The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-06-23
From the Boston Times, June 2ll
Attempted Suicide OF Rev. Joy III. Fairchild.
Melancholy and painful disclosures.

Il
Attempted Suicide OF Rev. Joy III. Fairchild.
Melancholy and painful disclosures.
! Mosr MELANcHoLy.-We learn that clergy
man, Joy Hamlet Fairchd, OF Exeter, N. H., and
| formerly OF South Boston, attempted to commit SUI
eide this morning, by cutting his throat with ra-
zor. The wound inflicted Is very severe, but 1t Is
thought he will recover
Mr.. Fairfield he's been respected for many years
as an able, pious and faithful Congregational min
| ster-but there has lately been strong reasons to
suspect that his neral conduct has long be en- cor
rupt, and that he is unworthy OF exercising the holy
duties of his eiice. We learn that an Ecclesiast-
! cal COuacH was TO have been held next week 10
investigate charges alleged against him, and the
mental excitement from shame and mortitcahon,
doubtless the Of his determination TO add
TO his sins by attempting to rush unbdden into the
presence OF his maker.-Mereanfae Journal OF last
speming.
We heard the particulars Of this melancholy af-
fair yesterday morning, and the probable causes
that led to the unhappy result II was subject OF
much doubt with us for some lime whether to give
publicity to them not-but realizing that all sorts
of rumors prevailing In Exeter and in this city,
particularly at South Boston, and that distorted
statements might be made through the press, We
felt bound, both in reference 10 the past position OF
Mr. Falrchild, and the nature OF the allegations
brought agans, him, to give to the public the intor.
nation which has come to our knowledge, and
which is gathered alike from the friends Of Mr..
Fairchlld, well as from those who feel that the
unhappy charges against him are true.
The notice in the Mercantile gives oppor-
tunity to present some detailed statements in re-
gard to the whole matter. What the Mercantile
says as to the former high standing OF MIR. +: is
| true. Whether that position Is now to be shaken
with the public, 1t is tor 1t to decide and not tor u.s.
We submit the particulars.
| Since Mr. Fairchld left the Church at South
church in Exeter, N. II. Previous to his leaving
South Boston, there were many unpleasant rumors
about a too familiar intimacy existing between
him and two married ladies in his immediate
cety-and many other things have been hiTed
lately touching young lady, by the name of r.
d., who was a member, we believe, OF the Rev
Mr.. Shaler's, Society IN Brookllne, who lived IN
Mr.. Fairchild's family from 1910 TO lS4l-2, and
was recommended by MIR. Shaler to Mr. F.. as OF
unexceptlonable character. Mr.. Fairchild has a
wife and four children.
Such was the prevalence of the first rumors at
South Boston, and they also reached Exeter-that
a council was called, consisting OF three clergy
men from this city, and three laymen-two OF the
latter being from Exeter. The result to which they
came was as follows This document has been
printed and circulated freely.
At the request Of the Rev. j. H. Farchild of Exeter
H the undersigned met at South Boston, on the eh Of
May 1884, to investigate charges against his moral cha
aacter in anOnym0us circular which had been recent
ly distributed in Exeter and elsewhere.
In this circular the Descons Of the Phillips Church in
South Boston were referred to as having facts in their
possession sustaining the aforesaid charges.
Having been applied to by members OF the Rev. Mr.
Farchid Church Exeter to communicate these facts,
the Deacons of Phlps Church properly declined to do
so, except in the presence OF Rev. Mr Farchd Accord
ingy, the undersigned requested by him. with the
concurrence OF the DeacOns at South Boston, to hear
those facts with him. and with two brethren Of his church
in Exeter.
The Deacons of the Phillips Church then stated that
they did know the origin Of the circular and that there
were assertions in it which they believed to be utterly
false. They disavowed any intention wish to injure
the reputation Of Mr. Farchd and stated that though i'm
pressions had been made upon them by what had
their knowledge derogaory his character they had
been cautious and reserved land might think TO
faulty in not making public disclosure OF them, or OF
the circumstances from which they were derived. But
they had been referred 10 in the circular and had
been appealed to by members OF the church IN Exeter
they willing, If requested by Mr.. Fairchid, to state
all the facts within their knowledge which had served to
excite against him suspicious OF conduct intentions in
consistent with the christian character. -..-
The deacons Of Phillips Church, at the request Of Mr.
Farchild then made statement accompanied with the
testimony Of other individuals members Of said church
correspondence OF great length growing out Of tie facts
in question was also read.
Alter prorac,ed and ab0rous investigation of all the
particulars touching this subject the undersigned are con-
strained to say that the circumstances brought to view as
tending to excite suspicion against the Rev Mr. Farchd
do not impair confidence in his moral or christian
character In this remark include also alleged mis-
conduct his part while pastor OF church in East Hart
ford C and happy state that after and
thorough scrutiny nothing has appeared IN any part OF
his life which prevents us from according to him our
full confidence us minister OF Christ
We happy therefore, to assure the church in Exeter
under the ofthe Rev MIR Farchild that far
Knowledge extends they may continue to cherish
diminished confidence in him.
We indulge the hope that judgment in the case,
having been virtually though not formally invited by
those who have subme ed the testimony will have weight
with them and that the Rev. MIR. Fairchd will be able to
pursue the work Of the ministry with his former faithful
ness and success. II. WINSLOW,
| N ADAMS,
W. STEARNS,
| THO NJ VINSON,
| NATHANIEL DANA,
DANIEL MOVES.
BosroN NAV 18TH 1914.