Chapter V

Letters of Introduction and Kind Words from Governors, Prison
Officials, Etc.

From the great number of letters which I have received, of the character indicated by the title of this chapter, I give a few which may be of interest to the reader. These will suffice to show the general interest of those in positions of honor and trust and their willingness to share a part in the work I have tried to perform for humanity, by making it possible for me to prosecute and carry it on. Many letters of like topic have been lost or destroyed, and, space being limited, I hope those who have done a like part may not feel slighted. The true records are kept by the recording angel, and every one shall receive a just reward. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Such letters received in the Southern states will be found in the chapters on work in Stockades and Prison Camps. Also some relating to Street and Rescue work in the chapters on these respective topics. I should like very much to give some personal letters from railway officials, expressing their appreciation and interest in the work, but I have refrained lest by such some might be caused some annoyance. To them much gratitude and credit is due, from all who have received encouragement or spiritual benefit through my feeble efforts made in the name of Jesus.

FROM GOVERNORS.

Executive Department,
Indianapolis, Ind., Dec. 4, 1891.

Hon. J. B. Patten, Warden,
Jeffersonville, Ind.

Dear Sir:

This will be presented to you by Mrs. Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton, an
evangelist whose work is especially among prisoners. I hope it
will suit your pleasure and convenience to extend to her the
privilege of addressing the prisoners of your institution.

Yours truly,
I. J. CHASE, Governor...

* * * * *

Executive Department,
Indianapolis, Ind., Aug. 3, 1893.

Capt. Jas. B. Patten,
Warden Prison South,
Jeffersonville, Ind.

Dear Sir:

This will be presented to you by Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, a prison
evangelist of long experience and considerable reputation. She
comes with the highest recommendations of her work from prisons
heretofore visited. She desires to conduct services in your
chapel, and I trust you will afford her every reasonable facility
for so doing.

Very respectfully,
CLAUDE MATTHEWS.

* * * * *

Governor's Office.

Topeka, Aug. 5, 1893.

Hon. S. W. Chase,
Lansing, Kans.

Dear Sir:

This will introduce to you Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton, a prison
evangelist, who comes to us very highly recommended.

She is desirous of holding service, or taking part, at least, in
the prison.

Any favors shown her will be appreciated by

FRED J. CLOSE, Private Sec'y.

* * * * *

Dear Chase:

I have just come in, and take pleasure in endorsing the above
letter. I bespeak for this lady a full opportunity to address the
prisoners, as I have no doubt but that the service will be
productive of good.

Yours,
L. D. LEWELLING, Governor.

* * * * *

Executive Office.
State of Idaho.

Boise City, Dec. 19, 1895.

To Whom It May Concern:

This will introduce Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton, a lady who is
devoted to prison work. Any favors shown her will be gratefully
appreciated.

Respectfully,
W. J. MCCONNELL, Governor.

* * * * *

Executive Chamber.

Lincoln, Nebraska, Oct. 10, 1896.

Warden Leidigh:

My Dear L.:--

This will introduce to you Mrs. Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton, who is
interested in prison reform work and in visiting prisons for the
purpose of holding suitable services on the Sabbath day. Kindly
extend such courtesies as you can, and make the necessary
announcements so that she can conduct services in the chapel, and
much oblige,

Very truly yours,
SILAS A. HOLCOMB, Governor.

* * * * *

Executive Chamber.

Carson City, Nevada, Dec. 13, 1902.

Mrs. Henderson:

Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, the bearer of this, desires to do some
charitable work at the prison and she desires to have services
there tomorrow, as Mr. Henderson is not there. She is coming down
with Mr. Harris and will explain her mission to you.

Yours truly,
R. SADLER, Governor.

PRISON OFFICIALS.

Sheriff's Office.
Suffolk County.

Boston, Oct. 24, 1885.

Mr. Bradley:

Let the bearer visit the jail and see any person she desires to.

J. B. O'BRIEN, Sheriff.

* * * * *

North Carolina State Penitentiary.

Raleigh, N. C., Nov. 14, 1885.

Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton.

