Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-02-19
A CLEVER ESCAPE.
A Man Under = Penitent1ary Sentence
Walks cut OF jail In the Garb OF q
ClerUvman

A Man Under = Peniientfary Sentence
Walks cut OF jail In the Garb OF q
Clergyman.
From the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Charles Russell, better known as
"Frenehy," 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,
aud up to late hour last night had
not been recaptured. His escape was
without question the cleverest of any
ON record. 1t was rendered all the
more SO by his daring and the per-
feet monchalance with which he ad
dressed even the guards as he passed
out the great Jail door and 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 rectitu6e
the hardened criminals who are con-
fined in that place. No sooner was
R-ssell lncarcerated, and had discov
cred that he would probably 60 up the
road, than he commenced taxing
lively interest in the religious exer
cIses. 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 pretext to
cover up some scheme in time, thought
that he had really repented. They
are now of a different opinion, how
ever.
The services Sunday morning. gen
erul : conclude about 11:30 o'clock,
and instantly there is quite rush of
the visitors to get outside of the pri-
son doors. 1t was of this rush that
Russell took advantage yesterday. In
his efforts to escape he had the as
sistance OF about half dozen of the
prisoners, it being understood that
DR.. McLenzie and Thomas Smith
took a 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
his face perfectly clean. He is thin
featured man, and with his mustache
removed. and his face elongated-an
easy task to a man who has made
livelihood by sharp practices he had
much the appearance of 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 IL o'clock, and
half an hour later they would leave
the Jail. Asprisoner loaned him
brand new overcoat, and another
presented him with 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
a desperate encounter in new Orleans
a few years age. A silk scarf, neatly
tied inside his under coat and wrap
ped we'll about his throat, hid the
mark, however, and then every thing
was in readiness for him to Join the
lNatlOhlSio do tllCJ lCllICt.
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 prepare
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,
he buttoned it up well about the throat
and, with hat in hand and with a
saGctimonious expression upon his
countenance, he stepped outside the
cell door and down the stairs, joining
the Salvation Army 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 open and permit
ting the visitors TO go out one at a
time. Jaller Billy Williams occupied
seat near the door, and how Rus
sell ever escaped is certainly mys-
terry.
Upstairs in the Jail guards were
busy locking up the prisoners for din
her, but three or four of the inmates
had congregated 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 ana 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 a peculiar nature. Twenty feet
more and he would be outside the nri-
son walls.
The office was filled with visitors
and guards, and he got into the throng
moving slowly, however, with a
tread and bearing that would have
done credit to the most devout minis
ter of the gospel. As he passed Jailer
Williams he bowed 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, aAd once more he was free