Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-02-27
ESTHER MDowELL-As1NGuLAR STORY

ESTHER M'DOWELL-A SINGULAR STORY.
j. f. Meginnis, in his history of the West
Branch Valley, relates the following history
of a successful imposition practiced upon the
people of Jersey Shore, in 1903
"About the year 1908, remarkable circum-
stance transpired at the upper end of the bor-
ough of Jersey Shore, well remembered by all
the old people living at that time. Pine trees,
in considerable numbers, were then standing
on the spot / now speak Of. An old Dutch
man, ramed Martin Reese, had built cabin
near where the public road crosses the canal,
on the farm now owned by Mark Slonaker,
Esq, and made some improvements. Rising
very early one frosty morning in October, he
was surprised to find beautiful female in
state of nudity, with her hands tied behind her
back, and gag over her mouth, standing in
front of the cabin, against IL tree. He reliev-
ed her from her uncomfortable position as
soon as possible, and rendered her the hospi-
talities OF his humble cabin. She appeared
to be completely chilled through with cold,
and could scarcely speak for some time. On
recovering strength, she related that she had
been travelling on horseback from her fathers
house in Montreal, to visit an uncle that resi-
ded in Kentucky, in charge of ayoung man
named Benjamin Connect, who sent
pressly to attend her. But having a large a
mount of gold in her possession, an evil spirit
prompted him to rob her; and in lonely spot
near Pine Creek, he presented pistol to
her breast, compelling her to dismount and
deliver up what money she possessed; when
he Immediately stripped her, tied her in this
shameful condition, to starve with hunger or
be devoured by wild beasts. She had remain
ed in that condition nearly all night, when af-
ter the most desperate struggles, she had re-
leased herself and made her way to the cabin.
After being refreshed, she willingly went with
the family to the spot, and pointed out the place
where she had been tied, and the path she had
beaten round the tree trying to free herself.
There was something artless in her appear
ance and her modest demeanor and delicate
frame, left no doubt in the minds of those who
saw her, that her statements were true, and
that she had been fouliy dealt with. She APP
peared to be overwhelmed with distress at the
thought of her situation among strangers. She
gave her name as Esther 'Dowel.
Rev. Mr.. Grier, father of Judge Grier of the
Supreme Court, resided close by, and took her
into his family, and kindly provided for her
wants. A great deal of sympathy was excl
ted in her behalf and the neighbors WED with
each other in making her presents OF cloth
ing. Several gentlemen, now living, presen-
ted her with valuable silk dresses, and 9TH
er articles, which she accepted, and kindly
thanked them for their liberality.
Meanwhile the news spread throughout the
country, and the public indignation was high
ly excited against the villain Connett. Hand
bills, offering reward for his apprehension,
were put in circulation, and the chivalry of the
West Branch started in all directions to look
for the scoundre. He had "a hours start,
however, and being well mounted, eluded all
observations and effected his escape.
The artless girl remained in the neighbor-
hood, caressed and entertained by the SYM
pathizing people, who could not do enough
to alleviate her wants. Her manners were
so simple, her actions SO lady-like and rehn-
ed, and her description of the thief so min
ute, that no doubt was felt of her being bad
ly treated. Letters in the meantime were
dispatched to her father at Montreal, but weeks
elapsed and no answer came. Still the pub
lie confidence in her was mistaken.
The intelligence having spread far and near,
strangers focked in great numbers to see her,
and loaded her with presents. Being at the
hotel kept by Duties, at Larry's Creek, gen.
tleman named Hutchinson, from Milton, cal
led to see her. She eyed him closely, and
seemed to keep shy of him, which attracted
his attention, and he tho't he detected some
thing familiar in her countenance. He re-
quested to have some private conversation
with her, which she positively refused, when
he exclaimed, calling her by name-sI believe
you are the identical young man that once
worked for me in Milton as journeyman tai
lor!' This was poser, and she became great
ly excited, which aroused a suspicion among
And such she ultimately proved to be. The
pretty Esther M'Dowell had deceived and hum
bugged them in shameful manner, and neuer
was robbed as she had represented.
A bundle of mems clothing had also been
found near the spot where she was found, Sc
creted in hollow log. which went to confirm
the suspicion. AT length she confessed that
such was the fact-that she had been playing
the imposter; being of romantic turn of mind,
she had actually passed herself off as young
man, and worked as a ourueyman tailor.
1t was now remembered that young man.
answering her description, had crossed the
White Deer Mountains into Nippenose Val
ley, and staid over night with the family of
a farmer. The evening of that day she (he)
came to the house of Joseph Antes, Esq,
where Major McMicken now resides, and he
ferried her over the river, when she doffed
her male attire and placed herself in the po-
sition in which she was found.
w hat ever became of her is not distinctly
known, though it is asserted that she left
the country soon afterwards, and went to the
West under another name, where she shortly
afterwards married, and became highly res
pectable woman.
The case of Esther Mcdowell afforded much
amusement for many years among the peo-
pie, and when the subject is broached to the
old people at the present day, their mrth-
fulness is at once excited, and they recount
the circumstance OF being so nicely humbug
ged with considerable gusto.
The opinion prevails at Washington that if
the Border States secede they will form a sepa-
rate Confederacy, and not unite with the cotton
States. The inevitable working of the princi-