remain, Yours respectfully,

——, Librarian.

Clinton Prison.
Dannemora, N. Y., March 8, 1901.

Gospel Trumpet Publishing Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

Gentlemen: The books and tracts so kindly forwarded by you for the use of the prisoners in this prison have been received, and the note enclosed to the warden handed me for reply. Having charge of all literary material that comes into the prison, I take great pleasure in acknowledging receipt of same; and would extend to you my personal thanks, as also the gratitude of those whom this material was designed to benefit.

I am glad that the spirit of the “inasmuch” as inculcated by the Lord Jesus, in relation to those who are in prison, is occasionally manifested, and that the rush and friction of wordliness does not wholly shut out from view the moral and religious needs of the “men behind the bars.” The good people to whom you refer in your letter, who are endeavoring to supply our prisons with good and wholesome literature, are entitled to great credit for their efforts in this direction, in these last days of the dispensation. May the blessings of our Divine Master be with them in their good work. Sincerely yours,

——, Chaplain.

Iowa State Penitentiary.
Fort Madison, Iowa, March 17, 1901.

The Gospel Trumpet Publishing Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

Gentlemen: The books sent by you to the penitentiary have been received, and will be placed in the hands of the men. Thanking you for the same, I am, Sincerely yours,

——, Chaplain.

Onondaga County Penitentiary.
Syracuse, N. Y., Jan. 17, 1901.

Dear Sirs: Received three packages of books from Gospel Trumpet Publishing Co., Moundsville, W. Va., for the benefit of the convicts in our institution. Hope the gift is accompanied by the prayers of all concerned in the donation. Yours truly,

——, Chaplain.

Kansas State Prison.
Lansing, Kans., March 6, 1901.

The Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

Gentlemen: We have received to-day your donation of books to this prison. We assure you that this gift of books is highly appreciated by us, and will be of great benefit to the inmates of this institution. We wish to thank you and others who are placing these books in the prisons of this country. Thank you for donations of the “Gospel Trumpet” to prisoners each week. Yours truly,

——, Chaplain.

BOOKS WANTED FOR FEMALE PRISONERS.

Penitentiary at Anamosa.
Anamosa, Ia., March 6, 1901.

The Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

We received this day one copy each of “The Kingdom of God,” “The Better Testament,” “Mothers’ Counsel to Their Sons,” “Divine Healing,” “The Secret of Salvation” (English and German editions), “Songs of the Evening Light,” a Bagster’s Teachers’ Bible. I find we have now seven copies of the book “The Secret of Salvation” in our library. We are obliged for copies of these and shall hope to inclose them in our revised catalogue which we hope soon to publish. You perhaps are not aware that we have a female department to the prison, but seeing “Letters of Love and Counsel for Our Girls” listed, leads me to refer to this fact. Your letter to the inmates is appreciated. Yours truly,

——, Acting Chaplain.

New Jersey State Prison.
Trenton, March 5, 1901.

E. E. Byrum.

Dear Sir: The package of books and tracts which you sent for the benefit of the prisoners in our state prison came duly to hand, and the warden desires me to thank you for your timely gift. I will see that the books and tracts are judiciously distributed, so that good under the divine blessing may come through the reading of such good literature.... I will be glad to have you send religious reading matter for the prisoners, knowing that with His blessing much good can and will be accomplished by such a course. One of the factors leading to a life of crime has been the character of reading allowed in the home. Parents, ignorant or indifferent, have permitted their boys to devour dime novels and kindred literature until their minds have become saturated with evil. Now the antidote is good reading for the poor victims of parental neglect such as you propose to furnish.... Thanking you for the interest you have taken in the welfare of those incarcerated here, and praying the blessing of the Great Head of the church upon you, I am, Yours truly,

——, Chaplain.

MORE GOOD BOOKS DESIRED.

Louisiana Penitentiary.
Baton Rouge, La., March 13, 1901.

Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.