My Dear Friend: Your postal just to hand, and in reply I am glad
to say my daughter is much better than when you were in Raleigh,
but she is still very far from being well. The general health of
the prisoners is very good at this time. I shall be very glad to
have you at our prison as you pass on your way south. We have all
of the convicts in the prison every Sabbath, and I shall be very
much pleased for you to have service for us. We can arrange for
the service on any Sabbath morning or evening, as may be most
desirable or convenient to you.

I regret that I did not meet you when you were here last. May the
good Lord bless you very abundantly in your Christian work.

Your Friend,
W. J. HICKS, Architect and Warden.

* * * * *

Warden's Office,
Nebraska State Penitentiary.

Nobesville, Nebr., April 11, 1886.

R. J. McClaughry,
Warden Penitentiary,
Joliet, Ill.

Dear Sir:

This will introduce to your favorable notice Mrs. E. R. Wheaton,
Prison Evangelist. Mrs. Wheaton is highly recommended by some of
the most prominent persons, and any favors that you can show her
will be in a good cause.

Very respectfully,
C. F. NOBES, Warden.

* * * * *

San Francisco, Aug. 18, 1888.

Mrs. E. R. Wheaton.

Dear Madam: I have just received yours of the 17th inst., and in
reply will say that you have always been welcome to visit the
jail and enjoy every privilege granted to others of your sex.

Mr. G.'s mother has not been allowed to enter his cell for some
time past. The utmost freedom consistent with our rules of order
is given to all those employed in the good work in which you are
so earnestly engaged. Should you find it convenient to visit the
institution again prior to leaving our State, we will be pleased
to admit you, and should you prevail on the sheriff to allow the
special favor you seek, we will gladly comply with the order.

Respectfully yours,
JOHN ROGERS, Chief Jailer.

* * * * *

Dakota Penitentiary North.

Bismarck, Dak., Oct. 27, 1888.

Hon. D. S. Glidden,
Warden Penitentiary,
Sioux Falls, Dak.

Dear Sir:

This will introduce to you Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton and Miss
Mary M----, Prison Evangelists.

They paid us a visit several days ago. While they came without
introduction, I welcomed them and gave them opportunity to
examine the prison; also called officers and prisoners together
in the evening and held services. We were well repaid for our
time and trouble. They left a lasting and good impression. I
think that you will like their singing and prison talk. I bespeak
for them a cordial greeting. Fraternally yours,

DAN WILLIAMS, Warden.

* * * * *

Warden's Office,
Penitentiary at Anamosa.

Anamosa, Iowa, Dec. 2, 1888.

This is to certify that Elizabeth R. Wheaton this day held
religious services in the prison chapel at this prison, which
were very interesting and instructive, and were highly
appreciated by both convicts and officials. I am convinced that
much good will result from the meeting. Mrs. Wheaton is very
earnest in her remarks, and her singing is charming. I can
heartily commend her to all prison officials whom she may choose
to visit.

Very truly,
MARQUIS BARR, Warden.

* * * * *

Ohio Penitentiary, Warden's Office.

Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1889.

To Prison Officers:

This will introduce Mrs. Wheaton, who has been at our prison and
worked among the boys. There is none who will command more
respect and no more earnest worker than Mrs. Wheaton. She will do
good Christian work wherever she goes.

Respectfully,
W. B. PENNINGTON,
Deputy Warden, Ohio Penitentiary.

* * * * *

Huntsville, Tex., Sept. 20, 1904.

Mother Wheaton,
Tabor Iowa.

My Dear Madam: Your favor of the 4th instant came duly to hand,
and we certainly appreciate your kind remembrance.

I made the men a talk last Sunday in the Chapel and told them of
your kindly words sent them by you through me, and I know they
all appreciated it. May God bless you in your good work, and
grant that your days may be long; that you may be able to turn
many poor, wayward men and women from their evil ways.

With my very kindest regards, I beg to remain, madam,

Yours most sincerely,

T. H. BROWN, Asst. Superintendent.

Dict. T. H. B.

* * * * *

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Aug. 31, 1891.

