The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1866-08-30
a Michigan Swindler.

| Years ago man named Stewart wore white
neckcloth, and offciated as clergyman Of village
church in the interior of Michigan He was then
very devout, and exceedingly pious manor, at
least, he appeared to be such. But he time came
when Stewart found preaching and praying to be
proftless business, and he determined to 'aban-
don the conversion of souls for some moro lucra-
tive means of livelihood. With this object in
view, he took off the white "choker," bid farewell
to his brethren and sisters, and came to Chicago,
a seeker after fortune.
On his arrival here his religious sentiments were
not permitted to become an obstacle in his path c
hinder him from obtaining employment which
would put money in his purse. Finding no better
employment, the reverend Michigander accepted
position as hack-driver-the clergyman of the
week before became Chicago Jehu. It IS hardly
necessary to state that in his new occupation he
retained not even moiety Of the religious prinoi.
pies he professed at the time he disseminated d.
vine truths from the pulpit. A pious hack-drirer
was never known to exist, and if there were ono
he would unquestionable either be compelled To
abandon the business or die by the slow process Of
starvation.
Many of the readers of the Times have un-
doubtedly had their attention attracted to an un-
fortunate negro who has for long time solicited
charity in the vicinity of the Union Central depot
He has neither arms nor eyes, and, with the word
"charity" painted in large letters his hat, sits
where passers-by will notice his infrmities. and
perhaps bestow few pennies for his benefit.
This poor old colored man fell under the obser-
vation of Stewart short time since, and the idea
pie might be turned to good account. He there
fore entered into an alliance with the old negro,
which promised to yield an abundant harvest OF
greenbacks. A verbal copartnership was formed,
and the manner in which they were to do business
was fully discussed and agreed to. 1t was decided
that Stewart should drive the leg-less and arm
less darkey to the different African churches,
while services were being held, and there solicit
contributions, for the alleged purpose of procu-
ring home for one who so much needed, one.
The negro boarding-houses were also to be visited
for the same purpose. The agreement was that,
having made the circuit of Chicago philanthro-
pists the 's6rm" should travel from one city to
another, and that the receipts after all expenses
were paid, should be equally divided.
| The visit to the churches and boarding houses in
this city was made. The benevolent members Of
the congregations gave as literally as could be
expected, and, altogether, the sum Of S6S was
collected When the time for settlement came,
and the luckless African expected something over
$50 for his share, he intmated that it was proper
to divide the money already obtained before going
any further. Stewart was utterly opposed to any
such arrangement, handed his "partner" So, with
the remainder left for parts unknown, and has not
since been seen. The police are On the lookout
for the rascal, and it is probable that he will yet
be required to answer to the authorities for the
crime of larceny. The only wonder is that he
disgorged single cent of the money donated for
the benefit of a miserably afflicted old negro
Chicago Times.