ALEXANDRIA — When the Campbell County Historical and Genealogical Society was founded in 1990, its mission was to “preserve, protect and promote history and genealogy in Campbell County.”

Martha Pelfrey of Cold Spring, a historical society volunteer, shows the rope used in a 1929 jailbreak. (Enquirer photo) | ZOOM |

        The society's offices, on the second floor of the Alexandria Courthouse, have played an interesting part in carrying out that mission.

        When the courthouse was remodeled in 1928, the building's first floor served as the jailer's living quarters and the society's current offices served as the county jail.

        According to a newspaper article dated Dec. 20, 1929, “Six prisoners sawed through the jail roof and escaped, using a rope of blankets tied together.”

        The article noted that two other prisoners, both awaiting trial for murder, made no attempt to escape.

        Examining jail records revealed two of the escapees, charged with carrying concealed weapons, had only six days to serve on their 30-day sentences.

        Jeff Wiemer, chairman of the society, was searching the attic above the office in 1993 when he discovered a rope fashioned out of old sheets and blankets.

        That rope is now on display at the society's office, along with a huge collection of historical information.

        People tracing family roots are welcome to visit the society's offices to explore marriage, birth and church records as well as maps, history books, school annuals, photo albums and cemetery records.

        For information call 635-6407.
       

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