My Dear Friends: Please allow me to thank you in behalf of the prisoners for the six books and Bibles you so kindly sent recently. We all appreciate the kind interest you take in us in sending the Gospel Trumpet and sincerely trust you will continue sending same, as we all very eagerly look forward to receiving it. If you have any more good books to spare we will be very glad to receive them, as we all enjoy reading very much. Again sincerely thanking you for past favors. Very respectfully,

——, Librarian.

Allegheny Penitentiary.
Allegheny, Pa., March 20, 1901.

Dear Sir: I feel very glad that you are now and have been for some time so deeply interested in an uplift of the moral forces in prisons, and that your laudable work may result in much good, is my sincere desire. We have no prison paper published here to send you. We have a school six hours every day except Sunday for the illiterate, a Bible and hymn-book for each man that will use them, a library of 8,500 volumes, hundreds of daily and weekly papers and magazines, Moody’s books and tracts, etc., by which we are striving to give light and spiritual help to the prisoners. Sincerely,

——, Chaplain.

Connecticut State Prison.
Wethersfield, Conn., March 6, 1901.

The Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

Gentlemen: The eight books sent this institution, including a Bagster Bible and song-book, came duly to hand. The Bible has been given a life prisoner, the song-book went to the choir, and the other books were turned over to the chaplain—who is the librarian—to be placed in general circulation. Respectfully yours,

——, Warden.

Idaho State Penitentiary.
Boise City, Idaho, March 8, 1901.

Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

Gentlemen: Yours of recent date enclosing letter to prisoners and referring to printed matter sent under separate cover at hand. The letter referred to shall be placed in a conspicuous place for review by the inmates of our institution. The reading matter will also be placed at their disposal. Be assured that this effort on the part of the “friend” who has paid for them is appreciated by the present Idaho Prison management. Yours sincerely,

——, Warden.

Georgia State Prison Farms.
Statefarm, Ga., March 5, 1901.

Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

My Dear Sir: Your books received, and the Bible which is a very nice one. The song-book was sent to the female congregation for use by them. We have eighty-eight women there, some of them with good voices, and they sing well. We hope the words may prove a savor of life to them. The other books were sent to the male department, where we have one hundred and forty men and boys. We hope they too will prove a blessing, for the thing most important for a convict is salvation. I was pleased with the very excellent quality of books sent.

——, Supt.

LETTER FROM A SHERIFF.

Wheaton, Ill., April 23, 1901.

Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.

Dear Sirs: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of a package of books and tracts sent me for the use of prisoners under my charge. Please accept my thanks for same. I heartily commend your efforts and work. Very truly yours,

——, Sheriff.

PRISON CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR SOCIETY.

Jackson, Mich., March 22, 1901.

Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

Gentlemen: The above named society desire you to know of their grateful appreciation for the donation of several valuable books. They comprise a splendid addition to our C. E. S. Library, which is eagerly read by the members and others. Thanking you for remembering us, I remain, Sincerely yours,

6890, Corresponding Secretary.

HELP SUPPLY THE PRISONERS.

Maine State Prison.
Thornston, Maine, April 30, 1901.

Sirs: Your letter to the warden has been passed on to me. We are pleased to receive religious reading to be distributed to the convicts in this prison. I have an arrangement with many Christian friends who aid, so I am able to furnish some Christian book or paper to each convict each week. Yours in the work of saving the fallen,

——, Chaplain.

Sing Sing Prison.
Sing Sing, N. Y., March 7, 1901.

Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

Dear Sirs: The books you sent for use of the prisoners in this prison have been received, and I thank you for the same. They have been placed in the library. It is always a pleasure to know that we are in the thoughts and consciences of the people on the great outside world.... Thanking you for your gift and wishing you success in your efforts to lift up fallen humanity, I remain, Fraternally yours,

——, Chaplain and Librarian.

PRISON LITERATURE APPRECIATED.

Alva, Woods Co., Okla., Dec. 20, 1900.

