The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-09-29
IUTE Ut ENO UHIE
Cupid Frees Oscar Dudley From
Penitentiary.
Released by Capper to Wed
Woman of His Heart.
STRAIGHT and NARROW PATH
Girl Says She Will Steer Dud-
ley to Happiness.
Then They Went to Court
House and Were Wed.

Governor Capper's office played
first aid to Dan Cupid today when
oscar Dudley of Hutchinson won cit
izenship papers that he might wed the
woman of his heart With his bride
to-oe, Dudley came to Topeka today
to plead for final release under pa
role, from the state prison Aided
by Mrs. Eleanor K. Brown, the woman
he loved, Dudley won
Several years ago Dudley went to
the penitentiary from Reno county.
He had been convicted on two forgery
counts. A kidnapping figured in the
troubles which surrounded the Hutch
inson man. There were a bunch of
complications, Dudley told Judge u
w. Smith, executive clerk, and the
man admitted that in part he was
guilty of the offense- Now ne wants
to marry and the woman of his
dreams declared she was willing to
help steer Dudley along a straight and
narrow path.
Dudley walked into the governors 5
office today with his bride to-be. He
walked right into Governor Cappers S
private office.
Il want citizenship papers, COVER
nor,'' explained Dudley. Il want to
get married. 1 have only twice more
to report and 1 have been good citi-
zen. You can ask any of the people
Introduces the Woman
The governor thought Dudley ought
to talk the matter over with Judge
Smith, executive and pardon clerk. So
Dudley walked to Judge Smiths Of
flee There he told his story all over
again.
Where is the woman you are going
to marry?" asked Smith.
I'll get her," said Dudley. 'She's
right ont here. I want to see her.
anyway"
So Dudley walked back to the long
room where visitors to the governors
office await their turn to see the state
Mrs. Dudley-walked into the parole
office. She blushed and smiled and
gave Dudley a shy sidelong glance
when Judge Smith asked if the couple
expected to be married.
You know all about this mans
past ?'' asked Judge Smith.
oh, yes, indeed replied Mrs.
Brown. We've lived next door neigh
bors for long time l know all about
his trouble
And you are willing to marry him
queried the executive clerk.
She Was Willing.
'I certainly am" was the en-
phatic reply of the rather attractively
dressed woman who was soon to be-
come a bride.
You see. there were extenuating
circumstances about the case" ex-
planned Dudley. IT was only part
guilty at most
Ever in trouble before?" asked
Judge Smith.
NO, sir That's the first and last
time"
Dudley looked right in the eyes of
the executive clerk as he talked. Sud
denly he seemed to remember that his
name might be associated with the man
who was the victim of the recent
johnson county lynching.
I'm not related to that Scoundrel
who was lynched by the mob down at
Olathe.' explained Dudley 1--WE
lived in Hutchinson sixteen years and
anyone down there can tell you all
about me-
Then Dudley explained that he is
employed in a straw board factory.
He is 45 years old and a bachelor.
Judge Smith could see no reason why
the state should stand between Dud-
ley AMI a realization of his dream of
bliss. So the man received citizen
ship papers.
We're going right to the court
house and get married." said the
near ar-bridegroom. We'll be on our
way to Texas on a honeymoon before
night. Thank you. Goodbye"
Dudley and his love were out the
dor and headed straight for the pro-
bate judges office