Coshocton Man Sentenced One Year To Canton Work Farm

September 1911--Cornelius Easton was fined $500 and sentenced to the Canton work farm for one year. His crime? Easton contributed to the delinquency of a 14 year old girl.

According to the Coshocton Daily Age, a haggard Easton sat surrounded by his wife and children as Judge Ashman handed down the sentence. Easton had asked the judge to suspend the sentence. He claimed to have "washed his hands of the affair" and if allowed to go free he would guarantee the court there would be no similar offenses.

The judge handed out the maximum penalty afforded by the law. The judge noted the condition of the family, but due to the fact that two elder sons were employed, the judge would give no sympathy. Also, the judge said that while no proof existed of illicit relations with the 14 year old, the judge felt there was "no doubt" that Easton was guilty of exactly that.

The judge pointed out Easton's two month old daughter and stated that if another person had wronged Easton's daughter in the same manner that Easton would feel no punishment would be severe enough.