Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-02-25
A CLEVER ESCAPE.
A Man Under Penitentfary Sentence
Walks Out of Jail in the Garb of a
CleruVman
From the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Walks Out of Jail in the Garb of q
Clergyman.
From the Cincinnati Enquirer
Charles Russell, better known as
s'Frenchy," the notorious pickpocket,
who last Friday was sentenced to
serve three years in the Ohio peniten-
tiary for relieving the pocket of a
gentleman on street car about two
months ago, yesterday about noon
made his escape from the county jail,
and UP to late hour last night had
not been recaptured. His escape was
without question the clevefest of any
on record. It was rendered all the
more so by his daring and the per-
feet monchalance with which he ad-
dressed even the guards as ne passed
out the great Jail door ard TO liberty.
Ever since the advent Of the Salvation
Army in this city they have been
holding services at the county jail on
Sunday. A number of religlously
inclined persons also visit the jail on
the same day to pray with the prison
ers and to attempt once more to get
back to the narrow path OF rectitude
the hardened criminals who are con-
fined in that place. No sooner was
Rassell lncarcerated, and had 6iscov-
cred that he would probably 60 up the
road, than he commenced taking a
lively interest In the religious exer-
clses. When sentenced he assumed
perfect Christian resignation to his
fate. and conducted himself in such a
manner that even those persons about
the jail Who at first looked upon his
conversion as merely 8 pretext to
cover up some scheme II time, thought
that he had really repented. They
are now of a different opinion, how
ever.
The services Sunday morning gen
erully conclude about 1:30 o'clock,
and instantly there is quite q rush of
the visitors to get outside of the pri-
son doors, It was of this rush that
Russell took advantage yesterday. In
his efforts to escape he had the as
sistance of about half doz en- of the
prisoners, it being understood that
Dr.. Mckenzie and Thomas Smith
took hand in aiding him. Early
yesterday morning he arose, and con-
trary to his usual custom, shaved
himself. He sported an elegant dark
mustache, and this he cut off, leaving
mis- face perfectly clean. He is thin
featured man, and with his mustache
removed, and his face elongated-an
easy task to- man who has made
livelihood by sharp practlces-he had
much the appearance of q clergyman,
To add to the effect and to give an
elderly touch to his makeup he had
another prisoner shave the top of his
head, leaving as neat bald spot as
was ever seen. By the time the work
ers in the vineyard of the Lord were
through, it was about II o'clock, and
half an hour later they would leave
the Jail. A prisoner loaned him
brand new Oyercoat, and another
presented him with a pair of pants.
The only thing that really bothered
him was deep scar that he wore on
the right side of his neck, relic of
desperate encounter IN new Orleans
q few years ago. A silk scarf, neatly
tied inside his under coat and wrap
ped we'll about his throat, hid the
mark, however, and then everything
was in readiness for him TO Join the
salvatienists as they retired.
Those who were aiding him say
that he never showed the least sign of
weakening, but smiled and chatted
in an ersy manner during the prepara-
tons that were being made for his es-
cape.
Placing the overcoat upon his arm,
he stood inside his cell door until he
heard the people beginning to leave
the jail. Then, putting the coat on,
ba b,,ttonoS ~ nv xraIf a Lo,,t +bn 4bxoot
and, with hat IN hand and with a
sanctimonlous expression upon his
countenance, he stepped outside the
cell door and down the stairs, Joining
the Salvation Array and their CO.
workers near the iron door that leads
from the Jail proper to the Office.
There several guards stood one hold
ing the door partly cpeh and permit
ting the visitors 10 go out one at a
time. Jaller Billy Williams occupied
a seat near the door, and how Rus
sell ever escaped is certainly mys-
terv.
Upstairs in the jail guards were
busy locking up the prisoners for din
Der, but three or four OF the inmates
had cOngr 9gated at the head of the
stairs, and with hearts beating rapidly
they watched their fellow prisoner.
Nearer he drew to the door. With
head bowed down an& with his hat
still in his hand he stepped forward to
the door and out into the office. His
feelings at this lime must have been
of peculiar nature. Twenty feet
more and he would be outside the pri-
son walls.
The Office was filed with visitors
and guards, and he got into the throng
moving slowly, however, with
tread and bearing that would have
done credit to the most devout minis
ter of the gospel. AS ne passed Jailer
Williams he bowed 8 stately bow,
which was graciously returned by the
officer. a moment later and the
prisoners saw him pass the office door.
The great iron affair closed behind
him, and once more he was a free
man.
SYLVIA THE CENTENARIAN.
A NeSreSs Who Was a Prize Ffohrer