Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1857-08-20
MisfeIlalleons laeaoinD.
A SUDDEN CONVERSION.

friends more than he did, and no one was better
calculated to secure the good will and friendship
of all with whom he came in contact. Business
poured in upon him, and be failed not to give the
utmost satisfaction.
AT tue age Of twenty seven, Bryan took to him.
sa, II-,"'fA from among the most favored ones Of
the country: Mai; Tsl.Hn elton experienced slrant
pride when shs gave her hand to the yong Law
yer and If none envied her, many at least prayed
that they might be equally fortunate.
But ere long cloud came over the scsne.--
COnviviaii'y ran high among the members Of the
bar, and Bryan possessed one Of those peculiar
temperaments which at length give The body and
soul up to the demon. For three years he follow.
ed the social custom of the times without neglect
ing much Of his business, but finally he sank iuto
the lowest pit Of degradation. When at the age
Of five and thirty, he he'd become a confirmed dun.
kard He now neglected bis clients altogether, for
be could not remain sober long enough at any
q time 70 carry any case through court The only
business be now had on his hands was the collec-
tOn Of some debts.
On the evening of his thirty fifth birth day he
Joined the Washingtonians, and once more his
bright genius shOne out upon the world. But it
could not last long among the examples Of those
who were his companions and be sank as rapidly
as he had risen In one short year from that time
he was miserable degraded thing. People who
had left notes and accounts with him to collect
called at bis house, and upon enquhing of bis wife
where he could be found she would tell them he
was away. Poor woman, they could not bear to
dispute her, and they would 90 their way.
though they knew full well that the remains Of
Daniel Bryan were PROSTATE upon lis bedroom
floor.
One day Mr.. Vinson went to see him.
Vinson had left notes and accounts 10 the amount
of several thousand dollars in the hands of Bryan
to collect, aud was anxious about them. His poor
wife answered him as usual, that her husband lad
gone away. ------.>.--'r..
any dear madame" returned Mr.. Vnson, II
know your misfortune, and appreciate your feel
ings, but must see your husband. III can see
him for one minute can learn ell that wish to
know" .--
Mary Bryan spoke not word, but turned away
and Mr.. Vinsoa followed her. He found BRYAN
in a back room, stretched at full length upon the
foos with a jug of Medford rum by bis side!--
. With much effort Vinson aroused the poor ine-
briate to state of semi.consciousness, and asked
him II he had done anything about the notes ans
accounts which be had left with Lin. "Yes" an
swered the lawyer in weak hiccoughing voice.
"I've had the money for you over month, I've
deducted the percentage, and you will find the
rest in that trunk, Marys got the key"
Mrs Bryan was calla1 in, the key was produced
and Mr.. Vinson found his money four thousand
and some odd hundreds Of dollars all right and
safe.
In bis worst moments, Bryan never used for
himself single penny held in bis trust. Hun
dreds there were who labored hard to reclaim the
wanderer but without effect Years went by and
be sank lower and lower--yet his wife left him
not. Her BROTHER young lawyer, named Mo-
ses Felton, often urged her to orsake her husband,
at the same time, Offering her comfortable home
beneath his own roof, but she would not listen.
At length. all hope was given up. Week after
week would the fallen man be drunk on the floor
and not day of real sobriety marked bis course.
] doubt il such another case was known. He was
too low for convSiality, for those with whom he
All alone, in his Office and chamber. be still
continued to drink-indeed, bis very life seemed
khe offspring Of his judgment.
In early spring, Moses FELTON, had call to &c
to Ohio. Before he set out he again visited hi.
Gster. He offered to take her with him, but skt
would not 60.
"But why stay herei" urged the brother,-
sYou are all faded away, aud disease is upon you
Why should you live with such brute9"
SHusb, Moses. Speak not" answered the wifi
keeping back her tears, u will not leave him nov
but be will soon leave me, he cannot live muel
longer
At that moment Daniel entered the apartment
He looked Ikea wanderer from the tomb HI
had bis hat on, and bis jug in his hand.
"Ah--MOses. how are yeF he gasped. for he
could not speak plainly.
The visitor looked at him for few moments ID
silence. Then as his features assumed a cold
stern expression, he said, in strongly emphasized
y tone:
J, "Daniel Bryan. I have been your best friend
butCue Ny sister is an angel-but mated will
demeu. have loved you, Daniel, as | nevel
loved man before; you were noble, generous and
IL. h,,tI H.. nom fnr ono a naorc,n