Dear Sirs: Yours along with the books you sent were received last week and, as directed, the library was placed within the steel cage, where the prisoners could have free access to it. We would love to say a word of encouragement to the good people who are interesting themselves in behalf of the poor unfortunates behind iron bars, but we have not the command of language to express our admiration of this most commendable and noble work. No one can tell the good that may result from these silent companions, read by the poor unfortunates when shut in from the world. While we have never hoped to start a reform in prison life, we have often asked for more Christian interest in behalf of the prisoners. Accept our humble thanks for this most generous gift.

——, Former Jailer.

California State Prison.
Represa, Sacramento Co., Cal., Feb. 13, 1901.

Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

Gentlemen: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of eight books for prison library. We are very grateful to receive anything in this line, and any sent will be thankfully received. Respectfully,

——, General Overseer.

FROM A JAILER.

Guthrie, Logan Co., Okla., June 14, 1901.

Gospel Trumpet Publishing Co.:

I am glad to address you with a few lines to inform you that I received a package of books and tracts for the prisoners in my charge. The same have been handed them to read. I am glad to say that they enjoy reading them very much. I take an interest in reading them myself and think they are the best books and papers I ever read, and a great gift to the prisoners. They seem to condemn them of the crimes that they have committed. I am glad to say that the gospel can not be preached plainer than your books and papers preach it. I learn through your books and papers what it takes to constitute the church of God. The prisoners of this jail send their many thanks for the literature sent them.

——, Turnkey.

California Prison.
San Quentin, Cal., March 8, 1901.

Editor Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.

Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your kind favor of books and one fine Bible for the prisoners. I have added the books to the library and presented the Bible to one of the most worthy and appreciative of the prisoners, whose letter I have enclosed. I believe our prisoners have been much helped by the distribution of your excellent religious literature and kindly gifts. I shall be pleased to receive any further contributions in this direction. Thanking you in the name of the prisoners, I am, Yours,

——, Chaplain.

North Dakota State Penitentiary.
Bismarck, N. D., April 11, 1901.

Gospel Trumpet Publishing Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

Gents: I have to acknowledge receipt of yours of March 21st and owe you an apology for not giving you an earlier answer to same. You are doing a good work which is, I believe, appreciated by the unfortunates whom you are seeking to benefit, as well as by those who have them in charge. This is a small institution; we have at this date one hundred and fifteen inmates, all men. The moral conditions are, I believe, fairly good in the institution but there is great chance for improvement and I will be grateful for anything you may be able to do to assist in that direction, and trust that I may be able later on to assist you in the noble work in which you are engaged. Respectfully,

——, Warden.

BOOKS USED UNTIL WORN OUT.

Kentucky Penitentiary.
Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 8, 1901.

Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

We have received from your publishing house a nice package of good books. I take this opportunity to acknowledge receipt of same, and to thank you kindly for this generous donation. The books are turned into the hands of the prisoners, who take them eagerly, and are very grateful for them. They are passed from one to another until they are literally worn out. Allow me to say in this connection, that the problem of criminology in this country must be solved by other means than the punitive, and retributive idea. We have been more than a century trying every plan that man can devise to check and cure this growing curse. We must turn to the means provided by God Almighty. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only and true remedy. Disseminating good literature, and instructing in the ways of life, is a step in the right direction. I have made a study of the subjects under my charge, for nearly three years, and find that the man who fails to accept Jesus, and have his soul washed in his blood, in most cases leaves this place still a criminal. May God help us to lead them into the light. Many blessings upon you for your act of mercy. Very truly, your brother and co-worker,

——, Chaplain.

Michigan State Prison.
Jackson, Mich., March 11, 1901.

Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.

Gentlemen: We are in receipt of the very excellent collection of books you sent us for the use of the men in our institution. Please accept our grateful thanks for the same, and be assured they will be eagerly read and highly prized by the men. Too much can not be said of the beneficial influence of good books in the prison. Men will carefully read books in here that they would not look at outside. And then too they have time to digest what they read. Again thanking you for your kind remembrance of us, I beg leave to remain, Yours truly,

——, Chaplain.

