Ellis Glenn

Omaha World Herald, November 26, 1899:

Woman Crook in Male Attire

Chester, Illinois, November 25. Ellis Glenn, until today believed by everybody in Southern Illinois and Missouri to be a man, turns out to be a woman.

Glenn, who came from the east, was arrested and pleaded guilty at Hillsboro, Illinois, on a charge of forgery. It was alleged that he endeavored to obtain money on a forged note. He was sentenced to serve an indefinite period on parole at the Southern Illinois penitentiary at Chester. This is an institution for male prisoners only.

Today Glenn arrived at the prison in charge of Sheriff Cassidy. A few minutes after the pair arrived the prison walls shook with a sensation. Glenn was regularly turned over to Deputy Warden Dowell, who receipted for him. The prisoner was ordered, as is customary in such cases, to have his hair clipped. That operation performed, he was assigned to the bath room to undergo a good washing, as is also customary before being allowed to commingle with the cleanly birds in the Chester bastille.

The sex of the prisoner was discovered before the immersion. It was a surprise to the officials. Glenn was hustled into his clothes again without any delay and sent off to the hospital, where an examination by surgeons proved conclusively that the new arrival was not a man, as had been supposed, and as it had led everybody to believe, but a real live woman.

As there is no ward for women at Chester, Glenn was placed in charge of Sheriff Cassidy and forwarded back to Hillsboro. Deputy Dowell questioned her closely and the story she tells is that she is from Ohio; that she has been in Texas. The offense she was sent to prison for was committed by a twin brother from who she could not be distinguished when in men's attire; that she met him in Paducah, Kentucky, changing clothes with him, that he might escape; that she resembled him so strongly that she deceived acquaintances and even deceived the girl that he was to marry.

The deputy regarded the whole yarn as a fish story and is of the opinion that the sending out of her photograph will lead to the discovery of a dangerous crook wanted in more places than one.

Davenport Weekly Leader, December 5, 1899: 

Mysterious Masquerader

Greenville, Texas, December 2. If E. B. or Elbert Glenn, as he was known here, was other than the young man that he represented himself to be, the fact was not known during his sojourn in this city. Not once was slightest doubt raised, and if there had been, the perfect ease with which she played the role of a man would have disarmed all suspicions.

Glenn came to Greenville in the summer of '97 from Huntington, West Virginia, with an elderly lady and grown son, who had acquaintances in this city, and to whom Glenn was introduced as a young man of means seeking a safe investment for his money. On their indorsement Glenn was received into the best families of this city and was particularly attentive to young ladies. After a sojourn of three months the party went west to Witchita Falls, Texas, and later Glenn returned to Greenville alone and stayed several months.

Glenn entered into all legitimate sports of young men without the slightest embarrassment. Now that it develops Glenn is a woman, acquaintances here of both sexes recall incidents which, while peculiar in their nature, occasioned only a passing thought at the time. Glenn had her hair trimmed frequently by barbers, but always declined shaves. She shaved at the boarding house, however, or "went through the motions," three or four times a week, using a safety razor and a salve instead of soap, which she claimed prevented the growth of a beard. She sang with the voice of a woman and was attached to fancy work, being an adept with a needle and sewing machine.

Of Glenn's past life very little is known here. She claimed to be a native of Ohio, said her father was a magistrate and left a considerable sum of money, which she had invested in notes. She tried to negotiate a loan on some of these notes here. Glenn was of slender build, fair complexion and large, expressive eyes, fine hair and delicate features.

Hillsboro, Illinois, December 2. Letters received by Sheriff Cassidy from William Richardson and Attorney Casto of Parkersburg, West Virginia, apparently establish that in Ellis Glenn a dangerous forger has been captured. In male attire, under the name of E. B. Glenn, it is charged that the woman forged the name of George A. Hoover to a note for $400 and raised a trust deed and note of William Richardson  from $400 to $1,400. Many Parkersburg people positively identify the photograph of Ellis Glenn as the forger who operated there.

A letter from Justice of the Peace Beeson of Williamstown, West Virginia, states that the names of Cleveland, Ohio, people were forged by E. B. Glenn, who placed the note with a Marietta, Ohio, bank as security for a loan. These forgeries were committed in 1897. Justice Beeson sent a picture of E. B. Glenn, which is a good likeness of Ellis Glenn.

Miss Glenn was brought before Judge Dwight again yesterday morning, when Attorney Oiler concluded his argument upon the motion to discharge her. Judge Dwight overruled the motion, holding that the judgment could be set aside at the discretion of the court during the same term, and that the defendant could take no advantage of her deception of the court as to her sex. The motion to quash the indictment will be argued later.

Miss Glenn is showing the effect of the strain to which she has been subjected during the last week, and had a nervous chill yesterday after return to her cell. The mystery as to the woman's identity grows more complicated, as Mrs. Fullerton of Irving yesterday withdrew her positive identification of her as Mrs. Cora Rader and stated that she could only say that Miss Glenn great resembles Mrs. Rader.

