Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-01-01
JOHN JOY.
In Addition to Other Distinctions, Known
as the Champion Liar.

In Addition to Other Distinctions, Known
as the Champion Liar.
John Joy, who has figured in his pro-
fessional career under the aliases of John
Smith, John Wilder, John Wilder Smith,
John Denver, John AFFORD, and few
other Johns, is in some respects the most
notable prisoner in the institution.
In the fist place, he has been in San
Quentin oftener and longer than any other
patron of the concern. In addition to this
| fame he holds huge iron medal as "the
champion liar of the pen" The medals
simple in design and somewhat crude as to
| finish, made in the shape of prison lock
and bearing the device of pair of come
alongs."
Although serving the present term under
the name of John Joy, he is generally
called Jack Smith by the officials-they
having become attached to that one of his
names many years ago.
Jack is cranky to-day" said Captain
| Dougherty, ION account of the weather,
and 1 don't suppose he will be in the
| humer for talk. You may be able 10 get
lie or two out of him, however, and I'll
send for him."
Mr.. Joy soon appeared upon the scene
and confirmed Captain Dougherty's opin-
ion as to his unwillingness to talk AS
soon as be learned what was wanted of him
be sullenly refused to say word as to his
history.
"In fact" declared he, there's nothing
10 say. This is the first time was ever in
a prison in my life. l have only been here
about two months, and expect to be par
doned out within couple of weeks, as it
has been clearly shown that my conviction
was entirely unjust.
For the past twenty three years l have
resided with my family in a prosperous
town in the southern part of the State,
where have always enjoyed the reputa-
ton of a successful business man and g man
of unblemished character. As said before,
nv being here is simply the result of a ter
rible mistake which will soon be rectified-
so far as a release from prison will rectify
the wrong done an innocent man by false
| northumberland l don't want to talk
about myself any further"
| And this wondrous aggregation of Johns
delivered his little talk with the air of a
man who speaks the solemn truth and
| knows his words will be fully believed. OF
8 verify, that medal is bis by right.
A most remarkable disparity was discov-
cred between Mr.. Joys report and the
prison records. The latter show that he
first came TO this prison on July 2G. 1854,
| from San Francisco for one year, for grand
larceny. In December of the same year
he escaped, but was brought in again on
the following June from Ell Dorado county
for grand larceny, with a one-year SEN
tence.
By this time, Jack had got good start
in crime and it goes without saying that
he has not reformed as yet. inasmuch as
the present is his eighth term in San Quen-
tin and he has spent one term OF six years
at Folsom. not 10 speak of time spent in
county jails. As general thing be has
come 10 the penitentiary ION horseback. +"
and when on the outside he never sees n
good horse without considering il his prop,
erty For the past tuirty five years this
ma1-who is ab out sixty yesrs old-has
spent very small portion OF his time as
- free man. and such time was spent
mainly in manner calculated 10 efisc. his
speedy return TO prison Stripes.
When Jack arrived at the prison on his
present sentence the officials had lost track
Of bin. for five years. When he came into
the ofies in the yard. after friendly saluta-
lions had been exchanged. Captain Me-
Lean exclaimed: We'll, we'll here's jack