From the Richmond Dispatch, 8/14/1902, p. 4, c. 4

ESCAPED FROM LIBBY. 
And from Paying His Wife Back Alimony.

NEW YORK, August 13. – (special.) – Francis Irsch, a commercial broker who has been confined in Ludlow street jail since July 14th, for non-payment of alimony, to-day secured an order for release from Justice Steckler.

Irsch, who is a veteran of the Civil War, and one of the men who escaped from Libby prison by tunneling, submitted affidavit, which stated that unless he was liberated he would die, as he was suffering from a number of diseases, largely contracted while escaping from Libby.

One of the strongest affidavits was from General Wager Swayne, who said he believed the man who escaped from Libby should not be confined in jail for debt.

Irsch owes his wife nearly $4,000 back alimony.

• Prev
• Next