Baltimore Sun, December 12, 1899:

Masqueraded as a Man

Wheeling, W.Va., December 11. Ellis Glenn, who has been masquerading as a man in Illinois, is to be brought to Parkersburg for trial for fraud and forgery. the Illinois authorities think they cannot hold her because of the peculiar nature of her sentence and the discovery that she is a woman, and notified the authorities here to come after her if they wanted her. William Richardson, one of the victims of her alleged shady transactions here last summer, went thither to identify her and notified his son today to bring requisition papers at once. The son left with the requisition and she is expected in a few days. Under the name of "Elbert" Glenn the woman, it is charged, masquerading as a man, last summer conducted several shady real estate transactions at Williamstown, where she cut a wide swath socially, going so far as to engage to marry an estimable young woman of that place.

This young woman, who has attained a wide notoriety, is said to be a native of Webster County, this state, and her real name is alleged to be Cora Alice Cunningham. Her parents are reputed to be worthy, though humble people. Mrs. Cunningham lives a few miles out of Addison, Webster County, and in an interview asserts that Ellis Glenn is not her child, that her daughter went to Florida and there married a man named Treadwell and died shorty after, leaving a little son, who is now with the grandmother.

The Daily Register, Marietta, December 13, 1899:

Ellis Glenn Arrives at Parkersburg from Illinois and Will Be Tried in Wood County

Parkersburg, W.Va., December 13. Ellis Glenn, the female forger whose escapades in male attire have been the subject of sensational newspaper stories since her arrest in Illinois, arrived here, today, in custody of a special deputy. She was dressed in men's clothes and was rather coarse in appearance, especially for a woman. She was taken at once to jail and will be tried at the next term of court on the charge of forgery.

The Marietta Daily Times, December 13, 1899:

Returned - Ellis Glenn is Now in Parkersburg Ready for Trial

Ellis Glenn, who has been the subject of so much comment in the newspapers of late, was returned today by the authorities of Illinois, to Parkersburg, where he she will be tried in the Wood County Court. Glenn arrived in Parkersburg at 3:35 today.

The case has attracted a great deal of attention and will no doubt be an interesting one. The prisoner has been in Marietta a number of times and is well remembered by the officers of this city, who were fooled a number of times.

The Marietta Daily Times, December 15, 1899:

Sacrificing Herself. Ellis Glenn Says She Is Suffering For the Crimes of a Brother.

The Parkersburg Journal has the following concerning the notorious Glenn who is in jail in that city. "Ellis Glenn, or the woman who is purported to be Ellis Glenn, has been taken before a magistrate and has waived examination. She was taken to 'Squire Drennen's office yesterday afternoon, expressing a desire for an immediate hearing, and when she got there, unrepresented by counsel, she made a critical examination of the warrant which charged her with raising a note given her by William Richardson for $400 to 1,400, and made a motion herself to waive examination and be held to answer an indictment. She was then taken back to jail, and is there yet, failing to give the bond for $3,000 which the justice fixed as the amount for which she could be released to appear at the next term of court.

"She refuses to see anybody and has talked to no one except Judge Jackson of the Criminal Court. She told the judge that she had retained a lawyer to defend her in the person of Judge DeWitt of Litchfield, Illinois, and that he would be in the city this evening. She told Judge Jackson that the staring of the curious (Glenn will not again be before the public) had broken her down, and that as much as anything else, accounted for her present debility. It was plain to be seen yesterday that she was in a weakened condition of health."

In a signed communication to the Journal she says in part: "I am making a sacrifice for my beloved twin brother, Elbert Glenn. My name is really Ellis Glenn. I am suffering that he may go free, for I love him better than my own life.

"We were born in Ashtabula thirty-eight years ago. The resemblance between us was so marked that our friends and our own relatives were puzzled to distinguish between us when we were children in small clothes. When we grew older and he dressed in boy and I in girl fashion there was not so much difficulty, although in form and feature and complexion the startling resemblance continued.

"When the officers arrested me as Ellis Glenn in mistake for my brother Elbert, I did not try to reveal my true identity, for good reasons. Elbert had told me that he feared he would be convicted of forgery at Hillsboro. We were without money and Elbert was ashamed to return penniless to his future bride. I told him that if he went to prison two trusting hearts - his fiancee's and my own - would be broken. I persuaded him to let me return in his stead, and when the right moment came reveal myself as a woman. They would not hold me for his alleged crime, so both would go free."

Philadelphia Inquirer, December 29, 1899:

His Chum a Woman; He Didn't Know It

Parkersburg, West Virginia, December 28. A photograph of Ellis Glenn, the female alleged forger in male costume, together with that of a companion, has recently appeared. A search for the original of Glenn's companion proved him to by Cy Myers, a well-known oil driller who formerly worked at Marietta. When asked what he thought of Glenn being a female, Myers said:

"Well, she fooled me. We ran together for months quite frequently, and I never once thought Glenn was a woman. She went by the name of Bert Glenn, and frequently visited Marietta. She worked at anything that turned up, carpenter work, brick laying, paper hanging, in a livery stable and in a meat shop. She would run around with the boys, would take a drink if the opportunity offered, and would spend her time very much as any other young man of the day."

Baltimore Sun, January 16, 1900:

The dispatches that have been sent out in regard to the woman Ellis Glenn, now in jail at Parkersburg, stating that she is from Webster County and the daughter of Mrs. Adam Miller by a former marriage, are denied by Mrs. Miller, who is on a visit to her son, Elmer Cunningham. She says she has never written to Ellis Glenn claiming her as her long-lost daughter. Her daughter by that name died in Florida some years ago.

