VIRGINIA MAN GRANTED WISH FOR ADMISSION TO STATE PEN
Richmond, Virginia (JFK+50) On January 17, 1925, The Washington Times reports that a gentleman has "succeeded" in getting himself put in the state penitentiary* here in Richmond.
Mr. Ward Stewart applied for admission to prison saying that he wished to serve a two year term "for transporting liquor and firearms" to which he had been sentenced in Arlington County.
Superintendent Yovell** was skeptical of the request but after checking with William C. Gloth***, prosecuting attorney of Arlington County, learned that Mr. Stewart's story was true.
The Times says that Mr. Stewart's request for admission to prison has now been accepted and that he is in jail today, "apparently satisfied."
*Virginia State Penitentiary, located in Richmond, opened in 1800 & was completed in 1804. A new building was erected on the same site in 1928. It its later years, VSP was part of the Virginia Department of Corrections & closed in 1991.
**Supt. Yovell was the longest-serving of any superintendent at the Virginia State Penitentiary, 1922-1942.
***William Conrad "Billy" Gloth (1886-1944) was born in Erie, Pennsylvania & attended the University of Virginia where he starred in football & became head coach of VMI 1909-1910. WCG served as police court judge 1916-1924 & commonwealth's attorney for Arlington County, VA for years.
SOURCES
"Archival Resources of the Virginias: A Guide To The Records of the Virginia Penitentiary 1796-1991, Library of Virginia, www.ead.lib.virginia.edu/
"Man Wins Unique Fight to Get Into Prison," The Washington Times, January 17, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
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