The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1875-02-05
A Hv+iing at the Penitentiary-
Marriage of Two COnyiets-A Dis
tinguished Assemblage of Guests.

A marriage ceremony took place in
this city, on last Sunday under, line OF
circumstances a parallel to which per-
haps never has been equaled in all the
| histories of romance. 1t was the marri-
age of two penitentiary convicts, and
was celebrated in the prison chapel at
the close of the regular services. The
parties, Thomas Miles and Annie Scott,
came 10 the prison from Newark, Lick
ing County, in May 1873, under a two
years sentence, each for burglary. An
ME is thirty years of age, and is the
daughter of Peter Scott, now living in
Coshocton County. About year be-
fore her imprisonment she was keeping
house near Newark for a man named
Frank Walker, a widOwer with three
children. She went with Walker to
Newark in the night season, and broke
into a Touring mill and stole two sacks
of -four, which was used in Walkers
house. Some time after, Thomas Miles,
4 canal -boatman, who was then engaged
to our heroine, burglariously stole five
hams from a smokehouse. The three
persons were arrested, and all arraigned
at the same term of Court. Miles and
Walker were found guilty of their
crimes and sentenced, while Annie was
told by the Prosecuting Attorney that
she might go home; but she asked that
the indictment might be read to her, to
which she pleaded guilty saying that if
Miles, her lover, went to prison she
wanted to go with him. She was ac-
cordingly sentenced for two years, the
same term that Miles received. They
were sent up to Columbus, and have
since been exemplary prisoners in the
penitentiary. A few months since Anne
ever mindful of her vows, aad anxious
about her betrothed, made inquiries of
her guard if Miles was still in prison, it
being the first time she had asked con-
corning him since her Imprisonment.
The guards curiosity was aroused, and
little investigation revealed the plot
which had hitherto been unknown to
the prison officers. On learning that
they were each of the same mind on the
subject of their marriage as before COM
ing behind the prison bars, it was ar
ranged that their wedding should take
place on the day of the expiration of
their sentence, which fell upon the 31st
of January, some time having been gain
ed by strict observance of prison dis
cipline. Since the arrangements for the
extraordinary occasion were made, the
parties were allowed an interview, in
the presence of the Warden, and it is
drawing it mild to- say that it was an
afectionate meeting, after a separation
of nearly two years, with only the stone
walls of the prison between them. Some
few weeks ago the local reporters of this
city gave the occasion gratuItous ad-
vertisement, and an account of it fell in
to the hands of wealthy lady named
Wilson, who took compassionate fancy
TO Annie, and has sent her very hand
SOLiC tidNSllhS Suits III WHICH W SttaAh
again into the world.
The ceremony took place to-day i'm
mediately after the regular chapel serv-
ices. Members of the Legislature, the
municipal authorities, citizens and con-
victs, in all about 1000 persons, witness
ed the occasion. Chaplain Ferguson Of
ficiated and did it up in very hand
some manner. The couple brooked the
staring gaze of 4, 900 eyes with remarka-
BILE fortitude, and seemed to enjoy the
occasion as much as the eager spectators.
A collection box was placed at the door
and after the exit of the visitors about
forty dollars was found therein, which
was given to the bride. Thomas and
Annie are guests tonight at second
class hotel. During the afternoon they
were escorted through the legislative
halls by Representative Mckinley
ICincinnati Commercial.