Prisons and Prayer; Or, a Labor of LoveWheaton, Elizabeth Ryder
Religion
Prisons and Prayer; Or, a Labor of Love
Wheaton, Elizabeth Ryder
Evangelistic work; Prisons
I first saw E. B---- in the jail in Wichita, Kansas. There were many
prisoners there at that time and especially in the Oklahoma ward. It
was soon after the opening up of Oklahoma territory and the rush for
claims. There was great excitement and many lost their lives. Some
were thrown from their horses and killed. Others died from exhaustion,
running as for life to get the property they so much coveted. There
were many things done that were wrong. Some are still lingering inside
prison walls for "defending their rights" as they thought. I do not
remember just what E.'s trouble was, but he was sentenced to death
and the day and the hour were set. I went often to the prison and sang
and prayed for the prisoners. They were my friends. I knew and loved
them as a mother would, and especially this young boy--the youngest of
them all.
I went away to Europe and on my return I again visited the jail in
Wichita to hold a service. While singing the first hymn the jailer
came into the apartment where I was and said, "The Oklahoma boys have
heard you singing and want you to come at once to their ward. They did
not know you had returned from Scotland and are so anxious to see
you." And such a welcome as those dear boys and men gave me I had
received no where else since my return. Some were under death
sentences. O how my heart aches even now as I think of the tears they
shed and of their warm handclasp. Then I could only fall on my knees
and sob out my sorrow for them and my heartfelt thanks to God for the
warm welcome and as I wept and prayed I believe good was accomplished
and souls saved. Some are dead and gone. Others are in the asylum for
the criminal insane. A few were pardoned out. Eddie's case lingered.
While hoping for a commutation of sentence he wrote the following
letter:
Wichita, May 3, 1891.
Dear Friend:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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