To My Brethren--Wardens:

Gentlemen: Having observed the work of Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton
as a prison evangelist, I most cheerfully recommend her to your
kind consideration and co-operation. Her presence is a
benediction, and her work is in no sense subversive of good
discipline, but, on the other hand, is most healthful and
helpful.

Fraternally yours,
THEO. D. KANOUSE,
Warden of South Dakota Penitentiary.

* * * * *

Warden's Office.
The Anamosa Penitentiary.

Anamosa, Iowa, Oct. 8, 1894.

To all who entertain an interest in our common humanity:

We deem it only just and proper to express our endorsement of the
labors and influence of Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton among the
inmates of prisons.

Her visits to this prison have invariably been attended with good
results, and she leaves within these walls a fragrant and
wholesome influence.

Most respectfully,
P. W. MADDEN, Warden.
J. M. CROCKER, Chaplain.

* * * * *

Southern Illinois Penitentiary.

Chester, Ill., Menard P. O., Oct. 22, 1893.

Dr. V. S. Benson, Asylum for Criminal Insane,

My Dear Doctor:

This will introduce Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, a prison evangelist who
wishes to hold open air services at your place. I am deeply
impressed with her earnestness and eloquence, and feel that she
has done us good down here.
Yours truly,

J. D. BAKER, Warden.

* * * * *

Superintendent's Office.
Virginia Penitentiary.

Richmond Va., June 8, 1893.

To Whom It May Concern:

Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, evangelist, whose mission is among
prisoners, has visited and held meetings at this institution
which have made a decided impression upon the convicts, and I
heartily recommend her to the favor of prison officials and
other good people.

Very truly yours,
B. W. LYNN, Supt.

* * * * *

Colorado State Penitentiary.

Canon City, Colo., April 11, 1904.

To Whom It May Concern:

I wish to say that Mother Wheaton, who has from time to time
visited the Colorado State Penitentiary, has been the means, I
believe, of accomplishing much good with the inmates of this
institution. Her earnest efforts and kind, motherly advice have
instilled in the hearts of the prisoners an apparent desire to be
better men. I certainly most earnestly commend her to the kindly
care of those whom she may meet.

JOHN CLEGHORN,
Warden Colorado State Penitentiary.

* * * * *

South Dakota Penitentiary.

Sioux Falls, S. D., March 12, 1904.

Mrs. E. R. Wheaton,
612 E St., Elkhart, Ind.

Dear Madam:

I take this opportunity of thanking you for the visit made to
this institution some time ago. Your work among the prisoners has
had good effect in more ways than one. A number of the inmates
have told me that your encouraging and Christian talk to them has
helped them and that they are trying to live Christian lives and
that by the help of God they expect this to be their last term in
prison.

Hoping that you may be able to visit this institution again, I
am,

Yours truly,
O. S. SWENSON, Warden.

* * * * *

South Dakota Penitentiary.

Sioux Falls, S. D., June 5, 1905.

To Whom It May Concern:

This is to certify that Mother Wheaton, the bearer of this
letter, has visited the South Dakota Penitentiary in the capacity
of a missionary. I am glad of the opportunity to say that she is
doing much good to those unfortunate enough to be placed in an
institution of this kind and I heartily commend her work.

Very respectfully,
H. T. PARMLEY, Warden.

* * * * *

Nebraska State Penitentiary.

Lancaster, Neb., May 22, 1905.

Mother Wheaton's visits to this institution always seem to cheer
up the inmates and make most of them look forward to better
things. They feel that she has a mother's heart for all.

A. D. BEEMER, Warden.

* * * * *

Office of the Commissioners of the
District of Columbia.

Washington, Aug. 19, 1893.

Mr. W. H. Stoutenburgh,
Intendant Washington Asylum.

Dear Sir:

The commissioners direct me to ask that you will give the bearer,
Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, a hearing, and such favorable
action as you properly may with respect to the object of her
visit, which is to arrange for the holding of religious exercises
at the asylum.

Very truly,
W. TINDALL, Secretary.

PERSONAL LETTERS.

Kansas State Penitentiary.

Lansing, Kan., Oct. 17, 1894.