Dover, Del., Aug. 6, 1900.

I received the tracts that you sent, and distributed them among the prisoners. They seem to enjoy them more than anything they have ever had in the way of reading. I shall be more than glad to distribute all such reading as that proves to be. Yours respectfully,

——, Warden of the Kent County Prison.

TESTIMONIES OF CONVICTS.

FELLOW PRISONERS, TAKE COURAGE.

Moundsville, W. Va.

Through the kindness of the warden I am permitted to present a small sketch of my prison life. I am glad to avail myself of the opportunity of relating my experience in the earnest hope that some one as unfortunate as myself may be benefited thereby. That this is written within prison-walls will, I feel, prove none the less interesting. The first night I spent in prison will never be forgotten. When the cell-doors clanged, closing in upon me, I felt my very heart sink within me. Then with a contrite heart I looked to Jesus, and spent the night in prayer. Oh, what a comfort he has been to me! I then and there made up my mind to follow in his footsteps, and devote my life to him.

With a change of heart, Christ has ever been with and bountifully blessed me. I meet with great kindness from Christian people, and every consideration from our noble warden and his officers. Because I am in prison I need not be useless nor unhappy. I accept my situation as of divine appointment, and will try to be contented with it. Lamenting over the past will do no good, for I can not recall or change it. Complaining of the present will not mend but make myself and others wretched. Anxiety about the future will not make it any better. My heavenly Father has permitted things to be just as they are, and I know he loves me. I will therefore leave all to him. No rebellion shall be cherished in my heart, and no murmur shall escape my lips. My Savior has promised that his grace shall be sufficient for me. He will never leave me, but be a present help in time of need. Trusting in him and committing all to my loving Father’s care, I will do what I can. I will make the place where my lot is cast as bright and cheerful as possible, and work and wait with patience till I am permitted to go to my heavenly home.

I am indebted to many of my Christian friends, to all of whom I extend my heartfelt thanks for many acts of kindness, of which one is in supplying me with a fine Teachers’ Bible and other good religious reading matter. My Bible has been to me a constant source of pleasure, it has dispersed the dark cloud of sorrow and let in the sunlight of God’s love. There was a time when I believed every earthly friend had forsaken me, and that I was only known by a number—the number on the books of a prison. In a cell, yea, shut away from the full light of day, shut away from man, I was lonely, friendless, forgotten—a boy who was once free as heaven’s sunshine, free as the birds whose songs I loved to hear. I remembered my home, my mother, the good-night kisses, the lilacs, the roses, the orchard, the swing, the schoolhouse, and the playmates. Then I thought of that beautiful and pathetic hymn, “Oh, where is my wandering boy to-night?” and I resolved that I would flee to the One whom God had appointed to bring forth the prisoner from the prison-house of sin. My brothers, you are not forgotten. If mother is alive, she is praying for you, and the God to whom she prays loves you. “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love”; “and, lo, I am with you always.” He has all the angels of heaven working to help fallen humanity to be saved from sin. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”—Heb. 1:14. And I am glad that I can testify to the facts, that behind prison-walls, in the dark shadows of a prison-cell, are sons and daughters of God, heirs of God, joint-heirs with Christ, heirs of salvation, and to these heirs of salvation angels are sent forth to minister. The angel in your cell waits, brother. Kneel and pray. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”—1 Jno. 1:9.

