The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1850-01-16
From the Western Christian Journal.


On our way to Hudson, Ohio, we pass
ed near the former residence of the no
torious "Jim Brown" one Of the most
successful connterfeiters the United
States has ever produced. We allude
10 him, not to spread further or perpetu-
ate his unenviable fame, but to hold up
his case as warning to any youth that
may be tempted to follow his example.
He was one Of the earliest settlers of the
county, tall and commanding in his APP
pearance, gentlemanly in his deport-
ment, with keen, penetrating eye. He
headed the numerous gang OF counter
feiters that infested this portion of the
country some ten years since. He scat
tered his bogus coin and spurious notes
from Cleveland to New Orleans. Many
young men were allured by him into his
nefarious schemes; and many Of them,
possessing less cunning than their artfuI
and accomplished leader, travelled with
hasty steps to suffer the penalty of their
transgressions in the penitentiary. 1t
was long a wonder to many that one
90 universally suspected, and so well
known as bold and daring villain, so
long escaped punishment. 1t can only
be accounted for in the fact that the
greatest and most accomplished villains
escape, while the smaller ones are de-
tected. "Your laws" said one ancient
ly, "are like spiders webs; the small
ties are taken, while the wasps and the
hornets break through"
nd
thrown into Jail, but as often contrived
to elude the meshes of the law. At one
time, with his brother and one Taylor,
well supplied with counterfeit paper, he
proceeded to New Orleaus, where he
purchased ship, and set sail for China,
intending to make large purchases there
with counterfeit notes on the United
States Bank: they were, however, sus-
pected, and apprehended before they 60,
out Of the river, and brought back tor
trial. He escaped by turning States
evidence. At another time he was ar
rested, tried at Medina, convicted, and
sentenced to the penitentiary; but when
a part Of the way there in the care Of the
sheriff, his friends overlook them with a
writ of error, and he was set at liberty
But though he SO long prospered in his
iniquity, the day Of retribution came.
The visitor at the capital of the State, as
he passes through the gloomy apart
ments of our penitentiary, will see, per.
haps in the weavers' shop, but most like
ly inthe hospital, all that remains Of the
Notorious Jim Brown" That eye,
now downcast, though still keen, fiery
and restless, has lost its bold and indie
pendent expression, and shrinks from
encountering those Of tae obtruding Wis
itor; that countenance, once so har-
dencd, and bidding stern defiance te
shame, is now pale aud haggard, and
wears the expression Of care, anxiety
and disquietudc traced in every Inca.
meat. The frosts Of age have whitcnet
his locks, wrinkied his brow: and dis.
ease, produced by anxiety, disappoint-
ment and mortified pride, is fast doing
the work Of destruction upon that once
stout frame and prond, vigorous mind
Two years have dragged their slow
weeks away since these drear, massive
walls enshrined him; and eight more o.
the same kind, cover with their cheer.
less prospects the entire field Of nj:
worldly anticipation.