Mrs. E. R. Wheaton.
Dear Sister:

I am in receipt of your card and am glad to hear of your good
success. I enclose you a money order for eight dollars and
seventy-five cents, of which fifty cents comes from the deputy
warden, and the balance from prisoners. You will remember that I
gave you one dollar and twenty-five cents, making a total of ten
dollars.

Excuse me for being so particular, but money drawn from the
prisoners goes on record, so would like your receipt to show for
it.

Wife and children are well.

Fraternally,
F. A. BRIGGS, Chaplain.

* * * * *

Kentucky Branch Penitentiary.

Eddyville, Ky., Nov. 13, 1897.

Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton.
Dear Sister:

I suppose you remember your visit to our prison; the boys often
speak of you. We would be glad to have you visit us again
whenever it would be convenient. I will soon have to submit my
annual report and I write you that I may get a statement from you
that I may embody in the report. I herewith enclose statement; if
you will sign and return to me I will be very thankful. I have
forgotten the lady's name who was with you. If you could get a
like statement from her for me I would be glad to embody it also.
In my report I will speak of your visit in a way that will
introduce you into other parts of the United States.

Hoping to hear from you soon, I am,

Yours most respectfully,
D. F. KERR, Chaplain.

* * * * *

Missouri State Penitentiary.
Office of Warden.

Jefferson City, Nov. 22, 1897.

Dear Mother Wheaton:

Your card duly received and we were all glad to hear from you, D.
especially. Enclosed you will find a letter from her which she is
very anxious for you to answer. Mrs. Pike and I both ordered
books from Mr. McKnight at Columbus and are perfectly delighted
with them. Mrs. Spahr has ordered one too. We are all about as
usual, some three or four sick. We have fifty-two women at
present. Hope you are well and prospering in the Lord's work.
Will be pleased to hear from you often. With much love,

I am sincerely yours,
BELLE MAGEE,
Matron State Penitentiary.

* * * * *

Pittsburg, Kan., April 18, 1898.

My Dear Mother Wheaton:

Your kind letter just received. God bless you for your kind,
sympathetic heart. I have often thought of and prayed for you. I
still feel that God will open the way for me to re-enter the
prison work. I am trusting Him. He is my all and in all.

I hear occasionally from the boys at Fort Madison. God has used
you marvelously. May you be spared long to tell to those around
what a dear Saviour you have found.

Your son in the gospel,
C. S. LASLETT,
Former Chaplain Fort Madison, Iowa.

Eph. 3:18-21.

* * * * *

Anamosa Penitentiary.

Anamosa, Iowa, Oct. 5, 1899.

Dear Mother Wheaton:

At last we have your handkerchiefs finished, and can send to you.
The girls did not get those tiny slippers finished in time to
have them at the turnkey's office the evening before you went
away, so will enclose them now. They are very small, but we know
you will appreciate the motive rather than the result.

They are all doing nicely and I feel quite encouraged with the
present outlook.

I trust that you are better and that your general health may
remain good for years of usefulness yet in life.

With best wishes from myself and my father, the Deputy Warden,

I am sincerely yours,
MRS. ANGIE M. WATERMAN, Matron.

* * * * *

Kansas State Penitentiary.

Lansing, Kan., Oct. 5, 1899.

Dear Mother Wheaton:

Your card of yesterday reached me today, but too late to attend
your service at the Home, which I would have been pleased to do.
Accompanied by our daughter we went to Kansas City, Mo., Monday
evening for a short visit and returned home yesterday noon. I
examined eight new prisoners just before starting and upon my
return found sixteen more. Then two more today. Twenty-six in all
this week! So I have been very busy.

Your handkerchief was found in Chapel and my sexton and night
watch want you to know that you have found "two honest boys in
the pen." I send it enclosed.

Are you going to remain here over another Sunday, and if so, will
you be out again or do you go to the Military Prison?

The little book to Baby Esther, the poem and a tract, came this
evening, for which please accept grateful thanks. May the blessed
Lord greatly bless you in your noble work. May He comfort,
strengthen and keep you.

Sincerely yours in Jesus,
R. A. HOFFMAN, Chaplain.