Philadelphia Inquirer, January 29, 1900:

Parkersburg, West Virginia, January 28. Ellis Glenn, the noted male impersonator, will be placed on trial in the criminal court tomorrow to plead to the indictments charging her with forgery. The prosecuting attorney has secured witnesses who will testify that the woman has had a most extraordinary career. These witnesses say that the prisoner was a first-class carpenter and built a large portion of Byer's Hotel at Williamstown. As a plumber she excelled any man employed on that work in the building. As a house and sign painter she was an artist. While employed as a paperhanger she gave evidence of fine taste and perfect familiarity with the work, and her services were in almost constant demand. When hired to do the work of a stone or brick mason, it will be proven that she also was an adept at those trades.

In addition to the foregoing she acted as hotel clerk, barber, waiter, butcher, chambermaid, sleight-of-hand performer, and finally developed into a shrewd real estate speculator. She then went to Wichita, Texas, where as an all-around sport she got into good society and paid attention to a young woman of a prominent family, and after jilting the girl, wrote a letter from Greenville, Tennessee, stating that she had joined the regular army and was about to start for the Philippines.

Philadelphia Inquirer, February 7, 1900:

The Plot Thickens in the Glenn Case. Missing Brother Shows UP in Disguise and Adds to the Mystery.

Parkersburg, West Virginia, February 6.  Another new and startling sensation in the case of Ellis Glenn developed today, when Hon. Charles T. Caldwell, senior counsel for Glenn, announced that Elbert or "Bert" Glenn, the twin brother of Ellis Glenn, for whose crimes the woman has claimed to be a martyr, had visited the city several times within the past few weeks in disguise, and was present at his sister's hearing one week ago Monday. Mr. Caldwell alleges that he can prove this statement, and further, if it becomes necessary, he can produce the man in person though this will not be done unless it be to save the woman from the penitentiary.

Mr. Caldwell states he can also prove that the party who was engaged to marry Miss Duke, the Illinois girl, and who was convicted of forgery in that state, was really "Bert" Glenn, the man, and not Ellis Glenn, the woman, but that the prisoner was "switched" while being taken to the penitentiary and the woman, Ellis Glenn, in male attire, was substituted for him.

He also claims that he can prove that Ellis Glenn, his client, was in Europe, traveling as gypsy, when the Williamstown forgeries were committed, though he does not deny that Bert Glenn might have been in that place. He asserts that Bert Glenn intends saving his sister, Ellis Glenn, from imprisonment, even if it becomes necessary for him to serve a term himself.

Mr. Caldwell makes all of these statements without reservation, and alleges that he can prove each as a fact. In the face of the persistent claim of the prisoner that she was suffering for her double of another sex, because of her love for that double, Mr. Caldwell's statement has created a profound sensation.

Baltimore Sun, September 25, 1900:

The Case of Ellis Glenn

Parkersburg, West Virginia, September 24. Judge John J. Jackson in the United States Court today refused the writ of habeas corpus in the case of Ellis Glenn, the alleged woman forger, who is said to have masqueraded as a man for over two years before she was discovered. She was sent to the penitentiary in Illinois as a man, and her sex was there discovered. The warden refused to receive her, and to avoid trouble she was turned over to an officer from West Virginia. She claims that the transaction was irregular, in that the warrant for her extradition was not served by an Illinois officer, but that she was taken by the West Virginia officer without authority. Judge Jackson held that she was practically kidnapped, but that her rights would be looked after by the Criminal Court. He, therefore, directed the marshal to turn her over to the State Court, which was done, and her case will come up tomorrow. The habeas corpus case has been pending several months.

Baltimore Sun, February 21, 1901:

Ellis Glenn's Case

Parkersburg, West Virginia, February 20. The trial of Ellis Glenn, the woman who is accused of masquerading as a man for several years and during that time committing forgery, was called yesterday, but on her application it was continued till the next term of court. The case rests upon the contention of the prosecution that E. B. Glenn, who lived in this country for years and was known as a man, and who is the person alleged to have committed the forgery, is the same person as Ellis Glenn, the woman who is now in custody. Ellis claims that she has a twin brother who so resembles her that they can scarcely be distinguished and that it was he who lived here and committed the forgery, if one was committed. In an affidavit on which the continuance was granted she stated that Mrs. Earl Knight, formerly of this county, and several men living here and in Illinois and Ohio, where E. B. Glenn had lived, could all testify that E. B. Glenn was a man. It was because these witnesses were not present that the continuance was granted.

Marion Daily Star, Ohio, June 20, 1901:

Miss Ellis Glenn Was Among the Missing

Parkersburg, West Virginia, June 20. Ellis Glenn, the mysterious woman charged with forgery while impersonating a man, whose trial was set for today, failed to appear when her case was called and her present whereabouts are unknown. For several days she has refused to see callers under the plea that she was sick at her boarding house. This morning when the case was called her attorneys asked for brief time to get her. Nearly an hour elapsed and she did not appear, whereupon the court ordered a default of bond recorded and a capias issued for her, she to be kept in the sheriff's custody, if found, until tomorrow. It is believed her story of sickness was a ruse to escape without detection. Her attorneys were her bondsmen.

