Elmer Dustin's story is both fascinating and commonplace. Prisons are filled with men like him who are able to manipulate those around them with ease and without conscience. Dustin was perhaps more proficient than most, as he clearly had no trouble cleverly exploiting his girlfriend, the prison staff, his fellow townsfolk, and, eventually, the Governor of Iowa himself.
From the March 18, 1897 Anamosa Journal
UNCEREMONIOUSLY DEPARTED
Convict Leaves Without Notice
E.S. Dustin, a convict sentenced from Cherokee County for cattle stealing, made an unheralded exit last Thursday night. Dustin has recently recovered from a siege of typhoid fever and had not yet been set at hard labor. For some weeks past he had been retained in the hospital as cook and in addition to this service attended to the milking. In performing the latter duty he was accorded the privilege of remaining in the yard until after the gun guards were off the walls. Last Thursday night Jim Williams, the prison roundsman, made his appearance at the hospital ward at 8 o’clock as usual. A report was sent out by Sam Lorimer in the hospital that Dustin had failed to show up. The officials were notified and a search of the premises was made but failed to reveal the missing man. No clue as to the method of exit has been gained. The night in question, it will be remembered, was foggy followed later in the evening by a disagreeable, chilly rain. Dustin had evidently scaled the walls early in the evening. All signs point to the conclusion that he had an appointment and that Thursday night was the time agreed on.
From the December 22, 1898 Anamosa Journal
CONVICT DUSTIN CAUGHT
Escaped from the Penitentiary a Year Ago and has Been at Liberty Until a Few Days Ago
Recognized and Recaptured by Ex-Deputy Warden Passwater at Cordon, Iowa.
Something over a year ago, Elmer Dustin, a convict at the Anamosa Penitentiary, made his escape from within the confines of that institution, and notwithstanding the energetic and persistent efforts of the warden and his assistants, continued throughout the balance of the Madden administration, not the slightest clue to his whereabouts could be ascertained. The state was flooded with cards bearing his description and photograph and a liberal reward offered for his apprehension, but in vain. There was always a mystery connected with the manner in which Dustin made his exit from penitentiary environments.
From the December 28, 1899 Anamosa Journal
ELMER DUSTIN PARDONED
He Who Escaped and Was Brought Back Year Ago Gets Executive Clemency – A Xmas Gift
Elmer Dustin, the convict who escaped from the Anamosa penitentiary and was recaptured a year ago, has been pardoned. The pardon, or more properly the order to release the man, was telegraphed from Des Moines last Saturday. Unquestionably the good record which Dustin made at Corydon militated in his favor. His wife worked faithfully for his pardon and her efforts were successful. Dustin departed from Anamosa on the 7:40 train last Saturday night.