* * * * *

Iowa Soldiers' Home.
Marshalltown, Iowa, July 18, 1901.

Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton.

Dear Sister. Your card came, after a little delay, duly to hand.

We regret very much your being sick and especially with that
dreaded disease, the smallpox. There has not been a case of it at
the Home and not any in town that I know of.

Our family is well. Matters at the Home in usual shape.
Thirty-four of the boys have died since January 1, and so we are
being mustered out, because of service no longer needed. It will
be a wonderful relief to us all to be invited to that "house not
made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

Your visit here was well received, much enjoyed and very
profitable. Your coming again will be hailed with delight.

Very truly, your brother,
JESSE COLE, Chaplain.

* * * * *

Michigan State Prison.

Jackson, Mich., Sept. 9, 1903.

Dear Mother Wheaton:

The work still progresses nicely. Many of the men speak in the
highest terms of the services you held here and wish to hear you
again and those who pray often remember you in their prayers.

We are very thankful to you for your interest in the inmates of
Jackson Prison. God bless you in your mission of love. We send
the sincere wish and offer the earnest prayer that God may make
your book a strong influence in the upbuilding of Christian life
and character.

Sincerely,
FRANK MCALPINE, Chaplain.

* * * * *

Rusk, Tex., April 7, 1904.

Mrs. E. R. Wheaton.

Dear Sister: Your kind postal was read to "The Boys" last Sunday
and I was requested to answer it. They enjoyed your words of love
and sympathy very much. The "old timers" remember you well, and
the new men know you through the old ones.

John B. Reagan is Assistant Superintendent, J. H. Meeks, Warden
or, as he is called here, Underkeeper; J. H. Walker, Assistant
Financial Agent, and I am Chaplain.

We would like so much for you to visit us. If you make
arrangements to come let me know and I will meet you at the
depot.

Yours in the work,
J. L. DAWSON.

* * * * *

Accompanying the following tribute from Bro. Munro, chaplain of the Mission to the "Tombs" Prison in New York City, we give cuts of the old "Tombs" where I have held services a number of times, and of the "New Tombs" which has not been occupied a great while. Also a short extract taken from the annual report of the chaplain.

Gospel Mission to the Tombs.
Rev. J. J. Munro, Chaplain.

New York City, June 24, 1904.

Dear Sister Wheaton,
Prison Evangelist,
Chicago, Ill.

I am glad to hear that you are writing a book on prison labors.
You certainly have had much experience in that line. I trust your
book will have a wide circulation in which the marvels of God's
free grace to men and women behind the bars will be fully seen.

I take much pleasure in commending your prison labors for the
Master. For when you came to the Tombs it gave me great joy to
hear you speak to the prisoners. And your earnest words for lost
souls will not be soon forgotten. Success to you and may God's
richest blessing be with you.

In the Master's name,
JOHN J. MUNRO.

EXTRACT.

"Crime among boys and young men has increased greatly during the
last few years. I cannot account for this except on the ground of
a noticeable increase in the social high pressure.

"The temptations today are greater than ever and swamp the young
men by the hundreds before they reach their majority. I meet
these boys in prison--white and colored--and talk to them. I find
out their needs and try to help them.

"Nowhere in the wide world can the power of sin be more clearly
seen than in the Tombs Prison. It is a wreckage pool where hulks
and derelicts that have been abandoned in the ocean of life come
to a standstill. What an army of fallen humanity! They can go no
further. When they realize their condition they weep, groan and
bitterly lament over their misspent lives. Can these men be
transformed by the power of the Gospel? These moral and physical
wrecks, with bleared eyes, sunken and emaciated cheeks and many
other marks of sin. What a besotted multitude! Yet the Gospel of
Jesus can reach them. 'He can save to the uttermost all that come
unto God through Him.'"

* * * * *

Nebraska State Penitentiary.
A. D. Beemer, Warden.

Lancaster, Neb., May 22, 1905.

To Whom It May Concern:

I have lately become acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth Wheaton,
familiarly known as "Mother Wheaton," the prison evangelist, and
I take pleasure in recommending her and endorsing her work among
those who are detained in prisons and jails.