Morning Herald, Kentucky, June 21, 1901:

Parkersburg, June 20. When the Ellis Glenn case was called today the defendant was not present, and one of her attorneys explained that owing to a misunderstanding between himself and Glenn, she was not in court. The officers of the court were unable to find her. The prosecutor asked for an order of default and a capias. The Sheriff made the order of default. The court then adjourned until tomorrow morning. Later Miss Glenn appeared, accompanied by another of her lawyers. Her lawyers promised that she would be present in court tomorrow, ready to go on with the case.

Belleville News Democrat, Illinois, July 9, 1901:

Ellis Glenn, Man-Woman, is on Trial

 

 Parkersburg, July 8. After eighteen months of waiting, the trial of Ellis Glenn, the woman accused of forgery while in the disguise of a man, was called this afternoon. Little difficulty was experienced in securing a jury, and the principal delay was over the question raised by Prosecuting Attorney Moss, whether J. F. Laird, a former Prosecuting Attorney, in possession of all the State's evidence, should be permitted to act as counsel for the defense. The Court withheld its opinion.

Miss Glenn appeared in the courtroom heavily veiled and clad entirely in black. She removed her veil after the trial began and sat impassive and scarcely moved a muscle during the entire proceedings. Accompanying her was Miss Agnes Reilley, who has been her closest friend here, and who sat with her throughout the entire trial. Mrs. Frances Ihrig, the "West Virginia Oil Queen," herself not unaccustomed to the courtroom, sat beside her also, and whispered words of encouragement to her.

Miss Glenn's hair is now long, and gives her a womanish appearance, which she did not have when she was first brought here in man's attire.

The opening statements of the case were made this afternoon to the attorneys and tomorrow the taking of evidence will be begun.

The State, through Prosecutor Moss, outlined its testimony and the defense was outlined by C. T. Caldwell. Assistant Prosecutor Showalter will close for the State tomorrow morning. Mr. Moss stated that it would be shown by the testimony offered by the State that Ellis Glenn is the same person who was known as Elbert Glenn, supposed to be a man, and that she raised a deed of trust for $400 to $1,400 and exchanged it with William Richardson for $200 cash and a $1,200 farm.

The defense promised to prove by physicians that Ellis Glenn is a woman and that Elbert Glenn was a man. They promise to prove it by men with whom Elbert Glenn slept while living in this country. The whole question involved is one of identity.

The State promises to prove, by a woman with whom Glenn was formerly in love and who nursed him through a fever, that Elbert Glenn was a woman. The defense promises to prove that Elbert Glenn was perfectly formed, while Ellis Glenn has one leg shorter than the other. Three attorneys represent the State and six the defense. It will be a hard-fought battle and will last all this week.

Philadelphia Inquirer, July 11, 1901:

Court May Order Woman to Don Male Attire

Parkersburg, July 10. Much time is being taken in the examination of witnesses in the Ellis Glenn forgery case. Only three witnesses have as yet been examined, and if better time is not made the case will last more than two weeks, as over fifty witnesses have been summoned.

There is much speculation upon one point in the noted trial and that is, will Ellis Glenn be required to don the male apparel which she wore when brought here from Hillsboro. Judge Jackson had permitted the prisoner to wear female attire. He cautioned the officials, however, to take good care of the other garments, as the prisoner would be compelled to don them in court for the purpose of identification. It is expected that Judge Stapleton will follow the suggestion of the deceased Judge Jackson.

M. C. Mayhew was the first witness called. He stated that he had known Bert Glenn for more than a year and to the best of his belief Bert Glenn and the prisoner were one and the same. Witnesses stated that the appearance of the two persons was exactly the same.

George A. Hoover of Williamstown said that Glenn had boarded at his house for a number of months. Witness was positive E. B. and Ellis Glenn were the same person.

Morning Herald, Kentucky, July 11, 1901:

Trial of Ellis Glenn

Parkersburg, July 10. The third day of the trial of Ellis Glenn, charged with forgery, two witnesses were examined. Every legal point is being bitterly fought and it may take weeks to try the case, as there are over a hundred witnesses to examine.

The first witness was C. M. Mayhew of Parkersburg, who stated that Bert Glenn worked for him for a year in a meat shop in Williamstown, the scene of the alleged forgery; that he believed he was positive that Ellis and Bert Glenn were one and the same person. He had known her many years, when she appeared as a man, and now that she was dressed as a woman he still was positive Ellis was Bert. The defense asked him to swear to it, but he refused.

George A. Hoover of Williamstown gave practically the same testimony. Although Glenn did not work for him, he had dealings with Bert on many occasions. He believed the prisoner was the same person, but would not swear to it. The court room was crowded with ladies to see Glenn. The court made Glenn remove her hat and heavy veil this morning so that witnesses could see her.

Kansas City Star, July 12, 1901:

Ellis Glenn is Worried

Parkersburg, July 12. In the trial of Ellis Glenn today, William Richardson positively identified the prisoner as Albert Glenn, who sold him a deed of trust in 1896. The prisoner was affected by this testimony and showed signs of worry for the first time. Richardson is a wealthy lumber man of Parkersburg and was the one who had Glenn arrested in Illinois and brought to this city more than a year ago.

