Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1855-05-10
A Cier,cal Scamy.

We heard yesterday OF series Of villanies
perpirateJ recently by a wulf In sleeps clo-
thing, or a character to bring the reverend
imp"ster, If caught, to the penitentiary. His
name is John Howard Wilson, and be has
been preaching for some time past at Cbevi-
OF. Being endowed with a snft, oily tongue,
and a sleek appearance, he tried his killing
eccomp plshments Unfortunately among the
unmarried bellies OF that suburban village with
such success that he engaged himself TO be
married TO no less than eleven, some of.whom
he bGrrowed money from upon pretense of
making the necessary arrangements towards
housekeeping. OF one young lady he OBJ
tanned $50, which he laid between the leaves
Of a Bible in her parlor, 10 be used the day
previous TO the wedding; but when, upon
hearing OF the pranks of the sanctimoLious
Lp,hario, che looked in the hiding place; the
bank bills were non est
The manner which led 10 the discovery of
bis mul,ifsrious engagements was. that
couple of the betrothed met by accident in a
fashionable dry goods establishment ia this
city. After mu,uil recognition, they procee-
ded to examine various fabrics and make pur-
chasa.. Singularly enough their tastes Us.
simulated so exactly that young lady number
one, remarked 70 young lady number twr, that
she thought it was very strange. Hereupon
young lady number two replied thlt So it
was; but, If she (young lady number cne)
could keep a secret, she would tell her one.
Number one promised (what feminine cod
not!) that her lips should be eternaly sealed,
when, blushing like peony, her companion
{ - sba 60
be marie !.
ITO whom!" exclaimed the excited number
one.
Another promise of secrecy and the name
Of the Rev. John Howard Wilson was suftly
breathed.
"Who," exclaimed number one, while her
earnest gsze betok"ned her astonshment.
The name was again repea;ed, and forth
with oung lady number one became sudden
iy dizzy, end but for the application of sal
volatile and cold water, fainting exhibition
/ in the mercer's establishment wouli have
ensued. After awhile, when sufficiently calm
TO explain, she informed young lady number
tro that she, too, WIS under an engagement
of msrriage to the reverend deceiveT, and
she was then makirg purchases Of her we'd
ding garments. Another KEITH. OF hsh was
the consequence OF this disclosure, for young
lady number two imme iaey went through
the same motion as her predecessor, and agsn
the pungent mixture and cold water were in
reauisi,on. The dsc'nsoIate damsels re-
trrned without their purchases to the quiet
, village, where they speedily proclaimed the
villainy Of the rasca,y pastor, who, getting
wind thar oil was discovered. made tracks be-
tween two days during the past week. .
Since his exit it has been discovered that
/ he come time pgo forged a draft on Mr. Eli
oft. of the Methodist Book Concern, which
was honored. No tidngs have been heard
/ Of him since his sbsquatI laton, but we pre-
sumo he will turn up under another name,
when he can discover convenient field to
reap harvest by playing upon the credu'ty
Of the susceptible femnines who have pen.
chant for l3Ye and sancti'y.
= Gin. Commercial.