Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-05-02
From, the Richmond Dispatch, .aprit 18Th.
An EnterpriSing Clergyman.


We published yesterday an accountofa Western
clergyman, who had engaged himself to eleven
fir dansels of his fock Tne Cincinnati En-
qirer gives full particulars of the conduct of this
faithful shepherd, who was so assiduous In his
devotion to the lambs of his fold. The Rev. John
Howard Wilson, has been preaching for sometime
past in place called Cheviot, and according TO
the Cincinnati Enquirer, is endowed with soft,
oily tongue, and sleek appearance. He seems to
have slain the damsels right and left. No less
than eleven fair ones succumbed to the potency OF
his charms, and promised to accompany him to
the alter of Hymen. 1t was not, however, alto
ceher an affair of the heart On the side of this
estimabe divine, but in very consderabIe.degree,
commercial transaction, the reverend gentleman
borrowing money of some of the ladies' under Inc
pretence Of making necessary arrangements tor
housekeeping. We may remark, in passing, that
the females of that region must be somewhat eager
for the married state, when they advance their
lovers money for such purpose. The Enquirer
says that of one young lady the gentle shepherd
obtained $50, which he laid between the leaves
of Bible in her parlor, 10 be used the day previ-
GUS 10 the wedding but when, upon hearing of the
pranks of the sanctmonious Lothario, she looked
| in the hiding place. the bank bills were non est.
the manner in which Mr. Wilson's loves discover
ed the wickedness of the clerical deceiver.
'',The manner which led to the discovery Of his
multatarions engagements was. that couple of
the betrolhed met by accident in fashionable dry
goods establishment in this city. After mutual
recognition, they proceeded to examine various
fabrics and make purchases. Singularly enough
their tastes assmuated so exactly, that young lady
number one remarked to young lady number two
that she thought it was very strange. Hereupon
yonng lady number two replied that so it was
but ii she (young lady number one) could keep a
secret, she would tell her one. r4a ...is5s-.
Number one promised (what feminines would
not ? J that her lips should be eternally sealed
when blushing like peony. her companion
whispered in her her ear that she was going to be
married sselse IA
ITO whom?" exclaimed the excited number
one.
"Another promise of secrecy, and the name of
Rev. John Howard Wilson was softly breathed.
"Who?" exclaimed number one, while her
earnest gaze betokened her astonishment.
The name was again repeated, and forthwith
young lady number one became suddenly dizzy,
and but for the application of sal rolat;te and cold
water, fantng exhibition in the mercer establish
ment would have ensued. After while, when
sufficiently calm to explain, she informed young
lady number two that she too was under an en-
gagement of marriage to the reverend deceiver,
and she was then making purchases of her we'd
ding garments Another kettle of fish was the
consequence of this disclosure, for young lady
number TWO Immediately went through the same
motion as her predecessor, and again the pungent
mixture and cold water were in requisiton. The
disconsolaie damsels returned without their pur-
chases to the quiet village, where they speedily
proclaimed the villainy ofthe rascaly pastor, who,
getting wind thatal was discovered, made tracks
between two days during the past week.
Since his exit, it has been discovered that he
sometime ago forged draft on Mr.. Elliott, ofthe
| Methodist Book Concern, " hich was hOnored.