Can I, can you, live a Christian life in bondage? My answer is in the affirmative. It has been tested and proved beyond a doubt. I will recall the incident of Joseph. When he was a mere boy he was sold by his brethren and cast into bondage. He resisted temptation, even when he knew that in so doing he was taking just so many steps toward the dungeon. Gen. 39:7-20. In adversity, as well as in prosperity, he gave all honor to God. Gen. 41:16. He forgave his brethren when most men would have been tempted to punish them. Gen. 50:15-21. We can learn from Joseph’s prison life a remarkable lesson. That God was with him in all things was unmistakably true. He was blessed and elevated to noble positions. This honor he gained by his uprightness in his daily walk before God. Gen. 39:21-23; Acts 7:9. God used him as an instrument to unfold his plans. Gen. 45:5-8; 50:20; Acts 7:9-14. If Joseph, a mere boy, could walk uprightly before God and receive a blessing in prison, I or any one else can do the same by the grace of God, and by his grace I will. And again, Peter, the apostle of Jesus Christ, was imprisoned by Herod and was delivered by an angel through the prayer of the church, yet he could not realize that he was released from his bonds and imprisonment, but thought that it was a vision. Acts 12:4-9. Paul and Silas suffered bonds of imprisonment, and stripes of persecution for proclaiming the gospel of Christ, and during all their persecution sang songs of praise and lifted their voices in prayer to the Lord. Acts 16:22-26. If all of these men could offer so much praise to God under such trying circumstances, I or any one else can do the same, but only through his grace. By his grace I will. When we fully submit our minds to God’s mind and plans, then God will teach us the sweet lesson that “all things work together for good to them that love God.”—Rom. 8:28. Trust him and open your heart to him and you will experience this peace which he gives to his followers, a peace such as the world can neither give nor take away.

In conclusion I must say, if the dear readers could but hear the pleading, fervent prayers and the touching testimonies of these unfortunates, they would place a higher estimate on the prisoner, and by word and act help him rise, as it were, above his surroundings. The prisoners are given to understand by our warden that the prayer-meeting services are theirs, and let me say there are about fifty of the boys here who try to make the best of it, and in no single instance have they violated the privilege granted to them during this service. I consider it a privilege to stand up for God, even within the confining bars of a penitentiary. My brother prisoner, the Master is calling for you. Think of it, whosoever believeth on God’s only Son, a free and a full salvation shall he have, for God is both willing and able to save. “What must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”—Acts 16:30. Salvation is in the name of Jesus; “neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”—Acts 4:12. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”—Josh. 24:15. May God bless and uplift the fallen everywhere.

Serial No. 2282.

SAVED BEHIND PRISON-BARS.

Washington Co. Jail, Potasi, Mo., Sept. 23, 1900.

I was a very wicked man when I was put in here, but by reading books and tracts sent me I soon realized my condition, and oh, how I repented of my many sins and called on God for mercy! Now I am so happy to tell you that he freely forgave me all. Praise his dear name! Although I have been in here long time my hours have been sweet since I found Jesus. I expect to leave here in a few days for the state prison at Jefferson City, but oh, I have the sweet promise: “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” I have promised God that the rest of my days shall be spent for him who has done so much for me. I expect to work for God all I can while in the penitentiary, distributing papers and books that are sent to me for that purpose. Dear ones, pray that God may ever use me.

J. H. R.

FROM A CONDEMNED PRISONER.

Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Through the kindness of a lady in California a few copies of your paper, the Gospel Trumpet, have found their way into this prison (Santa Fe, New Mexico). Each copy has been met with a hearty welcome, and well read. This prison has about 230 men behind its walls. About one hundred of these men can read the English language, and are in need of the true gospel. If any of God’s children who read this feel that they would like to send a few copies of the Trumpet, or tracts, or any other spiritual literature to this prison, the writer will take pleasure in distributing the same.