Columbus Daily Enquirer, Georgia, July 12, 1901:

The Ellis Glenn Trial

Parkersburg, July 11. The session of the Ellis Glenn trial today was marked by the largest crowd that has attended. Many women were in the audience and remained during the hearing of all the testimony. A number of witnesses identified the prisoner as Bert Glenn, formerly of Williamstown. Mrs. Hoover was positive the prisoner was Bert Glenn, who boarded with her in 1896. She said that she at that time had found woman's wearing apparel in Glenn's room, but was told that it was the property of his mother.

Dr. Kline, Ras Richards, S. T. Pettyman and John Richards, all of Williamstown, also identified the prisoner as Bert Glenn. Richards said that at the time he suspected that Glenn was a woman. W. H. Beeson was so positive that the woman and Bert Glenn were one and the same that he made a special oath to that effect. He said that he had several business transactions with the prisoner in Williamstown in 1896.

Morning Herald, Kentucky, July 14, 1901:

Ellis Wants Damages

Parkersburg, July 13. Suit was filed by attorneys for Ellis Glenn against William Richardson and Julius Richardson, his son, for damage in the amount of $50,000 for the alleged kidnapping of Ellis Glenn from Hillsboro, Illinois.

Several important witnesses were examined at today's session for the State, and they all declared that the prisoner was Bert Glenn.

The question that the public is having trouble with now is whether or not the defendant has false teeth. Every witness today said she had, but nobody save the lawyers for the defense and Ellis Glenn can state otherwise, which of course they have not done. The most important witness today was J. C. Jayne of Hillsboro, Illinois, who stated that the prisoner frequently talked to him about Williamstown, West Virginia, and Marietta, Ohio.

It is now thought it will take at least two weeks more to finish the trial.

E. Byers said that he roomed with Bert Glenn all the time he lived in Williamstown. Said he never knew he was not a man. Had visited gambling dens, saloons and other places with Glenn many times, and Glenn always acted like a man. Said Glenn had false teeth, both upper and lower. Swore to statement that he was positive upper teeth were false but was not sure about lower. The court room was crowded with men and women.

The Daily Register, Marietta, July 16, 1901:

Glenn Gets Stubborn

Parkersburg, July 16. Col. J. D. Wolvington, one of Ellis Glenn's attorneys, made the positive assertion yesterday afternoon that the defense would produce Elbert Glenn, the mysterious twin brother, on Wednesday, and would place him on the witness stand. In an interview yesterday, Ellis Glenn stated that her brother had been present in the court room during part of the trial and had been noticed by several persons. She says she will have witnesses from as far as England to prove that she is the woman she claims to be.

John F. Laird, former prosecuting attorney and now counsel for Ellis Glenn, was placed on the stand for the State yesterday and was compelled to produce certain articles Ellis had made and were to give her a masculine appearance. The prosecutor scored him for failing to turn them over to his successor in office when they came into his possession by reason of that office. Caldwell scored D. R. Kinder of Litchfield, Illinois, who was once Glenn's attorney during a preliminary hearing, for now testifying against her. Kinder identified Ellis Glenn as the same person arrested as E. B. Glenn and she told him she was not Cora Rader, but had lived in Williamstown, West Virginia. A. J. Jayne of Hillsboro, Illinois, testified as to the scar on E. B. Glenn's head and offered to point it out, but Ellis refused to take off her hat, push her hair back or remove her gloves for the purpose of showing scars.

Marietta Daily Leader, July 23, 1901:

Two Persons By the Name of Glenn, Says Doctor Howard

Parkersburg, July 22. The members of the jury were in good shape this morning after their Sunday rest. They attended services Sunday morning at the Presbyterian church and in the evening at the M. E. church south. Col. Caldwell of the defense was slightly under the weather today and his client is suffering with a severe sore throat.

Court was convened at 9:15 and the third week of the trial was soon underway.

Dr. W. A. Howard of Vincent, Ohio, formerly of this city, was the first witness called for the defense. Witness said he was practicing here in the spring of 1897, and in May of that year treated a man by the name of Glenn, in fact two persons by that name, a man and a woman. Treated the man for an ailment peculiar to the male sex. The prisoner at the bar is a woman, the witness having satisfied himself on that point. Examined her for scars and found one limb had been fractured, which left a scar, and also found a scar on her hand. The fracture of the limb probably occurred several years ago. The prisoner had never borne any children. The scar in the palm of the prisoner's hand had the appearance of a burn instead of being cut. Hair will not grow on a scar on the head, as the hair follicles are killed.

On cross examination the witness said he did not know but that a scar on the head could be removed. Witness said he was paid $10 to come here and testify in the case, and he has been promised $15 in addition. This does not include per diem and mileage. The prisoner told him that the scar on her hand was caused by a burn. Could not swear positively that the scar was caused by a burn, but that was his opinion. Witness said he could not say why Dr. Frame, J. F. Laird, Miss Agnes Riley and other witnesses who had examined the prisoner's hand for a scar could not find one. There may be a scar on the back of her head, but he did not see it. There is a scar on Miss Glenn's forehead, near the edge of the hair. Couldn't say whether the prisoner had false teeth. Witness, before he left here, had money belonging to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, but he paid it back before he left here and has a receipt for it. Paid it to a member of the organization. He was not threatened with arrest the day he paid it, and denied that he left here to avoid arrest on the charge of committing a criminal act in connection with his profession.

