A young man left the Eastern Penitentiary, perhaps three years ago,
for one of the cities in Western Pennsylvania, determined to lead a
new life. He gave assurance of having sought and found in our Lord
Jesus Christ a full pardon for his old life and of his earnest purpose
to walk in newness of life. He joined the Methodist Church, got good
work, married, and has recently sent to his visitor, a member of our
committee, a picture of their little baby. He writes a bright, happy
letter.
A man who, while in the Penitentiary, seemed to feel the tremendous
evil of his past life and an earnest desire for a better one, was led,
as we believe, to pray and trust God’s spirit, we felt worked with him
and not in vain. He went into a foreign country, and a few days ago we
received a letter from him dated January 4, 1901, bright and happy,
hoping soon to return.
About nine years ago a man left the Penitentiary and went to work for
his brother-in-law, who was a baker, getting his board only. After
some months he came to me saying he wanted to earn some money for
himself, and asked me to get him work, even if it was as a laborer on
the street. I dissuaded him from that, and encouraged him to remain, so
that he might not only learn the business, but also to establish for
himself a reputation. This advice was taken; he joined the Episcopal
Church. I received a letter from his rector speaking in high terms
of him. He afterwards went to another brother-in-law in one of the
interior cities of our State. He remained there long enough to become
thoroughly acquainted with that branch of business, saving up all his
wages--to-day he has two establishments of his own, is married, and
doing well.
Another is that of one who had a sentence of over twenty years
for atrocious cruelty to an elderly couple in connection with a
burglary--his second conviction. It seemed almost a hopeless case, but
he was taken in hand by a faithful Christian member of our committee,
joined the Episcopal Church, and is a sincere Christian, faithful, and
trusted by his employer; has been out over ten years.
Another, to show how difficult it is for a discharged prisoner to
obtain a situation. A man was discharged about whom there were strong
doubts of his being guilty, not a crime against property. He was a
skilled workman in an industry of which there are very few in this
country, and such men are in demand. The foreman in the manufactory
where he formerly worked agreed to take him the next morning. Calling
the men together, he informed them that he was going to take ---- back.
They said if he did they would all strike--they would not work with an
ex-convict. I boarded him for three weeks, getting odd jobs now and
then, and finally sent him to New York, where he has employment in the
same branch of business--have had a letter thanking me for what I did
for him. Very many such cases could be mentioned. All these were aided
on their leaving the prison.