Her manifest Christian spirit, sympathy with the unfortunate and
condemned ones, sincere humility, all entitle her to the esteem
and confidence of all, and I believe her work productive of much
good.

Signed, P. C. JOHNSON,
Chaplain of Nebraska Penitentiary,
Lancaster, Neb.

* * * * *

Huntsville, Tex., Aug. 8, 1904.

To Whom It May Concern:

This is to certify that Sister Elizabeth R. Wheaton, prison
evangelist, has visited our prison and held a profitable service.
She is a consecrated woman and has her heart in the work. Would
to God that we had more such women. May the Lord raise them up
and help these poor unfortunate men who are confined within
prison walls. All the prisoners who know her love her and call
her mother. May the Lord in his mercy preserve her and give her
many souls for her labor.

W. T. MCDONALD,
Chaplain Penitentiary.

* * * * *

Charlestown, Mass., Oct. 30, 1885.

Dear Mrs. Wheaton:

I am sorry I had no opportunity to see you before you left. I
trust we may see you on your way to the south. Mrs. Chapman
informed me last evening of your whereabouts and the Warden
wished me to convey his regards to you and say that he should
like to see you here again, if convenient or consistent with your
plans, on Sunday next (Nov. 1).

Accompanying this please find some notes from different
prisoners. The Warden would be glad to have you here some
Saturday P.M. in order that you should be in the yard, at liberty
with all the men, that you might speak with them at your freedom
or pleasure personally. I trust that the divine light is flooding
your spirit and I pray it may do so forever.

I hope that Christ is ever a satisfying portion to you and that
your comforts in Him are numberless and rich.

May God Almighty fill you with himself.

Respectfully,
J. W. F. BARNES,
Chaplain Mass. State Prison.

P. S. Also find herewith a paper drawn up by one prisoner and
signed by thirty-three others.

J. W. F. B.

* * * * *

Charlestown, Mass., June 4, 1887.

Dear Sister Wheaton:

Things here seem to be getting on to the praise of Jehovah. I had
a good, long letter from Sister B. this morning. It is most
blessed to feel that Jesus abides in the ship and commands the
winds and sea as well. Praise his glorious name!

What a blessing it is to be on the altar in God's service, ready
to go or stay; ready to labor or to rest; to bear burdens or be
free.

I trust that the fullest rays of the Sun Divine may warm your
heart and make your life fruitful.

God be with you richly in all things.

With best of wishes,
J. W. F. BARNES, Chaplain.

* * * * *

Massachusetts State Prison.
Charlestown, Feb. 13, 1896.

Dear Mrs. Wheaton:

Your postal to the Warden concerning ---- was put into my hands.
This is the first moment I have had to devote to an answer. He is
in the city working. He has made excellent friends. He stands
well in the church he has joined; is connected with a very large
Bible class of young men and frequently has to be its teacher. He
is active in the church, but closely confined to his work.

We are in fair condition, comparatively, in the prison. We have
tonight, 761 prisoners. I send you one of our reports with this.

A. is still keeping a Rescue Mission and doing well.

I presume you are still after the welfare of the prisoners. I
have been very ill since I saw you, but am able to be at my work
again. Our little prayer meeting on Saturday P. M. still goes on
doing good. The Lord is with us in the enlightening and building
up of souls.

Such work as you used to do has been left out of the prison life
and no one is allowed now to go into the chapel on Sundays. Once
each month I take in some people to help us sing in our praise
service. The same people every time, however. Pray for us.

Sincerely yours,
J. W. F. BARNES, Chaplain.

* * * * *

Massachusetts State Prison.

Charlestown, June 14, 1899.

Dear Sister Wheaton:

Yours came on Monday last. I was glad to hear from you, and to
get the enclosures in your letter. They are good--very good--for
my work and my own life. I heartily reciprocate all your good
wishes for me and pray that you may be preserved from all evil.

We have had some blessed conversions here and one or two of our
men have gone to their reward in great peace and joy.

F. is doing well and much loved in his work for Christ. He is at
same address I sent you before.

Truly yours in the work,
J. W. F. BARNES, Chaplain.