Keeper of the Keys

 

Howard McElwee served as the jailor in Pocahontas County for four years. During his time in that role, he was noted for several things:

• No Jail Deliveries: There were no instances of prisoners escaping from his jail during his four-year term.
• High Number of Inmates: The jail housed a greater number of prisoners than during the service of any other jailor.
• Desperate Characters: The inmates under McElwee's care were considered to be more desperate than those under the care of other jailors.
• Care and Respect: McElwee was described as a careful and painstaking officer who had a way of dealing with inmates that earned their confidence and respect.
• Trusty System: McElwee instituted the "trusty system" at the jail, a plan that allowed a man to be put on his honor. This system was considered to be a modern approach used in only a few prisons in the United States at the time.
• No Violations: The source notes that no man ever violated the confidence that McElwee placed in him.

Additional Information

• McElwee was a native of Virginia, but had spent time in Marlinton.
• After his time in Pocahontas County, McElwee moved to his house at Minnehaha Springs.
• Mrs. Bertie Mann, of Marlinton, went to visit Howard McElwee at his home.
• McElwee was reported to have returned from a trip to Lewisburg.
• McElwee was called as a witness in a court case concerning a horse being struck by a falling tree.
• McElwee was mentioned as part of a group of citizens selected to oversee road work.
• He was also noted to have had the contract for building a new bridge at Stony Creek.
• McElwee is also listed in a court case.

In summary, Howard McElwee was a respected jailor in Pocahontas County who was known for his effective and humane approach to managing a large number of prisoners, including some considered to be dangerous. He was also involved in other aspects of the local community, including construction and road work. --1900s