Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-09-30
HERBS A HOWp'YE DO.
Peter Heller Skips Out From the
Jail
At an Early Hour Yesterday Morning.
Over the North Wall With a
Ladder.

morning Peter Heiser, who has been con-
fined in jail for the past nine months under
an indictment for rape upon the person Of
Maud Dillon, his step daughter, made his
escape, and Is now at large. The news Of
his successful attempt to regain his liberty
quickly spread broadcast throughout the
city, and produced quite a sensation for 8
time, and there Wass very general desire to
know the particulars.
TIE CIRCUMSTANCES
under which the escape was msdeare as fol-
lows:
1t seems that for 9 long time back Heiser
has been permitted by Jailor Nichols to
perform various small Offices about the jail,
such a. acting as turnkey upon occasion
build fires, sweep up, aid in preparin,
meals, etc. In performing these duties
Heiser necessarily had q pretty wide range
over the premises, but never displayed the
least disposition to take advantage OF
the confidence reposed in him. Yesterday
morning be and Turnkey John Quigg were
up about FIVE o'clock and repaired 70 the
kitchen for the purpose Of preparing the
prisoners morning meal Quigg busted
himself with starting q fire, while Heiser
got out some provisions and seemed busily
engaged about the apartment. Leaving
Quigg at the range, working at the IRE,
Heiser took . vessel and
WENT OUT TO H NoLAssEs BARREL
to draw some molasses. In the yard he set
the vessel down, and taking q ladder which
is used to clean windows, &C., he went with
il to the north wall ofthe enclosure, mount.
to the top, jumped of into the ash pile in
the rear Of DR.. Wilson's, made his way
through the yard to Twelfth street, and was
gone.
Mr.. QuiEy did not miss Heissr for some
time, going ahead with the preparations for
the meal, SAd finally cal ing Jsiler Nichols.
Mr.. Nichols went to the kitchen, and then
it was that Heiser's absence was remarked.
A search of the Jail and yard failed to dis
cover him, but the presence Of the ladder
sgsinst the wall, the empty vessel, and the
ash pile
o L THE ToR
1t was quite dark when Heiser performed
his great act with the ladder, and as at that
hour the streets are almost deserted of Pc
destrisns no trace Of the prisoner could be
tCuLd.
Sheriff Hsnlsn was at once roifsd ofthe
escape, and he lost no time in repairing to
the Jail. He was sstonished beyond meas
Ure when he learned OF the liberties allowed
Heiser, whose crime might have sent him
- kka ,a11Nmo opA 1aua or1aro that IN The
future nothing of the sort should be- allowed
1t has long been q practice for ~jsilors to al
low certain prisoners to have, IN q greater
or less degree, the range Of the buildings,
but however proper this might be when the
accused IS charged with some petty ofense,
it is far from proper when it comes to such
q heinous crime as that committed by
Heiser. The order Of Sheriff Handlsn in
shutting down on the practice WAS every
where commended yesterday.
uEIsER's Rim
is doubtless well remembered by our read
ers. About eight years ago Heiser married
Mrs. Sarah Dillon, who at the time was q
widow and the mother of q little girl, FIVE
years of sge. On the llth of last Decem
Der, 1884, this girl, Maud Dillon, became a
mother, giving birth to a boy baby. At the
time, q REGISTER reporter learned that
Heiser was the father and published exclu-
sively the details Of the affair. On the fol-
lowing Tuesday, the 10th Of December, the
girl confessed that Heiser was the father OF
her boy, and g warrant was issued for his
arrest. Heiser skipped the town and did
not again appear here until late in January,
when, BY the advice of friends, he returned
and gave himself up, Squire Arkls lodging
him in jail, where he renamed until yester-
day.
DESCRIPTION.
Heiser is about ) feet lO3 inches high, of
light complexion, and will probably weigh
loo or 10 pounds. He is of fair personal
appearance, and would never be taken for
The scoundrel his acts prove him to be. 1t
is TO be hoped he will be speedily recap
tured, and finally get his just reward at the
hands Of q jury.