Part 5

A night school from 5.30 to 7.30 p. m., for two hundred and more illiterate white and colored inmates, ranging from seventeen to seventy-two years of age, was begun in the library at its opening, without intermission during every week-day of the year. The good result has been more satisfactory in the teaching of spelling, reading, arithmetic, geography, and writing than the most sanguine could have anticipated. Every one of the illiterate prisoners at the end of the year can read. The attendance of the pupils, thirty-two white and forty colored, being voluntary on their part, alternate nights. The prisoners are visited at their cells every Saturday evening by assistant librarians (who are employed in shops during the day), with slips in hand, and their order taken for whatever book or magazine they may ask for. The magazines are securely bound, three in one volume, minus the advertisements. The number of the cell is taken down with the prisoner’s serial number. The literature is carefully selected by the librarian and made ready for his assistants to place in the inmates’ cells, and each book is charged to the prisoner by his serial number, to be kept for one week. If, however, the book is one that can not be read during the regular period of time, upon application, a further period of a week is allowed. The books issued the previous week are collected and returned to the library, there to be carefully examined, for intentional mutilation the culprit being black-listed and deprived of the use of books, at the pleasure of the warden. At the first and several issues thereafter illiterate and mischievous prisoners marked their books, but by judicious use of the black-list and reprimand the practice on the part of these culprits ceased, and they cheerfully refrained from committing themselves again, and they are now most careful of their literary treasures. For a period of seven months of the year no reports for mutilation of books have been made.

The following are most in demand: Mothers’ Counsel to Their Sons, Pilgrim’s Progress, Fox’s Book of Martyrs, The Kingdom of God, Divine Healing of Soul and Body, Grace of Healing, Boy’s Companion, and Letters for Our Girls—the last being in demand by the female inmates, there being twenty-seven white and colored of them. Many books on tobacco and its effects were also issued to the inmates above named. The books are a part of the Gospel Trumpet Publishing Company’s donation. From close observation of the readers of all this admirable literature the good results are carefully and conscientiously given as follows: Mothers’ Counsel to Their Sons is in constant and steady demand from young men to the “manor-born” of West Virginia. They are a unique, original, and reverent body of criminals. Far too many are illiterate, possessed of high, lofty, and impulsive dispositions, their very souls throbbing with vitality, their eyes beaming with inspiration, doubtless inspired with the magnificent scenery of their native and well-beloved state. Their hearts and minds seem to expand with the thought ever present with them, “Mountaineers will ever be free.” While restraint is irksome to them, they are, however, sensitively susceptible to kind treatment. They love their mountain homes and hearth-stones and cherish with fond remembrance the parents at home, and they are keen to read literature that brings these close to their prison home.

Pilgrim’s Progress is called for by older inmates from other states, white and colored alike, and also those from foreign lands, some of whom have enjoyed the benefit of early home religious training or have been picked up during their wanderings around the world and about the country. They seem to get much good from their reading of John Bunyan, his temptations, trials, and triumphs. All of these men continue in their demand for Gospel Trumpet literature until they have read all of the different volumes of the donation. A marked and decided improvement is noted in the good discipline and the attendance at religious services of all of the readers of good literature and the warden and guards are pleased with their exemplary behavior. The warden has found it convenient to stop altogether the issue of tobacco to the inmates, doubtless accounted for by readers of “Tobacco and Its Effects,” who are now non-users of the weed. It is to be hoped that the contractors do not issue to their employees as much tobacco as heretofore. May the use of it grow less until in as well as out of prison its use may be entirely eliminated.

RULES TO BE OBSERVED BY PRISONERS WHEN USING THE LIBRARY.

Rule 1st. Upon entering the library prisoners must promptly remove their caps and go to their seats in a quiet manner.

Rule 2d. Chewing tobacco, smoking, or spitting on the floor is strictly forbidden.

Rule 3d. Books, papers, or stationery required by any prisoner can be had by raising the hand and asking the librarian or teacher.

Rule 4th. Undivided attention must be given to the teacher; his instructions promptly and respectfully obeyed, and the whole time of the prisoner who is learning must be devoted to study.

Rule 5th. Books, magazines, and papers will be issued for not longer than one week. Care must be exercised not to mark, tear, or mutilate them in any way.

Rule 6th. Should a violation of any of these rules result in a prisoner being reported for punishment, he will be black-listed, and denied the privilege of school or library.

Rule 7th. The privilege of the library will be given to prisoners of exemplary record, where they will have free access to books, magazines, and papers, after working hours.

S. A. HAWK, Warden.

LITERATURE FOR CONVICTS.

The Greenbrier (W. Va.) Independent says: “A short time ago Judge McWhorter of our town shipped to S. A. Hawk, warden of the state prison at Moundsville, a lot of books, magazines, etc., donated by himself and others. We are permitted to publish Mr. Hawk’s letter to the judge in acknowledgement of the donation:

“‘Your fine donation of literature came to hand to-day (March 10), for which please accept my sincere gratitude. I am gratified to inform you that from donations received from the generous people of West Virginia and some few publishers, I have about 10,000 volumes of books and magazines—the latter securely bound and covered. The library is indebted to the Wheeling Intelligencer and News for very many daily exchanges. The library room is 40×40 feet, handsomely furnished and fully equipped.

