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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 theDistrict 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.