I am happy to say that I feel the effects of the many earnest prayers that are rising daily in my behalf. I am a condemned man and have been lying under a death sentence for over thirteen months. My case will be disposed of in August, and I need the prayers of all God’s dear people. Brothers and sisters, pray for me. I have many friends and loved ones praying that it may be God’s will to give me my liberty next spring. Will every one who may read this join us in this prayer, and always close with “God’s will be done.” Dear ones, I am only in one of God’s schools, and his great Spirit gives me strength to rejoice with all my sad trouble. I was placed in this dungeon April 4, 1899, and have not seen a star since. Oh, I know they would look beautiful! The sun never reaches my little palace; but I am happy to say, “There is sunshine in my soul to-day.” Have not been sick an hour since here. All the praise to my dear Savior. I am expecting to get my case reversed in August, am putting my trust in higher power than man. “If God be for us, who can be against us?”—Rom. 8:31. I know that I have the prayers and sympathy of every one that loves Jesus Christ and his cause, and when my case is decided I will let you all know the verdict through the Trumpet. My enemies are many, and I will ask you all to remember them daily, in your prayers. I love their souls, and my earnest prayer is that I may meet them all in heaven. Reader, meet me at Jesus’ feet.

W. B. H., Box 426.

Territorial Prison of Arizona.
Yuma, Ariz., Nov. 17, 1900.

Dear Sirs: Our honorable superintendent gave me your letter accompanying some books and tracts you sent to the prisoners in the Territorial Prison at Yuma, Arizona, a few days ago. As it happens to be my misfortune to be one of the number incarcerated in this place, I take pleasure in writing you and telling my experience of what Jesus can do for a man behind the prison-walls. Like many others behind the prison-bars, no doubt, I enjoyed the blessing of being brought up in a Christian community, but had never been brought to the realization of the fact that I needed the protection of a loving Savior to guide me through this life, and like the prodigal son I thought I could take care of myself. But like so many hundreds of others that take no heed to their earlier training, fell into bad company, which finally led to the cause of my misfortune that placed me behind the prison-walls.

At first the thought of being in prison, and loved ones at home, almost drove me wild. The days were too long, the nights too long; I could not content myself with reading, and could scarcely work. I thought I was the most miserable man on earth, and almost wished I could die. Finally I concluded to try to read the Bible. I had scarcely looked in a Bible for nine years, much less read a single chapter. So I secured a Bible and began at the first chapter of Genesis, and read a few chapters at leisure hours. I would mark the place where I left off and commence there when I had another opportunity to read. The more I read the more interesting it became; so I finally read it through. By the time I read it through I had become so interested I would take the Bible to the cell with me at night and read till the lights were turned out, and I concluded to read it through again and take more time in reading and try to get a better understanding of it. Before I got through the second time I was convicted by the Spirit of God. I realized that I was not only a convict, but a sinner. I accepted Christ as my Savior, and have been trying to serve him ever since.

It has made a new man of me. The days and nights are now not too long, and I can work as though I were drawing a salary. The Bible is the most precious book in the world to me, and the longer I serve Christ the more I am determined to serve him the remainder of my life. My prayer is that every man behind the prison-bars may accept Christ as their Savior, while in prison; for if they wait until they get out, the temptations are too great and the chances are against them. My advice to my fellow convicts is to read the Bible; if it is not interesting at first it will become interesting; it will broaden your minds, it will make better men and women of you, it will help you to bear your burdens, and may be the means of saving your souls.

I thank you for the books and tracts, and assure you they will be read and appreciated by quite a number of the men here, and trust God will bless you in your efforts to lead fallen men to the Savior.

R. C.

Jackson, Mo., April 4, 1900.

We, the prisoners of Jackson, Missouri, thank you for sending us those good papers. We would to God we were able to express our gratitude for the Gospel Trumpet and to you for your great desire to help us to be better men. I wish we had thousands of such men and women as you are. I do wish that every poor soul in this world could get a Gospel Trumpet and read and see the great light it gives to any one trying to serve the true God. I desire your faithful prayers to help me bear the cross, and also wish the prayers of all your brothers and friends that I may be a better man. Pray God to deliver me from my enemies and out of this prison. I have a dear wife and six little children and want to return home to them. I will leave here to-morrow for Jefferson City Mo. prison, and hope to hear from you again. May God help you to help every poor soul.