The Fort Dodge Messenger: Jan. 9, 1906

The Jail Door Needs No Lock

Two Prisoners There are Old “Standbys” – Like Jail and Won’t Run Away.

For the first time, perhaps in the history of Fort Dodge two persons have been found who like the jail so well that they are allowed to come and go at will. “Nutty Willie” and Martin Hohn, who are confined there now, say that it looks just like home to them, is the best place they ever struck, and that they won’t leave it as long as the police will let them stay.

Officer Ditmer brought the prisoners their breakfast this morning at nine o’clock and kindly invited a Messenger reporter to watch him give out the food. “Nutty Willie” with his usual grin greeted the officer and reporter and taking the breakfast began to divide it with his fellow prisoner. “Willie” is a sort of trusty about the jail and turning to Ditmer with a mouth full of bacon and potatoes, he said, “Say! You know, you want me to clean out that front end today and take out that trash. Well, you’ve got to leave the door open. Just leave it open when you go out, and I’ll carry the stuff out in the street. Oh, he won’t run away,” in answer to an inquiring look from the officer in the direction of Hohn, the other prisoner. “He’s just like me. Says he likes it here and it is just like home.” The officer walked out after this, throwing the jail door wide open behind him, and “Willie” cheerfully began to carry out the rubbish, as he had promised.

(Editor’s note: “Nutty Willie” is most likely Ernest Willey, as he has been identified in other articles.)

Tags: 1906, Ditmer, Hohn, Willey, Willie