Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 September 1894 — THE PRISON MULE. [ARTICLE]

THE PRISON MULE.

& Yellow Animal That Had Baan Twenty Years in Service. The United States penitentiary at McNeil’s island, Washington, baa lost one of the longest-term prisoners that was ever identified with the institution. Jack, the yellow mule, has been laid at rest He will be remembered bv every person who haa any knowledge of the prison since the year 1871. When the contract was let in that year a slanting wharf was built and a tramway laid, and old Jack hauled the stone and material for the prison that was landed by ships. He has been used about the prison since its .occupancy in hauling wood and supplies and in plowing the garden, etc. He has been in service at the prison for twenty-three years, being 8 years old when he arrived. He had many masters in his day among the “trusty” prisoners. ■ Arthur Perry, who was warden for many years, can tell many amusing incidents in connection with old Jack. Jack was always useful in the search for escaped prison er s, and aided materially in the recapture, being used •i notifying the settlers that “another prisoner had escapad.”. He will also be remembered by early settler as no fence was , ever built stro or high enough to keep liim fror jetting on the other side and Ik ng a sheep or pig up by the back with his teeth and carrying him about the field for his own amusement.