The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-27
A CONNECTS CHRISTMAS.
Frank Myers Pardoned Out of the Indiana
Prison South on Christmas.

trisOn Soutn on NnriStnudSs
Louisville Courier-Journal.
Yesterday was a happy Christmas for Frank
Myers. who has for the past ten years been con-
fined in the southern Indiana prison at Jefer-
sonville. The morning mail brought from Gov
ernor Gray a full and complete pardon, which
Warden Howard presented to him as soon as it
arrived. Myers was SO overcome with joy that he
was almost speeches., and could not say a word.
Five years ago Governor James d. Williams
promised to pardon Myers, but he died before
the pardon could be made out. Every year
Myers has looked for a pardon, and
always on Christmas day. When the big en-
velope arrived with the Governors seal, Myers
saw it and went out Of the clerks Office, fearing
that it was not the long-expected missive, and
stood in the hallway in fearful expectancy. He
was the best convict who was ever confined in
the Jacksonville prison, and every person in the
city knew him. When the pardon arrived, it
was not half an hour before the news spread all
over Jeffersonville. He had moro visitors and
influential friends than any other convict. The
prison officials all worked earnestly for mis-
pardon, and have beensdoing so for the past six
years. He had been a ''trusty," and worked at
the Warden's residence for eight years.
He is a very ingenious man, and some time
ago constructed a miniature castle, with fount-
aims, stables, moat and drawbridge complete,
out of wood. 1t is perfect, and is a most won
derful piece of mechanism. He also built in
the yard adjoining Captain Towards residence
a twostory children's play house. In the kitch-
en- is o little stove, and everything pertaining to
the culinary department.. The bedrooms and
everything are complete, and it is the incest
thing Of the kind ever erected.
To-morrow he will go to Indianapolis to thank
the Governor for his pardon. He is a we'll
built, handsome man, about thirty three years
of age. and is possessed OF extraordinary
strength. In fact, he is said to have been the
strongest man in the penitentiary. The partic-
ulars of the offense which he is said to have
committed are about as follows:
In 1874 q railroad picnic ground was established
at Greenwood, in johnson county, Ind, about
twelve miles from Indianapolis. An engineers
picnic was given there one Sunday eleven years
ago. The place was the most popular pleasure
resort in the State, and on this occasion was
visited by several thousand people. Thieves of
every description made this place their head
quarters, and committed such depredations that
the people of Johnson county were
highly incensed against the place and all
who frequented it. Myers was a rolling
mill workman, and went to the picnic
with a crowd of his fellow-employes. While
there he had q quarrel with a man. In the rush
of the crowd, the man was stabbed in the arm.
The wounded man was placed on the train, and
Oh the way to Indianapolis he bled to death.
Myers was arraigned in the Johnson county
Circuit Court, found guilty of manslaughter,
and received the full sentence-twenty one years.
Myers and the story of the crime for which he
was sent up are we'll known throughout Indiana,
and Governor Gray never made q Christmas gift
that was more appreciated.