Re-direct. Witness said he left here with his mother and located at Vincent. A scar could not obliterate itself. Could not afford to come here and make an examination and testify for less than $25. Re-cross. Witness denied that Dr. Frame told him that his reputation was such that he had better not go on the witness stand.

Monday Afternoon

E. L. Fairbanks was the first witness called after the dinner recess. Witness resided in Williamstown and this city. Bert Glenn came from Illinois with witness in December, 1896, and was a picture agent. He belonged to a detective agency in the west. Bert Glenn was a man. Witness told how he knew Glenn was a man. They visited public houses here and in Williamstown. Witness said he is a married man and he was averse to telling these things that would disgrace him before his family. Saw Bert Glenn last in fall of 1897, when he bade him good-bye and said he was going to Illinois. Bert Glenn had a scar on his leg from a bullet wound; wound was in the calf of the leg. Witness had examined the left limb of the prisoner and the scar on Bert Glenn was different from that on the prisoner's leg. Glenn had a trotting horse which he said he sold here.

On cross-examination the witness said he was shown the prisoner's limb in a room adjoining the court room. Had been married for fourteen years. The witness was pretty badly mixed in some of his answers. He said he is employed at Bentley & Gerwig's to look after the repairs on their houses in various parts of the city. Witness said he was originally from Jerseyville, Illinois, about 42 miles from Aton. This is Madison County. Madison and Montgomery counties adjoin. He said he had not studied geography and could not tell the county seat of any of the adjoining counties to those of his own. Never saw the prisoner at the bar until he had seen her today. Did not know at whose boarding house he boarded at Williamstown, but boarded at the St. Cloud at Marietta.

Did not know whose name he registered under at the St. Cloud, as he had an assumed name which he occasionally used. Believed he first met Glenn at Jerseyville, Illinois, in 1895 and afterwards in St. Louis. Witness said he saw an Illinois man in the court room and was asked to point him out. He designated a young lawyer named Magee, of this city, as the one he referred to, and said he was satisfied Magee was from Illinois, and afterwards said he looked like a man from Illinois, and then denied that he had said that he had seen someone from Illinois in the court room, but the record was sprung on him. Then he qualified his statement by saying that he might have been mistaken.

The Daily Register, Marietta, July 23, 1901:

Witnesses Were Good For Defense in Glenn Trial This Morning   

Parkersburg, July 23. The Glenn trial progressed very slowly this morning. all the witnesses, however, were good ones for the defense and no doubt made good impressions upon the minds of the jurymen. The defense thought they would finish their case today, but owing to the difficulty they have had in finding their witnesses, especially two doctors who are very busy and could not be found, the testimony will not be in until tomorrow.

Rev. G. W. Kibler, pastor of the Elberon M. E. Church, formerly a minister at Williamstown, knew Bert Glenn while in that city. He was a barber; was about my own height, black hair, large eyes, and my opinion that he was not lame. There seems to be a family resemblance between Bert Glenn and the defendant. On cross examination: Never saw Bert Glenn in woman's clothes; cannot say whether the prisoner is or is not Bert Glenn.

Miss Agnes Riley: Don't remember exactly when I examined the defendant's hand, but think it was shortly after she came to Bailey's boarding house. Cross examination: To the best of my knowledge she has some false teeth.

Isaiah Tucker was recalled this morning; stated that the person he treated for a certain disease was a man; also gave names of those present when he treated Glenn.

G. R. Hammat, a resident of Vienna, formerly lived in Williamstown; knew Wirt R. Neal and A. A. Kellar; knew Bert Glenn while I was a resident of Williamstown; he was a jack-of-all-trades, barber, butcher, paper hanger and a ladies' man; went with Miss Ida Sarber; would weigh 130 or 125 pounds; very erect and was not lame; can't remember of introducing him to W. R. Neal. Glenn had dark hair; the defendant is not the Glenn that I knew. On cross examination stated that this was not Bert Glenn; was basing his opinion from the expression of the face and not by the clothes she wears.

C. O. Robinson was the next witness. Was at Cook's livery stable when Kauf and Glenn came there with trotting horse. Did not see Glenn but once or twice.

James Ernest: Was engaged in the lumber business in Williamstown in 1896 and 1897; knew Bert Glenn; sold Glenn some lumber and he did some carpenter work; was also a barber and a butcher; was 5 feet, 4 inches tall; hair was dark and eyes gray; held himself erect and was not lame. The defendant is not the Glenn he knew in Williamstown. On cross examination stated that if the defendant had short hair and wore men's clothes, there would be some difference; could not state what change typhoid fever would produce; think Glenn was about 25 years old. Don't know whether Glenn had false teeth or not.

Dr. Wise: Have had some experience in removing scars or reducing them. You can reduce the size of a scar, but in doing so you will make a wound that will leave a slight scar; hair will not grow from a scar. 

Dr. Samuel: No other physician treated Ellis Glenn while he was in jail; don't think that the scar upon her hand could have been removed without my knowledge.

Here court adjourned until 1:30 P.M.

The Daily Register, Marietta, July 24, 1901:

One Witness Says Ellis Didn't Limp

Parkersburg, July 24. The Glenn trial proceeded today with a number of witnesses recalled by the State. 

