The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1857-01-14
SHREVEPORT LOUISIANA, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY ii, 1857

~ lLLAlN LAPoSED.--I ne new Ofh papers
give an account of a villain whose doings in that
city have recently been detected 1t appears
that a man named S. Thrasher Lyons, about for
ty-6ve years old, under FIVE feet high, and of
pleasing face and polished manner, has been
swndling widows and single women out OF
money and reputation by means of advertise
ments for wife and eoverness. He is de-
scribed as native of Philadelphia, but last from
Clinton, Louisiana, where he left child in want
and suffering. Some of his doings are thus de-
scribed: .-' g. 1.gr. '.l .s. -.
Once in communication with a lady, he would
obtain knowledge of her peculiar circum-
stances, and if she had means, he would continue
the acquaintance, ingratiate himself in her fa-
vor. make formal engagement, advise her as
to the semp ployment of her means, offer his ses
vices in making investments for her, accept her
money, and pocketit and discontinue his visits.
1t is stated that during last summer he elop-
ed with the wife Of citizen, accompanied her
to neiyhboring city, where he robbed her of
her jewery, and then left her. It is said also
that he married several wives, and having pos
sessed himself of their means, has left them
Recently he accidentally formed the acquain
tance of alady who contemplated going to Cali
forna with her family. He volunteered his ad-
vice and assistance, and she gave him $llOO to
make the necessary preparations for their de-
parture and to procure tickets. Soon after Civ
ing the money, the lady accidentally learned
Lyons character, and as he was missing, she
caused warrant to be issued for his arrest,
and though it was in the hands of the police
man for two days previous to Lyons departure,
and the officer apprised of Lyons residence, no
arrest was affected and Lyons left for Phila-
delphia, whence he left on Wednesday week in
the steamship City of Washington for Liver
pool, it is said en- route for Australia. But Ly-
ons has not only been guilty Of robbing his vic
TINS pecuniarily, but has also in various in
stances accomplished their ruin. Five instances
of this character have come to our owledge,
IN one of which the victim is now insane.
He corresponded with every lady advertising
for a situation as governess, by representing
himself to be gentleman from the south-a
widowcr with two children, whom he wanted to
place under the care Of some competent lady
By this means he obtained the acquaintance of
many excellent ladies, all Of whom he victim
ised to a greater or less extent, by obtaining
loans of money from them, &c. He also pat
ronlsed the matrimonial department of the pa
pers to large extent and by this means also
he made the acquaintance of many foolish wo-
men, every one Of whom, it is hardly necessary
to say, he most shametully deceived. He as
sumed in his advertisements various names,
such rs Mr.. Stanley, Charts, Calvin, Luther, &c.
Many he deceived in this way, but more dur
ing the years 1858 and 1854, by advertising
for a wife under various names. The exact
number of his victims obtained in both ways
was very large He first gained the confidence
of ladies, won their Affections proposed to all of
them and was by all accepted They ALL how
ever, found him out before the day was setapart
for their wedding; some in one way and some
in another He was at one time engaged to halt
dozen ladies in the city at the same time, while
his wife and infant were suffering from sickness
and destiution in Louisiana. Three of the la
dies to whom he was engaged were having their
wedding dresses made with the same dress
maker at the same time They all met at the
dressmaker's one day, and being mutually ac-
quainted, entered into conversation about the
auspcious event to which they were so eagerly
looking, when the secret came out that they
were all engaged TO the same man. A terrible
scene ensued. Cologne and cold water were
found requisite.
This expose gave rise to a great deal of talk
in private circles, but neither of the ladies felt
disposed to prosecute and punish the villain, for
fear of the publicity they would thereby gain.
One of these ladies having learned the whole of
the doctors rascality, corrcsponded with his
wife, and ascertaned that she ( the wife was
so destitute as to be actually compelled to pawn
her dresses and wedding ring to gain the ne
cessarIes of life.
Touched by her sufferings. the lady wrote to
the doctor, implorngly, saying that she would
forgive her OVID I'M uries if he would but take
care of his wife and child, whose sutferings she
eIoquently depicted. The brute paid no heed,
but continued with GOODNESS and effrontery bis
vllainous career
THE NOBLE REvENcE.-The coffin was "a plain
one-a poor, miserable pine coffin. No flow
ers on its top, no lining Of rose white satin for
the pale brow, no smooth ribbons about the
coarse shroud. The brown hair was laid de-
Gently back, but there was no crimped cap, with
its neat tie beneath the chin. The sufferer from
cruel poverty smiled in her slecp-she had found
bread, rest and health.
Il want TO see my mother,' sobbed I. poor
child, as the undertaken screwed down the top.
You can't--get outef the way, boy. Why
DONE somebody take the brat away
Only let me see her one minute,' cried the
hapess, hopeless orphan, cIutching' the side of
the charity box, and as he gazed into that rough
face, anguished tears streamed rapidly down
the cheeks on which no childish bloom ever lin
gered.. Oh! it was pitilul to hear him cry, 'on-
ly once; let me see my mother only enceH' '.
Quickly and brutally the hard hearted mon
ster struck the boy away, so that he reeled with
the blow. For a moment the boy stood pant
ing with grief and rage; his blue eyes distend
ed, his lips sprang apart, fire glijtered thro'
his tears, as he raised his puny arm, and with
a most unchildish accent screamed, s'when |
am man, I'll kill you for that!''
There was coffin and heap of earth be-
tween the mother and the poor lorsaken child
and a monument stronger than granite built
in his boy-heart to the memory of Il heartless
deed. x =
The courthouse was crowded TO suffocation.
docs any one appear as this mans counsel?'
asked the Judge There was silence when he
finished, until with lips tightly pressed togeth-
er, a look of strange recognition, blended with
hauohtv reserve upon his handsome features