Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-11-15

A VILLANoUs FRAUD.-The Cincinnati En-.
qurer narrates the following distressing affair
that occunedon Thursday evening last. near o.
borne, Ohio:
1t appears that about three wears since farm
er named William Ricketts, left his family TO seek
his fortune in the gold mines Of California About
seven months since Mrs. r. received information
from person representing himself as coming d.
rect from San Francisco that her husband had
died The wife believed the story and manifest
cd much distress of mind upon the receipt of the
intelligence Her informant, whose name is VII.
liam T. Gaylord, manifested much sympathy for
Mrs. Il. in her bereavement, and frequently visit
ed the house to condole with her in her affection
The unsuspeclng wife, approaching the kindness
of GAYLORD, rendered him the inequalities of her
house and home. Gaylord, with an apparent in
difference declined ibe offer, but finally proposed
to accept the same on condition Of marriage. The
astonished Mrs r. at first declined But after
wards agreed to let the matter stand open until
GAYLORD Should call again. I'm the interim CAV
lord distracted from the post Office all letters d.
rected to Mrs Ricketts, and one from her husband
he opened, perused. and then destroyed. The
letter stated that he did not intend to return home
for three years, but was very anxious to see his
wife. Gaylord again called on Mrs. Ricketts, and
insisted upon an answer TO his proposition. Mrs.
R.. after a few moments reflection, consented to
the union, and the time for their marriage was
SET The day came, they were married, and by
their marriage Mr. Gaylord came into possession
of farm valued at several thousand dollars.
Soon after their marriage Mr.. Gaylord proposed
to his wife to sell out and move to Kansas, and
there locate for life. The wife consented, and the
farm was advertised for sale at sacrifice. The
advertisement was seen by Mr.. Ricketts, in San
Francisco. Enraged and chagrned, Mr.. r. took
the first steamer and arrived in Osborne on
"Wednesday evening last Mr.. r. made dlligeni
inquiries, and learned the facts as above stated
Aiming himself with knife and a brace of pis-
tolls, he went offis house about 0 o'clock at night
All was quiet. Ricketts, raped at the door seve
raj times 1t was finally opened by Mrs. Gay
lord, and Ricketts, entered. Mrs. q. threw On
her dress, and, lighting the candle, turned TO look
upon the stranger who had come at such an I'M
seasonable hour Of the night. A shriek and TIE
expression of Great God Ricketts,. is that you 2"
followed. and the astonshed. affrighted wife fell
nsensible to the floor. Gaylord, who was in an
adjoining room, rushed on; to see what had hap
pened. Ricketts, Immediately seized him by the
throat and plunged the knife into his side, and
then went to where his unfortunate wife was ly-
ing, cut her on the shoulder and neck, and left the
premises The vile. recovering, informed the
neighbors of what had transpired, and immediate
search was made for Ricketts,. He has undoubt-
edly made successful escape. Gaylor was ly-
ng very low when last heard from, and the prob
ability is that he must die.