James A. Witherell was the first witness. He has been a jeweler in Parkersburg for thirty years. Stated that he saw the prisoner in the corridor of the post office on last Friday, and she was not lame or did not limp when she walked.

Miss Beckwith was clerking for Squire Drennan in the year 1899, when the defendant was brought there for a preliminary hearing. She did not limp that I could notice. Don't think that she was lame. On cross-examination said that she would not swear that the defendant was the same person.

J. B. McKabe, an attorney-at-law in this city, was present when E. L. Fairbanks testified, remember hearing him say that he had seen me in Illinois, never was in Illinois, came to Parkersburg from Maryland. Heard witness say he might be mistaken.

Edward Gilfillan was special policeman when Ellis Glenn was brought to this city. Jim Neal and Gilfillan took the prisoner to the jail. She was not lame at that time. On cross examination said he couldn't say whether this defendant is the same party or not.

Mr. Echels was recalled; saw the head of the prisoner while I was Deputy Sheriff, when I took her meals to her. Saw two scars connected by a small scar, which gave the appearance of a crescent. Did not hear all the doctors testify. Heard Dr. Wise testify in regard to removing scars; don't think that the crescent shaped scar was removed while the prisoner was in jail, although it might have been. Was not drunk with Mr. Jayne last night; never saw him drunk.

Dr. Wise was recalled: his testimony today was comparatively the same as yesterday. He testified in regard to the scars found when he examined the defendant's head, yesterday.

D. C. Casto was present at an interview in Judge McCluer's office between William Richardson, Judge McCluer and myself. As the conversation was in regard to the pictures of Ellis Glenn and not the defendant herself, he was not allowed to testify further in regard to the conversation.

W. Cutlip belonged to the Knights of the Golden Eagle and knew Dr. Howard. The defense objected to the attorneys for the State asking H. Cutlip any questions in regard to his connection with the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He was asked about Howard's general reputation; he stated that while it was not very good, he could believe him under oath.

The Daily Register, Marietta, July 26, 1901:

Glenn Case Will Go To Jury This Evening

Parkersburg, July 26. The Ellis Glenn trial is at an end as far as the defense is concerned, as they closed their argument this morning. Judge McCluer made the first argument for the defense. His plea was both eloquent and forcible, and for the first time during the trial the prisoner showed signs of breaking down; tears came to her eyes, but she quickly composed herself and retained the independent air which she has shown throughout the proceedings. The Judge talked for over an hour and it is thought that his remarks made a good impression upon the minds of the jury.

Col. J. D. Wolverton followed Judge McCluer for the defense; he went over the evidence carefully and pointed out in a most concise manner the weak points of the state. He scored the attorneys for the state and William Richardson, a witness, in the most scathing manner. 

By the time the Colonel was through the courtroom was crowded to hear the closing remarks of Hon. C. T. Caldwell, chief counsel for the defense. Mr. Caldwell is considered the best criminal lawyer in West Virginia, and his remarks were the most eloquent and forcible ever heard in a Wood County court room; he talked for over an hour and his remarks had a telling effect upon the jury. The state will close its arguments this afternoon, and the case will go to the jury this evening.

The Daily Register, Marietta, July 29, 1901:

Glenn Jury Deadlocked With Little Hope of Reaching a Verdict

Parkersburg, July 27. No verdict in the famous Glenn case and the mysterious man-woman does not yet know her fate. After one hour's consultation, the jurors announced that they could not agree, and Judge Stapleton remanded them to their boarding house till today, when they will again be given a chance to reach a verdict.

The great case closed at 6 o'clock Saturday evening, when Prosecuting Attorney Hunter Moss completed his argument, the fourth brilliant and elongated oratorial and argumentative address made to the jury. Judge Stapleton then adjourned court till 7:30 o'clock, when he stated that he would deliver the instructions and give the case into the jury's hands for final settlement. When court reconvened Judge Stapleton proceeded to read the instructions, which consumed on hour and thirty minutes. It was exactly 8 o'clock when the jury was given the case and sent to its room to ballot for a verdict. Precisely sixty minutes later - 9 o'clock - the jury reappeared and the crowded room of spectators hushed and were expectant.

"Have you agreed upon a verdict?" inquired Judge Stapleton.

"We have not," said Foreman Wild, "and the prospects are that we will not, at least not tonight."

There was general disappointment over the announcement. The Court ordered the jury to be taken care of by the Sheriff and to be brought back into court Monday morning.

The State made a strong case against Ellis Glenn, who, it is alleged, disguised herself as a man and for a number of years passed as such, and who during the time of her alleged masquerading, is charged with having perpetrated forgeries in this state and Illinois. Indeed, the general public was surprised at the strength of the prosecution's case against the woman, for hers was a case without parallel in recorded criminal history. It was a trial hard fought for three wary, warm weeks; so fiercely contested that the tedium of it told upon Court, jurors, lawyers and spectators. It was a trial replete with contradictions, and witnesses to the number of nearly two hundred were examined by both sides.

The principal fight was to prove that Ellis Glenn and E. B. Glenn, or Bert Glenn, were one and the same person. That being so, the State could prove that Bert Glenn uttered a forged deed of trust and a note, which she sold to William Richardson of this city. In the contest over the paramount issue, which was to prove the two persons one and the same, the forgery allegations were practically lost sight of.