“‘I have an evening school of sixty pupils—thirty colored and thirty white, boys and men—the hours being from 5 to 7.30 p. m. Their progress is very satisfactory. Taking into consideration that I sent out my appeal for literature January 20, 1900, I think that I have met with unprecedented success, for which I am certainly grateful.

“‘I feel conscious that the new and more liberal system of discipline inaugurated by me since my management of the prison, and the many improvements made, is a duty I owe my charges and for the future protection of society, because these men feel that the hand of every man is not raised against them and that upon their release they will be encouraged to make of themselves useful citizens.

“‘Assuring you that I completely appreciate your kindness, I am sincerely yours,

S. A. HAWK.’”

THE BIBLE CLASS.

Had been in an intermittent state of organization from 1890, with but moderate success. Some two years ago (1899) the Gospel Trumpet people took an active interest in the welfare of the Bible class, which meant that henceforth renewed and intelligent effort was to be made for the future. The class under the new order of arrangement and new infusion of God’s Spirit greatly increased in membership in a short period of time. To this class of earnest Christians the Gospel Trumpet people and denominational ministers of Moundsville give their attention and best effort in their respective turn, every Sabbath morning from 8 to 9 o’clock. The commendable progress the members of the class have made in their work is to a large extent due to these ministers of God. Very many remarkable conversions have been brought about, and baptism given by the ordained ministers from the Gospel Trumpet office.

NOTABLE REFORMATIONS.

_Serial No. 2282_—A veteran inmate from Randolph Co., aged 56 years, received at the prison in 1892 to serve his natural life for the crime of murder, this being his second term for the same kind of crime. About twelve years ago he was pardoned by the governor upon well established grounds of mitigating circumstances connected with the alleged crime.

For the second term he has been an inmate for nine years. He is a large man, six feet in height, with a good looking face and possessed of a warm and tender heart. His prison record is exemplary, and he is employed in the tailor shop, filling a responsible position. Four times has the Bible class selected him as their class-leader, recognizing his Biblical learning, industry, and signal ability at prayer and exhortation. He says that during the years prior to the aid given to the class at the hands of the Gospel Trumpet people, he was somewhat lukewarm in his class work. However, with their hearty assistance and material aid he took on a new spirit and inspiration for more and better work for God. He is much encouraged by the many conversions made and by the growth of the class. He canvassed for subscribers for very many Gospel Trumpet literary works; of these and the Gospel Trumpet paper, he is a constant reader.

_Serial No. 2320_—Received from Cabell Co. in 1892 to serve a life sentence for murder, is a young man of fine education, culture, high resolve and noble purpose, a scion of Christian family residents of Ohio. The crime into which the unfortunate man was probably led appears to have been a concocted scheme made up and he enticed to join in, for the purpose of putting him out of the way in order to accomplish certain designs his enemies had against his life and property to be inherited by him. To make sure of their work the railroad officials and detectives were put on the job, so, when he and his companions made the attempt to stop and rob the railroad passenger train, they were fired upon by a posse of armed guards, which they returned, killing one of the passengers. He was seriously wounded, losing the use of his right arm.

He was converted several years ago and baptized. His health has long since been undermined by confinement and he is in a precarious condition, but above all things else he is a true Christian and child of God and entirely fit to be pardoned and restored to society, home, and friends. He has served one year as leader of the Bible class, and owing to his lovable disposition, learning, and industry he gave entire satisfaction to his classmates.

_Serial No. 2547_—Received from Fayette County in 1894, for murder, to serve his natural life in prison, age at the time 20 years, is a notable example of complete reformation within the prison-walls. He is a native of Virginia, raised to do hard work in the coal mines, where he was without much, if any, advantage to enable him to obtain an education. Possessed of natural abilities and doubtless awed by the shadow of the gallows from which a loving sister saved him, and the prison environments, he purposed to obey the prison rules by industry at his employment and civility toward the prison officials and his comrades. It seems also that early upon his entrance into the penitentiary he resolved to be a godly man. He taught himself how to read his Bible while in his cell at night. Attending the Bible class he learned how to pray. He gave his heart to God one Sabbath day while listening to a sermon. His classmates selected him as their leader and he served so satisfactorily that during the end of Governor Atkinson’s administration he was pardoned by and through the untiring effort and devotion of the sister who had saved him years before from the gallows. One and all rejoiced and prayed God that the Governor, at the end of life’s journey may be rewarded for the mercy he granted even unto the poorest and lowliest prisoner in the penitentiary.

_Serial No. 2504_—Received from Berkley County in 1894, for grand larceny, to serve a term of twelve years, upon entrance to the prison started in to make it unpleasant for the prison officials by stubbornly refusing to work and by violent acts of misconduct. It was found necessary to punish him severely several times. He was one of the prisoners in solitary confinement when Warden Hawk took hold of the prison. He was released with others, and at once taken in hand by the warden for individual treatment. A good position was given him in the laundry and other privileges granted to him as well as good counsel given and amiably received. It was soon observed by the prison officials that he was a constant attendant at the chapel Sabbath services, then at a pathetic and prayerful invitation went forward one Sabbath day and gave himself to the service of God and was baptized. He was in charge of the Bible class for a while. He was recently released by habeas corpus proceedings on the ground that having been committed to the penitentiary on two sentences, one for four years and the other for eight years, from different counties, the greater sentence embraced also the lesser one, in that the date of sentence in each case commenced from the day of sentence.

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.