Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-10-17
MORNINGLEADER.
SATURDAY, MOaNING OCT. IL, Is6s.

NOIblN IINNI 141IhD1IlG'
SATURDAY MORNING OCT. II, 1858
Adventures ef n Geological Impostor--A !
UnexamPlod Career Of Impotence.
0ne Of the most audacious and success
fal impostOrs of the time has lately been
arrested out in Illinois after western ca.
reer that would read well in romance OF
work up effectively on the stage. BE has
successfully deceived Governors, Judges
Clergymen, Brigadiers, Biologists and Ia
dies without number, having engaged to
marry untold numbers Of the latter. The
fellow first appeared about Dubuque, Iowa,
and thence pursued his course through
that State and Illinois, sll of the time
living on the fat of the land at the ex-
peuse Of those whom he humbugged OF
robbed, until he was finally brought to a
dead halt by one Doctor Smith, whom he
had bled to the small amount of six dol
lars. We quote below the history of the
first part of his western adventures, from
the Dubuque Times. Subsequent to what
is here recorded he cut up divers antics at
the expense Of the Eire men Of Illinois
who paid him unlimited attention, until
he was finally chesked as noted above
From the Dubuque Times.l
A great scientific light which has re
Gently illuminated and gone out of our
best society came to Dubuque q few days
since on q steamboat from below and intro
duced himself to Judge Wright the first day
of the State Fair, as Professor James Dale
Owen, 6 son Of the great Geologist, David
Dale Owen, and Professor in the Geolog-
ieal Department Of the Smithsonian Insti-
tuie. He had been sent out West, he said,
to visit the several State Fairs, and make
note of what was new and curious among
the articles exhibited, and to purchase the
rare geological and mineTalogieal speci-
mems that he might see in his travels. or
course he was warmly received by the
s Judge who gave him season ticket to
the Fair, and at once introduced him to the
prominent men on the grounds, and to not
few ladies' For three days he lived in
clover. he was invited TO dine, to ride,
and to sleep, and he never failed to accept
the invitation, as if he were conferring an
honor upon the host.
To a person of influence he expressed
desire to visit @Walled Lake" and forth
with passes were procured for him over the
western railroad. These he used wit
grand effect. BE would introduce his
mission into conversation, relate how
passes over the railroads had been furnish
ed him ct Washington before starting, and
exhibit those giving him free ride over
the Dubuque s Sioux City Road, as if to
prove his truthfulness and the high appre-
citation in which he was held at the Ma
tional Capital.
There happened to be vacancy in the
Committee on Mineralogical and Geologic
al Specimens, and he was Immediately sp-
pointed to fill the place. BE had very lit
tie to say about the science of geology. He
avoided his committee colleagues when on
the fair grounds they we're never able to
secure his attention but once, and then
when locking at specimens he ssgely re.
marked that Mineralogy in Iowa had not
been developed, but that its Pathology
had" BE msde the acquaintance Of q
young lady from the country, who had
s- paintings on exhibition. And didn't he
talk painting to her thought he visited
her at her stopping place, sat up late with
her, took her to concerts, and in the pres
enoe Of others told her that he would buy
her productions If he did not receive or
ders from Washington not TO spend any
more money; privately with her that he
should spend the winter in Washington,
but that he should 60 to Europe in the
eprluE, anu euueu IL Ill uy OubEluk AAL1sell
to her. She should travel over the conti-
nept next summer, and should have
years schooling in her beautiful art in It
ally, the land of the great masters. She
disliked the man, but travel would be such
an advantage 10 her, she said. She Sent
to friend and asked his advice. Her
friend then asked the advice Of another
who knew the Professor. He was aston
Dr. ished, thought it strange, but told the
man that Owen was an eminent man, and
would be a match for any woman. 1t is
thought that the lady accepted him. And
it turned out that two others in our city
accepted him also, he holding up to both
the same dazzling enjoyment Of tour
through the old world
The Professor was often seen with Gov.
Kirkwood. He roOmed with the Governor,
he told his victims. He made the Cover
nor's acqusintance at the Presidents din
ner table, and the President thought the
te Governor a very able man As there was
nothing in the Governors conduct to con-
trsdict this, all believed it, and as eonse-
quence, reverend Prelate invited the
Governor, the Professor and DR.. Horr to
dine with him, and the Professor took il
upon himself to invite others, who we're
personal and political enemies Of Mr.. K.
Il so happened that the "enemiesH called
81 the hOuee uFbti ahO Wnen told Une names
Of the parties who were expected, they
sloped, thinking the Professors etiquette
avery strange sort for o man of his emil
nence.
He also became intimate with Judge Ma
son, Of Burlington, whom he cruelty sold.
The Judge took him one day into GilberFs
l Bookstore and Gilbert made mention Of
the Young Mems Library "Ah2 Young
Mems Library. All, here it is-a very
fine one, too. By the way, Judge, have
youa copy Of my fathers Geological sur
1ey of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota ~
81 hsve."
"Wen, suppose you present it to this
Library, and when reach home III send
you ssplendidly bound one in its plaoe. .
b. The Judge sssented, and after he had
reached home sent the book. with bis
compliments. He will probably feel a lit
tie angry before long. His was enc Of the
very few copies Of the work in lows, and
it cant be purchased at trihing cost, as
the volume is out of print 'Jl
The Professor pretended to have in his
possession several setts Of the works Of
Darwin, Lyeil and other eminent Geolo-
gists, which had been placed in his hands
by Mrs. Senator Harlan to sell for The
benefit Of the United States Sanitary