The prosecution devoted two days in building up a strong chain of circumstantial evidence that Bert Glenn forged the two documents to which the defense paid little heed in the way of contradiction. The defense held that if forgeries had been committed, Bert Glenn and not Ellis Glenn had done that. It tried to prove conclusively that Ellis Glenn was not Bert Glenn, and hence did not commit the forgeries; that her arrest was a case of mistaken identity which she had abetted to save a fugitive twin brother.

On the question of identity,neither side had the better of it. The State introduced numerous witnesses of good character who swore that Ellis Glenn was, to the best of their knowledge and belief, the Bert Glenn they had known, while the defense presented an array of equally as reputable and numerous persons, who testified that the Bert Glenn they had known as a man was not, to the best of their knowledge and belief, Ellis Glenn. On this question there as more than a reasonable doubt and the prisoner's able counsel persistently pressed home the doubt and the questionableness involved and the justice and legality of giving the prisoner the benefit of the doubt.

All during the trial Ellis Glenn was remarkable for her composure and the never-changing placidity of her countenance. She looked each witness in the eyes constantly, and there was never a flutter of the eyelid to show recognition nor an intimation on her serene face to indicate a feeling or an emotion.

Who is Ellis Glenn? That is a question that the trial was expected to answer, but it did not. She was not put on the stand and no statement was made by any witness to indicate where she came from or anything about her. The woman's story is well known, but it was not told in the trial. She claimed to have disguised as a man to rescue her twin brother, Bert, from twenty years' imprisonment at the Chester, Illinois, penitentiary. That was after Bert Glenn had left his country. She claims to have exchanged places with him on the train en route to the State Prison. Arriving there, the discovery was made that the prisoner was a woman, and the prison authorities refused to receive her. She was then sent back to Hillsboro, where she had been tried, and was later brought here in man's attire. She was incarcerated in jail for months and the United States Court got into the case on a writ of habeas corpus, which was dismissed and she was returned to State custody. She became ill with typhoid fever, was removed to a hospital, where she remained for many weeks.

Her illness, together with a change of her man's clothes for woman's, made a considerable change in her appearance, which undoubtedly helped her cause in court. After recovering from her illness, she was admitted to bail, her attorneys going her security for her appearance at court. The thorough airing of the strange affairs of Ellis Glenn in court has failed utterly to shed a ray of light on this remarkable mystery.

Judge Scores Reporter

Parkersburg, July 29. The jury in the Glenn case has been out for five hours and as yet have rendered no verdict. It is now thought that the jury will disagree. Many people were in the court room this morning awaiting the verdict of the jury.

Mr. Brian, former proprietor of the Art Saloon, was fined $5 for making an insulting remark to the jury this morning as they were on their way to the Court House. Judge Stapleton also scored the newspaper reporters for prophesying as to what the verdict of the jury would be.

Marietta Daily Leader, July 31, 1901:

Jury Dismissed in the Ellis Glenn Case - Could Not Reach a Verdict

Parkersburg, July 30. The jury in the Ellis Glenn forgery case was dismissed this afternoon by Judge Stapleton upon its own request upon the statement that a verdict could not be reached. The last ballot stood seven for conviction and five for acquittal.

The jury was given charge of the case last Saturday and the decision of the jury seemed to make little impression upon the prisoner. She merely smiled when the result was announced. Her recognizance was extended by the court until next Thursday. 

The Day's Work

When court convened at 9 o'clock this morning the jury was sent out to its room by Judge Stapleton. At 10:30 the jury came into the court room and again announced a failure to agree upon a verdict.

Judge Stapleton asked the members if there was anything in the instructions, or whether there was any point that they did not understand. The foreman replied that they were not clear on the interpretation of a reasonable doubt, and on the forgery. In the matter of the forgery the Court explained that they were the sole judges and must make up their verdict from the evidence that was laid before them during the trial.

Judge Stapleton then read the instructions of reasonable doubt and again sent them to their room to agree upon a verdict if possible. 

At the noon recess today the jury reported that they were still unable to agree and court was adjourned until 2 o'clock when they were again sent to their room. 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

The Marietta Daily Times, November 23, 1905:

Glenn Sentenced to Serve Term in Prison

 Lapeer, Michigan, November 23. Dressed in a black suit, wearing a long rain coat and wearing her hat for the first time in court, Ellis Glenn stood up to receive sentence. When asked by Judge Dodds if she had anything to say why sentence should not be pronounced, she said, "I didn't know that the abstract had been mutilated." These are the first words she has spoken since her trial began, except once in awhile in whispered consultation with her lawyer.

A lengthy conversation with the judge followed in which she made a pathetic plea of innocence. She broke down completely, at one time weeping bitterly. During the conversation she asserted that Harold Houston of Parkersburg told her the title to the Ohio property was no good, but James A. Watson of Parkersburg later informed her the title was clear and on his advice she became mixed in the deal. She blamed the mutilation of the abstract on Ella White, now dead.

When she had finished her plea for mercy, the judge imposed sentence. Using the new indeterminate sentence law, he sent her to the Detroit house of correction for a term of not less than one or more than ten years.