Prisons and Prayer; Or, a Labor of Love. Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton
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