"The Rev. William H. Frazier, alias Jim O'Brien," died at Indianapolis on Monday, October 30, 1908.
"At an early age Frazier began associating with bad boys on the streets of Cincinnati and of course was soon drawn into sin. At the age of 14 he began stealing, at first on a small scale, and increasing with the years until he became one of the most daring and successful bank robbers known in America. He was arrested and in prison many times, but when at liberty he drifted back into crime again. For forty years he was a criminal; of that time twenty-three years and six months was spent behind prison bars. Although he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars he was released from prison the last time in Louisville with only $2.40 left. What wages for forty years in the service of Satan! While incarcerated in the Jefferson County jail, at Louisville, Ky., Missionary George L. Herr found this wretched man and through many months of persistent effort found a way to his heart. At first the missionary was met with curses and abuses, but love conquered, and the result was Jim's conversion, a miracle indeed, for, from that time in January, 1903, "Dad," as he was known, lived a godly life and retrieved for the past by telling everywhere he went his life story, showing forth the glory of God's redeeming grace. No one knew better than Bro. Frazier what it meant for a man to be released from prison and again face the world. With the disgrace and odium upon him it is well nigh impossible for him to find honest employment, for no one knowing him to be an exconvict wants him in their employ, the temptation to return to the old life is strong. With this in view he began making homes for such men in large cities. While Bro. Frazier was working and starting a home in Cincinnati he was made prison chaplain for the entire city. During the past summer he and his wife came to Indianapolis. While here his physical condition gave way; he knew his end was near. To those who waited on him in his last hours he constantly affirmed his faith in God and passed peacefully away. The funeral was conducted by the Revs. Parker, Stevens and Bueler, with special singing by Mr. Maxwell, Mrs. Bueler and Mrs. Nelson. All who want a more complete account of this wonderful life should read his book, "From Crime to Christ."
CHAPTER TEN
COLUMBUS OHIO PRISON
[Ohio Penitentiary News]
The Rev. George L. Herr, prison evangelist, returned yesterday from St. Louis, where he went in the interest of the men "behind the bars." The Rev. Mr. Herr also had a delightful visit with his son, of St. Louis. Mr. Herr, on his return home, received the following letter from the Rev. D. J. Starr, D.D., chaplain at Columbus, O., penitentiary:
Dear Brother: I thank you for your letter informing me that you will spend Sunday, March 8, with us at this prison. We intend to make good use of you for the Master's cause. We will wish you, unless it will weary you to do so, to speak to our Sunday-school at 8 o'clock; address the prayer meeting at 9 o'clock; preach in chapel at 10 o'clock; attend Female Bible class and talk at 3 p.m., and men's Bible class at 7 p.m.
"I was in prison, and ye came unto me."—Matt. 25:36.